30 Best Manga You Can Read Right Now

Over the years, manga has become increasingly accessible all around the world. In addition to more and more series being licensed, in general, it’s 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 latest chapters for free.

It’s never been easier to read manga legally than it is now, and as such, some manga are far more worth someone’s time than others. As with all media, opinions on manga are inherently subjective, but between various factors like a manga’s art style, its writing, and its overall creativity, some manga certainly end up having more appeal than others, and they’ve appropriately received widespread acclaim for it. Manga like that are among the best manga a person could read, and a few, in particular, are especially worth highlighting.

30 Kagurabachi Has Beaten All Expectations To Become A Great New Release

Written & Illustrated By Takeru Hokazono

While Kagurabachi was the source of mockery even before its debut thanks to the edginess of its premise, Kagurabachi quickly proved itself to be a genuinely good manga with engaging characters and incredible fight scenes in every arc. Kagurabachi is one of the best manga to debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in recent years, and with it unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon, it’s a perfect story to pick up.

29 Sakamoto Days’ Incredible Action Can’t Be Understated

Written & Illustrated By Yuto Suzuki

Since its debut in 2020, Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days has been one of the best action manga for its gorgeous artwork and inventive fight scenes reminiscent of John Wick, all executed through masterful paneling and choreography. There are few manga running in Shonen Jump right now that are as fun to read as Sakamoto Days, and with the Sakamoto Days anime starting soon, now’s the perfect time to start reading.

28 One Piece Is The Undisputed Modern King Of Shōnen Manga

Written & illustrated by Eiichiro Oda

One Piece

Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history’s longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix’s 2023 adaptation.

Created by

Eiichiro Oda

First Film

One Piece: The Movie

Cast

Kazuya Nakai , Akemi Okamura , Kappei Yamaguchi , Hiroaki Hirata , Ikue Ôtani , Yuriko Yamaguchi

Character(s)

Monkey D. Luffy , Roronora Zoro , Nami (One Piece) , Nico Robin , Usopp (One Piece) , Vinsmoke Sanji , Tony Tony Chopper , Franky (One Piece) , Jimbei (One Piece)

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One Piece is the first of Shōnen Jump‘s Big Three, as well as the series that gave birth to various ideas that would become common tropes in the genre. Following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his eclectic crew of pirates as they search for the titular legendary treasure, One Piece tells an epic saga defined by unique and unforgettable adventures, as well as iconic and complex characters with intricate backstories and developments.

While there are various ways to enjoy this story, including a live-action adaptation whose continuation 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 & illustrated by Hirohiko Araki

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese multimedia franchise created by Hirohiko Araki. It follows the adventures of the Joestar family, spanning generations, each with unique abilities and battling supernatural enemies. Known for its eccentric characters, distinctive art style, and creative battles, it includes manga, anime, games, and merchandise.

Created by

Hirohiko Araki

TV Show(s)

JoJo Bizarre Adventure

Character(s)

Will A. Zeppeli , Jonathan Joestar , Giorno Giovanna , Jotaro Kujo , Joseph Joestar , Jolyne Cujoh , Johnny Joestar , Josuke Higashikata , Gyro Zeppeli

Video Game(s)

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure , JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle R

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a revolutionary manga that has only just recently received the credit it deserves outside of Japan. The series is a multigenerational epic following members of the Joestar family as they battle a wide range of supernatural threats. Though the series was always popular, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure didn’t see true success until its third part, Stardust Crusaders, and the introduction of Stands.

Despite the series’ conventional beginnings, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has grown into one of the wildest manga in publication. A great deal of that is due to the inventive powers of Stands, which can do everything from haunt peoples’ dreams, to stop time, to turning people into living bombs. What truly makes the series, though, is the art, as Hirohiko Araki’s realistic and dynamic artwork makes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure one of the best-looking manga of all time. All of this adds up to the series being wholly unique and worth a read for anyone curious.

26 Chainsaw Man Redefined What’s Possible In Shōnen Manga

Written & illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Chainsaw Man is an adaptation of the popular manga written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, airing on Crunchyroll in the west. Denji, a young man working tirelessly for the Yakuza to pay off the debt, his late father saddled him with hunts devils with the assistance of his little friend Pochita, also known as the Chainsaw Devil. When the Yakuza kill him to gain a contract with another devil, Pochita saves Denji, and the two forge a contract, allowing Denji to gain revenge against the Yakuza. Now sought after by an agency known as the Public Safety Division, Denji joins a team led by the mysterious Makima. Denji now relentlessly hunts Devils in service of his newfound crush, Makima, slowly reaching their ultimate goal of facing the ultimate Devil.

