With long-standing series like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen ending, Shonen Jump finds itself at a critical turning point. These two giants have been pillars of the magazine for years, maintaining its relevance and providing the fanbase with beloved storylines and characters.
Their upcoming conclusions create a vacuum in Weekly Shonen Jump that will be challenging to fill, leaving an opportunity for a new generation of hits to take the stage. Among the emerging contenders, Kagurabachi, a manga created by Takeru Hokazono, has grabbed fans, showing promise as a series that could rise to meet the moment and become a defining title for the magazine.
Launched in September 2023, Kagurabachi has quickly gained attention for its unique narrative and protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira. Chihiro is the son of famed blacksmith Kunishige Rokuhira, who crafted a set of spell-bound weapons known as the Enchanted Blades. Each of these blades is unique, with powers infused to make them formidable tools in combat.
However, during a war, Kunishige was murdered, and the Enchanted Blades were stolen. Chihiro’s journey begins with his vow to avenge his father, training tirelessly to wield Enten, the seventh and most powerful Enchanted Blade, in his mission to retrieve the stolen weapons and eliminate his father’s killers. Unlike most protagonists in the magazine, Chihiro’s path is one of vengeance and redemption, making for a darker narrative.
Kagurabachi’s Ascent: Shonen Jump’s New Hope Amidst Generational Change
Chihiro (Credits: Weekly Shonen Jump)
Kagurabachi has captured the attention of manga fans through a perfect mix of storytelling, dark themes, and dynamic artwork. The series’ early popularity was further amplified by internet virality. Even before its official release, Kagurabachi’s promotional material made waves online, with fans flooding social media with memes and speculations about its potential as the “next big thing.”
This rare viral reception gave it a substantial boost, making it one of Shonen Jump’s most anticipated releases. Fans’ early interest paid off, as the manga’s first chapter was received with enthusiasm, leading to remarkable sales and positive reviews. Its rapid success, highlighted by sold-out volumes and accolades, reinforces Shueisha’s intent to headline it as a future classic.
Whether Kagurabachi will become Shonen Jump’s next generational hit depends on its ability to maintain momentum and expand its fanbase beyond the core readership. Titles like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen took time to explode in popularity, and Kagurabachi may follow a similar trajectory.
Chihiro (Credits: @shiredora on Twitter)
The real test of its longevity and appeal will come if it secures an anime adaptation, which would introduce it to a global audience, similar to the way anime helped other titles achieve international fame. When the time comes, an anime would likely raise Kagurabachi’s reach and solidify its place in Shonen Jump’s lineup.
For Kagurabachi to thrive in this transitional era for Shonen Jump, other new series will need to rise alongside it, creating a robust lineup that keeps fans engaged. Shonen Jump needs fresh hits to achieve the level of engagement that series like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen enjoyed. Kagurabachi has the elements necessary to succeed—unique storytelling, fan enthusiasm, and an established editorial backing. Now, it must continue to entertain its audience, find its development with care, and grow into a sustainable and memorable story.
The Dragon Ball franchise has become a timeless icon, blending generational nostalgia with continuous reinvention that keeps it relevant across multiple demographics. With the release of Dragon Ball Daima, it’s clear that Dragon Ball not only remains a cultural mainstay but has also embraced a fresh appeal that feels both familiar and exhilarating.
As a groundbreaking shonen anime, Dragon Ball established many of the genre’s key elements, such as intense battle sequences, signature character designs, and powerful transformations. These archetypes have inspired countless other series, from Naruto to Jujutsu Kaisen, which in turn help draw new viewers back to Dragon Ball, enriching its legacy.
Dragon Ball’s Unstoppable Legacy
Goku (Credits: Toei Animation)
Despite newer franchises emerging, few have achieved the same multigenerational reach. Many fans first encountered Dragon Ball through the original series or Dragon Ball Z, and newer iterations, including Dragon Ball Z Kai and Dragon Ball Super, have only solidified its place in pop culture.
Unlike other classic anime, Dragon Ball is remarkably accessible. It lacks the complex timelines of series like Gundam, making it straightforward for new fans to follow. This single, coherent storyline spanning decades allows it to reach modern audiences without the need for extensive background knowledge. Moreover, Dragon Ball’s availability on streaming platforms and Blu-ray keeps it easily accessible compared to other historical anime that remain niche outside Japan.
Goku (Credits: Toei Animation)
Another secret to the franchise’s enduring success is its ability to evolve. The original Dragon Ball focused on adventure, while Dragon Ball Z shifted to a heavier emphasis on battles and power-ups. Dragon Ball Super built on these battles while expanding the series’ science fiction elements.
With Dragon Ball Daima, the franchise balances these elements, offering a lighter, adventurous tone akin to the original series but with all the power and drama fans love. This approach provides an experience that feels authentic and nostalgic, yet refreshingly modern.
Dragon Ball remains a pop culture phenomenon not only for its pioneering of anime tropes but for its ability to keep fans of all ages coming back. As long as it keeps adapting while preserving its core themes, Dragon Ball will continue to be as nice as ever, building a legacy that other anime can only aspire to.
