Concerns Over Hokazono as Kagurabachi Gains Popularity in Weekly Shonen Jump

Since its debut in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump on September 19, 2023, Takeru Hokazono’s manga, Kagurabachi, has been climbing in popularity at an impressive rate. Now boasting 54 chapters, this series has captured the attention of fans and critics alike.

Recently, numerous colored pages highlighting stunning illustrations have been released, further enhancing its appeal. The series skillfully intertwines elements of dark fantasy, masterful swordplay, and a compelling revenge narrative, leading it to be dubbed as “the next big hit” within the manga scene.

Despite its success, the rising acclaim for Kagurabachi could pose challenges for its creator, Hokazono. Here’s how.

Hokazono’s Concerns Amidst Kagurabachi‘s Growing Fame

Enten (Image via Takeru Hokazono, Shueisha)

As 2024 unfolds, major series like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia have wrapped up their runs. Both authors decided to conclude their popular stories, prompting Weekly Shonen Jump to urgently seek out its next standout title. They didn’t need to search extensively, as Hokazono’s creation was rapidly garnering admiration throughout the manga community.

Kagurabachi experienced a remarkable rise in fame during the latter part of 2023. Now, with its 54 chapters out in 2024, many view this series as the successor to Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. Its escalating popularity suggests it could effectively fill the void left by these beloved series, especially when an anime adaptation arrives on the scene.

This burgeoning popularity has encouraged Weekly Shonen Jump to increase its support for the series, including featuring it prominently on the cover and showcasing its stunning artwork. Additionally, the manga has maintained a steady release pace, ensuring continuous delivery of content—which is advantageous for the magazine.

Chihiro Rokuhira (Image via Takeru Hokazono, Shueisha)

However, the rapid ascent of Kagurabachi may not be entirely welcome news for Hokazono. Although the series’s success is undoubtedly a career booster for the author, it could present daunting challenges for the 24-year-old creator moving forward. His talent has garnered recognition, but it requires careful management to maintain and cultivate.

Regularly churning out chapters is a demanding endeavor, and the influx of colored pages released recently reflects Hokazono’s relentless dedication. But this constant output also indicates a relentless work schedule that cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Previous experiences of renowned mangakas like Gege Akutami, Kohei Horikoshi, and Yoshihiro Togashi illustrate the potential health risks associated with exhaustive workloads. Each faced significant health concerns after long periods of intense work on their respective series. As these creators approached the end of their stories, they needed breaks, prompting worry among fans for their wellbeing. If Hokazono continues to push himself at such a young age, he risks encountering similar challenges.

Final Thoughts

Kagurabachi is emerging as a remarkable title, capturing the attention of the manga world with its engaging narrative, thrilling action scenes, rich lore surrounding legendary blades, and a fierce central character. It seems inevitable that an anime adaptation will soon follow, potentially breaking records along the way.

However, maintaining Hokazono’s health remains crucial for the series’s continued success. While it’s essential for manga creators to meet deadlines and consistently produce content, this cannot come at the expense of their mental and physical health. Although the series’s skyrocketing popularity presents challenges for Hokazono, the hope is that he can navigate this demanding landscape with proper care, allowing for breaks and avoiding burnout.

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