Kohei Horikoshi is back — and this time, he is not bringing heroes. The creator of My Hero Academia just dropped a brand-new one-shot manga called Quit Laughing, Shijima (also known as Don’t Laugh, Shijima-san), and it has the entire manga world buzzing. Published in the combined Issue 37/38 of Weekly Shonen Jump on August 10, 2026, this 61-page full-colour horror story is a complete genre shift from the superhero epic that made Horikoshi a household name.
But here is where it gets truly wild: Studio Bones — the same studio behind the My Hero Academia anime — is reportedly already in talks for an anime adaptation. That is right. Before most fans even finished reading the one-shot, the anime wheels were already turning.
What is Quit Laughing, Shijima About?
The story follows Azumi, a student who has just transferred to a quiet seaside city. There he meets Shijima, a mysterious girl with an infectious laugh that captivates everyone around her. But Azumi quickly discovers that he is the only one who can see the strange, unsettling events plaguing the town.
The dark truth? Shijima has been designated as a sacrifice to an ancient sea god. The city has a long-standing tradition of offering its citizens to the entity, and Shijima is next in line. Unwilling to accept this fate, Azumi resolves to save her at any cost.
VIZ Media described the one-shot as a “boy-meets-girl horror” tale, and early readers are calling it one of the most atmospheric pieces Horikoshi has ever created. The creepy character designs and darker tone showcase a side of the My Hero Academia creator that fans have never seen before.
Why This One-Shot Matters
Horikoshi concluded My Hero Academia in August 2024 after a decade-long run that spanned 430 chapters, a blockbuster anime by Studio Bones, multiple films, and a global fanbase of millions. His first new work in Weekly Shonen Jump since that monumental ending was always going to be a big deal.
But choosing horror over action? That is the real surprise. During MHA, Horikoshi was known for his dynamic fight scenes and emotional character moments. Quit Laughing, Shijima proves he can craft genuine dread and suspense — a skill that could open doors to entirely new creative territory.
The fact that the manga was published entirely in full colour also sets it apart. Most Weekly Shonen Jump one-shots are black and white, but Shueisha gave Horikoshi the premium treatment, signalling just how much confidence the publisher has in his new direction.
Studio Bones Anime Adaptation Rumours
According to reports from Game Rant and multiple industry insiders, Studio Bones has already begun preliminary discussions about adapting Quit Laughing, Shijima into an anime. This is not entirely surprising — Studio Bones and Horikoshi have a deep working relationship that produced some of the most visually stunning anime sequences in recent memory.
If the adaptation moves forward, it would mark the first time a Horikoshi work gets an anime outside the My Hero Academia franchise. The horror genre is also seeing a surge in anime popularity, with titles like Uzumaki by Junji Ito and Dorohedoro proving that dark, atmospheric stories can thrive in animated form.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Is Losing It
Within hours of publication, Quit Laughing, Shijima was trending worldwide on social media. Fans flooded Twitter and Reddit with reactions, artwork, and analysis. The consensus? Horikoshi has still got it.
Many fans noted the stark contrast between this horror one-shot and the bright, hopeful world of My Hero Academia. Others pointed out the parallels between Azumi’s determination to save Shijima and Izuku Midoriya’s never-give-up attitude — suggesting that Horikoshi’s storytelling DNA remains intact even in a completely different genre.
The phrase “Horikoshi horror era” started trending within the first 24 hours, with fans begging Weekly Shonen Jump to turn the one-shot into a full series.
Where to Read Quit Laughing, Shijima
The one-shot is available for free on the MANGA Plus app and the MANGA Plus by Shueisha website. You can also find it on the Shonen Jump App. This simulpub digital release means fans worldwide can read it simultaneously with the Japanese audience.
If you have not read it yet, do yourself a favour and check it out. At 61 pages, it is a quick read, but the atmosphere and art will stick with you long after you finish.
What do you think? Is Kohei Horikoshi about to start a horror era, or will this one-shot remain a standalone experiment? And would you watch a Studio Bones anime adaptation of Quit Laughing, Shijima? Drop your thoughts below — we want to hear from you!
Related: A Massive September Event Just Dropped: What It Means for JJK Fans Forever | Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 Is Now Streaming — And Part 2 Might Make You Wait Until 2027
One thought on “Kohei Horikoshi Just Dropped a Horror One-Shot and Studio Bones Is Already Talking Anime”