Best Shonen Manga Recommendations (Page 2)

Kohei Horikoshi

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Shonen

"In a world where having superpowers—called Quirks—is completely normal, society is protected by professional Heroes who use their abilities to keep the peace and inspire hope. But Izuku Midoriya was born Quirkless. Despite being powerless, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a hero. Everything changes when he meets All Might, the No.1 Hero, who sees something in Izuku and passes on to him a powerful legacy. This fateful encounter launches Izuku into a new life—acceptance into the prestigious U.A. High School, intense training, battles against villains, and unbreakable friendships. As he faces trials that challenge his spirit and beliefs, Izuku must grapple with what it truly means to be a hero—and what justice really is. Filled with tears, determination, friendship, and explosive action, My Hero Academia is the story of a boy who inherits the will to protect others and rises to become the symbol of hope for a new generation."

ONE (Story), Yusuke Murata (Art)

Action, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

One-Punch Man follows the story of Saitama, an ordinary-looking hero with an extraordinary problem—he’s become so powerful that he can defeat any enemy with a single punch. After three years of intense training, Saitama achieves unmatched strength, but instead of satisfaction, he feels only boredom. Every battle ends instantly, leaving him longing for the thrill of a real challenge. Despite his plain appearance, Saitama’s strength astonishes heroes and villains alike. Even as the Hero Association and his companions marvel at his incredible power, Saitama struggles with the emptiness of being too strong. Blending explosive battles with hilarious satire, One-Punch Man explores Saitama’s unusual dilemma through encounters with quirky heroes, bizarre monsters, and a world constantly threatened by absurd villains. Funny, thrilling, and surprisingly thoughtful, this manga uniquely highlights the unexpected challenges faced by the world’s strongest hero.

Hideaki Sorachi

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, historical

Gintama is a manga series by Hideaki Sorachi, set in an alternate version of the Edo period where humans coexist with extraterrestrial beings known as the "Amanto." After the Amanto invade and rise to power, the samurai class declines, and the shogunate issues a ban on carrying swords. As a result, former samurai lose their pride, and the once-historical city of Edo transforms into a futuristic, chaotic metropolis.

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.

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.

Yugo Kobayashi

Anime Adaptation, Ongoing Series, Shonen, Sports

Aoashi is a highly acclaimed soccer manga that follows Ashito Aoi, a passionate middle schooler from Ehime Prefecture. After a violent outburst in his final junior high match costs his team the game, Ashito falls into despair—until he crosses paths with Tatsuya Fukuda, a former midfielder for the Japan national team. Noticing Ashito’s rare ability to see the entire field from a bird’s-eye perspective, Fukuda invites him to try out for the youth team of Tokyo City Esperion FC, a prestigious J.League academy. Ashito moves to Tokyo and enters the fiercely competitive world of youth soccer, where top talents from across the country gather. Despite struggling with his lack of basic skills and tactical knowledge, he gradually grows through relentless effort, unwavering passion, and the support of his teammates and coaches. Eventually, Ashito shifts from forward to full-back, using his field vision as a unique weapon in pursuit of his ultimate dream: becoming a player who can compete on the world stage.

ONE (Story), Kyoutarou Azuma (Art)

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

Versus is set in a world where humanity has been oppressed and hunted by a demonic race for centuries. For hundreds of years, mankind has suffered under the rule of 47 Demon Lords, led by the Great Demon King. In a last-ditch effort to fight back, humanity gathers its 47 strongest warriors—heroes who represent the final hope of the human race. Their mission: to annihilate the 47 Demon Lords and bring an end to the long age of darkness. Each hero sets off on their journey, but the demons are overwhelmingly powerful. One by one, the heroes fall, unable to even put up a proper fight. Humanity’s last hope begins to fade. The protagonist, Hero Harrow, also suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of a Demon Lord. Though he survives, he is left unable to fight. Just when all seems lost, his brother, the wizard Zevy, appears and performs a summoning spell to bring help from other worlds. However, the summoned humans from alternate worlds are also being oppressed by their own natural enemies. It is then that a daring idea is born: “Why not make these natural enemies fight each other?”

Mitsuru Adachi

Ongoing Series, School, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Ryuu to Ichigo is a coming-of-age story that follows Ichigo Aida, a middle school girl suffocating in her everyday life, who stumbles upon the world of shogi (Japanese chess) and unleashes her innate talent and pure fighting spirit. Despite being a complete beginner, Ichigo goes toe-to-toe with elite players and boldly challenges the male-dominated world of professional shogi—where no female professionals exist in real life. Unbound by traditional strategies or conventions, Ichigo is driven solely by her instinctual desire to win. Her eccentric personality, combined with the intense matches against powerful opponents, forms the heart of her journey. This is a story of a girl who once had no dreams or self-confidence, now carving out a path through shogi—facing every challenge head-on and growing stronger with every match.

