Over the years, manga has become increasingly accessible around the world. In addition to more and more series being licensed, in general, it has become easier than ever to read manga digitally thanks to the advent of manga platforms and apps, especially since many of them offer at least the most recent chapters for free.
It has never been easier to read manga legally than it is now, and as such, some manga are much more worth someone’s time than others. As with all media, opinions on manga are inherently subjective, but between various factors, such as a manga’s art style, its writing, and its overall creativitysome manga certainly end up having more appeal than others, and have received widespread praise for it. Mangas like this are among the best manga a person could read, and some, in particular, deserve special mention.
30
Kagurabachi surpassed all expectations to become a great new release
Written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono
Year of release |
2023 |
Editor |
Shueisha |
Where to read online |
Manga Plus, Viz |
While Kagurabachi was a source of ridicule even before its premiere thanks to the edginess of its premise, Kagurabachi It quickly proved to be a genuinely good manga, with engaging characters and incredible fight scenes in each arc. Kagurabachi It’s one of the best manga to debut Shonen Jump Weekly in recent years, and it’s unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon, it’s a perfect story to continue.
29
Sakamoto Days’ incredible action cannot be underestimated
Written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki
Sakamoto Days centers on Taro Sakamoto, a former top-notch assassin who traded his life of crime for a peaceful existence running a convenience store. Despite his attempts to leave the underworld behind, Sakamoto’s past catches up with him when old rivals and dangerous enemies reappear, threatening his newfound tranquility. Forced to defend his family and business, Sakamoto must call on his lethal skills as he faces the unexpected and humorous challenges of balancing his everyday life with the chaos of his former profession.
- Cast
-
Tomokazu Sugita
- Release date
-
January 5, 2025
- Seasons
-
1
- Creator(s)
-
Yuto Suzuki
Since its debut in 2020, Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days was one of the best action manga for its beautiful art and inventive fight scenes reminiscent of John Wick.all executed through masterful panels and choreography. There are few manga running Shonen Jump now that they are as fun to read as Dias Sakamotoand with the Dias Sakamoto anime starting soon, now is the perfect time to start reading.
28
One Piece is the undisputed modern king of Shōnen manga
Written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda
One piece is the first of Shōnen JumpThe Big Three, as well as the series that gave rise to several ideas that would become common tropes in the genre. Following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his eclectic crew of pirates in search of the legendary titular treasure, One piece tells an epic saga defined by unique and unforgettable adventuresas well as iconic and complex characters with intricate stories and developments.
While there are several ways to enjoy this story, including a live-action adaptation whose sequel has been confirmed, the original is hard to beat.
27
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure lives up to its name with some of the wildest manga action
Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a revolutionary manga that has only recently received the credit it deserves outside of Japan. The series is a multigenerational epic that follows members of the Joestar family as they battle a wide range of supernatural threats. Although the series has always been popular JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure I didn’t see the real success until the third part, Stardust Crusadersand the introduction of Stands.
Despite the series’ conventional beginning, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure became one of the wildest manga ever published. Much of this is due to the inventive powers of Stands, which can do everything from haunt people’s dreams, stop time, and turn people into living bombs. What really makes the series, though, is the art, as Hirohiko Araki’s realistic and dynamic art makes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure one of the most beautiful mangas of all time. All of this makes the series completely unique and worth reading for anyone curious.
26
Chainsaw Man Redefined What’s Possible in Shōnen Manga
Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Chainsaw Man is an adaptation of the popular manga written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, which airs on Crunchyroll in the west. Denji, a young man who works tirelessly for the Yakuza to pay off the debt his late father tasked him with hunting demons with the help of his little friend Pochita, also known as the Chainsaw Devil. When the Yakuza kill him to win a contract with another demon, Pochita saves Denji, and the two form a contract, allowing Denji to take revenge on the Yakuza. Now wanted by an agency known as the Public Security Division, Denji joins a team led by the mysterious Makima. Denji now tirelessly hunts Demons in the service of his new flame, Makima, slowly reaching his ultimate goal of facing the ultimate Demon.
- Cast
-
Ryan Colt Levy, Fairouz Ai, Sarah Wiedenheft, Suzie Yeung, Reagan Murdock
- Release date
-
October 11, 2022
- Seasons
-
1
- Streaming Services
-
Hulu
- Writers
-
Tatsuki Fujimoto
Some shōnen manga has always been as consistently shocking as Chainsaw man. The series follows a young man named Denji who, after being dismembered by a gang, is resurrected as the titular Chainsaw Man. Recruited to work for public safety by the mysterious Makima, Denji works alongside his roommates Aki and Power to fight demons. .
