Generation So Depressed, Manga’s Big 4 May Officially Return in 2027 To Save It 12 Years Later

What if 2027 became the year manga’s legendary Shonen generation stormed back into the spotlight? Masashi Kishimoto is preparing a new Naruto manga, 12 years after the original Naruto manga’s conclusion in November 2014; One Piece continues its record-breaking voyage; Yoshihiro Togashi has completed manuscripts for more Hunter x Hunter chapters that are highly likely to be published in 2027. Meanwhile, Bleach is approaching the end of its Thousand-Year Blood War anime adaptation, leaving fans wondering whether Tite Kubo has another ace up his sleeve.

Suddenly, the old guard has a chance to dominate the conversation again. For a generation nostalgic for the manga that defined its childhood, 2027 could be a massive reunion. But with some projects confirmed and others still wishful thinking, could the industry’s legendary heavyweights really make next year their comeback season?

Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and Hunter x Hunter Eye a 2027 Comeback

In October 2026, the official Naruto website announced a new manga, Naruto: Shadow Rising, drawn by creator Masashi Kishimoto, alongside a broader franchise initiative called PROJECT RASENGAN. The announcement revealed a teaser featuring the original Team 7 and promised further details at Jump Festa 2027.

One Piece also has a substantial 2027 slate, aside from its ongoing status on Weekly Shonen Jump. The official franchise website has announced THE ONE PIECE, a new anime adaptation of the East Blue saga produced by WIT Studio, for February 2027. A new theatrical film, ONE PIECE FILM GOD VALLEY, is scheduled for summer 2027 as well.

Bleach could also grab the spotlight after Thousand-Year Blood War reaches its anime conclusion in 2026. With the final cour, The Calamity, bringing the adaptation toward its finish, fans may begin looking toward Tite Kubo’s other unfinished stories. The most tantalizing possibilities are a continuation of the Bleach: Hell Arc one-shot or another installment of Burn the Witch, Kubo’s series set in the same broader universe. Furthermore, the official anime website has announced BLEACH FES, a two-day event scheduled for February 27–28, 2027, celebrating the television anime’s conclusion.

Hunter x Hunter manga is currently on hiatus after Chapter 420. However, Togashi has continued sharing manuscript updates, reporting that manuscripts No. 427 to 430 were complete in September 2026. If Togashi resumes serialization next year, the long-running Succession Contest arc could finally move forward after another agonising wait.

Additionally, Shueisha’s official book website announced HUNTER×HUNTER THE STAGE 4, with the production split into two parts scheduled for Tokyo and Kyoto in 2027. The first part is planned for January–February, and the second for July–August. The adaptation will cover the Chimera Ant arc, featuring Gon, Killua, Meruem, and the Royal Guard.

The Big 4 Return Can Revive The Dying Shonen Genre

A manga panel of Naruto wearing the Hokage hat from Naruto: Shadow Rising. [Credit: Masashi Kishimoto]

Calling Shonen manga a dying genre is dramatic enough to deserve its own villain monologue. Although contemporary hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer have built enormous audiences, they have all ceased publication. Weekly Shonen Jump and the animanga industry, in general, are desperate for a proper Shonen title. Yes, Kagurabachi has already caught readers’ attention, but it hasn’t had the same impact that the Big 4 did. That’s why 2027 will be crucial for the Shonen genre.

One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Hunter × Hunter, and Dragon Ball did not merely sell volumes; they dictated global pop culture lexicon through world-building masterclasses, agonizingly earned rivalries, and structural patience.

Naruto turned an outcast’s determination into a story about recognition, friendship, and breaking cycles of hatred. Bleach fused supernatural battles with striking character designs, stylish sword fights, and a mythology that continues to invite discussion. One Piece built a sprawling adventure around freedom, loyalty, inherited dreams, and the promise that the next island could change everything. Hunter x Hunter also redefined Shonen power systems with Nen.

Together, the Big 4 bring emotion, and that emotional connection is precisely why a meaningful return could make waves in 2027.

Which legacy Shonen franchise do you want to see make a triumphant return in 2027? Drop your thoughts below!