Cast

Ryan Colt Levy , Fairouz Ai , Sarah Wiedenheft , Suzie Yeung , Reagan Murdock

Release Date

October 11, 2022

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Writers

Tatsuki Fujimoto

Few shōnen manga have ever 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. Conscripted into working for public safety by the mysterious Makima, Denji works alongside his roommates Aki and Power to fight devils.

Part of what makes the series so remarkable is how it twists classic shōnen tropes, as Chainsaw Man always deconstructs the most common clichés of its genre to make a much darker story than its contemporaries. Despite this darkness though, there is a spark of hope at the heart of the series that makes sure it never goes too far. Combine that with Denji being one of the most psychologically complex shōnen heroes, and it’s easy to see why Chainsaw Man is one of the best manga.

25 #DRCL Midnight Children Reimagines Dracula with Wild Success

Written & Illustrated by Shin’ichi Sakamoto

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is one of the most famous works of English literature ever, so a manga adaptation may raise some eyebrows. However, the presentation of #DRCL Midnight Children is near-flawless, thanks to Sakamoto’s hauntingly beautiful and equally horrifying artwork. It adds a satisfyingly original twist to the original Dracula story, staying faithful to the setting while also feeling unique, especially with its focus on Mina Murray and the ensemble cast.

The story feels eerily like a moody period piece but spares no visual expense to convey shocking and visceral horror as Dracula’s threat looms large. #DRCL is also compelling because it explores gender through Mina and Lucy’s eyes as they navigate this increasingly nightmarish plot. It doesn’t hurt that the series is released in elegant hardcover volumes that’d easily fit in a bookshelf stealthily alongside Jane Austen books.

24 Fire Punch Is Manga At Its Extreme

Written & Illustrated By Tatsuki Fujimoto

Before Look Back, Chainsaw Man and Goodbye Eri, Tatsuki Fujimoto burst out onto the scene with his hit series, Fire Punch, which is one of the most absurd and unique shonen in 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 on the village and when the leader Doma sees the cannibalistic lifestyle, he orders the massacre of everyone. Unfortunately, Agni’s sister’s regenerations isn’t fast enough to heal her burns, but Agni’s is. Consumed by Doma’s unextinguishable flames, Agni’s one and only desire is to exact revenge on Doma.

The series is gory, weird, raw, and action-packed, and there is no end to the amount of grotesque scenes. It was Fujimoto at his truest, and that is part of the charm of the series. While the controversial scenes it depicts might be off-putting for many, the overall story, worldbuilding, protagonist, and main villain are all incredibly well executed and make Fire Punch a brilliantly written story.

23 Blue Box Is A Sports Romance With Serious Heart

Written & illustrated by Kouji Miura

Taiki Inomata, a junior high student at Eimei Academy, is a dedicated badminton player with a crush on Chinatsu Kano, a star basketball player. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways when Chinatsu moves in with Taiki’s family. Balancing sports, school, and budding feelings, Taiki aims to prove himself worthy of her admiration while striving for Nationals​.

Cast

Reina Ueda , Akari Kitō , Shoya Chiba

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Kôji Miura

Romance has always been an important genre for manga, and few modern romances are as heartfelt and sweet as Blue Box. The series follows a young badminton player named Taiki as he falls for the basketball player he trains alongside every morning, Chinatsu. Though Taiki was content to just admire Chinatsu from afar, their relationship changes when she moves in with his family for a time.

Considering the success of the recent Blue Box anime, it’s clear that Shōnen Jump has a great deal 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 romance manga history.

22 Vinland Saga Is The Best Historical Fiction Manga

Written & illustrated by Makoto Yukimura

Vinland Saga is an adaptation of the historical-action manga series by Makoto Yukimura. Centering around young Thorfinn, the story sees the young man on a quest for revenge following the murder of his father by the mercenary Askeladd. To accomplish this feat, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s company to bide his time and prepare to face him in the future. The story starts around 1002 AD and revolves around fictional accounts of the Danish invasion of London.

Cast

Yûto Uemura , Mike Haimoto , Shinya Takahashi , Alejandro Saab , Hiroki Gotô , Aleks Le , Kaiji Tang , Michael C. Pizzuto

Release Date

July 6, 2019

Seasons

2

Network

Netflix

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While historical titles may be common in the medium, very few choose to portray the complicated life of Vikings, which allows Vinland Saga to stand out through its premise, alone. However, Vinland Saga certainly has a lot more aspects worthy of recommendation beyond the unique theme, such as the complex characters, intricate yet brutal story, and 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 the ones who killed his family, he initially seeks nothing but power and revenge, though his motivations and goals change as he grows up into one of the best pacifist characters in the medium.

