Manga, the popular and addictive style of comic book/graphic novel produced and published in Japan, has been sweeping onto bookshelves of readers across the country over the last few years. Many know the joy of discovering or falling in love with a new series (and heatedly debating favorite characters and arcs with friends), but if you’re new to manga, now is the time to jump in! Here are our favorite, massive series we’re loving right now.
Attack on Titan, Volume 1
Hajime Isayama
The finale is almost here. After over a decade, this critical and commercial action series has come to its thrilling conclusion. This post-apocalyptic dark fantasy follows the teenaged Eren Yeager on his vengeful, and highly personal battle to save humanity from the humanoid Titans. While the print editions will soon be fully completed, we still have the final episodes of the anime to look forward to in 2022.
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1
Gege Akutami (Created by)
Spooky season is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than with one of the bestselling horror manga series of all time? First-year sorcerer Yuji must exorcise Curses that manifest themselves from the flow of negative energy; we have new volumes (and battles) to look forward to through next year.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1
Koyoharu Gotouge
Tanjiro goes on a journey of self-discovery to become a demon slayer, in effort to save both his beloved sister and humanity itself. Wonderfully fast-paced, emotional, and constantly engaging in a way that keeps the reader hooked, Demon Slayer is also filled with stunning art in a novel style. The series just concluded with the release of volume 23, so there is no anxious waiting for the conclusion!
Chainsaw Man, Vol. 1
Tatsuki Fujimoto
A different kind of devil-hunting, protagonist Denji fuses with his pet devil Pochita and becomes the eponymous devil-human hybrid. This decision forces him into a life of hunting devils as part of a public security force; this award-winning series is set to be a modern classic, exemplified by its dark humor and absolutely superb storytelling.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku, Volume 1
Fujita
And, for something a little different, a refreshing love story that celebrates the culture of manga readers, Wotakoi follows Narumi and Hirotaka (and friends) in their search for a modern, genuine relationship. Looking for love in a dedicated fandom will resonate with readers everywhere.
My Hero Academia, Vol. 1
Kohei Horikoshi
A superhero series that puts a new spin on the meaning of “quirk,” this fresh hero-villain story focuses on what truly makes a savior. With art that pulls from a traditional superhero aesthetic, My Hero Academia deftly balances comedy and drama in a thrillingly fast-past adventure.
One-Punch Man, Vol. 1
One, Yusuke Murata
One-punch man, Saitama, fights malaise and searches for a worthy opponent in this classic monster-criminal saga. Through it all, our bald-headed hero finds unexpected friendships and purpose on a supercontinent Earth.
