Best Completed Manga Series Recommendations (Page 2)

Mitsuru Adachi

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, Shonen, Sports

Touch is a coming-of-age baseball manga by Mitsuru Adachi, set at Meisei High School. The story revolves around twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, along with their childhood friend Minami Asakura. Kazuya is the golden boy—athletically gifted, academically successful, and well-liked by everyone. In contrast, Tatsuya grows up in his brother's shadow, often seen as lazy or unmotivated. However, deep down, he harbors a quiet passion for both baseball and Minami. Kazuya, determined and diligent, works hard with Minami to achieve their shared dream of reaching the Koshien, Japan’s prestigious high school baseball tournament. He rises as the team’s ace pitcher and symbol of hope. However, a tragic turn of events changes everything, propelling Tatsuya into the spotlight. He must confront his own feelings, potential, and the expectations placed on him. Touch is regarded as a legendary romantic sports manga that helped spark the nationwide boom in high school baseball fandom. With its heartfelt story, subtle emotional drama, and timeless love triangle, it remains a classic in Japanese manga history.

Tohru Fujisawa

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, School, Shonen

GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) is a school comedy and human drama manga starring Eikichi Onizuka, a 27-year-old former biker gang member with an unconventional personality. Onizuka sets out to become the “Greatest Teacher of All Time” and takes a teaching job at the prestigious Holy Forest Academy Middle School. He is assigned to Class 2-4, a group of deeply troubled students who have lost all trust in adults due to trauma and family issues. From the moment he arrives, Onizuka faces relentless harassment and challenges from his students. However, armed with outrageous methods, unshakable passion, and an unwavering determination to connect with his students—even at the risk of his own life—he gradually begins to break down their emotional barriers. What sets Onizuka apart is his ability to confront not only the students but also their parents and authoritarian school staff without imposing his values. Whether through wild antics or heartfelt conversations, he deals with each person individually. His unorthodox yet sincere teaching style helps the students confront their pain and weaknesses, ultimately transforming the classroom dynamic and each student’s emotional growth. The story masterfully blends slapstick humor, delinquent antics, and raw emotional depth. Through Onizuka’s “un-teacherly” methods, GTO explores themes of trust, redemption, and growth between adults and youths—earning it a lasting place in the hearts of readers as a bold and emotionally resonant coming-of-age manga.

Soichiro Yamamoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, School, Shonen

Teasing Master Takagi-san is a heartwarming and humorous school-life romantic comedy set in a middle school. The story centers around Takagi, a clever and playful girl, and Nishikata, the boy who sits next to her. Every day, Takagi expertly teases Nishikata, who vows to get back at her and make her blush instead. But no matter how hard he tries, his plans are always seen through and effortlessly countered. Despite constant defeat, Nishikata never gives up, determined to one day catch Takagi off guard. The series beautifully captures the innocent awkwardness and pure emotions unique to adolescence, highlighting the playful exchanges, subtle glances, and growing feelings between the two. Through their charming and funny "teasing battles," the story depicts a slow but endearing romance that unfolds in their everyday lives. Fans are especially drawn to the moments when Takagi’s teasing reveals her true affection for Nishikata, making this a sweet and relatable tale of young love.

