Manga Reviews & Recommendations

Eiichiro Oda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!" In the Great Pirate Era, countless pirates set sail for the Grand Line in pursuit of the ultimate treasure—the One Piece—a legendary hoard said to grant unimaginable wealth, fame, and power. Among them is a boy with a straw hat, Monkey D. Luffy, who gains extraordinary abilities after eating a mysterious Devil Fruit, turning his body into rubber. Alongside his trusted crewmates like Zoro, Nami, and many more, Luffy sets out on a journey across the seas—chasing dreams, forging bonds, and facing powerful foes. With its vast world, unforgettable characters, epic battles, and emotional depth, ONE PIECE is a grand pirate adventure where justice is never black and white, and the spirit of freedom sails above all.

Yukinobu Tatsu

Action, Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Shonen

Ken Takakura, a high school boy nicknamed Okarun, firmly believes in aliens but scoffs at ghosts. Momo Ayase, a girl with strong spiritual powers, believes in the supernatural—but thinks UFOs and aliens are nonsense. One day, a strange bet leads them to confront the real versions of what they each believe in… and chaos explodes. Abductions by aliens, hauntings by evil spirits, life-threatening curses—suddenly, their ordinary school lives spiral into a whirlwind of the paranormal and the absurd! After gaining mysterious powers, Ken and Momo find themselves in one outrageous battle after another, teaming up with quirky allies to face bizarre and terrifying threats. Hilarious, heart-racing, and even a little romantic—Dandadan is a supernatural sci-fi battle comedy that smashes the boundaries between ghosts and aliens in the wildest ways imaginable.

Hiromu Arakawa

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

Set in a world where alchemy is a highly developed science, two brothers—Edward and Alphonse Elric—commit the ultimate taboo: attempting to bring their mother back to life. As a result of this forbidden act, Edward loses part of his body, and Alphonse loses his entire physical form. In their search for a way to restore what was lost, the brothers become State Alchemists and embark on a journey. But this journey is more than just an adventure—it leads them into the depths of government conspiracy, the weight of past sins, and a fundamental question: What does it truly mean to live? With its rich storytelling, intricate world-building, and the unbreakable bond between brothers, Fullmetal Alchemist remains a masterpiece that resonates deeply with readers around the world.

Chuya Koyama

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

After witnessing a mysterious UFO as children, Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito promise each other, "Let's become astronauts together." Nineteen years later, in 2025, Hibito has realized their childhood dream and become an astronaut. He is preparing to make history as the first Japanese astronaut to walk on the moon as part of the first crew to undertake a long-term lunar mission. In stark contrast, Mutta's life is stuck in frustration and regret. Recently fired from his job after headbutting his boss, he's drifting through a disappointing existence—until an unexpected letter from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) arrives. It informs him that he's passed the initial screening for astronaut candidates—an application secretly submitted by Hibito, who never gave up their shared dream. Though Mutta had long ago abandoned the idea of space exploration, this letter reignites his determination, motivating him to once again reach for the stars alongside his brother.

Masashi Kishimoto

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

"One day, I’m going to become Hokage—just you watch!" Set in a world of ninja, Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki, a misfit ninja boy shunned by his village and forced to live in isolation. The reason? A powerful beast known as the Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed within him. Despite the loneliness, Naruto never gives up. With his boundless energy, infectious optimism, and unbreakable spirit, he trains hard to achieve his ultimate dream—to become Hokage, the greatest ninja and leader of his village. As he grows stronger, Naruto forms unshakable bonds, faces heartbreaking farewells, battles powerful enemies, and slowly uncovers the truth of his destiny. A powerful tale of growth, friendship, and determination, Naruto is a ninja saga that touches the heart and inspires the soul.

Gege Akutami

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

Curses—malevolent spirits born from negative human emotions like anger, hatred, and fear—lurk unseen in modern society, bringing misfortune and death. Yuji Itadori, a high schooler with extraordinary physical abilities, finds himself thrust into the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after consuming a cursed object—the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, the most powerful Curse in history. To survive, he must learn to battle these deadly forces. At his side stands Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer alive—a mysterious and overwhelmingly powerful mentor who reshapes Yuji’s fate. “To make sure the death of those we care about isn’t meaningless…” As Yuji faces Curses alongside his allies, he’s forced to confront the nature of life, death, and what it truly means to be “right.” A bold, stylish, and unrelenting dark fantasy—Jujutsu Kaisen marks a new era in supernatural battle manga.

