Beyond Plus Ultra: Kohei Horikoshi Teases Next Manga Project Amidst the Conclusion of My Hero Academia

The finale of the globally successful manga My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) has left an undeniable void in the world of shonen manga and anime. As the decades-long journey of Izuku Midoriya and Class 1-A finally wraps up, the inevitable question shifts from “What happens next in U.A. High?” to “What comes next for creator Kohei Horikoshi?” Recent news and interviews from the celebrated mangaka himself offer tantalizing hints not just about his immediate plans but also about the spiritual successor to the superhero epic that defined a generation of comic books and pop culture.

The MHA conclusion, while satisfying for many, still leaves a massive gap in the weekly lineup of Weekly Shonen Jump. This article delves into the latest updates regarding Horikoshi’s new manga series, the surprising new hero the community has embraced as a potential replacement, and the enduring legacy of the My Hero Academia franchise.

The Creator’s Next Challenge: Horikoshi’s Post-MHA Plans

Following the emotional final chapter and the subsequent release of My Hero Academia Volume 42, which included additional story pages to provide a more definitive epilogue, Horikoshi-sensei has been transparent about his future creative endeavors. Despite the grueling schedule of a weekly serialization, he has confirmed that he is already in the concept stage for his next major comic book project.

In a revealing interview, Horikoshi stated his intention to return to the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump as soon as his promotional obligations for the MHA anime and merchandise wind down. Crucially, his editor advised him to handle both the story and art for the new series—a significant vote of confidence in his multifaceted creative skill. This decision suggests the next title will carry the signature flair, dynamic artwork, and character-driven narrative that made MHA an international bestseller and a major IP in the entertainment industry.

A Shift in Genre? Hints of Horror and the Unexplored

Perhaps the most exciting detail is Horikoshi’s expressed desire to explore themes and genres he “couldn’t do with MHA.” While the My Hero Academia finale veered into darker territory, the foundation remained a traditional superhero story. This new freedom has led to fan speculation about a potential shift into the horror manga genre, a style Horikoshi has previously voiced interest in tackling. Imagine his distinct, highly stylized character design and action choreography applied to a more unsettling, intense narrative. Such a move would allow him to utilize his masterful control over visual tension in entirely new ways, potentially offering a darker, more mature alternative to his previous work.

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The Unexpected Successor: The Rise of Ichi the Witch

While the world awaits Horikoshi’s original creation, a new series has quietly emerged as the fan-favorite spiritual successor to My Hero Academia in the Weekly Shonen Jump lineup: Ichi the Witch (Madan no Ichi). This new manga, which began its serialization shortly after MHA’s conclusion, has garnered significant attention, boosted immensely by a personal recommendation from Horikoshi himself.

The series, while set in a different narrative universe, shares core elements that resonate deeply with former MHA readers. It features a lovable protagonist, a detailed world, and an exploration of special abilities—much like the Quirks of My Hero Academia. This immediate and high-profile endorsement by one of the manga industry’s biggest names has essentially crowned Ichi the Witch as the immediate, temporary heir to the void left by Deku’s story.

The success of Ichi the Witch highlights the publishing strategy within Shueisha’s flagship magazine—identifying and promoting titles that can inherit the readership of a massive, concluding series. For the media and entertainment sector, this is a clear indicator of the next potential blockbuster franchise and a sign of where future anime adaptation opportunities lie.

Key Factors in the Successor Debate:

The transition from one massive IP to the next is a critical juncture for both the publisher and the broader global media market. The “replacement” must capture the same blend of action, heart, and high stakes.

• World-Building: A richly developed setting is essential for sustaining a long-running series. Ichi the Witch demonstrates this potential.
• Character Appeal: Compelling protagonists, reminiscent of Izuku Midoriya’s enduring likability, are vital for audience retention.
• Horikoshi’s Endorsement: This serves as a powerful market signal, immediately validating the series’ quality and potential reach for investors and global distribution partners.

The Enduring My Hero Academia Universe: A Continuing Franchise Asset

It is crucial to remember that while the core manga has concluded, the My Hero Academia franchise is far from over. This is not a simple ending but a transition into a massive, multi-media IP sustained by numerous ongoing and planned projects. For investors in digital media and streaming platforms, the longevity of the MHA universe remains a high-value asset.

The final season of the anime is set to premiere, promising new, exclusive scenes overseen by Horikoshi to potentially smooth over any controversial points from the manga’s conclusion. Furthermore, the spin-off manga My Hero Academia: Vigilantes continues to expand the world, and there are numerous one-shots and supplemental content projects, including art books and fan books, that keep the MHA economy active.

The continuing flow of content means that the MHA brand will remain highly visible, mitigating the immediate shock of the manga’s ending and allowing Horikoshi the necessary creative space before he launches his next major venture. This strategy is a textbook example of brand management for a billion-dollar global franchise.

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Conclusion: A New Era for Shonen and Manga Investment

The curtain call on My Hero Academia signals the end of one heroic saga but also the exciting dawn of another. While the immediate focus shifts to promising new titles like Ichi the Witch, the true replacement—the next major cultural phenomenon—will undoubtedly be Kohei Horikoshi’s original, as-yet-unrevealed manga series.

The entertainment market is keenly watching his next move, understanding that a new Horikoshi project represents a significant financial investment and a guaranteed magnet for global readership. Whether it’s a return to high-stakes action or a dive into the unnerving depths of horror, one thing is certain: the legacy of Plus Ultra will live on, both in the continuing MHA franchise and in the highly anticipated new challenges the master storyteller is already crafting for Weekly Shonen Jump.

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