Best Shonen Manga Recommendations (Page 3)

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.

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.

Mitsutoshi Simabukuro

Action, Comedy, Completed Series, School, Shonen

Seikimatsu Leader-den Takeshi! is a comedy and hot-blooded action manga starring Takeshi, a first-grade elementary school student with an absurd level of vitality and an unusually hairy body. Despite his age, Takeshi takes his late father Hiroshi’s dying words—"Become the greatest leader!"—to heart. With his unique sense of justice and unmatched energy, he solves problems in his class and community as a true “leader.” Set at Poppo Elementary School, the story follows Takeshi as he causes chaos and growth alongside a cast of quirky friends and rivals. As the series progresses, the scale expands beyond schoolyard antics to include rival leaders from other schools, delinquent gangs, and even demons from the underworld, all of whom are drawn into Takeshi’s wild adventures. While the early chapters focus on gag-filled school life, the latter half of the manga incorporates intense fighting arcs and emotional storylines. Through battles, hardships, and moments of heartfelt connection, the series explores themes of friendship, trust, and what it truly means to be a leader. With its over-the-top, passionate protagonist and balance of humor and heartfelt drama, Seikimatsu Leader-den Takeshi! delivers a hilarious yet inspiring story that dares to ask, “What does it really mean to lead?”

NUMBER8,Ryohei Masuko

Adventure, Drama, Ongoing Series, School, Shonen

Strand is set in modern-day Japan, where an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack disables all electronic devices and plunges civilization into collapse. The story follows four high school students as they struggle to survive in this extreme scenario. Susumu Manaka, Kanata Asahina, Keinosuke Shirane, and Kokoro Narusawa—second-year students from Gifu Prefecture—are on a school trip to Tokyo when they suddenly encounter the “Silent Disaster”: the Shinkansen and all electronic devices abruptly stop functioning. With smartphones, transportation, and infrastructure paralyzed, panic and violence erupt throughout the city. The four must cooperate to survive and find a way back home to their families, facing countless crises along the way. They contend with resource shortages in a society without functioning machines or infrastructure, stumble upon plane crash sites, and risk their lives in deadly confrontations with delinquent gangs and organized crime groups. Amid these life-or-death struggles, their relationships constantly shift—shaped by their personalities, inner conflicts, and the courage they find in moments of crisis. Strand delivers a gripping tale of survival, human bonds, and resilience in a world stripped of modern technology.

Hirai Ohashi

Ongoing Series, School, Shonen, Sports

The Days of Diamond follows Jiro Ayasegawa, an exceptionally talented fifth grader whose incredible baseball abilities inadvertently isolate him from his peers. Struggling with loneliness due to the overwhelming impact of his talent, Jiro joins the youth baseball team, Adachi Bambies, hoping to find friendship and acceptance. As Jiro forms deeper bonds with his teammates, his extraordinary skills once again create friction, forcing him to confront the double-edged nature of his gift. Torn between the joys and burdens of talent, Jiro navigates the challenging dynamics of friendship, teamwork, and personal identity. A heartfelt sports drama exploring the complexity of giftedness, The Days of Diamond beautifully illustrates the triumphs and trials faced by a young prodigy on and off the baseball field.

Sho Aimoto

Action, Horror, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Thirteen-year-old Kabane lives with his uncle’s family, who run a rural inn, but has been shunned by those around him since childhood and called “Dorotabou.” One day, a series of mysterious livestock deaths occur in the village, prompting detective Inugami, a specialist in supernatural phenomena, to visit from Tokyo to investigate. Inugami quickly realizes that Kabane is a half-human, half-ghoul (Kūler) hybrid, and rescues him, taking him to his detective agency in Tokyo. At Inugami’s agency, Kabane meets other half-monster youths, including Shiki, who has spider blood, and Akira, a snow boy (yuki-onoko). Together, they become embroiled in a conflict over the “Kesshiki,” a stone created to maintain the balance of the monster world. As they face powerful monsters and clash with Inari’s faction of fox spirits, who seek the Kesshiki, Kabane and his friends confront mysteries surrounding their pasts and families, overcoming various supernatural incidents while searching for their own identities and purpose. Eventually, a large-scale battle involving monsters and a world-shaking conspiracy unfolds. With their own hopes in their hearts, Kabane and his friends fight for a future where monsters and humans can coexist.

