The Tower of God universe just got bigger, but not in the way global fans were hoping. On April 28, Naver Webtoon launched Urek Mazino, the franchise’s first official spinoff, focused on one of its most mysterious characters. Written and illustrated by SIU, the side story promises to dive into Urek’s life before he entered the Tower, offering a rare look at what shaped this powerhouse character. It is a long-awaited expansion of the lore, and fans were eager to learn more about the man who once sought out the mysterious Phantaminum.

But there is a frustrating twist, because fans cannot read it, at least, not unless they read Korean. As of now, according to Anime News Network, Urek Mazino is only available on the Korean Naver Webtoon platform. No English translation has been announced, leaving international fans locked out of the experience. For a franchise that boasts over 5 billion views globally and is officially translated into 10 languages, the absence of an English release feels like a major oversight.

A Long-Awaited Origin Story

This Tower of God Spinoff Will Give Fans a Story They Have Longed For

Urek Mazino has always been one of the most powerful and charismatic figures in Tower of God, but his backstory has remained largely untouched until now. As an “Irregular” who entered the Tower by his own will, Urek’s journey is unlike most characters in the series. The spinoff offers readers a glimpse of his life before the climb, finally providing context for his strength, beliefs, and ambitions. It is a golden opportunity to deepen the mythology of the series and enrich the motivations behind one of its most revered legends.

Even more enticing is the focus on Urek’s early pursuit of Phantaminum, the elusive figure said to be the most powerful being in the Tower of God universe. This setup not only raises the stakes but could tie into larger story arcs later on. SIU’s decision to personally write and illustrate this side story reassures fans that the tone and lore will stay faithful to the original, promising meaningful expansion rather than filler.

The Global Audience Left Behind

Urek Mazino Not Being Translated Into Other Languages Is a Big Mistake

Despite the excitement, the spinoff’s release highlights a recurring frustration in the global webtoon community, which is delayed or nonexistent translations. With the main Tower of God series already available in multiple languages, many assumed that a spinoff of this scale would launch simultaneously, or at least soon after, in English. But as of now, there is no official release date or statement about an English version, creating an unnecessary barrier for non-Korean readers.

It is a disappointing move, especially given Naver Webtoon’s stated goal of expanding its top IPs and engaging a broader audience. Global fans who have ed the Tower of God franchise for years, through the original webtoon, anime adaptations, and merchandise, deserve timely access to new content. Until an official English release is announced, Urek Mazino remains a highly anticipated story stuck behind a language wall.

Source: Anime News Network