The Next Generation: Analyzing Kohei Horikoshi’s Post-‘My Hero Academia’ Strategy and Successor Manga

The End of an Era: My Hero Academia’s Legacy and the Vacuum in Shonen

The conclusion of Kohei Horikoshi’s monumental superhero epic, My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia), marked an undeniable turning point in the landscape of contemporary manga and anime. After a decade of serialized publication, the final chapter brought Izuku Midoriya’s journey to a close, a culmination that resonated globally, generating massive online discussions and high-value digital manga sales. However, the ending of a flagship series in Weekly Shonen Jump inevitably creates a massive void, particularly one as commercially successful and critically acclaimed as MHA. This departure of a high-CPC title means that fans, industry analysts, and investors are all intensely focused on what comes next. The question isn’t just about the future of the magazine, but about the next Shonen Jump hit series to capture the global imagination.

Horikoshi-sensei himself had been open about the immense pressure and the physical toll of maintaining a weekly schedule for a series of MHA’s scale. While the conclusion offered a sense of closure to the primary narrative—cementing Deku’s status as the greatest hero—it also signaled a new chapter for its creator. The transition period is now officially underway, and while a direct sequel series from the author is not yet confirmed, the mangaka has already provided significant clues regarding his immediate professional plans and a potential spiritual successor, offering a clear roadmap for where his creative focus will land next.

Horikoshi’s Confirmed Next Project: A Return to the Drawing Board

Contrary to speculation that the celebrated mangaka would take an extended hiatus, recent news confirms that Kohei Horikoshi is already in the concept and drafting stages for his next serialized work. In interviews conducted post-MHA’s final chapter release, Horikoshi confirmed his intent to return to the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump. This swift move demonstrates an unflagging commitment to the medium and an eagerness to explore new creative territories that the constraints of My Hero Academia’s established universe may have prevented.

He explicitly stated his desire to pursue ideas and themes he “couldn’t do with MHA,” a tantalizing hint that suggests a significant departure from the superhero genre. While specific genre details remain tightly under wraps—a common strategy for major announcements to maximize impact—the implication is a fresh, challenging concept. Fans have long noted Horikoshi’s flair for dramatic, occasionally grotesque, imagery in MHA’s final arcs, leading to speculation that his next work could pivot toward a more mature horror or dark fantasy setting. Regardless of the genre, the return of Horikoshi’s detailed, dynamic art style and his proven ability to craft compelling characters is a guarantee for a must-read new manga.

The official announcement date for this new project is one of the most hotly anticipated pieces of news in the manga industry. Its release, once confirmed, will not only dominate industry news cycles but will also trigger a major shift in the competitive landscape, likely leading to another high-volume manga debut and immediate anime adaptation potential.

The Spiritual Successor: Horikoshi’s Endorsement of ‘Ichi the Witch’

While Horikoshi’s own new series is still incubating in the concept phase, the creator has already informally crowned a spiritual successor to the vacuum left by MHA. This replacement is not a direct sequel, but a rising series in the Shonen Jump lineup: Ichi the Witch (Madan no Ichi). The importance of a recommendation from a creator of Horikoshi’s stature cannot be overstated; his endorsement acts as a powerful signal boost, virtually guaranteeing increased readership and a more secure future for the new series.

Ichi the Witch, which began serialization shortly after the conclusion of MHA, is quickly gaining traction among fans looking for the next big Shonen hit. The core appeal lies in its endearing characters and a world that, while distinctly different from the high-tech superheroics of MHA, carries a similar blend of high-stakes action and heartfelt character development. The series is proving to be a perfect fit for former MHA readers by offering:

• Lovable Protagonist Dynamics: The lead characters possess an immediate, emotional resonance, reminiscent of the Class 1-A ensemble, making them highly relatable for a wide audience.
• Unique Power System: Similar to how Quirks defined the MHA universe, Ichi the Witch features its own distinct system of abilities, providing the complex combat and strategic depth that Shonen fans demand.
• High-Quality Art and Action: The series showcases impressive paneling and dynamic fight choreography, ensuring that the transition from MHA’s visual spectacle is smooth and satisfying.

This endorsement by Kohei Horikoshi for Ichi the Witch is a strategic move that acknowledges the immediate need for an exciting, quality replacement while he prepares his own original follow-up. It effectively bridges the gap, offering a recommendation that keeps the collective Shonen readership engaged and loyal to the magazine’s ecosystem, a crucial factor for long-term publication revenue and IP value in entertainment.

Beyond the Manga: The Continued Life of the My Hero Academia Franchise

It is critical to note that the end of the main manga does not equate to the end of the My Hero Academia franchise. The IP is a global behemoth, and Shueisha and Bones, the animation studio, have numerous projects to ensure the MHA brand value remains high for years to come. These ongoing projects include:

• The Anime’s Final Seasons: The highly anticipated final seasons of the My Hero Academia anime adaptation will continue to air, bringing the climactic Final War Arc to the screen. This alone will maintain significant fan engagement and streaming revenue.
• New Film and OVAs: The recent release of the latest MHA film, My Hero Academia: You’re Next, and the ongoing production of Original Video Animations (OVAs) ensure new cinematic content and world-building that is often considered canon or quasi-canon.
• Spin-Off Content and Epilogues: Horikoshi has also provided supplementary material, including extra pages for the final manga volume and potential one-shots, which serve as an epilogue to the main story. Furthermore, the existing and ongoing spin-off series like My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions continue to expand the universe.
• Merchandise and Video Games: The continuous release of new merchandise, figures, and major video game titles (like My Hero Ultra Rumble and future installments) will keep the franchise in the public eye and maintain a high consumer spending rate.

Therefore, while the initial chapter of Deku’s story is complete, the MHA universe is far from dormant. It will continue to generate immense SEO traffic and cultural relevance, which allows Horikoshi the necessary space to perfect his next original work without the immediate pressure of having to deliver another global megahit overnight.

Conclusion: The Future of Shonen is in Good Hands

The conclusion of My Hero Academia signifies a major shift, but not a decline, in the world of Shonen manga. Kohei Horikoshi’s immediate plans—the conceptualization of a new, original series and his high-profile endorsement of Ichi the Witch—demonstrate a carefully considered strategy for his career and the genre he helped define. The focus is shifting from one hero’s journey to the diversity of new narratives, proving that the spirit of ambition and creative excellence remains central to Weekly Shonen Jump’s future.

For fans and investors alike, the take-away is clear: the next generation of manga hits is already being written. Whether it’s through the officially endorsed spiritual successor, Ichi the Witch, or the as-yet-unveiled new project from Horikoshi himself, the anime and manga market outlook remains robust, promising new narratives that will define the next decade of popular culture. Keep a close watch on official announcements for the true replacement; it’s an event guaranteed to be a global news story.