Weekly Shonen Jump may have already found Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia's replacements

Modified Jan 05, 2025 09:30 GMT

Weekly Shonen Jump might have already discovered the next big hits (Image via Sportskeeda)

Weekly Shonen Jump might not have to look too far for its next great hits. With Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia recently drawing the curtains on their respective stories, two new standout series are emerging quickly. These breakout stars, Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch, are taking the animanga community by storm and seem poised to become the magazine’s next big names.

Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi has is soaring in popularity thanks to its dark, action-filled narrative and striking art style.

Elsewhere, Osamu Nishi and Shiro Usazaki's Ichi the Witch offers a fresh perspective in the fantasy genre, given its unique setting of a male protagonist breaking norms in a female-dominated magical world.

Both series bring forth engaging storytelling, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking visuals. These put together make them worthy contenders to carry forward Weekly Shonen Jump's legacy.

Weekly Shonen Jump might have already discovered the next big hits

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With Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia recently coming to an end, the hunt for the next major series was in full swing. Fans and critics alike had their eyes peeled for the manga that would fill the massive void left by Gege Akutami and Kohei Horikoshi's magnum opuses.

Thankfully for them and for Weekly Shonen Jump, the search need not extend too far.

Each recommended by Horikoshi himself, Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch have been tipped to achieve greatness. These two manga are in their early stages, but that hasn't prevented their potential from being noticed by the animanga community.

Moreover, being endorsed by Horikoshi gives each of these series a bigger boost to their already fast-growing popularity.

Each of these series couldn't have asked for a better Weekly Shone Jump debut, garnering a substantial fanbase within the initial 24 hours of release.

Since then, many have been converted to loyally follow one or both of the series as chapters continue to release each week. In fact, last year, Kagurabachi came in at 7th on AnimeJapan's "Most Wanted Anime Adaptation" poll.

Kagurabachi

Takeru Hokazono first created a buzz at the 100th Tezuka Manga Award in 2020 when their work Enten won first place. The next step was having both Enten and Farewell! Cherry Boy! published in the Spring 2021 issue of Jump GIGA magazine.

With time, Takeru's popularity grew and now they are back with Kagurabachi, a compelling narrative centering on a swordsmith father-son duo.

The story featured in Shonen Jump follows Chihiro Rokuhira, son of Kunishige Rokuhira, a renowned blacksmith. The former forged six enchanted blades that were vital in ending the Seitei War.

Living quietly, a criminal gang discover the duo and murder Kunishige before stealing the enchanted blades. Thus Chihiro, armed with a mysterious 7th blade, embarks on a violent path of vengeance and justice.

Kagurabachi is a magical sword-fight battle series within the shonen genre, its storyline defined by the overarching element of revenge. Initially, the plot's proclivity towards violence is on full display, and continues for a fair bit, while being entangled with themes of family, self-worth and empathy.

Kagurabachi is more violent than typical shonen manga, but doesn' explicitly showcase gore.

The battles are forceful and unapologetically brutal yet meticulously portrayed. This highlights the fidelity to a detailed and intense narrative.

Recommended by both Horikoshi and Kishimoto, this series is already realizing its potential.

Ichi the Witch

Nishi Osamu has come a long way from drawing illustrations during her high school days. Pursuing her manga career from the early age of 19, Hotel Hellheim was Osamu's entry into the manga world. This short story showcased her expertise in dark fantasy.

Plans for her next project led to her creating Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-Kun. Now, she is making waves again with Ichi the Witch.

Also featuring in Weekly Shonen Jump, Ichi the Witch is set in a magical world where female-only Witches dominate, using their powers to combat monsters called Majiks.

Enter Ichi, a young mountain boy, whose fate changes when he encounters and defeats an ancient evil. Thus begins Ichi's journey to becoming the very first male Witch.

Ichi the Witch's serialization began in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on September 09, 2024. As of early January 2025, the first tankobon volume is officially out. Horikoshi’s endorsement is a massive boost for Osamu's series, putting it besides the likes of Kagurabachi.

Just 15 chapters in, this is the best time to pick it up and witness the series rise to possibly redefine Jump’s fantasy lineup.