21 Land Of The Lustrous Is a Triumph In Fantasy Action

Written & illustrated by Haruko Ichikawa

Land of the Lustrous is an anime series set in a distant future where crystalline beings called Gems fight against moon-dwellers who seek to capture and turn them into decorations. Phos, one of the Gems, is assigned the task of 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 Lustrous is a truly peerless title, telling a unique story set in a world unlike any other. The central characters are anthropomorphized gems known as the Lustruous, who, under the guidance of the mysterious yet powerful Kongou-sensei, have to defend themselves from the countless assaults of the Lunarians, a species of moon inhabitants who seek to use their crystalline bodies as weapons and decorations.

Though Land of the Lustrous initially appears to be an innocent story relying on the creativity of its premise, Land of the Lustrous slowly but surely reveals itself to be much darker and more impactful than any reader could expect, and with its incredibly unique and all-around gorgeous art style, it’s more than worth anyone’s time.

20 Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Is The Manga That Redefines Romcoms

Written & 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 demonstrate weakness. Set in an elite high school, the series blends comedy and romance as the characters engage in elaborate mind games to make the other admit to 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 high school who, despite being in love with each other, are too proud to admit it, instead attempting 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 unique manga to come out in the past decade, and overall, it’s one experience that no reader will regret giving a chance.

19 Real is Takehiko Inoue’s Darker Take On Basketball Manga

Written & illustrated by Takehiko Inoue

Created by Takehiko Inoue, the genius behind famous titles such as Slam Dunk and Vagabond, Takehiko Inoue’s Real is a title that, while it may not have received as much attention or critical acclaim as its older siblings, should not be overlooked either. The story follows three main characters, all of whom are struggling with their own personal issues. One of them is a former star athlete who ended up disabled due to a disease, and another one also had his life redefined after becoming paralyzed due to a traffic accident.

While it’s definitely not Takehiko Inoue’s first basketball manga, Real stands out from other sports manga for its darker storytelling and realistic depiction of sports, specifically the physical and mental toll it can have on a person. It’s an incredibly unique sort of sports manga, and any fans of the genre would be remiss to pass it up.

Written by Aka Akasaka & Illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari

Oshi no Ko is an animated supernatural mystery series that follows a gynecologist named Gorou, a big fan of an idol whom he is caring for as she prepares to deliver her children. After an obsessive fan of the idols murders Gorou, he is reincarnated as her newborn son – but along with him, a terminal patient he knew is reborn as his twin sister. Years later, after yet another seemingly related murder, Gorou (now known as Aqua) decides to enter the idol world and find the culprit.

Cast

Manaka Iwami , Jeremy Gee , Jack Stansbury , Alyssa Marek , Savanna Menzel , Natalie Rial

Release Date

April 12, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

HIDIVE

Writers

Jin Tanaka

Directors

Daisuke Hiramaki

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Few seinen series have had the instant success enjoyed by Oshi no Ko, selling over 15 million copies in almost four years since its 2020 debut. The series initially plays like a typical reincarnation story, only to evolve into a scathing, sometimes uncomfortable examination of pop culture in Japan. Young doctor Gorou reincarnates 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 birth father.

Not only is Oshi no Ko an acclaimed manga, but it’s got a strong anime imprint with a viral adaptation underway, with its second season adapting the beloved 2.5D Stage Play Arc. The series sometimes dives into uncomfortable territory, including issues of mental health, stalking, violence, and murder. But it’s also an endearing tale with a fantastic supporting cast of characters.

17 Yotsuba&! Is The Peak Of Slice-Of-Life Manga

Written & illustrated by Kiyohiko Azuma

As a slow-paced work with a gentle atmosphere typical of iyashikei titles, Yotsuba&! may not have a particularly intricate setting or story, but that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the medium’s best comedy titles.

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 their fast-paced environments.

16 Naruto Is One of the Most Beloved Manga in the World

Written & Illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.

Cast

Junko Takeuchi , Noriaki Sugiyama , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Hidekatsu Shibata

Release Date

October 3, 2002

Seasons

5

Writers

Masashi Kishimoto

Directors

Hayato Date

Showrunner

Masashi Kishimoto

Creator(s)

Masashi Kishimoto

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Many popular shonen fighting manga focus too much on the protagonist, and while Naruto Uzumaki is certainly compelling, the Naruto series features a stellar ensemble spanning a world of ninjas. Naruto’s journey begins as a young genin as he has dreams of becoming the Hokage, ruler of Konohagakure, his home village. However, he must first deal with the circumstances of his birth and his status as an outcast while defeating powerful enemies who wish to control the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him.

Naruto is a monolith as one of the shonen “Big Three”, alongside One Piece and Bleach. It’s sold 250 million copies, being one of the best-selling manga ever, and is beloved by readers worldwide. It has even had several sequel series, with its latest story, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, taking the next generation of Konoha’s ninjas on adventures of their own. The series is so beloved that some of Naruto’s most profound quotes can be carried by its viewers for life.