Akira Toriyama

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

The Dragon Balls—mystical orbs that, when all seven are gathered, can grant any one wish. Raised in the mountains, a boy named Goku possesses incredible strength and an innocent heart. His life changes when he meets a curious and adventurous girl named Bulma, and together they set off on a quest to find the Dragon Balls. Along the way, Goku makes new friends like Yamcha and Krillin, and takes on powerful foes, growing stronger with every challenge. Filled with thrilling battles, wild adventures, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughs, Dragon Ball is the classic action-packed journey that defined an entire generation of shonen manga.

Tsugumi Ohba (Story), Takeshi Obata (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Mythology

"The person whose name is written in this notebook will die." Everything begins with a single, mysterious notebook dropped by a Shinigami—a god of death. One day, brilliant high school student Light Yagami stumbles upon the Death Note, a supernatural notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Driven by his vision of a “perfect world,” Light begins using the notebook to eliminate criminals and shape society through fear. But his actions attract the attention of L, a legendary detective determined to stop him. What follows is an intense battle of wits and ideology—a deadly chess match between two geniuses. What is justice? What is evil? Death Note is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that explores morality, power, and the price of playing god.

Yoshihiro Togashi

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Living peacefully on Whale Island, young Gon Freecss learns that his father, Ging, who left him behind as a child, is actually one of the world's greatest "Hunters"—elite adventurers who track treasures, creatures, and mysteries beyond imagination. Determined to find his father and become a Hunter himself, Gon embarks on a journey to face the brutal Hunter Exam. Along the way, he befriends unforgettable companions: revenge-driven Kurapika, aspiring doctor Leorio, and Killua, a child prodigy from a notorious assassin family. Together, they confront formidable enemies, master the mysterious power of "Nen," and navigate mind-bending psychological battles in an unpredictable world brimming with extraordinary creatures, hidden dangers, and immense mysteries. Can Gon overcome intense battles, forge unbreakable bonds, and fulfill his dream of becoming a true Hunter? With expansive world-building, memorable characters, and intricately woven storylines, Hunter × Hunter stands as a legendary adventure filled with action, friendship, and the endless pursuit of discovery!

Yasuhisa Hara

Action, Ongoing Series, Seinen, historical

Ancient China, Warring States Era — 3rd Century BC. An age of relentless warfare, where kingdoms clash and chaos reigns. Shin, a war orphan living as a servant, dreams of rising through the ranks to become the Greatest General Under the Heavens. With unshakable resolve and a growing skill with the sword, he vows to make his name known on the battlefield. One day, Shin crosses paths with a young man destined to become Ei Sei, the future king of Qin. Their fateful meeting sets in motion an extraordinary journey toward the unification of all China. Ambition. Betrayal. Loyalty. Brotherhood. As armies collide and ideals are tested, the saga of those who stake their lives on the battlefield unfolds with overwhelming intensity and emotion. A boy chasing the path of a great general. A king determined to rise above a fractured world. Their intersecting dreams ignite a grand, blood-soaked tale of power, destiny, and iron conviction. Kingdom is a breathtaking historical action epic where glory is earned and history is written in steel and sacrifice.

Amyu

Drama, Music & Idol, School, Shonen

Kono Oto Tomare! Sounds of Life is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama centered around the struggling Koto Club at Tokise High School. Club president Takezo Kurata finds himself alone after the graduation of his seniors, leaving the club on the brink of being disbanded. Just as he's about to lose hope, new members join—Chika Kudo, a rumored delinquent, Satowa Hozuki, the daughter of a renowned koto school, and Chika's lively group of friends—giving the club a second chance. Despite being beginners or labeled troublemakers, these diverse club members face numerous conflicts and setbacks. Through mutual support and intense practice, they grow both as individuals and as a team. After a moving performance in front of the entire student body that ensures their survival as a club, they set their sights on qualifying for the national competition. Along the way, they encounter challenges both musical and personal, but their passion for music and the deep bonds of friendship guide them forward. Using the koto—a traditional Japanese musical instrument—as its focal point, this series beautifully portrays themes of friendship, romance, perseverance, and personal growth, capturing the essence of youth in an emotionally resonant school-life story.

