Shōnen Jump, renowned as the cradle of iconic manga series, has been the launchpad for legendary titles including Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and Demon Slayer.However, the year 2024 posed challenges for the magazine, particularly due to the conclusions of two of its flagship series, Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. The departure of these beloved titles created a noticeable gap in Shōnen Jump’s offerings, prompting fans to speculate about which new narratives would emerge to capture their attention.
Emerging swiftly to fill this void is Osamu Nishi’s and Shiro Usazaki’s creation, Ichi the Witch, which made its debut in September 2024. Almost immediately after its first volume hit Japanese bookstores, it became a sensation, with shops struggling to keep it in stock. This enchanting tale, characterized by its rich fantasy world, elements of magic, and adventurous spirit, has quickly gained traction both in Japan and abroad. An interview with author Osamu Nishi sheds light on the inspirations that contributed to the series’ swift rise to popularity.
The Newest Hit of Shōnen Jump Draws Inspiration from Iconic Franchises
Inspirations from Magical Girls and Pokémon Shape Ichi the Witch
Ichi the Witch captivates readers predominantly through its character interactions, yet both the magical system and the expansive world it inhabits contribute significantly to its allure. In a recent discussion on Shueisha’s manga platform, Manga Plus, Nishi shared insights about key influences on the series. Among them, she pointed to magical girl classics such as Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, aiming to create a fantasy narrative where the protagonist embarks on a quest to gather dispersed magic.
Moreover, the series’ engaging concept of capturing creatures—known as Magiks—was influenced by the beloved Pokémon franchise. Nishi reminisced, stating, “Both series brought me a lot of joy during my childhood.”This blending of elements from well-established and successful anime draws in fans and might explain the rapid escalation in Ichi the Witch’s popularity.
Ichi the Witch Strikes a Chord with Audiences
Masterfully Aligning with Shōnen Traditions
While many stories experience a fleeting presence in Shōnen Jump, often fading without significant recognition, Ichi the Witch distinguishes itself through a formula that successfully embraces the quintessential elements of shōnen. The protagonist, Ichi, embodies the typical characteristics found in the genre; however, his dynamic interactions with a colorful ensemble of characters create a thrilling blend of adventure and action.
The character Desscaras, who designs herself as the ultimate witch, radiates charm and allure—traits that are sure to resonate with shōnen fans. When combined with a unique power system and a well-crafted world, this creates a compelling narrative already showing early promise in its success. By integrating inspirations from some of the most celebrated titles in anime history, Shōnen Jump is poised to bolster Ichi the Witch as its next major hit. With leading series currently on hiatus, now presents an ideal moment for readers to delve into this fantastic new story.
Source: Manga Plus
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