In a sea of isekai and supernatural tales, Ah, My Next Job Is To Exterminate Monsters (あっ、次の仕事はバケモノ退治です。) stakes its claim as a pulse-pounding, coming-of-age action manga.
Serialized on Cycomi and penned by Motoi Ichimura with scenarios by Zoo, the series blends knotty mysteries, heart-stopping fights, and genuine character growth into one addictive package.
Here’s why this under-the-radar title deserves a spot on your reading list.
1. Premise & Worldbuilding
Younger brother of the entertainment agency world? Think again. When Aoharu Kubota, a mild-mannered part-timer at Kamishiro Entertainment, stumbles upon a hidden corridor beneath the office, he’s thrown headfirst into a secret war against “Gaijū” — grotesque creatures that feed on human malice.
Unwittingly drafted as a monster hunter, Aoharu must learn to fight, protect the innocent, and unravel the agency’s buried secrets before the next full moon rises.
Behind this twisty setup lies a surprisingly coherent lore: Kamishiro Entertainment isn’t just a talent agency, but a front for those sworn to shield humanity from spectral horrors.
Contracts signed in blood. Battles waged in the moonlight. And Aoharu, completely unprepared, becomes the linchpin in this clandestine crusade.

2. Characters Worth Rooting For
- Aoharu Kubota: Our reluctant hero begins as the agency’s low-profile odd jobber. Through each Gaijū encounter, we witness his confidence bloom alongside his blade-wielding skills. His naïveté makes him relatable, but his determination elevates him to a true protagonist.
- Mirei Seki: A veteran exorcist and Kamishiro’s star talent. Cool, aloof, and deadly accurate with her sacred spear, she becomes both mentor and foil to Aoharu, pushing him to face his fears while masking her own hidden regrets.
- Supporting Cast: From the stoic agency director who knows more than he lets on, to rival hunters whose allegiances shift like desert sands, the side characters are colorful enough to steal scenes without overshadowing the leads.
Each newcomer adds a fresh layer—be it comic relief, moral quandaries, or shocking treachery—ensuring the stakes stay high chapter after chapter.

3. Themes of Growth and Belonging
At its core, Next Job is about finding your place in a world that suddenly feels much darker. Aoharu’s evolution from office underling to monster-slayer mirrors universal anxieties: stepping out of comfort zones, shouldering unexpected responsibilities, and learning that true courage often means admitting your shortcomings before charging into the fray.
More subtly, the manga explores the price of secrecy. As Aoharu uncovers the agency’s hidden history—ancient pacts, failed exorcisms, and cover-ups—readers are reminded that every organization, heroic or not, carries its scars. How one contends with past sins can define their future.

4. Art Style & Action Choreography
Zoo’s scenario work shines brightest when paired with Ichimura’s dynamic linework. Panels burst with kinetic energy: gaudy tensions crackle when a Gaijū lunges; sacred seals glow with otherworldly light; and each slash of Aoharu’s blade feels weighty and consequential. The contrast between the agency’s sleek offices and the gaudy horror of monster lairs amplifies every high-stakes moment.
Even quieter scenes—Aoharu nursing wounds, or Mirei’s rare glimpses of vulnerability—are rendered with expressive subtlety. The art never rests on a single note, weaving horror, humor, and heartbreak with equal skill.

5. Pacing & Serialization Notes
Since its debut in late 2019, the series has rolled out weekly on Cycomi, culminating in over 270 chapters collected across 22 volumes as of mid-2024 (Official Raw).
Long-running by webcomic standards, it benefits from tight plotting: major arcs resolve before fatigue sets in, secondary mysteries ignite just as you crave new questions, and the balance between monster-of-the-week and overarching conspiracy keeps readers eagerly clicking “Next.”
That said, slower mid-arcs occasionally test patience, particularly when new factions emerge. But thanks to strong character hooks, even these detours yield satisfying payoffs.

6. Why It Stands Out
- Balanced Tone – It melds horror-tinged battles with slices of office life, creating a tonal cocktail that’s both eerie and earnest.
- Character-Driven Stakes – Every fight carries emotional weight because Aoharu fights for friends he’s truly connected to—no cardboard cutouts here.
- World Lore – The agency mythos unfurls at a leisurely clip, rewarding long-term readers while keeping newcomers in the loop.
For fans of Jujutsu Kaisen or Blue Exorcist looking for a fresh spin on occult warfare, this series delivers a lean, engaging narrative without dragging its feet.

7. Final Verdict
Ah, My Next Job Is Monster Extermination or Aa, Tsugi no Shigoto wa Bakemono no Taiji desu doesn’t reinvent the supernatural thriller, but it refines its ingredients to near-perfection. With a winning combination of relatable protagonists, high-octane battles, and a steadily deepening mystery, it’s a shining example of why web-serialized manga can rival print heavyweights.
Whether you binge the collected volumes or catch it weekly on Cycomi, prepare to be hooked.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)
Recommended for: Lovers of urban fantasy, action-packed horror, and protagonists whose greatest power is the courage to keep fighting—one monster at a time.
Happy hunting!