Yūgo Kobayashi

Cooking & Food, Drama, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Fermat no Ryouri (Fermat's Cooking) follows the story of Gaku Kitada, a high school student who once aspired to be a mathematician. After failing at the Math Olympiad trials and nearly giving up his dream, Gaku meets Kai Asakura, a genius chef who introduces him to the culinary world. Utilizing his mathematical mind to meticulously reverse-engineer dishes, Gaku astonishes those around him and steadily rises from apprentice to master chef. Blending mathematical logic with culinary creativity, he develops his unique cooking philosophy while tackling numerous challenges alongside his friends. Centered around the unconventional combination of math and cooking, the story is a heartfelt youth drama portraying hard work, friendship, and personal growth. The manga was adapted into a TV drama in 2023, with an anime series planned for release starting in 2025.

Takeshi Hinata

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, School, Shonen, Sports

Here's the translated summary for Ahiru no Sora: Ahiru no Sora is a coming-of-age basketball manga about Sora Kurumatani, a passionate yet undersized high school basketball player. Standing just 149 cm (4’11”), Sora enrolls at Kuzuryu High School (nicknamed "Kuzu High") with a promise to his chronically ill mother—that he will win his first high school basketball tournament. Upon arrival, however, he discovers the school's basketball club has become little more than a hangout for delinquents, including the notorious Hanazono brothers, Momoharu and Chiaki, who show no interest in actually playing the sport. Through his unwavering dedication and passion for basketball, Sora gradually inspires the former players like the Hanazono brothers, along with the gifted ace Kenji "Tobi" Natsume and skillful center Kaname "Mokichi" Shigeyoshi, to rekindle their love for the game. Together, they overcome personal hardships and family issues, rebuilding the basketball club from scratch. Despite continuous setbacks and conflicts, they strive toward their ultimate dream: competing in the inter-high tournament.

Makoto Raiku

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

Zatch Bell! is a battle fantasy manga created by Makoto Raiku. The story begins when Kiyomaro Takamine, a brilliant yet lonely junior high student, encounters a mysterious boy named Zatch Bell, who has lost his memory and carries a red spellbook. Zatch is one of 100 demon children sent to the human world to participate in a once-every-thousand-years battle to decide the next king of the demon world. Zatch teams up with Kiyomaro, who can activate various spells—such as lightning-based magic—by reading the incantations written in the spellbook. In this fierce competition, demon children cannot use their powers without a human partner, and if their spellbook is burned, they are sent back to the demon world. Initially lacking confidence and a clear purpose, Zatch begins to change as he meets fellow competitors and rivals, ultimately vowing to become a “kind king.” Through intense battles filled with encounters and farewells, Zatch and Kiyomaro forge deep bonds of friendship and face countless powerful opponents. The story delivers a classic battle narrative packed with emotion and intensity, portraying the growth of the duo as they overcome hardships, inner struggles, and the unique destinies of each demon child.