Soichiro Yamamoto (Original), Mifumi Inaba (Art)

Comedy, Romance, Shonen, Slice of Life

Karakai Jozu no (Moto) Takagi-san is a spin-off that picks up after the events of Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san, following the beloved characters Takagi and Nishikata into their married life. Now a married couple with a young daughter named Chi, the story depicts their cheerful and affectionate daily life as a family. Set several years after the original series, Takagi—now a mother—is still as skilled at teasing as ever. She continues to lovingly outwit her husband Nishikata, who is now a middle school P.E. teacher. Their relationship remains as sweet and full of humor as it was in their school days, filled with blushing reactions and playful banter. Their daughter Chi has inherited both her mother’s charm and a bit of her mischievous streak. Much of the story revolves around the heartwarming and often hilarious “teasing battles” among the family, as well as everyday moments that showcase their deep familial bonds. The series beautifully illustrates how the innocent teasing from their youth has naturally evolved into a warm family dynamic, where little joys and the ordinary become something special. As a slice-of-life family comedy, Karakai Jozu no (Moto) Takagi-san resonates with readers through its depiction of enduring love, gentle parenting, and the joys of family life.

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.

Gosho Aoyama

Anime Adaptation, Mystery, Ongoing Series, Romance, Shonen

Detective Conan follows the story of Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who witnesses a secret deal involving a mysterious organization known as the "Black Organization." Captured and forced to ingest a poison, his body shrinks, transforming him into a child. To hide his identity, Shinichi adopts the alias "Conan Edogawa" and lives with his childhood friend Ran Mori and her father, detective Kogoro Mori, all while solving complex criminal cases using his extraordinary deduction skills. As Conan seeks a way to return to his original body and uncover the true nature of the Black Organization, he faces numerous dangerous plots with help from allies and informants. The storyline skillfully intertwines everyday crime-solving, intense confrontations with the organization, and Conan’s bittersweet relationship with Ran. With characters who know Conan’s true identity and others like Ai Haibara, who also escaped the organization's grip, Detective Conan delivers suspense, deep human drama, and intricate mysteries in a long-running detective series beloved around the world.

Story by Ippon Takegushi, Art by Mitarashi Sandai

Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, School, Shonen

Shinobigoto is a school-based action manga set in modern-day Japan, revolving around Yodaka, an elite young ninja from the secretive "Public Security Ninja Squad." Despite being an exceptionally skilled ninja, Yodaka is extremely socially awkward and struggles to communicate with people. He is assigned a crucial mission: to secretly protect Aoi Himukai, a high school girl who unknowingly holds significant national assets and influence. With a hefty bounty on her head from the criminal underworld, Aoi becomes a constant target for assassins. Initially intending to quietly fulfill his duties without drawing attention, Yodaka somehow ends up befriending Aoi, further complicating his undercover role. Alongside other undercover ninjas infiltrating the school, he navigates the challenging balance between everyday school life and dangerous protection missions. Combining action, humor, and awkward teenage interactions, Yodaka fights through various dangers to keep Aoi safe, making Shinobigoto a fresh, modern take on ninja-meets-school comedy action.

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.

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.

Author: Kappy (original story) Artist: Masaki Tsuzuki

Cyberpunk, Drama, Ongoing Series, Sci-Fi, Shonen

Otona Taisen begins with the protagonist, Yutaro Urashima, a young man who once pledged to live by his self-imposed “Adult Constitution” in pursuit of becoming an ideal adult. However, after a sudden accident, Yutaro falls into a coma and awakens 15 years later at the age of 30. To his shock, the world he wakes up to has drastically changed—his once-personal ideals of being a “proper adult” have been adopted as universal societal rules. The world has become a hierarchical surveillance society, where every individual's actions are constantly monitored, evaluated, and scored. These scores determine one’s social status, rights, and privileges. In this dystopian system, Yutaro finds himself at odds with the very philosophy he once championed. He must now navigate the tension between righteousness and freedom, and fight for survival in a world that rigidly enforces moral correctness. What unfolds is a compelling and dynamic drama about adulthood, social control, and the struggle to reclaim one’s own beliefs in a society obsessed with perfection.

Kiko Urino

Drama, Ongoing Series, School, Shonen

Alice, Doko Made mo is a coming-of-age drama that follows Asahida Alice, a girl struggling with language barriers and loneliness, as she sets her sights on becoming Japan’s first female spaceship captain. Although Alice is beautiful and seemingly popular, she carries a deep inner struggle. Raised in a bilingual household, she was taught both Japanese and English from a young age. However, after losing her parents, she was left with an incomplete grasp of either language—making her a “semi-lingual.” This leaves her unable to fully understand her lessons or communicate effectively, leading to a sense of isolation and frustration. Labeled cruel names like “idiot” or “baby” by her peers, Alice begins to lose confidence in her abilities and future. But everything changes when she meets Inuboshi Rui, a brilliant and enigmatic boy who sees her hidden potential. Declaring, “I’ll make you smart,” Inuboshi becomes her mentor and partner, sparking Alice’s determination to pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut. With the support of Inuboshi, her best friend Minato, and her caring teacher Ms. Saeki, Alice embarks on a path of hard work, resilience, and self-discovery—reaching ever closer to the stars.

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.