WhenKagurabachitouched down in the pages ofShōnen Jump, few expected the series to become a success. The fantasy action manga by Takeru Hokazono debuted in late 2023, and rather than becoming an instant hit,it immediately became a meme within the community. For weeks, manga fans flocked to the series in order to get their jokes off about just how “peak"Shōnen Jump’s latest series was.
While its opening chapters didn’t quite bring in the sort of attention an up-and-coming artist would want, it was attention nonetheless, and after only a few short months,the readers making fun ofKagurabachibecame genuine fans. Underneath its seemingly generic premise and relatively ordinary protagonist was an exciting, action-packed battle manga with tight pacing and impressive artwork. Now, with the series set to reach 100 chapters later this year,Kagurabachimight just beShōnen Jump’s strongest title.
Kagurabachi Defied the Odds to Become a Top Shōnen Jump Title
On the surface,Kagurabachididn’t look like much when it first premiered.Its stoic, if not sleepy, protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, and swordplay eerily reminiscent toDemon Slayerprompted readers to begin pretending like something incredible was unfolding in front of them. The trend caught on andKagurabachibrought in an impressive readership in its early-goings. However, as time went on and the series began building on its world,the numbers continued to rise and the jokes ended.
Chihiro’s pursuit of the six enchanted blades forged by his father continues to impress with each passing chapter, and the series' tight pacing ensures that fans are never bored from week-to-week. Its seemingly ever-improving artwork has also grabbed the attention of the manga community, andsome panels make it difficult to believe Hokazono is drawing the series weekly. Barring any potential burnout, which has been known to plague other artists inShōnen Jump,Kagurabachimay very well become one of the magazine’s best-looking titles.
Aside from the action, Hokazono has also improved on his character art. Though Chihiro remains the stoic protagonist,there have been several moments where his facial expressions do the storytelling. The series is approaching the finale of a major arc, and there’s no better time for a potential fan to get into the series.
Will There Be a Kagurabachi Anime Adaptation?
Kagurabachi Is Too Popular to Not Adapt
When a series reaches the sort of popularityKagurabachihas enjoyed for over a year, an anime adaptation usually isn’t too far behind. Now, with the 100-chapter mark on the horizon, it’s almost certain fans won’t have to wait much longer to seethe manga put to animation. The most recent chapter #77 came witha notice of a special announcement coming at the end of April, and readers will want to be sure to keep an eye out in case an anime is announced.
Kagurabachiis far too popular to be without an adaptation at this point. The series has proven it’s far more than the meme it once was, and has impressed with tight pacing, breathtaking art, and a gripping ongoing narrative.Chihiro’s search for the enchanted blades has really only just begun, and the latestShōnen Jumpsmash hit has quite a bit more to show off before all is said and done.
Kagurabachi
Kagurabachiis a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono. It began serialization inWeekly Shōnen Jumpin September 2023. The story follows Chihiro Rokuhira, an 18-year-old aspiring swordsmith whose father, Kunishige Rokuhira, was a renowned blacksmith known for forging six enchanted blades instrumental in ending the Seitei War. After his father’s murder by a criminal gang of sorcerers called the Hishaku, who also stole the enchanted blades, Chihiro embarks on a path of vengeance to reclaim them. Armed with his father’s last enchanted blade, Enten, Chihiro confronts various adversaries, including the Hishaku and other antagonistic groups.
