The manga world is abuzz as “Ichi the Witch,” a recently launched series, experiences a significant surge in sales, largely attributed to a recommendation from Kohei Horikoshi, the acclaimed creator of My Hero Academia. This boost highlights the influence of established mangakas and the impact of their endorsements on the success of newer works.
Horikoshi’s Recommendation: A Golden Touch
Kohei Horikoshi, the mind behind the hugely popular My Hero Academia, has a track record of boosting manga sales through his recommendations. His recent endorsement of Ichi the Witch has proven to be no exception. This new manga, penned by Osamu Nishi and illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, only began serialization in early September 2024 in the Weekly Shonen Jump, making it a relatively recent addition to the manga scene. Horikoshi’s recommendation came as My Hero Academia concluded its run, which led fans seeking new series to follow Horikoshi’s advice.
What is “Ichi the Witch” About?
Ichi the Witch introduces readers to a unique world where a boy named Ichi becomes the first male witch. The manga has garnered attention for its interesting premise, with its first volume released in Japan on January 4, 2025. As of today, January 20, 2025, there are 16 chapters released. It’s available to read for free on MangaPlus and Viz Media.
Sales Surge and Market Impact
The impact of Horikoshi’s recommendation on Ichi the Witch‘s sales has been remarkable. The manga has not only seen a considerable increase in sales but has also surpassed other established manga series, including Sakamoto Days, on Shoseki. Sakamoto Days even has a running anime series, making the achievement even more impressive. This highlights the power of a veteran mangaka’s support and its potential to elevate a new series.
Good Sales Equal Continued Serialization
For new mangas, maintaining consistent sales is critical for continued serialization. Low sales can often lead to a manga series being canceled, especially when it’s early in the run and doesn’t have an established fanbase. Horikoshi’s recommendation has served to give Ichi the Witch an important level of exposure that has helped boost its sales. The positive sales figures not only secure the manga’s continued run, but also raise hopes for a future anime adaptation.
The Influence of Mangaka Recommendations
The phenomenon of mangakas recommending other series is not new, but it shows the close-knit community of creators within the manga industry. When an established artist with a large following recommends a new series, it carries significant weight and can lead to a substantial boost in readership. This kind of support is often vital for new series, helping them overcome the challenges of gaining exposure in a crowded market.
Horikoshi’s Previous Recommendations
Horikoshi’s previous recommendations have also resulted in major success, with Blooming Love and Kagurabachi becoming major hits after his public support. He also recommended Dragon and Chameleon by Ryo Ishiyama, stating that it was made by someone who truly loves shonen manga. Additionally, I Went to Another World and My Sister was Already Reigning as the Demon Lord was also recommended by Horikoshi.
My Hero Academia’s Legacy
My Hero Academia recently concluded its run, with its final volume becoming the best-selling volume of the franchise, selling over 800,000 copies in December 2024. The final volume included an epilogue that, while initially met with mixed reviews, ultimately contributed to a huge sales boost. In fact, My Hero Academia was the second highest selling manga series in December 2024, selling 1,182,751 copies, second only to Jujutsu Kaisen. This strong finish underscores the series’ legacy and enduring appeal.
Horikoshi’s Early Works
Prior to creating My Hero Academia, Kohei Horikoshi created a number of one-shot mangas, as well as shorter series. These include Tenko, My Hero, Oumagadoki Zoo, and Barrage. He has stated that his favorite manga series as a child were Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for “Ichi the Witch”
The ongoing sales boost for Ichi the Witch, driven by Kohei Horikoshi’s recommendation, underscores the power of endorsement within the manga community. This new series, with its unique storyline, has a great opportunity to establish itself as a popular and successful manga. The continued growth in sales also indicates a promising future for the manga and hints at the possibility of an anime adaptation in the future. As manga fans continue to discover new and exciting series, the influence of creators like Horikoshi is likely to remain significant in shaping the industry’s landscape.
