Post-Plus Ultra: Kohei Horikoshi Teases His Next Major Project Following the Conclusion of My Hero Academia

The final curtain has fallen on My Hero Academia, one of the most successful and influential shonen manga of the past decade. Creator Kohei Horikoshi brought the epic saga of Izuku Midoriya and his journey to become the world’s greatest hero to a definitive, and for many fans, satisfying, close. However, the world of manga never truly sleeps, and the industry’s most prodigious talents rarely rest on their laurels. Even as the final compiled volume, complete with an extended epilogue, hits shelves, Horikoshi-sensei has already confirmed that his next major work is in the conceptual stage, promising a replacement that aims to achieve what the world of Quirks never could.

The immense pressure accompanying the end of a cultural phenomenon like MHA is undeniable. With the series boasting over 100 million copies in circulation worldwide and a top-tier anime adaptation, the anticipation for Horikoshi’s follow-up is through the roof. This article delves into the latest news and speculation surrounding the mangaka’s future, examining what Horikoshi’s next manga could be and how it might impact the landscape of Weekly Shonen Jump.

The Definitive Conclusion and Epilogue

The My Hero Academia manga finale, culminating with the final chapters and the subsequent special epilogue content released in Volume 42, successfully wrapped up the sprawling narrative. While the initial concluding chapter prompted a degree of mixed feedback, the extended ending, offering an emotionally resonant look at Deku, Bakugo, Uraraka, and the rest of Class 1-A as adult Pro Heroes eight years later, largely managed to stick the landing. It provided the necessary closure on key character relationships and the societal healing process following the Final War Arc. Deku’s status as a legendary hero, the confirmation of the central romance, and the continued vigilance of the new generation solidified the series’ legacy.

This comprehensive closure is crucial because it firmly indicates that Horikoshi’s mind is moving forward, rather than focusing on a direct sequel. The door to the MHA universe remains open for potential spin-offs like My Hero Academia: Vigilantes to continue or for future one-shots, but the main story is complete. This paves the way for a truly new beginning.

Horikoshi’s Confirmed Next Step: A New Creative Challenge

In recent interviews, including a notable one with Japanese publication Men’s Non-no translated by fan sources, Kohei Horikoshi officially confirmed that he is not taking an extended break but has already entered the initial concept stage for his next serialized work. This rapid return to the drawing board is a testament to the rigorous schedule and intense passion of a top-tier mangaka.

Initially, Horikoshi expressed an interest in taking a step back from the writing process, perhaps focusing only on the art—a common practice for highly successful artists. However, he revealed that his editor strongly encouraged him to maintain full creative control, encompassing both the story and the artwork. This suggests that the publishing giant, Shueisha, has immense faith in Horikoshi’s ability to create another manga megahit entirely on his own terms. He stated his ambition is to “challenge myself to Jump one more time,” indicating a desire to launch the new series in the same prestigious Weekly Shonen Jump anthology that housed MHA for a decade.

The most compelling detail is the driving motivation behind the new project:

• What Couldn’t Be Done in MHA: Horikoshi mentioned, “Luckily, there is something I still want to do that I couldn’t do with MHA, so I’m hoping to channel that feeling into this.”

This cryptic statement immediately generates high-value speculation. What creative avenue was restricted or simply incompatible with the established themes of My Hero Academia? The highly optimistic and structured world of heroes and Quirks, though it explored dark themes, remained fundamentally a battle shonen focusing on growth, legacy, and hope. Horikoshi’s known artistic inclinations offer significant clues.

Speculating on the Genre: Horror or Something Entirely New?

Fans and industry observers have zeroed in on two key areas for the potential genre of Horikoshi’s next project:

1. Horror Manga:

For several years, Horikoshi has openly discussed his personal interest in drawing a horror manga. His artistic evolution throughout MHA, particularly in the character designs of villains like Shigaraki and the intense, almost grotesque final battles, showcased a growing inclination toward darker, more unsettling imagery. This shift in style, evident in the late-game arcs of MHA, suggests a horror or dark fantasy setting might be the “something I still want to do.” A high-concept horror title published in Weekly Shonen Jump would be a major development, capitalizing on his strong art style while differentiating it entirely from the superhero world.

2. A Complete Genre Pivot:

Another possibility is a complete departure, potentially a more grounded slice-of-life, sports, or even a historical piece, aiming for a different pace and tone than the relentless weekly action of MHA. However, given his immediate return to the writing process and his success in the action genre, a pivot within action/fantasy remains the most likely scenario, perhaps a dark fantasy that emphasizes different forms of power, like magical realism, rather than superpowers.

The CPC (Cost Per Click) and SEO Impact: The New Shonen Landscape

The immense success of Horikoshi’s brand guarantees high search volume for his new series. The title, once announced, will instantly become a top SEO search term. For advertisers, the high CPC keywords associated with his work include:

• “Next Shonen Jump Hit”
• “Horikoshi Manga Release Date”
• “Manga Industry News”
• “Best New Manga 2026” (or the relevant year of launch)
• “Manga Streaming Platforms” (Viz Media, Shonen Jump+)

Horikoshi’s return is crucial for Weekly Shonen Jump itself, as the magazine must continue to produce new pillars to succeed departing giants. Titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Black Clover are either ending or moving publications, creating a massive void. Horikoshi’s next work is strategically positioned to be the immediate, high-profile manga succession story the magazine needs.

The Final Verdict

Kohei Horikoshi is a proven creative force whose passion for storytelling and dynamic artwork remains unmatched. While My Hero Academia may have concluded its epic narrative, the author’s statement that he’s already back at work on a concept that fulfills a creative ambition he couldn’t realize in the world of Quirks is electrifying news for the global manga community. Whether it’s the long-teased horror venture, a unique spin on a different action genre, or a completely left-field concept, fans are preparing to witness the genesis of what will undoubtedly be the next colossal franchise to dominate the global manga market and become the new sensation in the anime and manga news cycle. The stage is set for Horikoshi to prove that his creative legacy is about more than just one hit series—it’s about continuous, boundary-pushing storytelling.

Readers should stay tuned to official Shueisha and Shonen Jump official announcements for the highly anticipated reveal of this next-generation manga.