Part of what makes the series so notable is how it twists classic shōnen tropes, like chainsaw man always deconstructs the most common clichés of its genre to make a much darker story than its contemporaries. Despite this darkness, there is a spark of hope at the heart of the series that ensures it never goes too far. Combine this with Denji being one of the most psychologically complex shōnen heroes, and it’s easy to see why chainsaw man It’s one of the best manga.
25
#DRCL Midnight Children reimagines Dracula with great success
Written and illustrated by Shin’ichi Sakamoto
Year of release |
2021 |
Editor |
Shueisha |
Where to read online |
VIZ Media (browser only) |
Bram Stoker Dracula is one of the most famous works of English literature of all time, so a manga adaptation might raise some eyebrows. However, the presentation of #DRCL Midnight Children is nearly flawless, thanks to Sakamoto’s hauntingly beautiful and equally horrifying art. It adds a satisfyingly original twist to the original Dracula story, remaining faithful to the setting while also feeling unique, especially with the focus on Mina Murray and the cast.
The story feels eerily like a moody period piece, but it spares no visual expense to convey shocking, visceral horror as Dracula’s threat approaches. #DRCL is also compelling because it explores the genre through the eyes of Mina and Lucy as they navigate this increasingly frightening plot. It doesn’t hurt that the series is released in elegant hardcover volumes that would easily fit on a bookshelf stealthily next to the Jane Austen books.
24
Fire Punch is manga at its most extreme
Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Before Look back, chainsaw man and Goodbye EriTatsuki Fujimoto burst onto the scene with his hit series, Fire Punch, which is one of the most absurd and unique shonen in recent years. Set in a desolate world ravaged by an eternal winter, Agni and his sister have regeneration abilities and cut off their hands to feed the villagers. However, one day, soldiers stumble upon the village and when leader Doma sees the cannibalistic lifestyle, he orders the massacre of everyone. Unfortunately, Agni’s sister’s regeneration isn’t fast enough to heal her burns, but Agni’s is. Consumed by Doma’s unquenchable flames, Agni’s only desire is to take revenge on Doma.
The series is bloody, strange, raw and action-packed, and there is no end to the amount of grotesque scenes. It was Fujimoto in his truest form, and that’s part of the series’ charm. While the controversial scenes it portrays may be disheartening to many, the overall story, world building, protagonist and main villain are incredibly well executed and do Fire Punch a brilliantly written story.
23
Blue Box is a sports romance with a serious heart
Written and illustrated by Kouji Miura
Taiki Inomata, a high school student at Eimei Academy, is a dedicated badminton player and in love with Chinatsu Kano, a basketball star. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways when Chinatsu moves in with Taiki’s family. Balancing sports, school, and budding feelings, Taiki aims to prove he’s worthy of her admiration as he fights for the national championships.
- Cast
-
Reina Ueda, Akari Kito, Shoya Chiba
- Seasons
-
1
- Creator(s)
-
Koji Miura
Romance has always been an important genre for manga, and Few modern romances are as sincere and sweet as Blue Box. The series follows a young badminton player named Taiki as he falls in love with the basketball player he trains with every morning, Chinatsu. Although Taiki was content to just admire Chinatsu from afar, their relationship changes when she moves in with his family for a while.
Considering the success of the recent Blue Box anime, of course Shōnen Jump has a lot of confidence in the relatively new series. What makes it work so well is the chemistry between Taiki and Chinatsu. Their deep characterization makes them one of the most believable couples in the history of romantic manga.
22
Vinland Saga is the best historical fiction manga
Written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura
While historical titles may be common in the medium, few choose to portray the complicated lives of the Vikings, which allows Vinlândia Saga stand out just for its premise. However, Vinlândia Saga it certainly has many more aspects worthy of recommendation beyond the single themelike the complex characters, the intricate yet brutal story, and the incredibly detailed art style.
The events revolve around Thorfinn, whose life is redefined by the death of his father, a great Viking warrior. Joining the mercenary crew of those who killed his family, he initially seeks only power and revenge, though his motivations and goals change as he grows into one of the best pacifist characters in the medium.
