With the recent conclusions of major franchises like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece also nearing its end, Shonen Jump faces a critical juncture. The manga powerhouse needs a new wave of compelling content to avoid a significant drop in readership, reminiscent of the period following the end of Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk in the 1990s. To secure its future, Shonen Jump must prioritize adapting one of its most promising manga into an anime as quickly as possible.
The Need for a New Hit
Shonen Jump has long been the breeding ground for some of the most popular manga and anime series. These titles often reach mainstream popularity, captivating audiences worldwide with their engaging stories and characters. However, the recent conclusion of several flagship series leaves a void that must be filled to maintain the magazine’s dominance in the industry. While newer manga like Undead Unluck and Sakamoto Days show promise, there’s a need for a series that can reach the monumental success of previous generations.
Recent Adaptations and Their Reception
The 2010s saw a wave of successful anime adaptations of Shonen Jump manga, including Kuroko’s Basketball, Haikyuu, Food Wars, Assassination Classroom, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. These adaptations not only boosted manga sales but also helped create a global fan base for the series. In contrast, some of the recent adaptations like Chainsaw Man, Undead Unluck, and Mashle have received a more muted reception. This inconsistent performance highlights the need for a careful selection when choosing the next manga to adapt.
The Case for an Anime Adaptation
Among the numerous manga series in Shonen Jump, a few stand out as prime candidates for anime adaptation due to their unique qualities and high potential for success. These series offer compelling stories, fresh perspectives, and exciting characters that could resonate with a wide audience. Here are some of the top contenders:
Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days, written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since November 2020. The story follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who has retired to live a peaceful life as a convenience store owner. Despite his mundane facade, Sakamoto is constantly drawn back into the world of assassins, showcasing exceptional fighting skills and hilarious situations. The manga’s blend of action and comedy makes it a perfect candidate for an anime adaptation. Its unique premise and dynamic fight sequences could translate well to the screen.
Dandadan
Dandadan, a manga series written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu, has gained significant popularity for its unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and comedy. The story revolves around Momo Ayase, who believes in ghosts, and Ken Takakura, who believes in aliens, as they navigate bizarre supernatural events. The series has been serialized in Shonen Jump+ since April 2021, and an anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere in October 2024. This upcoming adaptation demonstrates the potential of a unique manga series in the Shonen Jump catalog.
Kagurabachi
Kagurabachi, by Takeru Hokazono, has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since September 2023. The story follows Chihiro Rokuhira, the son of a blacksmith, who seeks revenge against sorcerers. The series features intense action, a dark and intriguing plot, and a unique magic system. The manga’s popularity has generated a lot of buzz, leading to speculation about a potential anime adaptation.
Other Notable Mentions
Other manga series that deserve an anime adaptation include Martial Master Asumi, which explores realistic fighting, and Show-ha Shoten!, which delves into the entertainment industry. These series offer unique storytelling and have the potential to gain a wide audience. Nue’s Exorcist has also garnered attention with its growing fan base. Ichi the Witch, Shonen Jump’s newest title, is also generating buzz and sparking anime adaptation rumors.
Shonen Jump’s New Generation
Shonen Jump is actively promoting its “New Power Generation” with a social media campaign called #JumpOshiKatsu, collaborating with TikTok. This campaign highlights nine popular manga series launched over the last decade, including Kagurabachi, Nue’s Exorcist, Kill Blue, Akane-banashi, Blue Box, Witch Watch, The Elusive Samurai, Sakamoto Days, and Me & Roboco. This effort shows the magazine’s focus on elevating new series to fill the void left by the end of long-running franchises.
The Importance of Strategic Adaptations
Choosing the right manga for anime adaptation is crucial for Shonen Jump’s future. An anime adaptation can significantly boost a manga’s popularity and sales, bringing it to a global audience. With the right series, Shonen Jump could secure its position as the leading manga publisher. It’s important that the studio selects series that have both mass appeal and high production value.
Conclusion
Shonen Jump is at a critical juncture, needing to find the next big series to propel it into a new era. With several of its biggest franchises ending, the need for a successful anime adaptation has never been greater. While several manga show promise, series like Sakamoto Days and Kagurabachi stand out with their unique narratives and potential for broad appeal. Prioritizing the right series for an anime adaptation will not only ensure the continued success of Shonen Jump but also solidify its position as the king of the manga industry. The selection of this series could very well determine the direction of the magazine for years to come.
