Can Kagurabachi Lead the Next Generation of Shonen Jump?

Can Kagurabachi Lead the Next Generation of Shonen Jump?

As a long-time manga enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous series, I can confidently say that Kagurabachi has all the potential to become Shonen Jump’s next big hit. Having followed the evolution of the magazine since the days of One Piece and Naruto, I’ve seen firsthand how a unique story with compelling characters can captivate an audience for years on end.


2021 has seen several long-running series wrapped up or coming to an end in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, leaving a significant gap for new hits. If Kagurabachi can maintain its current momentum, it could become the next generation’s breakout successes. The magazine is currently experiencing a major transition with some series concluding this summer and others ending their runs in the fall. Recently, Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia finished its run, and Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen manga is due to end later this month. These two series have been key contributors to Weekly Shonen Jump’s success over time.

These two long-running series, similar in popularity to Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece,” have significantly impacted the magazine, as they were mainstays for quite some time. With their departure, Shonen Jump will face a noticeable gap that needs to be filled by new and promising titles. Current series might maintain the momentum, but something fresh and captivating is needed to draw the same level of interest these hits garnered. A potential candidate could be “Kagurabachi.

Can Kagurabachi Lead the Next Generation of Shonen Jump?

What Is Kagurabachi?

First appearing in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in September 2023, the manga series Kagurabachi, created by Takeru Hokazono, recently marked its first anniversary since its debut. The story revolves around Chihiro Rokuhira, son of renowned blacksmith Kunishige Rokuhira. In a past conflict, Kunishige crafted a set of enchanted blades, the Enchanted Blades, imbued with magical powers. Each blade is distinct, possessing its own energy source and capabilities. One fateful night, both Kunishige and these mystical weapons were taken in a tragic turn of events.

Chihiro, who concealed himself during the assault, spent the following years honing his skills to wield Enten, the seventh Enchanted Blade. His ultimate objective was to track down and avenge his father’s murderers, intending to execute them personally. This quest of vengeance transformed him into a solitary warrior, but he soon realized that he would require the assistance of vital allies as the adversaries he encountered became progressively formidable in the storyline. The series stands apart from many others currently featured in the same magazine due to its unique and distinct narrative.

Why Is Kagurabachi Popular?

Kagurabachi stands out distinctly from most recent debuts in Shonen Jump, being uniquely tailored for the digital era. The first chapter garnered widespread acclaim among fans before its official magazine release, which is highly unusual for new series published by Shueisha. Even the promotional artwork contributed to an unprecedented surge in popularity that manga enthusiasts scarcely anticipated. This phenomenon was a mix of genuine enthusiasm and a touch of ironic hype.

Initially, there were numerous memes circulating due to the early popularity of the series, with some fans speculating about its potential anime adaptation. However, it eventually proved beneficial as the manga’s debut chapter was incredibly successful. This success has led to one of the strongest first-year performances in recent history for a series. The chapter received widespread acclaim, garnering numerous awards, selling out in Japan with only three volumes published at the time of this article, and Shueisha’s editorial team expressing optimism about its potential as a future blockbuster.

Can Kagurabachi Be Shonen Jump’s Next Hit?

The question of whether or not Kagurabachi can be the next modern Shonen Jump hit has essentially already been answered. In it’s first year, the series has proven that it can be a hit with fans. The real test is whether or not it can reach an audience outside of that bubble. That’s something that likely won’t be tested until Kagurabachi is at least a few years into its serialization. The series mentioned earlier in this piece are pretty much the same way. My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen were hits among manga fans, but then exploded much later into the runs.

If Kagurabachi does indeed acquire an anime adaptation (which is more a question of when than if), it will have the opportunity to captivate a vast audience of fans worldwide, thereby proving its potential to spearhead the next wave of popular series. The success of one tide often propels others, and for Kagurabachi to truly embody the new generation, other fresh series should also be gaining traction simultaneously. Shonen Jump could use a new series that swiftly reaches similar levels of recognition to provide Kagurabachi with a platform to lead. However, given its inherent potential, it’s only a matter of time before Kagurabachi achieves this status; all it needs now is a sustained and extended serialization.

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2024-09-12 07:10