The Jujutsu Kaisen manga series is scheduled to conclude on September 30, 2024. As the fandom eagerly anticipates its ending, discussions are heating up about potential successors to Gege Akutami, the creator of this beloved shonen series. The story follows a seemingly ordinary high school boy whose life intersects with the world of the occult, leading him to discover that his mysterious lineage carries greater significance than he ever imagined.
As an innovative shonen mangaka, Gege Akutami has redefined the ‘shonen’ genre through his distinct storytelling, particularly by framing cursed techniques as a mechanism for power scaling. He has also crafted a compelling lore around this power structure, solidifying Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the premier shonen series.
However, the end of Jujutsu Kaisen leaves room for other talented shonen mangaka to rise. This article will highlight 10 emerging shonen creators whose notable works demonstrate rich lore and distinctive plotlines, positioning them as potential successors to Gege Akutami within the shonen industry.
Disclaimer: The views presented in this article are those of the author alone.
10 Emerging Shonen Mangaka Who Could Succeed Gege Akutami
10) Yusei Matsui (The Elusive Samurai)
Renowned as the creator of Assassination Classroom, Yusei Matsui emerges as a potential successor to Gege Akutami with his recent work, The Elusive Samurai, which began serialization in 2021. The series narrates the journey of Houjou Tokiyuki, a young boy seeking vengeance against those who took his family from him.
Matsui’s background as an assistant to Yoshio Sawai, the author of the comedy classic Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, undoubtedly influences his current work. His ability to weave humor into narratives is evident in The Elusive Samurai, which features an innovative storyline paired with a distinctive artistic style.
9) Naoya Matsumoto (Kaiju No. 8)
Naoya Matsumoto, another rising shonen mangaka, is best known for Kaiju No. 8. Having previously worked as an assistant to Toshiaki Iwashiro (Psyren), Matsumoto brings a fresh perspective to the genre. His unique take on power scaling through the introduction of Kaiju monsters positions him as a strong contender to succeed Gege Akutami.
The plot follows Kafka Hoshino, who fights Kaiju creatures while grappling with his own transformation into one. The striking similarities between Matsumoto’s artwork and that of Jujutsu Kaisen further solidify his place in this new generation of shonen creators.
8) Yukinobu Tatsu (Dandadan)
Emerging talent Yukinobu Tatsu is recognized for Dandadan, an exciting shonen series considered a strong future contender. The storyline focuses on two high school students who discover the world of the occult, reflecting Tatsu’s past experiences as an assistant.
This unique narrative, coupled with distinctive character designs reminiscent of influences from Tatsuki Fujimoro (Chainsaw Man) and Yuji Kaku (Hell’s Paradise), solidifies Dandadan as a noteworthy entry in the future of shonen manga.
7) Yuto Suzuki (Sakamoto Days)
Newcomer Yuto Suzuki has quickly gained recognition for Sakamoto Days, a standout shonen series celebrated for its inventive plot centered around a retired assassin. This manga is gaining traction with an upcoming anime adaptation set to debut in January 2025.
The series chronicles the life of Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman who, after falling in love, gives up his dangerous life for a quieter existence, raising the question of whether he can truly escape his past.
6) Yuto Sano (Gokurakugai)
Another emerging presence is Yuto Sano with his series Gokurakugai, which has garnered attention for its sharp character designs. Though still developing in terms of narrative, it holds promise as it follows two agents tackling peculiar ‘odd jobs’ while facing unforeseen complications along the way.
5) Kouji Miura (Blue Box)
Kouji Miura operates within a different genre compared to Jujutsu Kaisen but brings a special flavor to his work. His magnum opus Blue Box merges the themes of sports and romance in engaging ways.
The series revolves around Taiki and Chinatsu, who find themselves living together, adding complexity to Taiki’s secret crush on Chinatsu while both pursue their respective sports, creating a captivating blend of genres.
4) Takeru Hokazono (Kagurabachi)
Takeru Hokazono, the creator of Kagurabachi, has quickly risen as a key figure in shonen manga. This tale of Chihiro, a young swordsman seeking vengeance, is rich with sword lore and has garnered significant attention despite Hokazono’s lack of previous experience as an assistant under notable mangaka.
3) Kei Urana (Gachiakuta)
Kei Urana, a former assistant to Atsushi Ookubo (Soul Eater), stands out with her series Gachiakuta. The narrative centers on Rudo, who seeks revenge in a world filled with discarded items, establishing a unique power system inspired by trash.
2) Kenichi Kondou (Dark Gathering)
Having previously worked with Katsura Hoshino (D.Gray-Man), Kenichi Kondou‘s Dark Gathering melds horror with a sprinkle of comedy into a compelling shonen package. The story follows Keitarou, whose life spirals into supernatural insanity.
1) Mikio Ikemoto (Boruto: Two Blue Vortex)
Mikio Ikemoto, formerly an assistant to shonen legend Masashi Kishimoto, is a strong candidate for the mantle of Gege Akutami‘s successor. Ikemoto’s recent work, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, shows promising growth, featuring an intricate plot and well-crafted lore.
The series continues Boruto Uzumaki’s journey after a dramatic betrayal and is poised to further develop the established world and characters that fans adore.
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