Kohei Horikoshi is officially back in Weekly Shonen Jump, dropping a brand-new one-shot manga on August 10th, 2026—just two years after bringing My Hero Academia to a close. Marking his first entirely fresh story since My Hero Academia debuted back in 2014, the release sent massive waves of excitement through the fandom. Titled Quit Laughing, Shijima, this comedy-horror manga was met with an overwhelmingly warm reception, immediately shooting to the trending charts on the Manga Plus app, where readers can check it out for free. Proving once again why he is one of the most celebrated artists in the business, Horikoshi delivers breathtaking artwork that proves his visual talents are sharper than ever.
That said, the single-chapter format leaves fans wanting more, especially given the rich world-building and untapped potential for deeper character arcs. Fortunately, Shonen Jump frequently uses one-shots as testing grounds to gauge reader interest before greenlighting a full serialization in a magazine with notoriously tight openings. Because of this, there is a very real possibility that Horikoshi might expand Quit Laughing, Shijima into an ongoing series or return with another brand-new project in the near future.
What Is Quit Laughing, Shijima About?
Clocking in at roughly 60 pages, the narrative wraps up concisely, yet it possesses all the ingredients necessary for a full-scale serialization. The one-shot ventures into unfamiliar territory, trading the superhero society of My Hero Academia for a gloomy seaside town. The plot follows Azumi, a newcomer to the local school, who crosses paths with Shijima, an enigmatic girl whose infectious laughter naturally draws everyone’s eyes toward her. However, beneath the town’s surface lies a terrifying secret: something sinister is lurking in the surrounding ocean waters, and Azumi happens to be the only person capable of seeing these supernatural horrors.
He soon discovers a grim tradition—Shijima is slated to be the town’s latest human sacrifice to appease an ancient sea god. Determined to prevent a tragedy, Azumi vows to protect her no matter the cost. This premise flips the script on his previous work; unlike Deku, who stood out for lacking a quirk in a world full of heroes, the protagonist here is uniquely gifted with the sight to perceive the unseen. Embracing a much darker tone, the manga weaves heavy themes with unsettling, eerie character designs that highlight Horikoshi’s incredible aptitude for the horror genre.