The Next Big 3

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The Next Big 3

The anime world is shifting fast. The old guard is fading Demon Slayer wrapped up its main story with a bang but has little left to give beyond movies or spin-offs, and My Hero Academi has already closed its curtains for good. So, if we're talking about the next BIG 3 for the new generation of fans—the series that dominate conversations, break streaming records, inspire endless memes, and keep the shonen spirit alive, who steps up? I’m putting my money on SOLO LEVELING, JUJUTSU KAISEN, and BLACK CLOVER as the rightful heirs. Here's why these three stand head and shoulders above the rest right now, and why they have the staying power to define the era.

1. Black Clover: The Spiritual Successor to Naruto "And It's Finally Back"

Black Clover was slept on for years—people called it "Naruto but with magic" as an insult, but let's be real: that's exactly why it works so well. Asta's never-give-up energy, the massive world-building, the power-scaling madness, and that underdog-to-god arc mirror Naruto's journey perfectly. It has the same heart-pounding tournaments, rivalries that hit deep, and emotional payoffs that make you cheer out loud. After a long hiatus, the anime is roaring back in 2026 with a new season (premiering early next year), picking up the Spade Kingdom Raid arc and beyond. The manga is entering its "Super Climax" phase, heading toward an epic conclusion, but the anime revival means fresh hype, new fans, and non-stop weekly discussions. If you're craving that classic shonen grind with insane growth and brotherhood vibes, Black Clover delivers it better than anything else still running strong.

2. Solo Leveling: The Power Fantasy King with Endless Potential

Solo Leveling isn't just "good"—it's a phenomenon. The manhwa already conquered the world, and the anime adaptation turned it into a global juggernaut. Season 2 dropped in early 2025 and left everyone begging for more. Sung Jin-woo's solo grind from weakest hunter to literal shadow monarch is pure dopamine: jaw-dropping animation, escalating stakes, brutal fights, and that satisfying "I am become death" glow-up. What sets it apart? It has so much left to offer. The story is far from over, with monarchs, rulers, gates, and world-ending threats still on the horizon. No filler arcs, no dragging—just relentless escalation. In a sea of recycled tropes, Solo Leveling feels fresh and addictive. It's the series new fans binge in a weekend and veterans rewatch for the chills.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen: The Dark Horse That's Built to Last

Jujutsu Kaisen is straight-up peak fiction. Gege Akutami's storytelling is ruthless—high-stakes curses, morally gray characters, insane power systems, and plot twists that hit like a Black Flash. The manga might have wrapped in 2024, but the anime is far from done. Season 3 (The Culling Game arc, Part 1) is here and it's set to be one of the biggest events of the year, expect more episodes that break the internet. JJK isn't going anywhere soon. Even post-manga, the anime has enough source material for multiple seasons, movies, and spin-offs. The fanbase is rabid, the fights are legendary, and the themes (loss, sacrifice, the ugliness of jujutsu society) give it depth that keeps people talking years later. It's the series that proves shonen can be dark, smart, and still hype as hell.

The Challenger: Lord of the Mysteries

I have to give an honorable mention to LORD OF THE MYSTERIES. The web novel is a masterpiece of mystery, cosmic horror, steampunk occult vibes, and intricate world-building. The donghua (Chinese animation) adaptation is ramping up—Special Episode 1 drops in 2026, with full Season 2 in 2027 and a long roadmap ahead. If it nails the atmosphere and complexity, it could absolutely snatch a spot from Solo Leveling in the long run. Right now, though? It's still building momentum while the other three are already dominating.

Why Not the Old Ones?

Prolonging release dates doesn't buy immortality. Once the main story ends, the cultural clock starts ticking down. Demon Slayer and MHA had their moments as "Big 3" contenders, but with no new weekly content on the horizon, they can't carry the torch anymore. The new gen needs series that are actively dropping hot and fresh episodes, manga chapters, merch sells, TikTok edits, and endless debates.

These three Black Clover, Solo Leveling, and Jujutsu Kaisen are peak in their own lanes: one for classic shonen heart, one for addictive power fantasy, one for dark, cerebral chaos. Together, they represent the best of what modern anime can be.

What do you think? Is this the new Big 3, or is there another dark horse I'm sleeping on? Drop your takes below 👇 2026 is about to be insane. 🚀

The Next Big 3

1. Black Clover: The Spiritual Successor to Naruto "And It's Finally Back"

2. Solo Leveling: The Power Fantasy King with Endless Potential

3. Jujutsu Kaisen: The Dark Horse That's Built to Last

The Challenger: Lord of the Mysteries

Why Not the Old Ones?

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