The Next Generation Rises: Kohei Horikoshi Confirms New Manga in Development Following ‘My Hero Academia’ Conclusion

The final curtain has fallen on Kohei Horikoshi’s monumental superhero epic, My Hero Academia, concluding its nearly decade-long run and leaving a colossal void in the weekly serialization schedule of Weekly Shonen Jump. However, the celebrated mangaka is not resting on his laurels. In a significant piece of news for the manga and anime community, Horikoshi has officially confirmed that a new series is already in the conceptual and developmental stages, marking the highly anticipated next chapter of his illustrious career.

This development is not just a passing mention. Horikoshi-sensei, whose work propelled Boku no Hero Academia to become one of the most profitable and globally recognized shonen battle manga of the modern era, has openly discussed the pressures and excitement surrounding his follow-up project. While details remain scarce regarding the premise, genre, or potential release date, the mere confirmation has ignited widespread speculation and heightened the demand for new Horikoshi work.

A New Challenge for a Veteran Creator

Following the overwhelming critical and commercial success of MHA, the expectations for Horikoshi’s subsequent venture are undoubtedly immense. Speaking in a recent interview—part of promotional efforts surrounding the final MHA volume release and various celebratory events—the mangaka shared insights into his creative process and future ambitions. He acknowledged the pressure but also expressed a strong desire to channel unfulfilled creative concepts into his new work.

“I feel really lucky over the success of MHA, so I know there’s a lot of pressure around my next move,” Horikoshi stated. “I’m planning to start a new manga as soon as I possibly can.”

Initially, there was contemplation of Horikoshi focusing solely on the art, collaborating with another writer for the story. However, his editor advised him to take on both roles, leveraging his proven ability to craft compelling narratives alongside his dynamic and expressive artwork. This confirms that fans can expect the distinct voice and visual style that defined the heroic journey of Izuku Midoriya to be present in his next original creation.

The creator noted, “With that in mind, I’ve slowly started writing and drawing the thumbnails of my next manga. However, there are still several events left surrounding MHA, so for a while I’ll still be committed to supporting and promoting it.” This suggests the project is in its nascent stages, focusing on world-building and character design, a crucial phase for any major manga serialization announcement.

Filling the Vacuum: Shonen Jump’s New Era

The departure of a powerhouse series like My Hero Academia, especially coinciding with the conclusion of other major hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, represents a seismic shift in the competitive landscape of Japanese comics. Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump is now actively nurturing a new wave of talent to fill the sales and cultural void. While Horikoshi’s new project is the most direct successor in terms of the creator’s legacy, other new series are stepping up to capture the readership.

Currently, two titles are frequently cited by analysts and fans as the next potential “pillars” of the magazine, attracting significant early attention and a high volume of manga reader engagement:

• Kagurabachi: This series is often highlighted for its dark, urban action and mature themes, drawing comparisons to the darker end of the shonen spectrum. Its early momentum and strong art style have made it an immediate favorite for those seeking intense new battle shonen.
• Ichi the Witch: A newer arrival, this title offers a more fantastical, character-driven narrative with unique world-building focused on magic, suggesting a possible tonal heir to the earlier, more whimsical arcs of MHA before the Final War Saga.

However, an original work by Horikoshi-sensei holds a unique weight. His return to Weekly Shonen Jump, whenever it occurs, will instantly command the spotlight. The new series will benefit not only from his brand recognition but also from the tremendous goodwill earned over a decade of consistent, high-quality serialization. The industry is on alert, prepared for the next potential global manga phenomenon.

Speculation and The Road Ahead: What to Expect

The central question now revolves around the nature of the new series. Will Horikoshi venture into science fiction, a distinct fantasy world, or perhaps even a more grounded genre? His previous one-shots and early works, such as Oumagadoki Zoo and Barrage, showcase a versatility that extends beyond the superhero genre. Given his knack for designing compelling powers and unique character dynamics, it is highly probable the new manga will maintain a focus on action and a high-stakes setting, adhering to the core tenets of popular Shonen Jump success.

For fans eagerly awaiting the new series, there are still a few official My Hero Academia projects to tide them over:

• The upcoming Season 8 of the anime, which will adapt the manga’s concluding arcs.
• The release of the final Volume 42 with additional, expanded content that further explores the epilogue and the adult lives of the main cast.
• A major original art exhibition and the publication of a comprehensive fanbook and art book in the coming year, providing deep dives into the franchise’s history and creative process.

These activities confirm that while the manga serialization has concluded, the My Hero Academia franchise remains active and profitable, giving Horikoshi the time and space to meticulously craft his next creation without undue haste. The transition is not one of abandonment but a careful passing of the baton from one generation of heroes to the genesis of a new, original narrative.

The industry consensus is clear: the ending of My Hero Academia signifies a turning point, but the confirmed project from Kohei Horikoshi ensures that the wellspring of high-quality, globally appealing manga remains strong. The hero has retired, but the new legend is already being storyboarded.

Investment in the manga IP continues to be a driving force in global media, and all eyes are now on Horikoshi’s desk, anticipating the first glimpse of his next major intellectual property. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ the next blockbuster manga series will arrive.

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*Disclaimer: This article is based on recent confirmed statements by Kohei Horikoshi regarding his future plans for a new manga series following the conclusion of My Hero Academia’s manga run. Specific details about the title, plot, and official release date are not yet public and remain subject to official announcement from Shueisha. The references to Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch reflect current industry and fan speculation on which new series are rising to prominence in Weekly Shonen Jump’s current lineup.