Taishi Mori

Drama, Ongoing Series, Romance, Shonen

Asoko de Hataraku Musubu-san is a pure-hearted office romantic comedy set in Shonan Rubber Industries Co., Ltd., a company that manufactures condoms. The protagonist, Gorō Sagami, is a timid yet earnest young sales representative. The woman he secretly admires is Yui “Musubu” Kondō, a science-minded researcher in the development department. Musubu-san devotes herself wholeheartedly to researching and developing condoms, taking great pride in her work, yet she has zero experience in romance. Sagami, too, is shy and reserved, so their relationship progresses at an excruciatingly slow pace—“just 0.01mm at a time.” Through his work, Sagami tries to get closer to her, but given the nature of the company’s product, he often finds himself flustered, battling awkward thoughts, or even being asked for his honest opinions on the product’s feel. Though their mutual attraction is obvious to everyone around them, their pure feelings often lead to clumsy misunderstandings. Business trips and workplace incidents gradually bring them closer, as they carefully nurture their budding romance. The manga also offers a unique peek into the world of product development and the condom industry. Blending workplace romance with the unusual profession of “condom research,” the story warmly depicts everyday life and charming romantic moments. Musubu-san’s innocence and sincerity, paired with Sagami’s earnest kindness, make this an ideal read for fans of wholesome love stories.

Story by Yajin, Art by Takahito Kobayashi

Adventure, Isekai, Ongoing Series, Psychological, Shonen

Karate Survivor in Another World follows Hitoshi Nozaki, a 34-year-old karateka nicknamed “Yajin” (“wild man”) for his rugged appearance and unusual name. After sacrificing his life to save some students, he dies in an accident—only to be whimsically reincarnated by a god into another world, stark naked. In this new world, he is given no magic, no special powers, no “cheat” abilities—only his karate skills, modern survival knowledge, and his own body. Fighting for his life against goblins and hobgoblins, he gradually learns how to secure food, shelter, and the means to survive. As he joins adventurer parties, clashes with villagers and nobles, and faces colossal monsters, Nozaki steadily earns a reputation as “The Wild Man.” Each battle, each decision to help his comrades, reinforces his identity as a lone yet dependable fighter. Along the way, he forges new bonds, endures solitude, and continues his journey in search of a true place to belong. Blending gritty realism with the tropes of isekai, Karate Survivor in Another World is a survival-driven reincarnation fantasy that highlights resilience, raw combat, and the struggle for meaning in a hostile new world.

Yuto Suzuki

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

SAKAMOTO DAYS is an action-comedy manga featuring Taro Sakamoto, once known and feared in the criminal underworld as a legendary assassin. After falling in love and getting married, Sakamoto retired from his life of crime. Now a happily married, overweight, middle-aged man, he enjoys a peaceful life running the "Sakamoto Store" alongside his beloved family. However, due to his notorious past, Sakamoto has a bounty placed on his head, drawing various assassins who threaten to disrupt his peaceful days. One such assassin is Shin, his former subordinate and an esper with the ability to read minds. Originally ordered to kill Sakamoto, Shin is instead won over by Sakamoto's kindness and strength, ultimately becoming an ally and employee at the Sakamoto Store. Committed to the promise he made to his family—“no more killing”—Sakamoto utilizes his incredible combat skills and sharp intellect to protect his loved ones from the chaos that continuously invades their daily life. Combining stylish battles, comedic situations, and the heartwarming bonds between distinctive characters, SAKAMOTO DAYS delivers a uniquely entertaining story.

Tadatoshi Fujimaki

Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Kill Blue is a school-based action-comedy manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. The protagonist, Juzo Ogami, is a legendary assassin known for always eliminating his targets. One day, after being stung by a mysterious bee, Juzo suddenly reverts from a 39-year-old adult to a middle-school student. Unable to continue his assassin work in his younger form, Juzo is reluctantly tasked by his boss to investigate the middle school his daughter will attend. While initially uneasy about fitting in, Juzo gradually begins enjoying school life through studying and interactions with his classmates. Eventually, it’s discovered that the biological weapon responsible for his rejuvenation was developed by the major pharmaceutical company Mitsuoka Pharmaceuticals. Juzo starts searching for clues to revert to his original form. At the same time, he meets classmates such as Noren Mitsuoka and other unique friends, becoming increasingly embroiled in conspiracies involving assassination groups and the underworld. Leveraging his adult experience and assassin skills—yet stuck with the appearance of a middle-schooler—Juzo navigates a turbulent school life. Blending comedy, action, and human drama, the story unfolds with sharp pacing and plenty of excitement.