Shōhei Manabe

Completed Series, Crime, Seinen

Yamikin Ushijima-kun is a hard-hitting social drama manga centered on Kaoru Ushijima, the president of Cow Cow Finance, an underground loan shark business that lends money at illegal, exorbitant interest rates. The series exposes the downfall and harsh realities of people who live on the fringes of modern society. Each arc introduces different debtors—ranging from hostesses, hosts, sex workers, part-timers, salarymen, and housewives. Their lives spiral out of control after borrowing money too easily, only to face Ushijima’s ruthless debt collection methods. As they sink deeper, the manga vividly depicts their self-destruction, dependence on others, and the brutal logic of the underworld, showing how difficult it truly is to “be saved” or to “escape.” Ushijima himself, while cold and unyielding, has his own philosophy and sense of camaraderie. Throughout the story, he becomes entangled with debtors, criminals, and allies alike, as violent turf wars, betrayals, and cunning survival strategies unfold. His subordinates—such as Kadarazaki and Takada—also experience growth, treachery, and personal struggles, while the fierce conflict with yakuza boss Namenuma becomes one of the central arcs. What sets the series apart is its uncompromising realism. No convenient happy endings, only the stark truths of capitalism’s dark side, human weakness, and life at society’s bottom rung. Yamikin Ushijima-kun is a relentless ensemble drama that delivers a chilling reminder of consequence, survival, and the cost of desperation.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a survival gambling manga that follows Kaiji Itō, a down-and-out young man whose life takes a dark turn when he’s dragged into the world of underground gambling after being saddled with debt. Kaiji is forced to repay the loans of a former coworker for whom he acted as a guarantor. Desperate, he boards the Espoir (the “Ship of Hope”), where debtors can gamble their way to freedom—or ruin. The first game, “Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors,” throws him into a brutal psychological battle filled with betrayals, deception, and the darkest sides of human nature. From there, Kaiji is pulled into ever more extreme life-or-death games, such as the perilous “Steel Beam Crossing” and the intense “E-Card,” each demanding not only luck but also wit, courage, and the ability to manipulate others. Through these trials, Kaiji experiences trust, betrayal, despair, and fleeting moments of hope, confronting both his own weaknesses and the ruthless greed of the Teiai Corporation, the shadowy organization behind the games. While Kaiji manages to achieve stunning turnarounds through ingenuity and guts, his winnings are often stolen or squandered, underscoring the harsh, unforgiving nature of the world he’s trapped in. Blending psychological warfare, high-stakes gambles, and raw human drama, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a gripping modern suspense manga that lays bare the extremes of human desire and survival.

Hiromu Arakawa

Animals & Pets, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Cooking & Food, Drama, School, Slice of Life

“Silver Spoon” is a coming-of-age story about Yuugo Hachiken, a city-raised boy who has lost sight of his place in the world and his dreams, and how he begins to rediscover himself and the meaning of life through dormitory life and hands-on agricultural experiences at Ooezo Agricultural High School (nicknamed “Ezono”) in Hokkaido. Having fled the pressure of an elite prep school and a strict father, Hachiken enrolls at Ezono simply because “it has a dormitory.” But what awaits him is an unfamiliar world of caring for livestock, farming, and grueling manual labor. As he struggles through mud and hard work, he encounters classmates who already carry clear dreams for their futures, and gradually learns the value of labor, bonds with friends, and the importance of thinking and acting for himself. The story doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of agriculture—the struggles of carrying on a family farm, the weight of “eating life,” the pressure of family expectations, and the heartbreak of failure. Through experiences in the equestrian club, his growing relationship with the heroine Aki Mikage, and the hardships faced by his best friend Komaba, Hachiken slowly finds his own path and begins to grow into independence. At its core, Silver Spoon is a heartfelt story about planting the seeds of dreams, nurturing them, and passing them on to the next generation—a moving exploration of what it truly means to live.

Mizuki Kawashita

Comedy, Completed Series, Ecchi, Harem, Romance

Strawberry 100% is a romantic comedy manga centered around Junpei Manaka, a junior high school third-year student who dreams of becoming a film director. The story begins dramatically when Junpei encounters a mysterious, beautiful girl wearing strawberry-patterned panties on the school rooftop after class. Instantly captivated by her, he uses a notebook she left behind as a clue to search for her identity. Soon, however, Junpei finds himself surrounded by multiple charming girls, creating complicated romantic entanglements. Initially believing the rooftop girl to be Tsukasa Nishino, the school's most popular girl, Junpei confesses and they begin dating. In reality, the girl he met on the rooftop is Aya Toujou, the owner of the notebook and someone who genuinely understands and supports his filmmaking dreams. Adding further complexity to Junpei’s high school life are other vibrant characters, including the energetic and assertive Satsuki Kitaoji and the uniquely charming Yui Minamito. Their interactions and budding romances paint Junpei’s youth in vivid colors.

Negi Haruba

Completed Series, Harem, Romance, Shonen

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a romantic comedy manga centering around Fuutarou Uesugi, a top-performing yet financially struggling high school student. One day, he receives an offer for a highly-paid tutoring job. However, his students turn out to be his classmates—five beautiful identical quintuplets: Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki Nakano. The quintuplets are all extremely poor students on the verge of failing, and initially, they are resistant and problematic. Yet, through sincere effort, Fuutarou gradually wins their trust. The story begins on Fuutarou's wedding day, creating an intriguing mystery: "Which of the quintuplets will he marry?" The narrative unfolds through flashbacks of their high school days, carefully illustrating each quintuplet's unique personality, individual struggles, family bonds, and deepening emotional connections with Fuutarou. Eventually, all five sisters develop romantic feelings for him, sparking a heartwarming yet dramatic romantic rivalry.

