Hakuri, the acclaimed manga artist behind the popular series One Room of Happiness (Sachiiro no One Room), is set to launch a brand new series titled WITCHRIV on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform. The new manga is scheduled to debut on October 23.
Hakuri’s New Endeavor: WITCHRIV
The announcement of WITCHRIV comes after the successful conclusion of One Room of Happiness, which wrapped up with its 11th volume in December 2022. While specific plot details for WITCHRIV are still emerging, promotional images and early information suggest a fantasy-driven narrative centered around witches. A one-shot titled “Meririrarariri” by Hakuri, released in July 2024, may serve as a precursor or thematic inspiration for the new series, focusing on a protagonist who struggles with magic when losing her calm.
The serialized version of WITCHRIV will delve into a world where a witch, Merrily, must maintain her composure to wield magic effectively, adhering to her mother’s teachings. Her path intertwines with a boy named Danka, leading to changes in her heart as they interact.
Publication Details
WITCHRIV will be serialized on Shueisha’s digital manga platform, Shonen Jump+. This platform is known for hosting a wide array of popular manga titles and offers a broad reach for new series. The debut on October 23 marks an anticipated return for Hakuri to the manga scene with a fresh story.
The Legacy of One Room of Happiness
Hakuri gained significant recognition for One Room of Happiness, a psychological drama that explored complex themes of abuse, belonging, and unconventional relationships. The series, which began on pixiv and Twitter before moving to Gangan pixiv in February 2017, garnered over 75 million viewers by June 2017. Crunchyroll has been publishing the manga digitally in English.
Controversial Live-Action Adaptation
One Room of Happiness also inspired a live-action television drama adaptation in July 2018. However, the series faced controversy and was canceled on TV Asahi in the Kanto region due to criticism regarding its portrayal of real-life kidnapping in a positive light, though it continued to air on ABC in the Kansai region.
Spinoff Series
In addition to the main series, Hakuri also penned a prequel spinoff manga titled Seikai no Tantei (Detective of the Correct World). This spinoff focused on the detective character Hijiri Matsubase and was published by Square Enix, concluding with its fourth volume in May 2022.
Hakuri’s distinct storytelling style and ability to delve into emotionally charged narratives have earned a dedicated fanbase. The launch of WITCHRIV is poised to captivate readers with a new fantasy-infused journey, building upon the creator’s reputation for compelling manga.
