Gajeong-Gyosa Hitman Reborn! #1

Gajeong-Gyosa Hitman Reborn! first appeared in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in 2004, written and illustrated by Akira Amano. The series began as a gag manga centered on the comedic life of Tsunayoshi Sawada, a timid middle school student who is suddenly groomed to become the tenth boss of the Vongola mafia family. This inaugural chapter establishes the series' signature tone, blending slapstick humor with the eccentric presence of Reborn, a hitman disguised as a toddler who uses special bullets to unlock a person's hidden potential.

Amano’s design work evolved significantly throughout the series, moving from initial gag-focused character caricatures toward a more stylized, action-oriented aesthetic that became a staple of mid-2000s shonen manga. While the first issue was initially received as a quirky addition to the Jump lineup, the series eventually found a dedicated global following as it transitioned into the intense battle-shonen genre that defined its mid-run. This first volume remains a notable touchstone for the evolution of the genre during that decade.