The manga world is abuzz with excitement and anticipation as Shueisha, one of the most prominent publishing houses in Japan, announces a groundbreaking event that could shape the future of battle manga for years to come.
With the recent ending of the beloved series My Hero Academia, fans are left wondering what the next big title will be.
To answer this question, Shueisha has enlisted the expertise of some of the most renowned mangaka (manga creators) of our time.
This includes My Hero Academia’s Kohei Horikoshi, Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gege Akutami, Bleach’s Tite Kubo, and Black Clover’s Yuki Tabata, who have been appointed as judges for a special one-time award that aims to discover the next era of battle manga.
End of an Era: My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen Conclude
Earlier this month, the My Hero Academia manga reached its much-anticipated ending.
This marked the end of a journey that began in 2014, when Kohei Horikoshi first introduced readers to a world where nearly everyone possesses superpowers, known as Quirks.
The series quickly became a global phenomenon, attracting the readers with its unique take on the superhero genre, deep character development, and intense battles.
Over the years, My Hero Academia has not only dominated the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump but also inspired a highly successful anime adaptation, movies, and countless merchandise, solidifying its place in the annals of manga history.
However, as with all good things, My Hero Academia had to come to an end.
The final chapter, released in early August 2024, left fans with a mixture of satisfaction and sadness.
While many were pleased with the way Horikoshi wrapped up the story, there was an undeniable sense of loss as readers said goodbye to Izuku Midoriya (affectionately known as Deku) and the other beloved characters of Class 1-A. With the end of My Hero Academia, a significant void has been left in the battle manga world, one that fans are eager to see filled.
Adding to this sense of loss is the impending ending of Jujutsu Kaisen, another wildly popular series that has taken the manga world by storm.
Created by Gege Akutami, Jujutsu Kaisen enter into the darker side of the supernatural, with its protagonist, Yuji Itadori, battling curses in a world where death is always lurking around the corner.
Since its debut in 2018, the series has garnered a massive following, thanks in large part to its complex characters, intricate plot, and breathtaking action sequences.
On August 19, 2024, Akutami confirmed in an official statement that Jujutsu Kaisen would be ending by the end of September 2024.
This news was met with a wave of emotions from fans, many of whom had hoped the series would continue into 2025 and beyond.
However, Akutami’s decision to conclude the story on their terms was met with respect, as it is always a challenge for creators to know when to end a beloved series.
With both My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen coming to a close within months of each other, it’s clear that the manga world is undergoing a significant shift.
“Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award”: A New Beginning
Recognizing the need to discover fresh talent and stories that can carry the torch forward, Shueisha has announced the “Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award.”
This special contest, set to take place from October 1, 2024, through January 20, 2025, is designed to uncover the next big battle manga that could potentially stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen.
The contest is open to both professional and amateur manga creators, giving a wide range of talent the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity.
The selection of judges for this contest is nothing short of extraordinary.
The fact that Tabata got chosen as a judge for Jump's Next Generation Battle Manga Award along with Horikoshi, Gege and Kubo clearly shows that he's considered to be one of the best battle shonen mangaka of our generation. pic.twitter.com/3s3NUu2mbf
— nitebaron 魔王 (@nite_baron) August 19, 2024
Kohei Horikoshi, Gege Akutami, Tite Kubo, and Yuki Tabata have each made significant contributions to the world of manga, and their involvement in this contest adds an immense level of prestige.
These four mangaka are not just creators of popular series; they are legends in their own right, having shaped the battle manga genre over the past few decades.
Horikoshi, known for his dynamic storytelling and unique take on the superhero genre, will bring his experience and keen eye for character development to the judging panel.
Akutami, with their mastery of suspense and horror elements, will undoubtedly be on the lookout for stories that push the boundaries of the genre.
Kubo, whose Bleach series is iconic for its stylish art and intricate fight scenes, will likely prioritize entries that demonstrate strong visual storytelling.
Finally, Tabata, whose Black Clover is celebrated for its relentless action and themes of perseverance, will bring his passion for high-energy battles and underdog stories to the table.
In addition to the prestige of being judged by such esteemed creators, the contest offers several enticing prizes.
The top three winners will have their works published in the digital version of Weekly Shonen Jump, a dream come true for many aspiring mangaka.
