My Hero Academia creator's recommendation for Ichi the Witch may have sealed the series as the next Jump hit

Modified Jan 04, 2025 07:34 GMT

Ichi the Witch on track to become Jump's next hit after Horikoshi endorsement (Image via Shueisha)

Ichi the Witch being endorsed by My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi means great things for the series. The former is a fantasy manga collaboration between Act-Age artist Shiro Usazaki and Mairimashita! Iruma-kun author Nishi Osamu. Such a recommendation has sparked excitement among fans, potentially positioning the series as Shonen Jump’s next hit to look out for.

It features a unique take on witchcraft, centering on a lone mountain-dwelling boy who spends his days hunting. In a world where witches brandish the power of nature spirits and becoming one is exclusive to women, the boy's fate changes when an ancient evil awakens. Being the only one capable of taming this evil, the boy sets off on a journey of becoming the first mate witch.

Given its compelling premise and Horikoshi’s stamp of approval, Ichi the Witch's combination of captivating fantasy and a trailblazing protagonist favorably props it up as a potential breakout in the Jump lineup.

Ichi the Witch on track to become Jump's next hit after Horikoshi endorsement

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Written by Nishi Osamu and illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, Ichi the Witch began serialization on September 9, 2024. It made its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 41. It was part of a roster of new releases alongside Takegushi Ippon and Mitarashi Santa's Shinobikoto and Ishikawa Kouki's Hakutaku, dropping in successive releases of Weekly Shonen Jump.

It didn't take too long for Osamu's series to begin catching manga lovers' attention, and its engagement began to skyrocket. Moreover, My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi is also tuned in to this action fantasy manga. The mangaka found this series to be quite compelling and proceeded to endorse it as one to look into. Thus, this likely boosts Ichi the Witch's potential as the next big Jump breakout.

This is a major development for the series given what happened not too long ago. Previously, Horikoshi also recommended Kagurabachi as a manga with immense potential. True to what the author stated, the series blew up in the best of ways as more fans began to engage with it. Presently, the story is 63 chapters in, packed to the brim with electrifying action, and shows no signs of slowing down.

It is along these lines that now Ichi the Witch is being tipped to be the next big thing. The series is in its early stages, and tuning into it soon would allow readers to quickly catch up and stay up to date with the story.

Ichi the Witch: Plot and more

Speaking of the plot, Ichi the Witch is set in a world where monsters composed of magic, called Majiks, exist. To combat them, specialized individuals/hunters called Witches can acquire magic from them only after fulfilling certain requirements. But the catch here is that only females can effectively become Witches.

Enter a young boy named Ichi, who dwells in the mountains, specifically Druid Mountain. While he respects the value of life, hunting seems to be a deep passion for him. But one day his fate changes when he encounters an ancient evil and manages to defeat it, being the only one capable of such a feat. Thus begins Ichi's journey to becoming the very first male Witch.

Serialization for Ichi the Witch began in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on September 09, 2024. Since the cancellation of her previous work, Act-Age (writer's involvement with law enforcement), this series is Usazaki's first big project. As of January 04, 2025, the first tankōbon volume is officially out. Viz Media and Manga Plus currently publish both the English and Japanese versions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the fantasy series is well-positioned to become Shonen Jump's next breakout hit, thanks in no small part to Kohei Horikoshi’s glowing recommendation. Equipped with a fresh take on witchcraft, a compelling underdog protagonist, and Usazaki's stunning artwork, the series has been quick to grab the attention of manga enthusiasts.

Horikoshi’s endorsement carries considerable weight, given his previous recommendation for Kagurabachi, which also burst onto the scene thanks to its own massive positives. With Ichi the Witch still in its early phases, this is the perfect time for readers to dive in and witness the rise of a series that promises to redefine Jump’s fantasy lineup.