A popular manga series, Beat & Motion, is ending its run in Shonen Jump+ this month, marking a significant moment for the digital platform. The manga, created by Naoki Fujita, winner of the reality show MILLION TAG, will officially conclude with the release of Chapter 48 on January 25, 2025. This announcement comes as a surprise to many fans, as the series has garnered considerable attention and success since its launch.
The End of Beat & Motion
Beat & Motion debuted on the Shonen Jump+ platform in February 2023, quickly attracting readers with its unique art style and compelling narrative. The manga follows the story of Tatsuhiko, a young man who initially dreams of becoming an animator but later finds his passion in music. After a period of disillusionment, he is inspired to return to his artistic pursuits, leading to a journey of self-discovery and collaboration.
A Unique Beginning
The series’ origin is quite unique, as Naoki Fujita earned the opportunity to publish Beat & Motion through his victory in the MILLION TAG reality show. This show, a “battle audition” documentary series, pitted prospective manga creators against each other, with the winner guaranteed at least one collected volume release. Despite this initial minimum commitment of four chapters, Beat & Motion has successfully grown into a five-volume manga with an anime adaptation licensed by Netflix currently in production.
What Beat & Motion is About
The manga is praised for its engaging story and beautiful illustrations. It resonates with readers through its exploration of passion, setbacks, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. Tatsuhiko’s journey, from a childhood dream of animation to a brief stint in music, and then his resurgence in the art world, provides a compelling narrative about finding and rediscovering one’s path in life. His cynical outlook, born from past bullying, transforms as he reconnects with his passions. The story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of artistic expression.
Impact and Recognition
Beat & Motion’s success is a testament to Fujita’s talent and the show’s impact on discovering new manga artists. Its serialization, which began with a modest four-chapter guarantee, has resulted in five collected volumes and an anime adaptation. This trajectory proves the show’s effectiveness in identifying and nurturing talent within the manga industry. The manga is also available in English via Viz Media and MANGA Plus, further extending its reach to international audiences.
Shonen Jump’s Changing Landscape
The conclusion of Beat & Motion is happening at a time of considerable change for Shonen Jump. Several of its major series have recently concluded, or are nearing their end, creating a sense of transition within the magazine.
End of an Era
The past year has seen the end of major franchises like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen, leaving a void in the magazine’s lineup. These series, along with One Piece, have been the backbone of Shonen Jump for years. Their conclusions have prompted a search for new titles that can capture readers’ attention and become the next big hits. The simultaneous exit of these popular series has created an urgent need for Shonen Jump to find new manga that can fill the void.
The Search for New Hits
Shonen Jump is currently looking for new manga series to take the place of these giants. While some promising new titles like Sakamoto Days, Kaiju No. 8, and Kagurabachi have emerged, none have yet reached the heights of the previous generation of popular series. This transition period is very different from the end of the “Big Three” era when Naruto and Bleach ended two years apart. The magazine faces the challenge of discovering new series that can resonate with audiences on the same level.
Other Series Nearing Their Conclusion
Adding to the shifts within the magazine, other series are also nearing their end. Mission: Yozakura Family, another long-running series, is also concluding, with its final chapter expected soon. This adds to the sense of change, as Shonen Jump loses another of its legacy series. The only remaining long-running series from the 2010s are One Piece and Hunter x Hunter, with the rest of the lineup coming from series that debuted in the 2020s. This rapid change in the magazine’s lineup indicates a focus on new talent.
What this means for Shonen Jump
The end of several major series indicates a new chapter for Shonen Jump. It signals a shift from relying on long-running franchises to embracing new, up-and-coming series. The magazine will need to focus on cultivating new talent and ensuring its lineup is dynamic and appealing to its readers. This period of transition also highlights the natural cycle of manga, where stories eventually reach their conclusions, and new ones emerge.
The Future of Shonen Jump
As Shonen Jump navigates this period of change, it is looking for new series to become the next big hits. There are a few promising titles that have the potential to reach the same heights as the older generation series.
Potential Successors
- Kagurabachi: Despite its meme status, Kagurabachi has become a popular manga in the magazine. It is highly recommended by well-known mangaka such as Kohei Horikoshi and Masashi Kishimoto and has also won a Next Manga Award.
- Sakamoto Days: This series is an action-comedy following a retired hitman, and it has been gaining popularity among readers. Its mix of action and humor makes it an appealing prospect for the future.
- Undead Unluck: Undead Unluck is also a popular manga which has recently teased a “super climax”, suggesting that it is nearing its end.
- Other Notable Titles: Other series that have been doing well include Kaiju No. 8, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Me & Roboco, Undead Unluck, Blue Box, and Akane-banashi, all of which are demonstrating a broader range of genres, from action and comedy to slice-of-life and romance.
Shonen Jump+
The Shonen Jump+ digital platform has also become an important source of new talent. The platform has been home to series such as Beat & Motion which have found success outside of the weekly magazine. This platform allows for new mangaka to experiment and reach new audiences with their stories.
Adapting to Change
The changes happening within Shonen Jump are a natural part of the manga industry, where new stories emerge as older ones conclude. Shonen Jump’s current challenges also provide an opportunity for new manga to rise to prominence. The magazine has a history of adapting to changes and discovering new talent that captures readers’ attention. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Shonen Jump.
In conclusion, the end of Beat & Motion is a milestone for Shonen Jump+, but also a reflection of the larger changes happening within the manga world. The conclusion of this series, along with others, will open doors for new stories and mangaka. The manga industry will continue to evolve as Shonen Jump and other magazines look for the next generation of popular titles.
