Shonen Jump has seen plenty of works come and go. It’s always bittersweet to see a long-running series end. Recently, though, there’s been a push to keep popular series afloat with anime adaptations. One such series just got big news! Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s quirky middle school hitman action manga Kill Blue has ended serialization in Shonen Jump as of August 31, 2025. Without missing a beat, the magazine then announced that an anime adaptation is slated for release in 2026!
About the Series
Juzo Ogami is a notorious hitman with no qualms about killing. His name has become a legend in the criminal underworld, and yet, life leaves him feeling unfulfilled. After one particular job, he’s stung by a genetically modified wasp. Instead of gaining superpowers, he is reverted to his adolescent self. Now this middle-aged man trapped in a kid’s body is given a chance to go back to middle school and live the life he never could. For the first time in his life, Juzo will contend with homework, grades, and making friends, all while keeping his hitman skills concealed. What’s more, the secret to getting his adult body back may be closer than he thinks.
Who Created Kill Blue
Tadatoshi Fujimaki is best known for his manga series Kuroko’s Basketball. The series originally ran in Shonen Jump from 2008 to 2014 with an anime adaptation airing from 2012 to 2015. It follows Kuroko, a basketball prodigy, as he faces former teammates to reach the national tournament. Kuroko’s Basketball was a monumental success with just the right mix of sports drama and fictional entertainment.
Fujimaki’s other noteworthy work is Robot x LaserBeam, which was serialized from 2017 to 2018. It follows Robota “Robo” Hatohara, who, despite his robotic demeanor, discovers a passion for golf. Though not as popular, Robot x LaserBeam carried the same “superpower sports” formula as its predecessor.
What to Expect
The anime adaptation of Kill Blue will be handled by studio CUE, which has provided photography services for several anime, including Uzaki-Chan Wants to Hang Out and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. This will be the studio’s first foray into animation, but there is some impressive talent behind the project. The former executive officer of Production I.G., Rui Kuroki, is the president and CEO of CUE. Hiro Kabunagi (Great Pretender, My Little Monster) will direct Kill Blue and Miho Daidoji (Kuroko’s Basketball) will work on the character designs.
With no anime track record, it’s hard to anticipate what the Kill Blue anime will look like, even with a brief teaser trailer. That said, fans can expect plenty of crazy, borderline absurd action, with a healthy dose of anime school hijinks and even a little romance. The anime is slated for release sometime in 2026. Until then, fans can find the Kill Blue manga available to read through VIZ Media’s online platform Shonen Jump+.
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