15 Bleach Is Still One Of The Most Iconic Shonen Manga Of All Time

Written & Illustrated By Tite Kubo

Bleach

Bleach is a popular manga created by Tite Kubo. The manga spawned a multimedia franchise consisting of TV shows, movies (both animated and live-action), and multiple video games. The manga follows the same premise as the anime, centering on Ichigo Kurosaki as he gains the powers of the Soul Reaper.

While Tite Kubo’s 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 its great character writing and stylish action and artwork. Fans of shonen manga won’t be disappointed with Bleach, and with the franchise finding new life with the return of its anime, now’s the perfect time to get into the iconic series.

14 Golden Kamuy Is An Entertaining Exploration Of Culture

Written & Illustrated By Satoru Noda

Golden Kamuy is the definition of an underrated gem, and it deserves way more recognition for how good it is. The war veteran, Sugimoto, meets Asirpa, a young girl of the Ainu tribe, on a fateful day and after taking down an aggressive bear. Asirpa agrees to help Sugimoto in his quest to look for a huge stash of gold since her father’s death was connected to it. The duo journey all over Hokkaido and neighboring regions in search of the treasure, and go on the wildest adventures in between their goals.

The range of Golden Kamuy is excellent. Not only does it give detailed information and lessons in Ainu and Japanese culture and history in general, it is also hilarious, has some incredibly well-choreographed fights, and has 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. Golden Kamuy is an emotional rollercoaster of a series that will not disappoint anyone who takes the leap of faith.

13 Dragon Ball Is One of the Most Important Manga of All Time

Written & illustrated by Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball

From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest TV Show

Super Dragon Ball Heroes

When it comes to shōnen Manga, few can claim to have the same influence as Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. From tournament arcs, to powerful transformations, to befriending rivals, if a popular shōnen trope wasn’t started by Dragon Ball, then it was at least perfected by it. Given its high degree of influence and mythic status though, it’s tempting to wonder how well the manga can stack up against its contemporaries.

Luckily for fans, Dragon Ball is just as fresh in the modern day as it was back in 1984. Though there are definitely some dated jokes and the plotting isn’t always as elegant as a modern series, the series’ dynamic action makes it an incredibly satisfying read. Dragon Ball’s funniest moments also help set the franchise apart from many of its more serious-minded successors.

12 Spy x Family Blends Action and Comedy Perfectly

Written & Illustrated by Tatsuya Endo

Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers – and is the only one who knows their secrets.

Cast

Takuya Eguchi , Atsumi Tanezaki , Saori Hayami , Alex Organ , Megan Shipman , Natalie Van Sistine

Release Date

April 9, 2022

Seasons

1

Creator(s)

Tatsuya Endo

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Spy x Family is possibly the most beloved ongoing manga series from the digital Shonen Jump+ imprint, and for a good reason. Tatsuya Endo has crafted an elegant and intricate Cold War-inspired world where Agent Twilight, undercover as Ostanian Loid Forger, must infiltrate Ostanian high society and broker peace between them and Westalis. But Loid’s not alone, as his family and cover stories boast unique secret gifts, with his wife Yor being an assassin, adopted daughter Anya being a telepath, and dog Bond having the power of precognition.

The adventures of the Forger family are perfect comfort food for readers who want cozy manga that can also pull off tense action and heartbreaking drama. Anya Forger alone is iconic enough to carry the franchise before memorable arcs and worldbuilding are even considered. With the biweekly series recently celebrating chapter #100’s release, there’s no sign of slowing down.

11 Blue Lock Revolutionizes the Sports Genre

Written By Muneyuki Kaneshiro; Illustrated By Yusuke Nomura

Blue Lock is a sports-centric animated series based on the manga series of the same name. The show follows the Japan Football Association trying to recover from their poor showing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup by hiring a football genius, Ego Jinpachi. With his new intense training regimen, Jinpachi invites the best football players in Japan to compete to become the team’s new star player – and high school student Yoichi Isagi may be exactly who he’s looking for.

Cast

Ricco Fajardo , Drew Breedlove , Alex Horn , Mark Allen Jr.

Release Date

October 8, 2022

Seasons

2

Writers

Taku Kishimoto

Directors

Tetsuaki Watanabe , Shunsuke Ishikawa

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Thanks to Blue Lock‘s deconstructive take on the sports genre paired wonderfully with some of the most gorgeous art in modern manga, it’s become a sports story that always delivers on action and drama and never fails to look good while doing so. Blue Lock has quickly become one of the biggest anime franchises in the world, and with how great the manga is, it’s easy to see why.