Ichi the Witch Proves Shonen Jump Is In Way Better Shape Than You Think

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Ichi the Witch is not just an outstanding manga in development; it’s a harbinger of a fresh era for Shonen Jump. It’s become almost conventional to discuss how Shonen Jump has been discontinuing many popular mangas since 2024, but it’s accurate: several of its well-known favorites from recent years have concluded. As we look ahead, a few mainstays of the magazine are also nearing their end: One Piece still has plenty of potential, but it won’t last forever.

The unique bond that fans, old and new, have with anime series like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “My Hero Academia” is indispensable, as it truly cannot be replicated. However, “Ichi the Witch,” written by Osamu Nishi (creator of “Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-Kun!!”) with illustrations by Shiro Usazaki from “Act-Age,” is quickly emerging as one of Shonen Jump’s most promising newcomers. This series highlights the significant impact that this generation of Shonen Jump manga will have in preserving the legacy of those cherished series.

What Is Ichi the Witch?

The story revolves around Ichi, who was abandoned in the forest as a child and learned survival skills to thrive. In the realm of Ichi the Witch, magic is an inherent part of nature, often appearing as spectral beings known as majik. Witches can harness this magic by passing tests, enabling them to summon their power at will.

In the story “Ichi“, only female characters possess magical abilities, with one exception: Ichi. A significant aspect of the first ten chapters revolves around Ichi’s acquisition of a magic called Uroro and his acceptance into a coven. As you proceed further in the narrative, it is disclosed (which isn’t much of a spoiler since it happens quite early) that Ichi is a destined child with a tragic fate.

In this tale, it’s not a repetition of the usual ‘chosen one’ narrative. Instead, the enigmas in Ichi are intricate yet subtly presented. Unlike some manga that seem contrived, as if they’re stretching out the story by leaving many questions unanswered, Ichi doesn’t follow this pattern at all. Instead, it skillfully leaves its mysteries open-ended, allowing for a rich exploration of Ichi’s past abandonment and its potential connection to the prophecy. In fact, the story has an expansive canvas right now to delve into these connections because it hasn’t explicitly defined the direction of inquiry, thus avoiding any constraints.

Essentially, its writing is exceptionally smart. With its quick-witted (and sometimes humorously rebellious) conversation, well-organized storyline, and imaginatively designed fight scenes (the innovative application of its own rules is only equaled by titles like JoJo), it’s evident that Ichi the Witch was carefully crafted from the foundation. Its strength lies in its ability to consistently surprise without a hint of artificiality.

Ichi the Witch Is Part of a Long Conversation

Simultaneously, the manga titled “Ichi the Witch” seems strikingly familiar. However, it’s still quite young, having only around 40 chapters published so far. In terms of battle shonen, this is essentially a pre-adolescent character. The majority of its reviews have been surface-level assessments, appreciating aspects such as its stunning artwork, captivating storyline, immersive world-building, and well-developed characters. Occasionally, critics also point out how it challenges traditional gender norms in shonen narratives.

Essentially, Ichi the Witch is being perceived as another typical battle shonen series due to the exhaustion many readers feel after the conclusion of previous epic stories. This perception might be reinforced by early reviews that didn’t fully grasp its narrative structure, making it seem like a standard villain-of-the-week manga initially, only to reveal a broader plot later on. While the characters do have potential for growth, their initial portrayal doesn’t stand out much from contemporary adventure shonen series. However, Ichi’s female characters have been appropriately praised.

One remarkable aspect of the manga, “Ichi the Witch,” is its seamless blend of classic and contemporary styles. The artwork exhibits traces of Togashi’s straightforward style from “Hunter x Hunter” at certain points; yet, it also captures the dynamic vigor of Gege’s finest action sequences in “Jujutsu Kaisen.” Ichi’s rebellious and free-spirited nature seems to echo a young Goku, while his mischievous, friendly, and slightly defiant demeanor recalls Asta from “Black Clover.” Furthermore, the way magic is acquired in “Ichi” bears resemblance to Geto’s Cursed Spirit Manipulation in “Jujutsu Kaisen,” as well as the Guardian Spirit system in “Shaman King.

In a different way of saying it, Ichi is absolutely not imitating anyone else’s work. Instead, it cleverly challenges shonen storytelling norms by portraying an enemy’s defeat of “preachy, idealistic rubbish” (Chapter 9) as a subtle nod to Naruto. Additionally, the fundamental aspects of Ichi introduce a refreshing twist to typical clichés: Ichi’s magical abilities offer a unique, personalized perspective on a system that is often based on natural talent or impersonal study and training.

Ichi the Witch, Shonen Jump’s Future, and the Art of Influence

Ichi the Witch” stands out as a fantastic addition to Jump, stepping in to fill a unique void – a blend of lighthearted comedy and intense battles, all underpinned by its sincerity and deeper themes. It could be likened to taking over a role previously held by “My Hero Academia,” standing side by side with “Black Clover” as standard-bearers for traditional battle shonen. While there are established series like “Dandadan,” “Sakamoto Days,” and “Spy x Family” that have been successful for some time, the upcoming Jump premieres of 2023, such as “Ichi,” “Kagurabachi,” and “Empyreal Cabinet,” indicate a significant cultural shift.

Narrative art, such as storytelling, is essentially a conversation among various tales. Stories adapt, grow, and sometimes strive to surpass other stories in unique ways. They also adapt to cater to shifting reader interests and cultural shifts. For instance, works like “Chainsaw Man,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Demon Slayer” could be viewed as responses to and evolutions of popular manga from the 2000s and early 2010s. Similarly, “Ichi” and its companions can be seen as reactions to their contemporaries in the same genre.

In this exciting new era, I’ve noticed a shift away from the complex, dark narratives filled with irony that were so prevalent during the pandemic years. What intrigues me most is observing the transformation of these manga mechanics and dynamics. For instance, “Ichi the Witch” adopts a straightforward, unassuming narrative style that rebuilds the combat structure reminiscent of classic battle manga, all while preserving the ephemeral nature that recent Jump manga have subtly revealed in their foundations.

Primarily, Ichi the Witch underscores that there’s no reason to be afraid. The colossal figures of Shonen Jump continue to thrive; they are perpetuated through the veins of contemporary series such as Ichi. These modern tales exhibit no signs of slowing down, continually evolving with the times, just like traditional Shonen Jump stories have always done. The popularity of Ichi the Witch has soared significantly. It is fluid and easy to consume, and as its narrative unfolds (and hopefully receives an anime adaptation), it will likely gather even more followers, deftly using them to elevate Shonen Jump.

Would you like to share your thoughts about Ichi? Feel free to leave a comment or message the author (@KoltDay) directly on their platform (now known as X). In the meantime, check out the hottest trends in Jump by clicking through the list provided.

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2025-07-27 18:12