For nearly two decades, the Shonen Big Three—One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach—reigned supreme, defining a generation of manga and anime. But with Naruto and Bleach having concluded their legendary runs, a new question has emerged: who will form the new Shonen Big Three? The debate is raging, and three frontrunners have emerged from the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, each with a legitimate claim to the throne.
While series like My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer once seemed poised to take the crown, their conclusions have cleared the way for a new generation of contenders. Now, all eyes are on Ichi the Witch, Kagurabachi, and the surprise sequel Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo as they battle for the top spot. Here’s a breakdown of the series vying to become the new titans of Shonen manga.
Ichi the Witch: The Magical Heir to the Throne?
Leading the charge is Ichi the Witch, a series that just celebrated its first anniversary but is already a heavyweight contender. The series has been praised for its unique take on a magical world, but its biggest selling point is Desscaras, the deuteragonist and most powerful witch, who has drawn comparisons to Jujutsu Kaisen’s Satoru Gojo. Both characters are effortlessly powerful, break the rules, and have a magnetic presence that has captivated readers.
But Ichi the Witch is more than just a Jujutsu Kaisen spiritual successor. The series has been endorsed by industry giants like Kohei Horikoshi (My Hero Academia) and Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man), signaling its narrative strength and creative potential. With a compelling story by Osamu Nishi and vivid illustrations by Shiro Usazaki, Ichi the Witch is building a loyal fanbase even without an anime adaptation. The series is celebrating its first anniversary with four special projects, including free-to-read chapters, making it easier than ever for new readers to jump in. An anime adaptation seems inevitable, which would only solidify its position as a top contender.
Caption: Ichi the Witch has quickly risen to become one of the top contenders for the new Shonen Big Three, featuring a unique magical world and compelling characters. Credit: Ichi the Witch by Osamu Nishi and Shiro Usazaki Source: League of Comic Geeks
Kagurabachi: The Samurai Sensation
Kagurabachi is another top contender, having been a fan-favorite since its debut two years ago. The series was trending before its first chapter was even released, and the hype has only grown since. The story of a young man seeking revenge with his late father’s enchanted blade has resonated with readers, and its blend of modern-day fantasy and a complex power system has kept them hooked.
Kagurabachi is consistently one of the leading series in Weekly Shonen Jump, second only to the legendary One Piece. Its popularity has led to widespread speculation about an anime adaptation, with rumors of an announcement expected to come soon. The series has already sold an impressive number of copies, and an anime would undoubtedly launch it into the stratosphere, making it a serious contender for a spot in the new Big Three.
Caption: Kagurabachi’s samurai revenge story has captured readers’ attention since its debut two years ago, earning a spot among the most popular current Shonen Jump series. Credit: Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono Source: Crunchyroll Store
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo: The Surprise Sequel
The wild card in this race is Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, a sequel to the massively popular Jujutsu Kaisen. With the original manga having just ended a year ago and the anime’s third season on the way, the franchise’s fanbase is as strong as ever. The surprise release of Modulo in September 2025 sent shockwaves through the community, and the first chapter went viral, rocketing to the #1 spot on Manga Plus in its first week.
However, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo comes with a catch: it’s a limited series, expected to run for only six months. This short run makes its inclusion in the Big Three a topic of debate. Can a limited series truly be part of a new Big Three, a title traditionally held by long-running epics? While its immediate popularity is undeniable, its longevity is a major question mark. Regardless, its instant success proves the power of the Jujutsu Kaisen brand and its ability to dominate the conversation.
The Future of the Big Three
So, who will be the new Shonen Big Three? It’s still too early to say for sure. Ichi the Witch has the momentum and industry backing, Kagurabachi has the dedicated fanbase and sales, and Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo has the instant viral appeal. Each brings something unique to the table, and their ongoing battle for the top spot is a testament to the health and vibrancy of the manga industry.
For now, fans can enjoy the ride as these three series continue to unfold. Whether one of them will eventually stand alongside giants like One Piece remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of Shonen manga is in good hands. You can read many of these titles on the official Shonen Jump app from VIZ.
For more on the latest in manga and anime, check out our coverage of the most powerful gods in anime and the 30 must-see anime picks for your watchlist. For more on the business of manga, check out this article from Forbes.
Sources
- ComicBook.com: 3 Most Popular Manga That Could Be the New Shonen Big Three (And One That’ll Be Done Within a Year) – https://comicbook.com/anime/news/3-most-popular-manga-that-could-be-the-new-shonen-big-three-and-one-thatll-be-done-within-a-year/
- Accio.com: Top Selling Shonen Jump Manga 2025 – https://www.accio.com/business/top-selling-shonen-jump-manga
- Screen Rant: Ichi The Witch Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Successor More Fans Need To See – https://screenrant.com/ichi-witch-jujutsu-kaisen-spiritual-successor/
