announcement
Kohei Horikoshi Horror One-Shot Drops This August in Jump
My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi returns with Don't Laugh, Shijima-san, a 61-page horror one-shot releasing August 10 in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Horikoshi's First Post-MHA Release: A Horror Story
Kohei Horikoshi is back. The *My Hero Academia* creator announced on July 29 that he'll release a new one-shot titled Warawanaide yo Shijima-san (Don't Laugh, Shijima-san) in the combined issue 37/38 of Weekly Shonen Jump, hitting shelves in Japan on August 10, 2026.
This marks Horikoshi's first major manga release since My Hero Academia concluded its serialization in 2024 after 42 volumes. The one-shot is described as a "boy meets girl horror" story—a sharp departure from the superhero action that made him a household name.
What We Know About Don't Laugh, Shijima-san
The one-shot will span 61 pages and includes a full-color opening spread. Beyond the "boy meets girl horror" tagline, plot details remain under wraps, though promotional art released alongside the announcement depicts the story's two protagonists.
Horikoshi has publicly expressed interest in the horror genre before, making this one-shot a chance for him to explore darker, more atmospheric storytelling outside the shonen action framework. The standalone format suggests a self-contained narrative rather than a setup for a new serialization, though Horikoshi has previously expanded one-shots into full series.
Why This Matters for MHA Fans
For readers who followed *My Hero Academia* through its decade-long run, Don't Laugh, Shijima-san offers a first look at Horikoshi's range as a creator. The shift to horror isn't just a palette cleanser—it's a signal that one of modern shonen's most successful mangaka is willing to experiment rather than immediately return to the superhero well.
The timing is also notable. With the My Hero Academia anime wrapping in December 2025 and the manga complete at 42 volumes, Horikoshi's return to Weekly Shonen Jump keeps his name in circulation while he presumably develops his next long-form project.
When and Where to Read It
Don't Laugh, Shijima-san will release in Weekly Shonen Jump's combined issue 37/38 on August 10, 2026 in Japan. This is a Japan-only release for now, but we'll be working to bring you the English edition when it becomes available.
English-speaking readers can typically access new Shonen Jump releases through Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump service, often simultaneously with the Japanese release, though official English availability hasn't been confirmed yet for this one-shot.
Whether this one-shot becomes a cult favorite or a stepping stone to Horikoshi's next serialization, it's a rare opportunity to see a proven mangaka tackle unfamiliar genre territory. Mark your calendars.