The first-place winner will also see their work published in the physical version of Weekly Shonen Jump, as well as in a special issue of GIGA magazine, providing them with an incredible platform to reach a wide audience.
Furthermore, there are significant cash prizes up for grabs.
The first-place winner will receive 1 million yen (approximately $6,900 USD), the second-place winner will receive 500,000 yen (approximately $3,400 USD), and the third-place winner will receive 300,000 yen (approximately $2,000 USD).
In addition to the monetary rewards, each of the winners’ published works will receive recommendations from one of the four judges, a prestigious endorsement that could propel their careers to new heights.
While the specifics are somewhat unclear, it appears that the fourth judge may provide support to the honorable mention winners, ensuring that even those who don’t take home the top prizes receive valuable feedback and guidance.
Impact of the Contest on the Future of Manga
The significance of this contest cannot be overstated. With the ending of My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, two of the most popular battle manga in recent memory, the manga world is entering a new era.
Fans are eager to see what stories will rise to take their place, and the Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award could very well be the catalyst that introduces the next big hit.
For Horikoshi and Akutami, the contest holds a special significance.
Both creators will have recently concluded their respective series by the time the contest begins, making their involvement in selecting the next generation of battle manga creators particularly meaningful.
It’s almost as if they are passing the baton to the next group of storytellers, choosing the works they believe have the potential to fill the void left by My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Tabata’s involvement also adds an interesting layer to the contest.
While Black Clover is still ongoing, it’s expected that the series will reach its ending around the same time the contest results are announced in March 2025.
This means that Tabata, like Horikoshi and Akutami, will be looking for the next big series that can capture the hearts and minds of manga readers.
His experience with crafting a long-running, successful battle manga will undoubtedly influence his choices as a judge.
Kubo, on the other hand, brings a different perspective. Bleach concluded in 2016, but its impact on the manga world is still felt today.
Kubo’s involvement in the contest as a judge brings a sense of continuity, bridging the gap between the previous generation of battle manga and the next.
His ability to recognize talent and potential in up-and-coming creators will be invaluable in selecting the winners of this contest.
The Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award is not just a contest; it’s a turning point in the history of manga.
The works that emerge from this competition could very well shape the future of the genre, introducing new characters, worlds, and battles that will attract the readers for years to come.
As fans, we can only wait with bated breath to see what the next generation of battle manga will bring, and who will rise to the challenge of filling the shoes of Horikoshi, Akutami, Kubo, and Tabata.
Shonen Jump and Battle Manga
As we look toward the future, it’s clear that Shueisha is committed to fostering new talent and ensuring that Weekly Shonen Jump remains at the forefront of the manga industry.
The Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award is just one example of how the publisher is actively seeking out fresh voices and ideas that can carry the genre forward.
The involvement of Horikoshi, Akutami, Kubo, and Tabata as judges also sends a strong message to aspiring mangaka.
It’s a reminder that even the most successful creators started as newcomers with a dream.
Weekly Shonen Jump has announced its new 'Jump Next Gen Battle' Manga Award.
The award will be judged by Kohei Horikoshi, Yuki Tabata, Akutami Gege and Tite Kubo.
Winners will get recommendations in their future series and be published in the magazine.https://t.co/G2KX3Wp82H pic.twitter.com/jjAbmmlnAB
— Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) August 19, 2024
The journey from aspiring artist to published mangaka is not an easy one, but with contests like this, Shueisha is providing a platform for new talent to shine.
For fans of My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach, and Black Clover, the Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award offers some scenes into the future of their favorite genre.
While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to a beloved series, there’s a sense of excitement in knowing that new stories are on the horizon.
The characters and worlds that emerge from this contest could very well become the next big thing, capturing the imaginations of readers around the world.
The Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award represents a significant moment in the manga world.
With the end of My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, the manga world is changing, and Shueisha is leading the charge in discovering the next generation of battle manga creators.
The involvement of Kohei Horikoshi, Gege Akutami, Tite Kubo, and Yuki Tabata as judges adds an incredible level of prestige to the contest, and the prizes on offer provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring mangaka.
As we await the results in March 2025, one thing is certain: the future of battle manga is bright, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
