My Hero Academia author’s new horror manga Quit Laughing, Shijima was just released in English
Kohei Horikoshi, the creator behind the massively popular My Hero Academia manga series, has surprised fans with a significant genre departure. Following the conclusion of My Hero Academia’s anime adaptation last year, Horikoshi has released Quit Laughing, Shijima, a 61-page horror/romance one-shot that marks a striking tonal shift from his previous work.
The standalone story centers on Azumi, a second-year high school student harboring romantic feelings for Shijima, a charming and outgoing upperclassman known for her distinctive boisterous laugh. However, the narrative subverts typical romantic comedy tropes, introducing horror elements that complicate the expected meet-cute scenario.
Quit Laughing, Shijima was released in Japan on August 10 as part of Weekly Shonen Jump’s 37/38 issue through the Shonen Jump app and website. Simultaneously, an English simulpub digital release became available on the Shonen Jump App, making the story immediately accessible to international readers. This quick localization reflects the significant global fanbase Horikoshi has cultivated through My Hero Academia.
The one-shot represents an intriguing creative direction for Horikoshi as he explores new storytelling territory following his decade-long tenure with My Hero Academia. The combination of horror and romance in a contained narrative format showcases the artist’s willingness to experiment with different genres and tones, potentially signaling varied projects ahead as he moves beyond the superhero action that defined his recent career.