21
Land Of The Lustrous Is A Triumph In Fantasy Action
Written and illustrated by Haruko Ichikawa
Land of the Lustrous is an anime series set in the distant future where crystalline beings called Gems fight the inhabitants of the moon who seek to capture them and turn them into decorations. Phos, one of the Gems, is tasked with creating a natural history encyclopedia, leading them on an introspective journey to find their purpose and strength.
- Cast
-
Tomoyo Kurosawa, Sarah Wiedenheft, Ai Kayano, Yumi Uchiyama, Ayahi Takagaki, Mamiko Noto, Shelley Calene-Black, Heidi Hinkel
- Character(s)
-
Phosphophyllite, Phos, Diamond, Rutile, Jade, Euclase
- Release date
-
October 7, 2017
Land of the Brilliants is a truly unparalleled title, telling a unique story set in a world unlike any other. The central characters are anthropomorphized gems known as Lustruous, who, under the guidance of the mysterious but powerful Kongou-sensei, have to defend themselves from the countless attacks of the Lunarians, a species of inhabitants of the Moon who seek to use their crystalline bodies as weapons and decorations.
However Land of the Brilliants initially it seems to be an innocent story depending on the creativity of its premise, Land of the Brilliants slowly but surely reveals itself to be much darker and more impactful than any reader could have expectedand with its incredibly unique and beautiful art style, it’s worth more than anyone’s time.
20
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is the manga that redefines Romcoms
Written and illustrated by Aka Akasaka
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is an anime series that follows the psychological warfare between two high-ranking student council members, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, who refuse to confess their feelings for each other first, believing it would show weakness. . Set in an elite high school, the series mixes comedy and romance as the characters engage in elaborate mind games to get each other to admit their love.
- Cast
-
Makoto Furukawa, Aoi Koga, Konomi Kohara, Ryōta Suzuki, Miyu Tomita
- Release date
-
January 12, 2019
- Seasons
-
3
When it comes to romance manga, there are few that are better to read than Kaguya-sama: Love is War. The story follows the titular Kaguya, as well as Miyuki, two top students at an elite school who, despite being in love, are too proud to admit it, instead trying to convince the other to confess first. The mix of psychological mind games with romcom antics makes Kaguya-sama: Love is War one of the most exclusive manga released in the last decadeand overall, it’s an experience that no reader will regret giving a chance to.
19
Real is the darker version of Takehiko Inoue’s basketball manga
Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
Year of release |
1999 |
Editor |
Media Preview |
Where to read online |
Unavailable |
Created by Takehiko Inoue, the genius behind famous titles like Dunk and TrampTakehiko Inoue Real is a title that, while it may not have received as much attention or critical acclaim as its older brothers, shouldn’t be overlooked either. The story follows three main characters, all struggling with their own personal issues. One of them is a former star athlete who became disabled due to an illness, and another also had his life redefined after being paralyzed as a result of a traffic accident.
While this is definitely not Takehiko Inoue’s first basketball manga, Real stands out from other sports manga for its darker narrative and realistic depiction of sportsspecifically the physical and mental impact it can have on a person. It’s an incredibly unique type of sports manga, and any fan of the genre would be remiss to pass it up.
Written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari
Some seinen series had the instant success enjoyed by Oshi no Koselling over 15 million copies in nearly four years since its debut in 2020. The series initially plays out like a typical reincarnation story only to evolve into a scathing and sometimes uncomfortable examination of pop culture in Japan. The young doctor Gorou is reincarnated as Aqua Hoshino, the son of his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino; he soon sees the dark side of this industry, fueling a dark obsession as he seeks revenge on his biological father.
Not only is it Oshi no Ko an acclaimed manga but has a strong anime footprint with a viral adaptation in the works, with its second season adapting the beloved 2.5D Stage Play Arc. The series sometimes delves into uncomfortable territory, including mental health issues, stalking, violence and murder. But it’s also a captivating story with a fantastic cast of supporting characters.
17
Yotsuba and! It’s the height of the Slice-Of-Life manga
Written and illustrated by Kiyohiko Azuma
Year of release |
2003 |
Editor |
Yen Press |
Where to read online |
Unavailable |
As it is a slow-paced work with a gentle atmosphere typical of iyashikei titles, Yotsuba and! It may not have a particularly complex setting or story, but that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the best comedy titles in the medium..
