Weekly Shonen Jump continues to hold its position as the powerhouse of manga in Japan, boasting a legendary history of iconic sagas, unforgettable heroes, and groundbreaking anime adaptations. Despite some recent hits from the pandemic era like Blue Box and The Elusive Samurai coming to a close, which has sparked concerns about the magazine’s future, Shonen Jump is far from losing its grip on the manga industry.
Introducing Shonen Jump’s New-Gen Big Three: The Future of Anime
Throughout its history, Shonen Jump has been known for its “Big Three” – massively popular manga that define their generation. Most famously, this title was held by One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. As 2026 approaches, a fresh wave of exciting new series is set to carry that legacy forward, marking the emergence of a New-Gen Big Three: Ichi the Witch, Shinobi Undercover, and Kagurabachi.
This new trio embodies the qualities essential to becoming lasting hits: unique storytelling, dynamic characters, and strong engagement with readers. While the term “Big Three” has become somewhat diluted over time, the impact these new series are starting to make is undeniable, signaling Shonen Jump’s continued dominance in defining mainstream manga culture.
Shonen Jump’s Legacy of Dominance and Emerging Trends
Past eras of Shonen Jump also saw waves of influential manga hits beyond the original Big Three. For example, the 2010s featured My Hero Academia, Black Clover, and Demon Slayer, while the dawn of the 2020s was marked by darker undertones with champions like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hell’s Paradise.
However, the recent years have brought uncertainties. Series like Kaedegami faced rapid cancellations, and even promising creators behind Shinobi Undercover experienced setbacks with past projects like Candy Flurry. Despite this, the New-Gen Big Three have attracted notable praise — Ichi the Witch and Kagurabachi have received endorsements from renowned manga creator Kohei Horikoshi, the mind behind My Hero Academia. He recognizes the potential for these series to define Shonen Jump’s future success.
Shinobi Undercover stands out for its gripping fusion of everyday high school life with intense close-combat ninja battles. Its lush environmental depictions and expressive fight scenes evoke comparisons with Naruto, captivating Japanese readers and securing a strong following.
How to Spot the Next Big Hits in Shonen Jump Manga
Key indicators of Shonen Jump’s successful manga include long uninterrupted runs, massive sales figures that can reach tens or hundreds of millions of copies, and anime adaptations that open doors to further merchandising opportunities. While it may be early to conclusively label any series as part of the definitive New-Gen Big Three, close attention to Shonen Jump’s table of contents (ToC) offers valuable insight into rising stars.
The table of contents ranking signals both editorial confidence and reader interest. For example, Ichi the Witch rarely falls below fifth place, often second only to long-standing juggernauts like One Piece. Similarly, Shinobi Undercover maintains a consistent top 10 position, bridging the gap between new hits and established series like Witch Watch and Sakamoto Days.
Kagurabachi may rank slightly lower in the ToC recently, but it scores impressively in online readership and sales statistics, reflecting its growing popularity. Moreover, editorial support is evident as Ichi the Witch and Kagurabachi often lead with color pages at the top of the magazine, while Shinobi Undercover frequently secures center color pages—another sign of backing and prominence.
The Future of Anime Adaptations for the New-Gen Big Three
Given their association with the illustrious Shonen Jump brand, fans can feel confident that these promising series will eventually see anime adaptations. In fact, even older titles like Psyren have been announced for anime, highlighting the trend that no noteworthy Jump manga is left without animation opportunities.
Among the New-Gen Big Three, Ichi the Witch appears closest to getting an anime adaptation, buoyed by its mass appeal and the enthusiasm surrounding Osamu Nishi, the creator known for Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun. Meanwhile, rumors surround Kagurabachi’s adaptation, although details remain sparse a year after industry reports.
Shinobi Undercover might have the most uncertain international presence, yet its steady positioning in Shonen Jump puts it in a strong spot. An anime adaptation would definitely boost its sales and global visibility, as seen with former moderate performers like The Elusive Samurai.
Emerging Competitors and What Lies Ahead
The New-Gen Big Three won’t be without challengers. For instance, Ei Yomano’s debut serial Someone Hertz has quickly gained traction, even surpassing Shinobi Undercover in recent rankings. Alongside other fan favorites and series such as Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, these titles add richness and diversity to Shonen Jump’s lineup, ensuring that fans have plenty to watch as the next era unfolds.
Conclusion
Shonen Jump stands at a pivotal moment, with its new generation of manga poised to energize the future of anime and manga. The New-Gen Big Three—Ichi the Witch, Shinobi Undercover, and Kagurabachi—are already showing the strong potential to follow in the footsteps of legendary series like One Piece and Naruto. Supported by editorial backing, rising reader enthusiasm, and prospects for anime adaptations, these series promise to shape the medium in the coming years. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
