The summer anime season of 2025 is shaping up to be a comeback for many highly anticipated titles like Dandadan Season 2 and My Dress-Up Darling. However, amidst these prominent names, a newcomer has unexpectedly emerged as the “next big thing” in the shonen genre. Not only is it currently gaining traction, but it has also been highlighted in several early reviews as a title to watch!
The anime adaptation of Gachiakuta by Studio Bones – based on the original manga by Kei Urana – officially premiered its first episode last weekend. Manga enthusiasts are incredibly excited, and early reviews suggest that this series has serious potential. Just before the first season’s release on Crunchyroll, initial reviews were published, noting that Gachiakuta is generating significant buzz within the community.

Gachiakuta: A Fresh Manga Making Waves in the Anime Scene
Gachiakuta by Kei Urana first debuted in the Weekly Shonen magazine by Kodansha in February 2022. The series quickly made an impression and has been compiled into 15 volumes in Japan. The English translation of the first volume is set to be published by Kodansha in January 2024, with six volumes available and the seventh volume planned for release by the end of this month. Despite being a relatively young series, Gachiakuta has already established itself as a force within the manga landscape, and its anime adaptation is expected to follow suit.
For those unfamiliar with this exciting series, Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a young boy wrongfully accused of murder who is sent to Pit – a wasteland filled with monstrous creatures. There, he discovers a unique ability and must join the Cleaners, a group tasked with clearing the trash and combating the beasts in a bid to escape the desolate land.
What Sets Gachiakuta Apart?

Prior to its official debut on July 6, Gachiakuta received a wave of attention online with several reviews flooding the internet. Some lucky fans had the chance to preview the first episodes of the anime at this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles. According to reviews, Gachiakuta has the potential to become a prominent contender in the shonen category, alongside heavyweights like Solo Leveling, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen!
FandomWire noted, “The first two episodes of Gachiakuta showcase its potential to become the next big shonen series as Bones Film continues to refine every aspect, from the soundtrack to the animation.” This sentiment was echoed by Gizmodo, stating that Gachiakuta is poised to be “the next major breakthrough.” Gizmodo’s review also highlighted Gachiakuta’s unique position in the evolving shonen landscape: “It doesn’t just replicate the success of Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia; it opens a wider space to create a bold, dynamic universe that hopes to leave a lasting impression.”
According to Comicbook