The Hottest Shonen Jump Manga of 2023 - Must-Reads for Every Anime Fan

Highlights

Shonen Jump's app and subscription service offer access to popular titles like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen for only $2.99 a month.

New manga titles are regularly added to the app, coinciding with their release in Japan, to offer readers a diverse selection of options. Shonen enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the captivating storylines and distinct settings found in popular manga series such as Ice-Head Gill and Do Retry.

Shonen enthusiasts now have enhanced access to their beloved titles thanks to the launch of Shonen Jump's app and subscription service. For just $2.99 per month, fans can enjoy every chapter of popular series like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and more. The service goes beyond just the well-known titles, with new releases debuting on the app simultaneously with their release in Japan.

Currently, there are 17 ongoing series in Weekly Shonen Jump, out of which six made their debut in the magazine in 2023. All of these titles are available on the English/Worldwide Shonen Jump app, and some have already amassed over 30 chapters. The mangaka behind these series range from established names to fresh new talent.

6 Ice-Head Gill

Ice-Head Gill is Ikuo Hachiya's inaugural full manga series following his one-shot, Seiryuu no Magoi. Departing from his usual Japanese setting, Hachiya ventures into an enigmatic European backdrop for his magazine debut. The protagonist, Gill Sol, a gifted young boy hailing from the Kingdom of Ashen Ice, embarks on a quest to revive his father's tarnished reputation, brought upon by an inexplicable shift in his demeanor.

5 Nue's Exorcist

Gill immediately captivates readers with its enchanting Scandinavian backdrop and the remarkable presence of its young, matter-of-fact protagonist. Seamlessly blending the realms of sword and sorcery with rich Norse mythology, the manga effortlessly incorporates intriguing historical intricacies. As the story unfolds, Gill embarks on a captivating journey that unravels the enigma behind his father's disappearance, while sinister forces gradually grip his world in their clutches.

鵺の陰陽師, Nue no Onmyōji

Nue’s Exorcist stands out as the top contender for this year's exemplary manga in Weekly Shonen Jump that could benefit from some more refinement. Although it has garnered attention from fans and even attracted a few manga artists, Nue is still on a journey to establish its unique voice, pacing, and direction for its characters.

Manga enthusiasts should take note that the series currently consists of 13 chapters, with more to come. Within these chapters, readers will witness Yajima's evolution from a traumatized individual to embodying the strength and resilience of his late father. Nue, the central spirit, sets off his quest with a significant power boost, accompanied by the series' noticeable trend of intriguing female character designs.

4 Do Retry

Do Ritorai's main appeal lies in its setting - post-World War 2 Japan. Stories unfolding in this era often carry a weighty tone, and this manga is no different. It opens with an air raid, setting the stage for Aoozora's arduous journey in the initial chapters.

As mature as the setting is, the manga’s action, dialogue, premise, and character journey are firmly targeted towards the specified demographic of young readers, as per Weekly Shonen Jump. Aoozora, with an almost comedic level of pain tolerance, demonstrates his ability to bounce back from gang beatings and car crashes. His unwavering determination and resilient nature guide him through the world of underground boxing, all for the sake of his sister who suffers from tuberculosis.

3 Martial Master Asumi

アスミカケル, Asumi Kakeru

Martial Master Asumi offers a refreshing take on the genre compared to its counterparts, Baki and Kengan Ashura. The introduction of mixed martial arts to its characters feels organic, even when one character possesses extraordinary fighting abilities. Furthermore, the grappling and action choreography are presented in a realistic manner, matching their real-life counterparts.

The transition of Kawada from sumo to MMA is highlighted through three main characters, each with their own unique perspectives on fighting and strength. Nito, despite his natural fighting talent, detests violence. Okiba, on the other hand, struggles to live up to her strong principles due to her lack of skills. Lastly, Yuya possesses no formal training whatsoever. With its abundance of pages per chapter, Asumi promises readers plenty of thrilling action and character development.

2 Kill Blue

Introducing Kiru Aoi, the new creation by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, the mind behind Kuroku no Basket. Dive into the thrilling world of hitmen and assassins with Kill Blue, a manga that combines the essence of Sakamoto Days and Detective Conan or ReLive. Action enthusiasts will get a taste of what they can anticipate from this series.

1 Tenmaku Cinema

Hitman Ogami had a far from conventional upbringing, which is why when he undergoes a reverse aging process, he embraces the opportunity to immerse himself in middle school education with genuine enthusiasm. Of course, there are certain conditions attached to his newfound lease on life: he must continue attending middle school to retain his position within the assassin organization and, most importantly, he must find a way to revert back to his original age, which was close to 40.

テンマクキネマ, Tenmaku Kinema

The creators of Food Wars have returned with their latest project, Tenmaku Cinema. The story follows Shinichi Hajime, a passionate movie enthusiast in junior high school who becomes possessed by the spirit of Tenmaku Takehiko, a talented young screenwriter. Shinichi is faced with a choice - assist Tenmaku in bringing his unwritten work to life or be stuck with his ghostly companion forever.

As expected from the talented duo, the artwork, pacing, and humor in Tenmaku Cinema come together seamlessly, immersing readers into Shinichi's world. The manga provides glimpses into the world of cinema, from scriptwriting and producing to the intricacies of acting. With Shinichi, Tenmaku, and Hinaki's shared passion for movies, as well as the growth of the cinema club, this manga is a must-read for any cinema lover right from the beginning.