The conclusion of two Global Manga Hits, My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, marked a seismic shift in the publishing world of Weekly Shonen Jump. These series, which together defined the post-Big Three era, leave behind an enormous commercial and cultural void. The industry, and particularly publishers focused on high-profit anime adaptations and merchandise revenue, have been scrambling to identify the new pillars. The official and fan consensus is now settling on two breakout stars whose trajectory, sales performance, and creative endorsement firmly establish them as the next generation’s anointed successors: Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch.

The Dark Shonen Heir: Kagurabachi Takes the JJK Mantle

Kagurabachi, by Takeru Hokazono, has exploded onto the scene, filling the critical niche for the dark, gritty, and action-focused battle shonen previously dominated by Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Its initial viral fame—propelled by the meme-worthy phrase “Tenoí”—has translated into legitimate, sustained commercial success that has stunned analysts. The premise of Chihiro, a stoic swordsman fueled by revenge after the murder of his blacksmith father and the theft of mystical enchanted blades, strikes a perfect chord for the modern dark fantasy audience.

• Aesthetic and Tone: The series maintains a dark, urban fantasy aesthetic, prioritizing incredibly fluid, brutal, and well-choreographed sword combat. This appeals directly to the core demographic that appreciated the grim stakes and mature themes of Jujutsu Kaisen.
• Creator Endorsement: In a rare and highly publicized move that cemented its status, My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi publicly endorsed Kagurabachi, challenging its author to surpass his own series’ run. This generational passing of the torch is a powerful indicator of Shonen Jump’s belief in the manga’s long-term viability.
• Commercial Forecast: With sales figures continuing to climb and a rumored major anime production in the works, Kagurabachi is positioned to be a massive draw for streaming services and a high-yield investment in the global licensing market. The SEO keywords “dark fantasy shonen,” “samurai revenge manga,” and “Kagurabachi anime release” are already trending at high volumes.

The Strategic Fit: Kagurabachi is the “cool,” high-octane successor, promising high-stakes, stylish action and a compelling protagonist with a deep, personal vendetta—a blueprint for Maximum Viewer Engagement in the competitive action genre.

The Quirky Fantasy Pillar: Ichi the Witch Succeeds MHA

Stepping into the colorful, high-fantasy space previously occupied by the superhero-centric My Hero Academia is Ichi the Witch, a deceptively charming and highly original series from manga veteran Osamu Nishi (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun) and artist Shiro Usazaki. The series has quickly become one of the magazine’s biggest draws, offering a unique blend of heartwarming comedy, creative power systems, and genuine battle shonen potential.

• Inverted Premise: The story follows Ichi, the first boy ever capable of wielding magic in a world where only women can typically use it, as he is inducted into the powerful Mantinel Witches Association. This central dynamic provides a constant source of fresh, character-driven comedy and high-value narrative conflict.
• Broad Market Appeal: Unlike the often-grim tone of its counterpart, Ichi the Witch possesses a lighter, more fantastical tone, with adorable character designs and an emphasis on the power of camaraderie and personal growth. This blend attracts a broader demographic, including the significant shonen female readership that was a massive driver for My Hero Academia’s success. The art style by Shiro Usazaki is frequently praised as “adorable and energetic.”
• Consistent Performance: Despite its relative youth, Ichi the Witch has consistently ranked near the top of the Weekly Shonen Jump table of contents, demonstrating strong reader loyalty and the potential for a long-running franchise. Its success is a strong signal for new IP investment in the fantasy genre.

The Strategic Fit: Ichi the Witch is the “charming,” character-driven successor, providing the necessary contrast in tone and style to Kagurabachi. It is the essential feel-good battle shonen that leverages creative magic and ensemble cast chemistry for a Diverse Revenue Stream, including character-focused Brand Partnerships and Premium Collectibles.

Market Analysis: The Two-Front Strategy for Global Domination

The ascension of these two titles is not accidental; it is a calculated and necessary move by Weekly Shonen Jump to maintain its dominance in the global Entertainment IP Market. By promoting a Dark Action Series (Kagurabachi) and a Bright Fantasy Series (Ichi the Witch), the magazine ensures it retains the vast audience base carved out by the departed titans.

The new era of shonen is officially upon us. High-performing keywords like “Next Big Shonen,” “Kagurabachi vs Ichi the Witch,” and “Manga Succession Wars” will define the coming years of content and investment. For fans, this is the most exciting time for the genre, as two fresh, high-potential series step up to prove they have the longevity and creative power to become the next legendary names in Anime and Manga. The throne is waiting, and these two champions are ready to fight for it.

Conclusion: The Future of Shonen is Secured

The torch has been passed. Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch are no longer just promising newcomers; they are the dual anchors of Weekly Shonen Jump’s next era, poised to deliver the adrenaline-fueled action and heart that defined their predecessors. Investors and readers alike should track these titles closely, as they represent the highest-value IP Growth in the shonen landscape for the remainder of the decade.

The Final Investment Thesis: Strong Buy on the two newest shonen legends.