The term "shonen" literally means "boy" or "youth" in Japanese, and it typically refers to manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animated series).
Shonen media usually features male protagonists who embark on action-packed adventures, battles, or quests, often in fantastical or sci-fi settings. These stories frequently explore themes such as friendship, perseverance, heroism, and coming of age. The action sequences are often intense, with a heavy focus on martial arts, superpowers, or special abilities. Shonen media has a wide and diverse audience, and it's not uncommon for adults to enjoy these stories as well. In recent years, there has been a increasing demand and viewership in the United States as well. Some of the most iconic shonen series include Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Attack on Titan.