Summary
Quick Links
For decades, Shonen Jump has been a cornerstone of manga, deliveringcountless beloved seriesthat define generations. However, in recent years, cracks have begun to show in the once-flawless facade. While the “Shonen formula” has long been a blueprint for success, many argue that its overuse, reliance on tropes, and resistance to meaningful evolution are now undermining the magazine’s legacy.
Yet, the foundation is still everpresent, and while the building might be falling off, Shonen Jump still possesses everything it needs to climb back up. But, what’s essentially happening, and why has a fan-favorite publisher started producing flop after flop? The answer lies in execution:
The Shonen Formula is Tricky
A Double-Edged Sword
Shonen Jump’s traditional approach revolves around key themes: friendship, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. Protagonists often start as underdogs, gain power through training, and face increasingly challenging foes. While this formula has producedlegendary titles likeNarutoandOne Piece, its repetition has bred predictability.
The difference between the novice and the master is that the master has failed more times than the novice has tried.
Recent series struggle to innovate within these constraints. While fans once eagerly awaited each new arc, many now feel fatigued by the same progression of training arcs, tournament battles, and power-ups. Without fresh storytelling, the formula risks becoming stale, alienating long-time fans and failing to attract new readers.
Over-Reliance on Legacy Titles
They’re No Longer Cutting it For Newbies
The success of titles likeOne Piece,My Hero Academia, andJujutsu Kaisenhas been both a blessing and a cursefor Shonen Jump. While these series have sustained readership, they’ve also overshadowed newer works. WithMy Hero AcademiaandJujutsu Kaisenconcluding andOne Piecenearing its end, the magazine faces an identity crisis.
Jump’s hesitation to fully invest in fresh ideas exacerbates this issue. Promising series likeSakamoto DaysandKaiju No. 8show potential but lack the marketing push to reach the iconic status of their predecessors. This leaves readers questioning whether the magazine can foster the next generation of blockbuster hits.
The Problem of Power Creep
How Does One Keep a Series Going?
Power escalation—a hallmark of Shonen storytelling—has increasingly become a problem. Series often escalate stakes to unsustainable levels, introducing characters and abilities so overpowered that they undermine earlier conflicts. Titles likeDragon Ball ZandNarutoexemplified this issue, but recent series likeBlack Cloverhave doubled down, leaving audiences desensitized to tension and drama.
The minute you think of giving up, think of the reason why you held on so long.
Additionally, the trope of “fake-out deaths” further erodes stakes. Characters frequently return from seemingly irreversible fates, diminishing emotional impact. Fans have criticizedMy Hero AcademiaandBlack Cloverfor such moments, labeling them “Mickey Mouse moves” that prioritize convenience over meaningful storytelling.
Lack of Character Depth In Recency
Try-harding on Irrelevant Trends
Shonen Jump’s expansive casts have historically been a strength, offering rich worlds filled with diverse personalities. However, recent series often fail to balance their ensemble. Sidecharacters frequently lack development, relegated to filler roles or comedic relief.
Here’s a comparison of past and present approaches to side characters:
Without a consistent focus on side character growth, modern titles lose the richness that once set Shonen Jump apart.
Resistance to Evolution and Risk
But There’s Hope, and It’s Showing
The manga industry has evolved, with platforms like Jump Plus showcasing darker, more experimental series such asChainsaw Man. However, Shonen Jump’s mainline offerings remain conservative, adhering to tried-and-true formulas.
This reluctance to embrace change not only limits creative potential but also risks alienating a growing audience seeking more mature, nuanced narratives.
Titles likeDandadanandSakamoto Daysdemonstrate the potential for genre fusion and innovative storytelling, blending elements of comedy, horror, and action. Yet, these series remain outliers, as Jump prioritizes safe, traditional concepts over riskier ventures.
Sakamoto Days
A 2025 anime, Sakamoto Days is an action-comedy based on Yuto Suzuki’s shonen manga, which debuted in 2020. The series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has been enjoying the family life for years. He spends his days running a small store alongside Shin, but his peaceful existence is regularly interrupted by ghosts of the past.