Kanehito Yamada (Story), Tsukasa Abe (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Ongoing Series, Seinen

The hero’s journey has come to an end. After defeating the Demon King and bringing peace to the world, the legendary party disbands. Among them was Frieren, an elven mage who lives for over a thousand years. For her, the ten-year journey alongside her human companions was but a fleeting moment. But when she parts ways with them, Frieren is confronted—for the first time—with the weight of time and the fragility of human life. Haunted by memories of the late Hero Himmel, she sets out on a new journey. This time, she’s joined by new companions: Fern, her young mage apprentice, and Stark, a brave but awkward warrior. What begins as a path of remembrance slowly becomes something more—a quiet quest to understand the meaning of emotion, connection, and what it truly means to live. A contemplative fantasy steeped in magic, melancholy, and tenderness, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a poignant tale of life, death, and the bonds that endure beyond time.

Makoto Isshiki

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Music & Idol, Seinen

Forest of Piano follows the journey of Kai Ichinose, a young boy who grows up in the red-light district known as "Mori no Hashi" (Forest's Edge). Kai discovers an abandoned piano in the forest and, using it as a toy, cultivates his extraordinary talent through self-teaching. One day, he meets Shuhei Amamiya, a transfer student whose father is a world-famous pianist, and Sosuke Ajino, a former prodigy turned music teacher who recognizes Kai’s remarkable gift. Under Ajino's mentorship, Kai overcomes challenging circumstances and his own troubled background, steadily growing as a pianist. Eventually, alongside rivals and friends, including Shuhei, Kai challenges the grand stage of the prestigious Chopin Competition. Forest of Piano is a moving story about the passion for music, friendship, and personal growth.

Taashi

Crime, Ongoing Series, Seinen

"Donketsu" is an authentic Yakuza manga set in Kokura, Kitakyushu. The protagonist, Masatoshi Sawada (nicknamed "Rokemasa"), belongs to the Kozuki-gumi of the Gachirin-kai syndicate. Rokemasa is infamous for a legendary incident that occurred 20 years ago when he fired a rocket launcher into a rival group's office. However, his reckless and violent behavior makes him an outcast within his own organization, still stuck at the lowest rank of the yakuza hierarchy even in his late 40s. Despite his rough reputation, Rokemasa uses his overwhelming strength and fearless attitude to stir up conflicts and trouble throughout Kitakyushu’s criminal underworld. Around him gathers a colorful cast of characters, including Tatsuo Uchimura, a young marijuana dealer, and various unique yakuza figures. The story is full of intense battles, humorous moments, and deeply emotional episodes. This manga vividly portrays Rokemasa's wild daily life, the younger generation inspired by him, and the authentic gangster culture of Kitakyushu, complete with local dialect and gritty realism. It seamlessly blends violence, comedy, and human drama into an unparalleled form of entertainment.

Riichiro Inagaki (Story), Boichi (Art)

Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, School, Sci-Fi, Shonen

Dr.STONE is a survival science adventure manga set in a world where a mysterious light envelops the Earth, turning all of humanity to stone. The story follows Senku Ishigami, a genius high school student, who awakens from petrification 3,700 years later. Faced with a world reverted to the Stone Age, Senku resolves to rebuild civilization from scratch. With the help of his best friend Taiju and other revived allies, Senku uses the power of science as his only weapon to establish the “Kingdom of Science.” To revive humanity and restore the modern world, he recreates various technologies—from gunpowder and glass to electricity and navigation—based on real-world scientific principles.

Chica Umino

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Ongoing Series, Shonen, Slice of Life, Strategy & Board Games

March Comes in Like a Lion is a human drama manga by Chica Umino centered around the world of shogi (Japanese chess). The story follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who lost his family in an accident at a young age and has since lived with deep loneliness. Living alone in downtown Tokyo, Rei devotes himself to the shogi world while quietly carrying his emotional scars. One day, he meets the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who run a traditional Japanese confectionery shop. Through his interactions with them, Rei’s once-isolated life begins to warm. Experiencing kindness and human connection, his heart slowly starts to open, and he, in turn, begins to provide support and courage to those around him. The story gently depicts Rei’s personal growth as he faces the harsh challenges of the professional shogi world, confronts his inner struggles and painful past, and learns to deepen his bonds with others. Blending elements of family love, friendship, and romance, the manga explores themes of finding a place to belong and fighting through life’s battles—a heartfelt tale of recovery and growth.

