Epic New Action Series Apollyon Is The Jujutsu Kaisen Successor Fans Have Been Waiting For (Exclusive)

The battle shonen genre is always searching for its next breakout hit, especially as major modern anime and manga franchises continue to evolve or end. For readers looking for a new action series that combines supernatural combat, dark fantasy themes, and an underdog protagonist, Apollyon is emerging as a title worth checking out. The GlobalComix-exclusive series brings together an ambitious creative team led by writer Brandon Chen and co-creator Valkyrae, blending familiar shonen genre strengths with a distinct world of its own.

Chen is no stranger to successful comics, having previously created series such as Just a Goblin, Samurai no Tora, and Blood System. With Apollyon, however, he is aiming for something even larger in scope. The series recently reached a major milestone, with its first three chapters set to become available through GlobalComix’s upcoming print-on-demand initiative, giving fans a new way to experience the story beyond digital platforms, where it is already available on the GlobalComix website.

Apollyon Has a Dark Fantasy World Built for Modern Shonen Fans

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At the center of Apollyon is a unique setting divided between two dramatically different societies. High above the world floats Caelira, a seemingly perfect city in the clouds where magic flourishes. Far below lies Chasm City, a harsh environment built around a massive abyss where those without magic are cast aside and forced to survive among demons.

The story follows Neru, the son of Caelira’s most powerful wizard. Despite possessing tremendous magical potential, he suffers from a devastating flaw: he cannot cast spells. His inability to meet expectations results in exile to Chasm City, where he resigns himself to a life far removed from the greatness associated with his family name.

Everything changes when Neru encounters a fallen Angel, a being believed to have vanished from existence. The encounter unlocks his dormant abilities and gives him a chance to reclaim the future he thought was lost. However, the Angel’s power attracts dangerous attention, placing Neru at the center of conflicts that could reshape both worlds.

The setup immediately taps into many of the qualities that have made modern action series so successful. Readers are introduced to a protagonist burdened by expectations, a richly layered power system, and a world filled with mystery, political tension, and supernatural threats. These ingredients create a foundation that feels familiar to battle shonen fans while still carving out its own identity.

Why Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Should Pay Attention to Apollyon

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During an exclusive interview, Chen discussed the comparisons many readers have already made between Apollyon and some of the biggest names in contemporary manga and webcomics. According to Brandon Chen, the series shares its strongest similarities with Jujutsu Kaisen when it comes to combat and overall structure.

“It’s closest to Jujutsu Kaisen in terms of battles, because it is a traditional character-focused battle shonen. Thematically, it’s closer to Attack on Titan. And the coloring style, we took some inspiration from Solo Leveling, absolutely.”

– Brandon Chen

Chen explained that Apollyon functions as a traditional, character-focused battle shonen. That description alone will likely catch the attention of readers who enjoy seeing power systems develop alongside emotional character arcs. Like Jujutsu Kaisen, the action is designed around the growth of its cast rather than just being there for hype alone.

At the same time, Chen noted that the series’ themes are closer to Attack on Titan. Questions of legacy, social division, and the harsh realities of the world play a major role throughout the story. The divide between the privileged citizens of Caelira and the outcasts of Chasm City creates a backdrop filled with moral complexity and larger societal conflicts.

The creative team also looked toward Solo Leveling for visual inspiration. Chen revealed that elements of the coloring style were influenced by the enormously popular Korean series. As a result, Apollyon combines battle-focused storytelling, darker thematic material, and eye-catching visuals into a package that feels tailored for modern fantasy-action audiences.

Apollyon is a Major Opportunity for Independent Comics

Apollyon’s upcoming print-on-demand release represents more than just another format for readers. It also shows how rapidly the digital comics landscape continues to evolve. GlobalComix’s new initiative could help bridge the gap between web-first storytelling and traditional comic collecting, allowing fans to physically own series that previously existed primarily online.

For independent creators, that development carries significant potential. Print production has historically been one of the largest barriers facing emerging comic and manga projects. Print-on-demand options reduce those obstacles while giving creators additional ways to reach audiences and generate support for their work.

The timing feels especially good for Apollyon. With Valkyrae’s involvement, Brandon Chen’s growing catalog of successful projects, and increasing interest from fantasy-action readers, the series is positioned to expand beyond its existing audience. These exclusive images and storyboards from Apollyon’s first three chapters further show the confidence behind the project and offer fans a deeper look into its creative process.

As readers continue searching for the next great battle fantasy series, Apollyon is making a great case for itself. Combining supernatural action, layered worldbuilding, and themes that break through with fans of today’s biggest genre hits, it may be one of the most promising new names in digital comics.