Miko Yasu

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life

Police in a Pod is a human comedy manga that follows the story of a rookie female police officer named Mai Kawai. The series begins just two weeks into her assignment at a local police box—known in Japan as a kōban—after graduating from the police academy with the naïve belief that becoming a cop would guarantee a stable life. However, the reality turns out to be far from what she imagined. Her daily routine is filled with exhausting tasks, harsh treatment from civilians, and unreasonable demands, leaving her physically and mentally drained. Feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of quitting, her life takes a turn when Seiko Fuji, a former ace detective who was “demoted” to kōban duty due to rumors of power harassment, suddenly appears as her new partner.

Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Cooking & Food, Fantasy, Shonen

Toriko is an action-packed adventure manga set in the "Gourmet Age," a world where the pursuit of delicious food has become the ultimate global obsession. In this era, “Gourmet Hunters” scour the world for rare and powerful ingredients, and among them is the legendary hunter Toriko, who partners with a timid but talented chef named Komatsu. The story begins when Komatsu hires Toriko to capture the elusive "Galala Crocodile," a dangerous gourmet beast. Their encounter sparks a long and thrilling journey together as they strive to complete Toriko’s dream: to create his own ultimate “Full Course Menu.” Along the way, they team up with the other “Four Heavenly Kings” of the gourmet world, battling ferocious creatures, exploring legendary lands, and facing off against powerful enemies—including the sinister organization Gourmet Corp, which seeks to monopolize the world’s finest ingredients for its own gain. As their journey unfolds, the setting expands into the far more dangerous and mysterious Gourmet World, where only the strongest can survive. With each battle, Toriko and his companions strengthen their bonds, confront their pasts, and chase after the most extraordinary flavors nature has to offer. At its core, Toriko is a high-energy manga about appetite, vitality, friendship, and growth, delivering an intense blend of gourmet fantasy and shonen battle action that’s as wild as it is delicious.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Akagi is a gambling manga that follows the rise of Shigeru Akagi, a mysterious white-haired genius with a demonic sense of intuition and nerves of steel, as he stakes his life in high-risk underground mahjong battles. Set in mid-Showa era Japan, the story begins when Nangō, a man drowning in debt, finds himself on the brink of ruin in a deadly mahjong match against the yakuza. At that moment, a strange boy named Akagi wanders in. Sensing his extraordinary nerve and sharp insight, Nangō entrusts Akagi to play in his place. Though it’s his very first time playing mahjong, Akagi takes control of the game and, in a battle where life and fate hang in the balance, instantly carves his name into the underworld. From there, Akagi faces one deadly opponent after another: the blind swindler Ichikawa, professional gamblers who live for deception, and ultimately the legendary Washizu Iwao, who wagers not only money but his very life in the infamous “Washizu Mahjong.” This grotesque game involves betting actual blood, with every round tightening the noose between life and death. In this ultimate clash, Akagi and Washizu collide in a relentless struggle of pride, obsession, and survival. Through extreme games of strategy, psychology, and fate-defying gambits, Akagi proves himself as a one-of-a-kind genius who transcends fear and conventional morality. The saga culminates in his fated duel with Washizu, a battle that cements Akagi’s status as a living legend whose name will be told for generations.

Norifusa Mita

Completed Series, Drama, School, Shonen

Dragon Zakura is a passionate school drama manga about Kenji Sakuragi, a former biker gang member turned lawyer, who takes over the failing “Ryūzan High School” and transforms it through radical educational reform and rigorous exam preparation, ultimately producing students who gain admission to the University of Tokyo, changing both the school’s fate and the students’ lives. At first, Sakuragi intends to liquidate the debt-ridden school, but instead he proposes a bold plan: “Within five years, this school will send 100 students to Tokyo University.” He establishes a special advanced class, even though the students are unmotivated and performing poorly. By bringing in unconventional yet skilled teachers and implementing groundbreaking study methods, he pushes students like Naomi Mizuno and Yūsuke Yajima to seriously aim for Japan’s top university despite starting as “failures.” The story highlights practical and highly efficient learning strategies, the bonds formed between classmates and teachers, and how striving for higher education gives students confidence and hope for the future. While facing setbacks, doubts, and personal struggles, the students gradually grow stronger under Sakuragi’s passionate guidance. In the end, they achieve the seemingly impossible—admission to Tokyo University. This manga delivers an inspiring message about never giving up on dreams and the power of perseverance, portrayed through an intense tale of education and personal growth.

