7 Weekly Shonen Jump manga with 100 chapters or less that readers need to try out

One of the most well-known household names in manga publishing is that of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump manga magazine, as well as the various analog publications it has spawned. One of the most notable examples of this is the Shonen Jump+ platform, which is essentially the home for those Shonen Jump series that are published on a not-so-weekly basis

In any case, however, both Shonen Jump+ and Weekly Shonen Jump compose the bulk of Shueisha’s forces in the anime and manga industry over the coming years. Likewise, with some of the most famous Weekly Shonen Jump manga soon coming to an end, there are some standout series that fans can use to fill the gap left behind.

Kagurabachi, MAD, and more seem poised to lead the next generation of Weekly Shonen Jump manga

1) Kagurabachi

Protagonist Chihiro as seen in the Weekly Shonen Jump manga, Kagurabachi (Image via Shueisha)

Kicking off this list is the Weekly Shonen Jump manga which some Shueisha executives believe can carry the magazine in the future, Kagurabachi by mangaka Takeru Hokazono. While only just under 40 chapters into its serialization, the series has already defined and distinguished itself in the eyes of fans as one of the publication’s best offerings.

The revenge-centric story has an incredible magic-based power system, enthralling artwork and choreography, lovable and well-developed characters, and a killer revenge-centric narrative. Protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira’s quest to avenge his father’s death and protect his life’s work in the process is one journey that manga fans of all fancies won’t want to miss out on.

2) Kaiju No. 8: B-Side

Kaiju No. 8: B-Side primarily focuses on side characters like Soshiro Hoshina (Image via Production I.G)

While the supplementary spinoff to Naoya Matsumoto’s mainline Kaiju No. 8 series may not be as enthralling as the original, it’s a Weekly Shonen Jump manga worth recommending nonetheless. The series focuses much more on the characterization and development of its central cast, as well as their origins and moments that fans don’t get to see in the mainline series.

Likewise, while it’s primarily attractive as a companion to the mainline series, it’s still fantastic as a standalone story. All of the necessary information is given to fans so they’re able to follow along even if they’re not familiar with the mainline series. It’s also a very character-driven story that brings balance to the almost non-stop action Matsumoto’s mainline manga has.

3) Centuria

Centuria brings dark fantasy to life in a unique way relative to other Weekly Shonen Jump manga (Image via Shueisha)

Intriguingly, one of the best compliments that can be paid to the Weekly Shonen Jump manga Centuria across its early stages of publication is that its creator Torhu Kuramori is from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man team. Much like Yukinobu Tatsu with his Dandadan manga, the styles of art and overall aesthetic are very similar, leaning heavily into dark fantasy themes with an emphasis on detail and paneling.

The story itself is also enthralling, following a slave named Julian who stows away on a ship set for “the great continent.” On the journey, he learns what it means to be human from his fellow slaves, especially via Mira who becomes his mother figure. However, a harrowing choice from the slavers who own the ship and the people on it sees Julian forced to abandon this humanity, but in a way, the aftermath makes him more human than ever.

4) Kyokuto Necromance

Kyokuto Necromance mixes plenty of familiar Weekly Shonen Jump manga elements with a satisfying result (Image via VIZ)

Creator Fusai Naba’s history in Weekly Shonen Jump manga publications is a checkered one, with many arguing his series are far too often cut short. Kyokuto Necromance is clearly doing everything it can to avoid suffering the same fate, and it’s paying off throughout the early stages of the manga. A unique and engaging power system, a fairly enthralling plot, and early appearances from the series’ big bads are all helping to create an exciting and promising story.

The story follows Kaoru Uno, a young boy who lives with his grandmother and one day suddenly begins seeing spirits. This is followed by the arrival of his late father’s coworker Yoji Amane, which in turn reveals the truth behind the ring Kaoru’s father left him. From here, Kaoru is ushered into the world of necromancers and soon learns that there’s more to his talents than just being his father’s son.

5) Gokurakugai

Gokurakugai is likely one of the most unique Weekly Shonen Jump manga on this list (Image via Shueisha)

While Gokurakugai may disappoint those looking for a bit more substance in their shonen in its early stages, Yuto Sano’s original manga series does eventually blossom into something unique. The tone of the manga especially highlights this, slowly but surely blurring the lines between shonen and seinen as each successive arc and storyline is concluded.

The series is set in a neighborhood of the same name and follows protagonist Alma and his boss/caretaker, Miss Tao. The pair are “troubleshooters” by day and Maga hunters by night, keeping the area and its people safe from these demons. However, Maga can only be damaged by Maga, leading to the reveal that Alma himself is half-Maga and the tease that he has a grander dream to accomplish which is intertwined with his origins.

6) MAD

MAD is the newest Weekly Shonen Jump manga on this list, but is also one of the most promising (Image via Shueisha)

While MAD is the newest Weekly Shonen Jump manga on this list, creator Yusuke Otori is well known for his prior success with several one-shots. Now, MAD marks the mangaka’s first serialization, set in a world where aliens suddenly arrived on Earth one night without warning. They quickly took over the planet thanks to their ferocity and quick rate of reproduction, leaving people like protagonist John stuck wandering the world, searching for purpose or death.

Likewise, fans first meet John as he’s traveling with a group of survivors, his sister Emma seemingly in tow with him. However, as the issue progresses, things go from bad to worse when John and his group are attacked while tracking a radio signal. This eventually leads to a reveal regarding the truth about John and Emma, as well as setting up the first major step of the series via the introduction of one of humanity’s last bastions, Jericho.

7) Astro Royale

Protagonist Hibaru as seen in the Weekly Shonen Jump manga series (Image via Shueisha)

A unique strength Astro Royale has which no other series on this list does is it coming from a very established author in Tokyo Revengers’ Ken Wakui. Now moving to Shueisha for his next series, this Weekly Shonen Jump manga focuses on Hibaru Yotsurugi, son of the previous Yotsurugi gang leader, trying to reunite his family. This split in the family was caused by a meteor shower raining over Japan and awakening superpowers in people, including Hibaru.

The series follows Hibaru and his closest adopted sibling Terasu as they meet up with the other adopted sons and try to convince them to abandon their splinter cells and reunite as one. While the series has been somewhat basic and bland so far, there is tons of potential both from a narrative and action perspective which makes it worth keeping an eye on.

In conclusion

While there are many Weekly Shonen Jump manga both over and under 100 chapters which are worth reading, the above seven are true standouts from the latter category. Although it’s much too early to identify most of those above as being able to inherit the duties of One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia, they’re certainly the most promising Weekly Shonen Jump manga to do so.