Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima's staff already celebrated the completion of the manga by giving Mashima a commemorative glass trophy earlier this month. Now, it's Mashima's turn to mark the series' conclusion. The final chapter of Fairy Tail debuted in this year's 34th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine on Wednesday.

The opening page of the final chapter of Fairy Tail features a special image to honor the manga's 11-year run. Everyone who applies according to details published in this week's Weekly Shōnen Magazine will be able to receive a reproduction of the illustration for free.

In separate Twitter posts, Mashima thanks fans for all their support over the years. He also said:

Today I received a lot of messages from various people. Thank you so much for everything up to now! Fairy Tail has become a work loved around the world, and before I knew it, it became something that is not only mine. So I also want to thank Fairy Tail. I am who I am now because of Fairy Tail. Thanks, Fairy Tail!
Although the manga has ended, Mashima's work on the franchise isn't really done. He noted that preparations are underway for the "final season" of the anime that will premiere in 2018. The final two compiled book volumes have yet to be released, and various events are still to be held. Therefore, Mashima said the series "doesn't really feel like it's over."

Mashima is scheduled to appear at New York Comic Con this year. The event will be held from October 5-8 at the Javits Center.