Ken Wakui

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen

Takemichi Hanagaki is a 20-something part-timer living a dead-end life—until one day, he suddenly time-leaps back to his middle school years. The trigger? A news report announcing that his ex-girlfriend has been killed in a violent gang conflict involving the infamous Tokyo Manji Gang. To change the past and save the future, Takemichi throws himself into the dangerous world of delinquents, confronting his own weakness and fighting to rewrite fate. Friendship, betrayal, and unwavering resolve. In this emotional time-travel revenge saga, Takemichi rises again and again—no matter how many times he’s knocked down. A gripping mix of youth drama and sci-fi thriller, Tokyo Revengers is a powerful story about second chances and never giving up.

Kotori Inokuma

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

Yuka Akagi is a 37-year-old temp worker who's always been relatively attractive and never had trouble finding men—but somehow, she's still single. Thinking casually, "Maybe it's time I got married," she dives headfirst into the ruthless battlefield known as modern dating. Yuka tries everything: singles parties, dating apps, matchmaking services—but quickly discovers the path to marriage is tougher than expected. Her high expectations for looks and salary become obstacles, and her tendency to look down on others often backfires spectacularly. After a series of failed attempts, Yuka meets Aoshima, a coworker and veteran of the dating scene with eight years of battle scars. A quirky friendship blooms, alongside encounters with distinctive characters like the earnest yet unassuming Uchida and her former flame, Takashi. Funny, honest, and painfully relatable, Konkatsu Battlefield 37 captures the trials, laughs, and heartbreaks of navigating romance in your late thirties—offering humor, empathy, and encouragement to anyone who's ever braved the front lines of dating.

Toshio Ozawa

Completed Series, Crime, School, Shonen

The protagonist of Nanba MG5, Tsuyoshi Nanba, was the ultimate delinquent during his middle school days, leading 14 other schools. However, tired of constantly fighting and longing for an ordinary life, Tsuyoshi decides to enroll at Shirayuri High School, an academically-focused institution. Successfully admitted, he finally sees a chance for the peaceful life he's always wanted. But there’s one problem: Tsuyoshi comes from a hardcore delinquent family. His older brother once conquered the entire Kanto region as a delinquent, and his parents and younger sister are equally notorious. They fully expect Tsuyoshi to follow in their footsteps and conquer the entire nation as a high school delinquent. Unable to reveal to his family that he’s chosen a "normal" path, Tsuyoshi deceives them, claiming he enrolled in Ichimatsu High, the infamous delinquent school located next to Shirayuri High. Every day, Tsuyoshi leaves home dressed in his distinctive gang uniform (tokkoufuku), only to quickly change clothes and hairstyles in a nearby restroom before heading into his real school, Shirayuri. Due to the proximity of the schools, Shirayuri students often find themselves targeted by Ichimatsu’s delinquents. Tsuyoshi, driven by his strong sense of justice, secretly switches back to his gang attire to rescue his classmates, gradually making a legendary reputation for himself among Ichimatsu students and throughout the region. Keeping his dual identity hidden from both his family and classmates, Tsuyoshi leads a double life filled with challenges. Throughout various conflicts and incidents, themes of friendship, love, and family bonds unfold, driving an engaging narrative. This summarizes the essence of the manga series Nanba MG5 and its sequel, Nanba Dead End.

Naoshi Komi

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Shonen

Nisekoi is a romantic comedy manga centered around Raku Ichijou, the heir to a prominent Yakuza family, and Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gangster group. To prevent a war between their families, the two pretend to be dating, creating a fake romantic relationship. Although each already has their own genuine romantic interests, they must keep this fact hidden from everyone around them while maintaining their charade throughout their school life. The story revolves around a mysterious childhood promise involving a "lock and key," prompting Raku to seek the true identity of the girl he promised himself to. As Chitoge, his childhood friend Kosaki Onodera, and other heroines become entangled in his life, complex romantic developments, friendships, and family bonds unfold.

Kentaro Okamoto (Story), Riri Sagara (Art)

Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Ecchi, School, Seinen

Are You Lost? is a survival manga that follows four high school girls—Homare Onishima, Asuka Suzumori, Shion Kujou, and Mutsu Amatani—who are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. With no adults around and no rescue in sight, the girls must rely on Homare’s impressive wilderness survival skills to stay alive until help arrives. The story blends humor with practical survival knowledge, offering insights into everything from desalinating seawater and securing drinking water, to foraging for food, starting fires, and crafting tools. Each episode delivers realistic survival tips in an engaging and often comical way. Despite the harsh conditions, the girls support each other through fear, loneliness, and the emotional challenges of island life. Their distinct personalities and evolving relationships drive the narrative as they learn to adapt, grow stronger, and survive together. Are You Lost? stands out as a compelling mix of survival drama, friendship, and light-hearted comedy—with an educational twist on how to survive in the wild.

