The Next Generation: Kohei Horikoshi Confirms New Manga After My Hero Academia’s Blockbuster Finale

The final chapter of My Hero Academia (Boku no Hīrō Akademia), Kohei Horikoshi’s decade-long saga that redefined the superhero genre in manga and anime, has officially concluded, leaving a massive void in the weekly serialization landscape. While the franchise’s legacy continues with an anticipated final anime season and numerous spin-off projects, the question on every fan’s mind—and every publisher’s wishlist—is: What comes next?

In a major development that will excite the global fan base, Kohei Horikoshi has broken his silence and confirmed that he is already planning his next manga series. This announcement, coming directly after the emotional, world-saving finale of MHA, suggests that the successor to one of the highest-selling manga of the 21st century is already in its early stages of development. This news is a significant piece of breaking news for the entertainment industry and has immediate implications for the Japanese publishing market and global manga distribution.

The closure of My Hero Academia with its conclusive Volume 42, which even included extra pages to expand on the epilogue, marks the end of an era. The series saw Izuku Midoriya’s journey from a Quirkless dreamer to a hero recognized globally for his ultimate sacrifice, culminating in a world where the future is secured by the heroes of U.A. High. However, Horikoshi’s creative journey is far from over, and the pressure is immense for his next project to carry the torch.

The Enormous Stakes of Horikoshi’s Next Move: A Search for the New Shonen King

The success of My Hero Academia placed an extraordinary level of expectation on its creator. The series achieved unprecedented commercial success, with over 100 million copies in circulation worldwide, establishing MHA as a global franchise and a pillar of Weekly Shonen Jump. Following such a landmark title is an intimidating prospect, a challenge Horikoshi himself acknowledged in a recent international interview.

The mangaka revealed his immediate plans for a new series, stating he intends to start “as soon as I possibly can.” Interestingly, Horikoshi initially considered only handling the artwork for his next project, intending to collaborate with an experienced writer. This move would have significantly sped up the production process and alleviated the double burden of plotting and illustrating. However, his editor advised him to take on both roles, believing that the unique blend of Horikoshi’s compelling storytelling and distinctive art style is essential for his next hit.

Key Takeaways from the Mangaka’s Future Plans:

• Confirmed New Manga: Kohei Horikoshi is actively working on the conceptualization and rough drafts (thumbnails) of a new, original series.
• Dual Role: He will serve as both the writer and artist, maintaining the creative singularity seen in MHA.
• High Expectations: The creator is keenly aware of the “lot of pressure” following MHA’s massive global success and high CPC keywords potential.

While details on the genre, setting, or title of this new manga remain under tight wraps—a calculated move to maximize PR and market anticipation—fans are already speculating on what direction Horikoshi might take. Will he return to the superhero genre, perhaps exploring a darker, more mature world, or will he pivot completely to a new domain like fantasy adventure, sci-fi, or a different type of action-comedy? His previous short works and early serializations show a range of versatility that could lead to anything.

Immediate Successors and The Void in Shonen Jump

The conclusion of My Hero Academia happened close to the ending of another dominant contemporary, Jujutsu Kaisen, leaving a profound vacuum in Shonen Jump’s lineup. This has accelerated the search for a new flagship title. In the immediate aftermath, other promising new series are being heralded by fans and critics as potential “successors.”

One notable series that has garnered significant attention and an unofficial endorsement is Ichi the Witch. This manga, which began serialization shortly after MHA’s end, was personally recommended by Horikoshi to his readers. While the themes and setting—a world of witches and their unique powers—are distinct from MHA’s Quirk-powered society, it shares a similar core appeal: an engaging fantasy world, endearing characters, and strong potential for action and depth. The creator’s recommendation has significantly boosted the new series, illustrating the influential power of his brand.

However, no spin-off or new launch, however successful, can truly replace the anticipation for a new original work from Horikoshi himself. The coming series, whatever its name, is the true successor, representing the next evolution of a master storyteller.

Beyond the Manga: My Hero Academia’s Enduring Legacy and Financial Impact

Even with the manga finished, the My Hero Academia franchise is far from over. This ongoing activity acts as a crucial revenue stream and a bridge to the creator’s next work, keeping his name and style in the public eye. The final season of the anime adaptation is poised to be one of the biggest events of the year, with Horikoshi being more involved than ever, promising new scenes and directorial tweaks to the source material to ensure a satisfying conclusion for the millions of anime enthusiasts worldwide.

Furthermore, major ancillary projects continue to solidify the brand’s place as a top-tier IP:

• A large-scale Original Art Exhibition in Tokyo celebrating the series’ decade of work.
• The release of a comprehensive Fan Book and an Art Book detailing the history and characters of the series.
• Ongoing popularity of the films, including the recent success of My Hero Academia: You’re Next.

These projects are not merely celebratory; they are essential for brand retention and high-value licensing deals across video games, merchandise, and global media. The financial magnitude of the MHA empire provides Horikoshi the rare freedom to take his time, ensuring his next creation is a fully realized vision that meets the extremely high bar he set for himself.

The Final Verdict on the Future of Shonen

The ending of My Hero Academia is bittersweet, but the confirmed news of Kohei Horikoshi’s immediate dedication to a new project provides an immense sense of excitement. While Ichi the Witch and other rising stars will contend for the spotlight, the world is holding its breath for the new creation from the master mangaka who taught a generation of readers what it truly meant to be a hero.

The meticulous planning—from considering his editor’s advice to handle both writing and drawing to slowly crafting his storyboards—indicates a commitment to quality over speed. This deliberate approach suggests that Horikoshi is not simply creating a placeholder but is aiming for another monumental, generation-defining work. Fans of high-quality manga, captivating character development, and explosive action sequences should prepare for the next chapter in the career of a Japanese artistic genius. The next great shonen manga is coming, and it will be by Kohei Horikoshi.

Keep a close watch on official announcements from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump for the first trailer or teaser visual. The new era is about to begin. Invest in the future of manga.

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