Revolving around the titular Yotsuba Koiwai, this manga is an honest and nostalgic exploration of the curious minds of innocent children who see every unknown as a new opportunity to have fun. Given that Yotsuba has recently moved to a new place, her world is full of new things to discover, taking readers along on her journey and reminding them of simpler times that many may have forgotten due to her fast-paced environments.
16
Naruto is one of the most beloved manga in the world
Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto
Many popular shonen fighting manga focus heavily on the protagonist, and while Naruto Uzumaki is certainly compelling, the naruto The series features a stellar ensemble spanning a world of ninjas. Naruto’s journey begins as a young genin, as he dreams of becoming the Hokage, ruler of Konohagakure, his home village. However, he must first deal with the circumstances of his birth and his outcast status while defeating powerful enemies who wish to control the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him.
naruto is a monolith like one of the shonen “Big Three”, next to One piece and Bleach. It has sold 250 million copies, making it one of the best-selling manga of all time, and is loved by readers all over the world. There were even several series sequels with its most recent story Boruto: Two Blue Vortexestaking the next generation of Konoha ninja on their own adventures. THE series is so loved that some of naruto most profound quotes can be carried by your viewers for a lifetime.
15
Bleach is still one of the most iconic Shonen manga of all time
Written and illustrated by Tite Kubo
While Tite Kubo Bleach is often seen as the weakest of the “Big 3” of Shonen manga, Bleach is one of the best Shonen manga to read thanks to excellent character writing and stylish action and art. Fans of Shonen manga will not be disappointed with Bleachand with the franchise finding new life with the return of its anime, now is the perfect time to jump into the iconic series.
14
Golden Kamuy is a fun exploration of culture
Written and illustrated by Satoru Noda
Kamuy Dourado It’s the definition of an underrated gem and deserves so much more recognition for how good it is. War veteran Sugimoto meets Asirpa, a young woman from the Ainu tribe, on a fateful day and after taking down an aggressive bear. Asirpa agrees to help Sugimoto in his search for a huge stash of gold, as her father’s death was linked to it. The duo travels across Hokkaido and neighboring regions in search of treasure and embarks on the craziest adventures among their goals.
The Golden Kamuy range is excellent. Not only does it provide detailed information and lessons about Ainu and Japanese culture and history in general, it’s also hilarious, has some incredibly well-choreographed fights, and a very strong cast of characters. The duo that later becomes a trio with the addition of Shiraishi is also the main hook of the series. Kamuy Dourado is an emotional rollercoaster of a series that won’t disappoint anyone who takes a leap of faith.
13
Dragon Ball is one of the most important manga of all time
Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama
When it comes to shōnen manga, few can claim to have the same influence as Akira Toriyama. Dragon ball. From tournament arcs to powerful transformations and friendships with rivals, if a popular shōnen trope wasn’t started by Dragon ballso it was at least perfected by him. Given its high degree of influence and mythical status, it is tempting to wonder how well the manga might compare to its contemporaries.
Fortunately for fans, Dragon ball is as current in the modern day as it was in 1984. While there are definitely some dated jokes and the plot isn’t always as slick as a modern series, the series’ dynamic action makes it an incredibly satisfying read. Dragon Ball The funnier moments also help set the franchise apart from many of its more serious successors.
12
Spy x Family combines action and comedy perfectly
Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo
Spy x Family is possibly the most beloved ongoing manga series from the Shonen Jump+ digital label, and for good reason. Tatsuya Endo has created an elegant and intricate Cold War-inspired world where Agent Twilight, disguised as the Ostanian Loid Forger, must infiltrate Ostanian high society and broker peace between them and Westalis. But Loid is not alone, as his family and cover stories boast unique secret gifts, with his wife Yor being an assassin, his adopted daughter Anya being a telepath, and his dog Bond having the power of precognition.
The adventures of the Forger family are perfect comfort food for readers who crave cozy manga that can also deliver tense action and heartwarming drama. Anya Forger alone is iconic enough to carry the franchise before memorable arcs and world-building are even considered. With the biweekly series recently celebrating the release of chapter 100, there are no signs of slowing down.
11
Blue Lock revolutionizes the sports genre
Written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro; Illustrated by Yusuke Nomura
Thanks to Blue LockThe deconstructive approach to the sports genre paired wonderfully with some of the most gorgeous art in modern mangahas become a sports story that always delivers action and drama and never fails to look good while doing so. Blue Lock It quickly became one of the biggest anime franchises in the world, and with the quality of the manga, it’s easy to see why.