3 Best Shonen Jump Series of the New Manga Wave

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Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, published by Shueisha, has been the birthplace of many iconic manga series over the years, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, collectively known as the “Big Three.” More recent sensations like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia also found their start within this publication. Even though these newer titles have come to an end, Shonen Jump magazine continues to introduce exciting new series to keep its readers engaged and entertained.

Over the past year, a grand total of eight new manga have been introduced in the magazine, and there’s even more to come. Although some are still running, the collection is steadily growing, with renowned creators introducing fresh narratives as we converse. From these recent introductions, several really shine, and three in particular appear to encapsulate the emerging trend and the path the magazine seems to be taking.

3) Ping-Pong Peril

Ever since “Embers” bid farewell earlier this year, I’ve been on edge, eagerly waiting for a new sports manga to light up my reading experience. Now, with the arrival of “Ping-Pong Peril” in July, it seems that Shonen Jump has found its next potential sports sensation! What sets Yoshiharu Kataoka’s manga apart isn’t just following the well-trodden paths of familiar sports series; instead, it’s the thrilling twist it introduces – a wild, over-the-top turn that hooks you in and leaves no doubt about its unique charm.

In this narrative, we journey with Taira Mikado, a 16-year-old boy living alongside his twin sister, who suddenly finds himself in charge of managing the household following his father’s passing. However, Taira is saddled with a staggering debt of 1 billion yen inherited from his father. His only notable talent lies in playing ping-pong. A lucky break arrives when he encounters the clandestine ping-pong circuit, where competitors can earn 1 million yen per game but risk losing the same amount if they lose. The intrigue deepens as these games are anything but ordinary – the equipment and locations shift drastically, from gleaming metal tables to pipelines within a sauna. Fueled by determination to win, Taira employs his extraordinary abilities to navigate through each match, maintaining audience interest as every new setting adds an exciting twist to his debt-erasing struggle.

2) Shinobi Undercover

It’s clear that no other ninja manga will match the impact of Naruto, and any attempt to emulate it might not resonate. But Shinobi Undercove, penned by Ippon Takegushi and illustrated by Santa Mitarashi, distinguishes itself by presenting a fresh take on the ninja theme. As the title implies, the ninjas function as a covert national force, working in secrecy. However, what sets this series apart is its setting in a high school environment, where the main character, an adolescent ninja with exceptional abilities, is already fully trained. The current mission he undertakes involves guarding a classmate who is also a girl.

The intriguing aspect is that the principal character, Yodaka, is so authentic to his clandestine ninja persona that he struggles with social anxiety and finds it hard to engage with others. As a result, the narrative unfolds as a contemporary ninja saga in which his covert mission inexorably draws him towards his classmate, who emerges as a potential romantic interest. This series caters to those yearning for a ninja story devoid of supernatural elements, offering a more grounded portrayal of combat and sharing a similar vibe to that of Sakamoto Days. Consequently, Shinobi Undercove can be considered its successor.

1) Ichi the Witch

In simpler terms, after popular series like “My Hero Academia” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” conclude, there’s a scarcity of titles expected to fill their shoes, especially those capable of maintaining “One Piece”‘s lasting success while offering an engaging storyline. Among the potential contenders, “Kagurabachi” and Osamu Nishi’s new series, “Ichi the Witch,” are being noticed as promising prospects. Similar to “One Piece,” “Ichi the Witch” follows a shonen manga format and promises a storyline that fans will find hard to resist.

In this captivating narrative, I find myself immersed in a world unlike any other, where the central character, Ichi, is an unusual exception. Initially, Ichi’s journey was focused on hunting wild animals, but his world is populated by magical creatures called Majiks, and here’s the twist – only women have the power to wield magic. However, Ichi breaks this norm by starting to harness magical powers and control Majiks himself.

This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for our protagonist, filled with familiar elements from shonen genres such as rigorous training, forming heartwarming friendships, and more. These classic tropes strike a chord with fans, making it a series that could potentially endure for a long time and perhaps even stand shoulder to shoulder with the legendary “One Piece.” In the recent wave of releases, “Ichi the Witch” certainly stands out as one of the strongest new titles.

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2025-09-01 19:42