Former Weekly Shonen Jump editor-in-chief Kazuhiko Torishima recently ignited controversy during a panel at Napoli Comicon 2026, via a post from @XMathemagicianX on X, after delivering harsh criticism aimed directly at modern blockbuster manga. The longtime editor, famous for helping shape Dragon Ball alongside Akira Toriyama, argued that many current hits have become overcomplicated, overcrowded, and no longer accessible to younger readers.
Torishima Thinks Modern Manga Has Lost Its Simplicity
During the panel discussion, Torishima reportedly said that modern manga pages contain far too much information. According to him, readers should be able to understand a page in roughly three seconds. Instead, many current titles overwhelm audiences with dense dialogue, excessive exposition, and complicated storytelling structures that slow the reading experience.
That criticism led him to specifically single out several of today’s biggest franchises. Torishima reportedly described Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Blue Lock as examples of modern manga he strongly dislikes. He was especially critical of Chainsaw Man, while also claiming he does not believe there is currently a truly great manga running today.
For longtime manga readers, the comments felt shocking because the targeted series are some of the most commercially successful properties in the world. Demon Slayer alone sold more than 220 million copies globally, while Jujutsu Kaisen surpassed 100 million copies in circulation. Chainsaw Man has become one of Shonen Jump’s defining modern hits, especially after its hugely successful anime adaptation and recent Reze Arc movie.
Even One Piece and Naruto Were Not Safe From Criticism
Torishima did not stop with newer titles. He also criticized legendary franchises like One Piece and Naruto despite both series rising to prominence during his time at Weekly Shonen Jump. According to Torishima, One Piece has gradually become too dense and no longer feels designed primarily for children.
His comments regarding Naruto were equally blunt. While he praised the series’ early storylines, he reportedly believed the “Pain Arc” represented the last truly strong section of the manga. Torishima also revealed he wanted creator Masashi Kishimoto to permanently kill off Sasuke and leave Kakashi dead in order to preserve the emotional stakes of the story.
Those statements show Torishima’s overall philosophy regarding manga storytelling. He has repeatedly emphasized simplicity, clarity, and pacing throughout his career. That mindset heavily influenced Dragon Ball’s fast-moving structure, where Akira Toriyama often relied on visual storytelling rather than pages packed with explanations or dialogue-heavy narration.
The Manga Legend Only Praised One Modern Series
Despite criticizing most of the industry, Torishima did point to one modern manga he genuinely admires: Hirayasumi by Keigo Shinzo. He reportedly called it the only current manga truly worth reading. Torishima also praised Touch by Mitsuru Adachi as one of the greatest manga ever produced.
Torishima additionally warned that manga has become too expensive for children, which he sees as a dangerous trend for the industry’s future. His concern is that if younger readers stop buying manga, future generations of creators may never emerge. For someone who helped oversee one of manga’s biggest boom periods, the issue clearly carries enormous weight.
Not everyone agreed with how his comments spread online, however. Torishima’s agent later clarified that the editor often criticizes works because he cares deeply about them rather than because he completely hates them. Some remarks were also reportedly exaggerated or stripped of context on social media. Still, the controversy proves that when one of Dragon Ball’s most influential architects speaks about series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, the manga industry listens.
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Created by
Koyoharu Gotouge
First Film
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Latest Film
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Hashira Training
First TV Show
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Latest TV Show
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
First Episode Air Date
April 6, 2019
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a wildly popular anime and manga franchise created by Koyoharu Gotouge. Set in Taishō-era Japan, it follows Tanjiro Kamado as he battles demons and seeks a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who was turned into one. The franchise includes a manga, anime TV series, films, video games, and spin-offs. Known for its stunning animation and gripping storyline, Demon Slayer is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
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Created by
Gege Akutami
First Film
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Latest Film
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
First TV Show
Jujutsu Kaisen
Latest TV Show
Jujutsu Kaisen
Upcoming TV Shows
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese anime and manga series created by Gege Akutami. The story is set in a world where Cursed Spirits, born from negative human emotions, prey on humanity. It follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after swallowing a cursed talisman—Ryomen Sukuna's finger—and becomes the host for one of the most powerful curses. Yuji joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to learn how to combat curses while searching for the remaining fingers of Sukuna to exorcise him permanently.
English (US) ·