Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi has quickly risen to prominence within the Shonen Jump universe, captivating readers with its darker, revenge-driven narrative that starkly contrasts the legendary One Piece. With the impending conclusion of several iconic manga series, fans are eagerly seeking the next big hit, and Kagurabachi is emerging as a strong contender.
A Departure from the Shonen Norm
While many new manga creators draw inspiration from Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, Hokazono deliberately set out to craft something different. Kagurabachi, with its protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira, offers a narrative steeped in darkness and introspection, far removed from the adventurous and light-hearted journey of Luffy’s crew. Hokazono’s goal was clear: to provide a fresh, more somber experience in the shonen genre, one that explores themes of revenge and the complexities of life and death.
In a recent interview, Hokazono shared his thoughts on One Piece and how its global success influenced the creation of Kagurabachi. He expressed his desire to deviate from the established shonen mold, explaining, “Shonen Jump already has legendary manga like One Piece. I wanted to offer a new manga with my quiet, low-key, dark protagonist, and since JUMP doesn’t have many revenge-themed manga, I created Kagurabachi.”
Inspirations and Influences
Hokazono’s influences extend beyond the world of manga. He credits filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher for inspiring the darker elements of his narrative. Additionally, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto played a significant role in shaping the visual style of Kagurabachi, particularly in its use of black-and-white contrasts and innovative compositions.
Reflecting on his journey, Hokazono revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic rekindled his childhood dream of becoming a manga artist. Encouraged by his recognition from Slam Dunk author Takehiko Inoue, Hokazono dropped out of college to pursue his passion, with the full support of his parents.
A Rising Star in the Manga World
Despite having fewer than 50 chapters, Kagurabachi has already garnered significant attention online, with fans hailing it as a potential successor to Jujutsu Kaisen. The series stands out for its deep exploration of its protagonist’s traumatic past, which has resonated with readers and set it apart from other shonen titles.
Hokazono’s deliberate departure from the more upbeat tone of One Piece has proven to be a successful gamble. As Kagurabachi continues to unfold, it is poised to become a major player in the shonen world, with fans eagerly awaiting its potential animation debut.
Kagurabachi is currently available on Viz Media, where it continues to captivate a growing audience.