Ken Wakui

Completed Series, Crime, Seinen

Shinjuku Swan is an underground human drama that follows the rise of Tatsuhiko Shiratori, a 19-year-old man navigating the gritty streets of Tokyo’s infamous Kabukicho district as a “scout” for the adult entertainment industry. After moving to Tokyo and losing all his money—hitting rock bottom after a failed attempt at pachinko—Tatsuhiko is rescued by Makoto, a senior figure in the scouting company Burst. Taking up Makoto’s offer, Tatsuhiko steps into the world of street scouting, initially confused and hesitant about the nature of the job. However, he soon makes a firm decision to rise to the top, fighting alongside a cast of eccentric and ambitious coworkers. The scouting industry is a ruthless world ruled by money and violence. Tatsuhiko tries to survive by scouting women and earning referral fees, but he quickly finds himself entangled in turf wars, confrontations with yakuza, illegal drug deals, and betrayals by those he trusted. Amid the chaos and life-threatening situations, Tatsuhiko undergoes intense personal growth, experiencing deep emotional struggles and moral dilemmas in his journey to make it big.

Aka Akasaka (Story), Mengo Yokoyari (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

"Idols lie to give their fans dreams." Goro, an obstetrician in a quiet countryside town, has one true obsession—Ai Hoshino, a charismatic 16-year-old idol and center of the rising group B-Komachi. Adored for her beauty and mysterious charm, Ai has taken the nation by storm. But one day, Ai appears before Goro with a shocking secret—she’s pregnant and seeks his help for a confidential birth. That fateful encounter sends Goro’s life spinning out of control… and the story soon shifts to the dazzling world of show business, where fame glitters and shadows loom large. Ai’s children, Aqua and Ruby, grow up harboring hidden truths and emotional scars. As they step into the harsh world of entertainment, they each chase their place under the spotlight—confronting betrayal, ambition, and heartbreak. Behind the glamour lies a web of lies and truths. And at the heart of it all, a chilling mystery unfolds—a tale of love, fame, and a calculated revenge sparked by a single tragic event. Oshi no Ko is a gripping drama where devotion, deception, and destiny collide in the name of "idol worship."

Fuse (Story), Taiki Kawakami (Art), Mitz Vah (Character Design)

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Magic, Ongoing Series, Shonen

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows the story of Satoru Mikami, an ordinary office worker who unexpectedly meets his end and is reborn in another world—as a slime. Equipped with unique abilities in his new slime form, he gathers allies, builds a nation, and strives alongside monsters to create a peaceful world. It’s a fantasy tale that highlights friendship, growth, and adventure.

Original story by Akihisa Maki, Art by Miki Yatsubo

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Magic, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Kaiten no Albus is a unique fantasy series about a hero named Albus, who possesses the power of a time loop that sends him back to the very first day of his adventure every time he dies. With this ability, he struggles endlessly against fate to save the world and protect his companions. Although Albus has defeated the Demon Lord dozens of times, his victories always end in the same tragic outcome—his beloved companion Fiona is transformed into the next Demon Lord. Trapped in this cycle of despair, Albus desperately searches for a way to break free. Each loop sees him attempting the “fastest” and most “efficient” path to the Demon Lord’s defeat, employing new allies and strategies. Yet, no matter how many times he tries, he cannot change the fate of “defeating the Demon Lord = losing Fiona.” As the story progresses, Albus’s true goal shifts—from merely slaying the Demon Lord to preventing Fiona from ever becoming one. He begins to face the bonds of friendship, sacrifices, and countless choices with greater determination. Choosing detours, unexplored routes, and new methods, he fights to carve out “different futures,” chasing a hopeful tomorrow with his comrades. Blending time-loop suspense with dark fantasy adventure, Kaiten no Albus is a gripping tale of “super-fast repeated journeys” filled with tension, strategy, and emotion.