Riichiro Inagaki (Story), Yusuke Murata (Art)

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Shonen, Sports

Eyeshield 21 is an American football manga that follows the story of Sena Kobayakawa, a timid and frequently bullied high school student. Upon entering Deimon Private High School, Sena finds himself being used as a gopher by delinquent classmates. However, thanks to the exceptional speed he developed from years of running errands and escaping bullies, his life takes a drastic turn. Recognizing Sena's lightning-fast running ability, Yoichi Hiruma—the cunning and fearsome captain of the Deimon Devil Bats football team—forces him to join the team. To keep his identity hidden and protect him from being scouted by rival teams, Hiruma gives him a helmet with a tinted visor and the codename "Eyeshield 21." Sena quickly becomes the team’s ace running back. Though initially joining under the guise of a team manager, Sena slowly grows in confidence and skill as he faces powerful rival teams and bonds with his unique teammates, including the gentle giant Ryokan Kurita, the hyper-competitive receiver Monta (Taro Raimon), and the clever strategist Yukimitsu. Through intense training, fierce matches, and team-building camps, the once-weak Deimon Devil Bats evolve into a formidable squad. From underdogs struggling with a lack of players, the team strives for greatness, setting their sights on the national championship—the Christmas Bowl—and ultimately on becoming the best in Japan. The story centers around Sena’s development as the "light-speed runner" Eyeshield 21, the high-stakes strategic battles led by Hiruma’s genius tactics, and the thrilling mix of sports passion, friendship, determination, and victory. As the story progresses, the bonds between friends and rivals grow stronger, and the dream expands from conquering Japan to taking on the world.

Tohru Fujisawa

Action, Comedy, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, School, Shonen

Shonan Junai Gumi! is a youth delinquent and pure love comedy manga that follows the wild teenage years of Eikichi Onizuka (known as "E-chan") and his partner Ryuji Danma—who later becomes the iconic protagonist of GTO. Set in Japan's Shonan region during the late 1980s, the story centers on these two "legendary bad boys" who are bored of constant fights and want to turn over a new leaf. Their heartfelt (and hilariously awkward) mission? To finally get girlfriends. However, standing in their way are street fights, biker gang wars, rival delinquents, emotional bonds with friends and family, heartbreaking romances, and the painful process of growing up. Onizuka eventually meets his classmate Aina Fuyutsuki, while Ryuji crosses paths with a formidable girl boss from Hakkai Academy. These encounters push them toward experiencing genuine love and friendship. Through countless battles, misunderstandings, and ridiculous antics, Onizuka and Ryuji prove their strength not just in fights, but in protecting their friends and staying true to their values. The manga brilliantly captures the chaos and exhilaration of youth, balancing slapstick comedy with heartfelt drama. Shonan Junai Gumi! is the origin story of the “legendary Onizuka,” offering a laugh-out-loud yet emotionally resonant look at two boys chasing love, causing trouble, and stumbling their way toward adulthood. A must-read for fans of GTO and anyone who loves coming-of-age stories with both fists and feelings.

Kouji Seo

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, School, Shonen

Suzuka is a classic youth romance story that blends love comedy with track and field, created by Kouji Seo. The story follows Yamato Akitsuki, a teenager from Hiroshima who moves to Tokyo alone in search of a more exciting life as he enters high school. He begins his new chapter living in Asahiyu, a women-only dorm and public bathhouse run by his aunt. One day, while visiting his new high school, Yamato is captivated at first sight by a beautiful and aloof girl named Suzuka Asahina, who is practicing pole vaulting as part of the school’s track and field team. In a twist of fate, Suzuka ends up living in the room next to Yamato at Asahiyu, and the two start attending the same high school. Although they often clash due to their personalities, their relationship gradually deepens through shared experiences and misunderstandings. The story skillfully portrays the emotional ups and downs of two awkward and emotionally inexpressive teens, highlighting themes of first love, personal growth, and the bittersweet moments of adolescence. With moments of heart-pounding romance, youthful sparkle, and the sometimes harsh reality of life, Suzuka delivers a heartfelt, tear-jerking, and laughter-filled love story over the course of 18 volumes.