One of the most fascinating phenomena of the internet age is its ability to create intricate, community-driven narratives that blur the lines between fiction and reality. One such story unfolded in the fall of 2023 around Weekly Shonen Jump's manga, Kagurabachi, written by Takeru Hokazono. This series, which started as a semi-ironic meme, evolved into a cultural sensation, defying initial skepticism and gaining a dedicated following both domestically and internationally.
The Meme That Sparked a Movement
On September 13, 2023, an X (formerly Twitter) user posted a meme comparing Kagurabachi to Boruto, sparking a wave of ironic praise and exaggerated acclaim for the yet-to-be-released manga. The meme quickly gained traction, with users across social media platforms hailing Kagurabachi as one of the greatest manga series of all time, even though only the cover and a brief synopsis had been revealed.
The meme that started it all.
These two images were enough for them to know that the series will be the best of all time, even though the first chapter hasn’t even been released yet.
The premise of Kagurabachi seemed standard for a shonen series: Young Chihiro, trained by his famous swordsmith father, seeks revenge after a tragic event disrupts their peaceful life. The synopsis, combined with some color preview illustrations of the protagonist Chihiro wielding a katana, fueled the meme-driven hype. The internet community, doubting the series' longevity and quality, ironically elevated it to legendary status.
The Meme Gains Momentum
In the week leading up to the release of the first chapter on September 19, the internet was abuzz with discussions about Kagurabachi. When the first chapter of Kagurabachi finally dropped, the series managed to live up to the hype, at least partially. Readers found the story engaging, with its blend of family tragedy, revenge, and dark sorcery set in a crime-infested Tokyo. Chihiro's quest to hunt down the wielders of six stolen enchanted blades, with the help of his own magical sword, provided a compelling narrative that quickly garnered a loyal readership.
The chapter has just been released and people are already making memes about a Kagurabachi anime.
To be fair, shiredora_’s art for the series does make it look like a legit anime.
The community's commitment to the meme was evident as people pretended that the series had already achieved monumental success. Some even joked about an anime adaptation being in the works by major studios like MAPPA, further blurring the line between reality and fiction. Aleks Le, a voice actor known for his work in anime, even joined the fun by posting a TikTok edit of the manga with voice acting and sound effects, further blurring the lines between meme and reality.
This grassroots marketing campaign was unlike anything seen before. The meme, originally doubting the manga's longevity, inadvertently created a dedicated fanbase eager to see if Kagurabachi could live up to its exaggerated reputation.
The Fujoshi Factor
Despite its promising start, Kagurabachi faced the ever-present threat of being axed by Shonen Jump, a fate that befalls many new series in the highly competitive manga industry. However, as the series continued, an unexpected demographic began to emerge as a crucial part of its fanbase: the fujoshi, fans who create and consume boys' love (BL) content.
Bachibros knew that they shouldn’t underestimate the power of fangirls, especially the fujoshi—and so they welcomed them with open arms.
As Kagurabachi's popularity grew, so did the amount of BL fan art featuring its characters. This surge in fan activity caught the attention of Shueisha, the publisher of Shonen Jump, who recognized the potential of this passionate and dedicated audience. Rather than shunning the fujoshi community, Kagurabachi's fandom embraced them, coining the term "Bachibros" to include all fans of the series.
This inclusive approach not only bolstered Kagurabachi's domestic popularity but also significantly increased its international appeal. The manga's success overseas did not go unnoticed by Shueisha, who began to treat Kagurabachi as a special case within its roster. The series received a VOMIC (voice comic) adaptation, which was notably produced with an English translation, a departure from the usual all-Japanese format. This move highlighted the publisher's recognition of Kagurabachi's unique position as a manga with significant global appeal.
【Weekly Shonen Jump】KAGURABACHI #1【MANGA ANIMATION】
【Weekly Shonen Jump】KAGURABACHI #2【MANGA ANIMATION】
【Weekly Shonen Jump】KAGURABACHI #3【MANGA ANIMATION】
The Journey to Success
Kagurabachi's journey from meme to mainstream success is a testament to the power of internet culture and the unpredictable nature of fandom. What began as a meme, driven by skepticism and irony, transformed into a beloved series with a dedicated global following. Takeru Hokazono's manga not only survived the harsh realities of the competitive manga industry but thrived, thanks in large part to the passionate and diverse community that rallied around it. Kagurabachi's story is a remarkable example of how modern fandom can shape and sustain a series, turning the improbable into reality and creating a new kind of legend in the world of manga.
As of now, Kagurabachi enjoys high sales and stands as one of the most successful Shonen Jump manga among its batch. Its rise to prominence, fueled by a blend of ironic humor and genuine engagement, offers valuable lessons for both creators and publishers about the evolving landscape of fan culture and the potential for unconventional paths to success.
You can start reading Kagurabachi by buying the manga like a true Bachibro, available here at ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Does Kagurabachi have the potential to become the next big thing in Shonen Jump?
Will Kagurabachi have an anime adaptation in the future?
Will Chihiro finally be able to seek revenge?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
