Kohei Horikoshi Turns to Horror with a Mysterious New Shonen Jump One-Shot
--
FOLIO OTN – Following the conclusion of My Hero Academia, creator Kohei Horikoshi is preparing to explore a completely different storytelling territory. His upcoming one-shot, Don’t Laugh, Shijima-San, will move away from the superhero battles that made him famous and instead introduce readers to a story built around mystery and horror. The special chapter is scheduled to appear in Weekly Shonen Jump on August 10, 2026.
The upcoming project has been described as a boy-meets-girl horror story, immediately suggesting that Horikoshi intends to combine elements of a personal relationship with something considerably more unsettling. The central female character is known as Moku-San, a girl who is constantly seen smiling. However, her cheerful appearance may conceal a disturbing secret.
Shueisha has released new promotional artwork featuring the mysterious heroine alongside a modern cityscape. While the illustration presents Moku-San in a seemingly playful manner, the description surrounding the project raises questions about what lies beneath her friendly expression. This contrast between an innocent appearance and an ominous mystery could become one of the story's defining features.
Read more: Beyond Quirks! The Most Formidable Sword Fighters in My Hero Academia
Read more: A Fierce Battle! Kengan Omega Manga Chapter 367 Release Schedule Free English Translation
The one-shot will contain 61 pages, giving Horikoshi considerably more space than a typical short chapter to establish the characters, atmosphere and central mystery. For readers familiar with his previous work, the project represents an intriguing opportunity to see how his visual style and storytelling techniques translate into the horror genre.
Horikoshi has previously expressed interest in creating horror-related material, making this project a long-awaited opportunity for him to experiment outside the superhero genre. Rather than continuing immediately with another large-scale action series, the manga creator appears ready to challenge himself with a story built around suspense and fear.
One major question remains unanswered: Is the new horror story connected to the world of My Hero Academia? At present, there is no official confirmation that Moku-San or the events of Don’t Laugh, Shijima-San exist within the same universe as U.A. High School and its heroes.
