Hakuri, the acclaimed author and illustrator of the popular manga series One Room of Happiness (Sachiiro no One Room), is set to captivate readers once again with a brand new series titled WITCHRIV. The new manga will debut on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform on October 23.
Hakuri’s Latest Venture: “WITCHRIV”
The announcement of WITCHRIV comes as exciting news for fans of Hakuri’s distinctive storytelling and art style. While specific plot details for WITCHRIV are still emerging, the title itself suggests a departure into a world that likely involves magic or supernatural elements, a theme Hakuri has touched upon in previous one-shots like “Meririrarariri”. This new series will be hosted on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform, known for its diverse range of digital manga titles.
Publication Details and Release
WITCHRIV is scheduled to launch on October 23. This digital-first approach aligns with current industry trends, making the manga readily accessible to a global audience upon release through platforms that support Shonen Jump+.
Hakuri’s Esteemed Career and Previous Works
Hakuri gained significant recognition for One Room of Happiness, a psychological drama that explored complex themes of abuse, kidnapping, and the search for solace. The series, which ran in Square Enix and Pixiv’s web manga magazine Gangan Pixiv from February 2017 to December 2022, garnered immense popularity, reaching over 75 million viewers by June 2017.
The Impact of “One Room of Happiness”
One Room of Happiness concluded with its 11th volume in December 2022. The manga’s unique and often controversial narrative, focusing on a kidnapped girl who finds a form of happiness with her captor, resonated deeply with many readers. Crunchyroll has licensed the manga for English digital publication, making it available to an international readership. The series also inspired a live-action television drama adaptation in July 2018, though its portrayal of sensitive themes led to some criticism and a partial cancellation on TV Asahi in the Kanto region.
Other Notable Works by Hakuri
Beyond One Room of Happiness, Hakuri has also penned a prequel spinoff titled Seikai no Tantei (The World’s Detective), which followed the character Detective Hijiri Matsubase. This spinoff, published by Square Enix, ran for four volumes and concluded in May 2022. Hakuri’s other works, listed on platforms like MangaDex and MangaUpdates, showcase a versatility across genres including drama, supernatural, romance, and tragedy. These include one-shots and shorter series such as “Meririrarariri”, “How Pathetic We Are”, and “I was Wrong.”
The launch of WITCHRIV marks a new chapter for Hakuri, promising another compelling story from a creator known for their thought-provoking narratives and distinctive artistic vision. Fans are eagerly anticipating the debut on October 23 on Shonen Jump+.
