Manga Reviews & Recommendations (Page 2)

Osamu Akimoto

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Shonen, Slice of Life

KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops is a long-running comedy manga by Osamu Akimoto, set in the neighborhood of Kameari in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward. The story centers on Kankichi Ryotsu—a maverick police officer known for his love of money-making schemes and wild ideas. Though constantly causing chaos with his outrageous plans, he’s also an endearing troublemaker with a strong sense of compassion and humanity. Ryotsu, often called "Ryo-san," is stationed at the Kameari police box alongside his ultra-wealthy, refined partner Keiichi Nakagawa, the beautiful and intelligent Reiko, and their strict boss Chief Ohara. Every chapter features fast-paced antics—from Ryotsu’s get-rich-quick schemes and obsessive hobbies to chasing the latest trends—all told with a mix of humor, heart, and satire. The manga cleverly weaves in social commentary, pop culture, and the everyday lives of Tokyo residents. With its blend of slapstick comedy, human drama, and parody, KochiKame paints a vibrant portrait of urban Japanese life. First serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1976 to 2016, KochiKame holds the record as one of the longest-running manga series in history and remains a beloved pillar of Japanese comedic storytelling.

Kengo Hanazawa

Action, Ongoing Series, Seinen

In Under Ninja, the shadowy world of ninjas didn’t disappear after World War II—they just went underground. Secretly active across the globe, these covert operatives continue their missions into the present day. Enter Kuro Kumogakure, a low-ranking ninja with no assignments, spending his days bored and unemployed in a run-down apartment. One day, he's unexpectedly ordered to investigate Under Ninja (UN), a mysterious organization that's remained hidden for over 70 years since the war. To uncover UN’s activities, Kuro infiltrates Koudan High School disguised as a student. Now, he must balance blending into normal school life with untangling the secrets of this elusive group. A unique blend of comedy, espionage, and action, Under Ninja is a fresh twist on modern ninja tales, combining undercover antics, secret missions, and high school chaos.

Hitoshi Iwaaki

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, historical

Set in 4th-century BCE Ancient Greece, Historie follows the remarkable life of Eumenes, who eventually becomes a key general and strategist for the Kingdom of Macedonia. Orphaned at a young age, Eumenes rises through his exceptional intelligence, determination, and integrity. The story begins in his childhood, meticulously detailing how Eumenes meets the young prince Alexander—later known as Alexander the Great—and gradually earns his trust as an indispensable advisor. Using intellect as his weapon, Eumenes navigates philosophy, politics, and military strategy, becoming pivotal in shaping an era defined by ambition, warfare, and cultural upheaval. Amid power struggles and brutal realities of war, Eumenes remains steadfast in his beliefs, though he continually wrestles with internal conflicts. The narrative intricately portrays historical events such as Alexander’s famous campaigns and Macedonia’s internal political struggles, capturing the complexity of ancient society through Eumenes’s unique perspective. Historie excels in showcasing authentic ancient military tactics, political intrigues, and the nuanced dynamics between royalty and common citizens. Beyond a gripping tale of one strategist's journey, the manga offers an immersive glimpse into the heart of Ancient Greek civilization itself.

Tsurumaikada

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Ongoing Series, Sports

Tsukasa Akeuraji was a figure skater who had nearly given up on his dream—until the day he met a young girl who reignited his passion. Her name is Inori Ketsuzoku. Though she had never skated before, she possessed a fierce determination and limitless potential on the ice. "This girl… she might just change the world." Taking his first step into coaching, Tsukasa begins training Inori, who pushes forward with talent, grit, and unwavering effort. Together, they face crushing loneliness, self-doubt, and the weight of high expectations—overcoming each obstacle as they chase the dream of becoming medalists. More than just a sports story, Medalist is a moving tale of growth, soul, and unbreakable bonds set in the world of figure skating.

Tsugumi Ohba (Story), Takeshi Obata (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Slice of Life

Bakuman. is a coming-of-age success story that follows the journey of two middle school students—Moritaka Mashiro, a talented artist, and Akito Takagi, a gifted writer—as they team up with the shared goal of becoming successful manga creators in Weekly Shonen Jump. Initially, Mashiro had given up on his dreams after witnessing the tragic death of his uncle, a manga artist who died from overwork. However, Takagi's invitation reignites his passion, especially after making a promise with their classmate and aspiring voice actress Miho Azuki: if their manga ever gets adapted into an anime, they’ll get married. Together, Mashiro and Takagi face countless challenges—canceled series, creative slumps, intense competition with rival manga artists, and even health risks due to overwork. Despite these setbacks, their determination, passion for manga, and strong friendship push them forward. Bakuman. offers a raw and inspiring look into the manga industry, portraying the reality behind serialized publication while exploring the balance between dreams and reality, effort and talent. It’s a compelling and realistic depiction of the modern-day “way of the manga.”

Shueisha

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Hikaru no Go is a coming-of-age manga that follows Hikaru Shindo, an ordinary sixth-grade boy whose life changes when he discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Unbeknownst to him, the board is haunted by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian period who is unable to pass on to the afterlife due to his obsession with achieving the divine move, known as the “Hand of God.” Sai begs Hikaru to let him play Go once more through him. Although Hikaru has no interest in the game at first, he reluctantly agrees. As he begins playing under Sai’s guidance, Hikaru becomes captivated by the depth and complexity of Go. His interest deepens when he meets Akira Toya, the son of Japan’s top professional Go player. In their first match, Hikaru, guided by Sai, defeats Akira with overwhelming skill. Shocked that someone his age could be so strong, Akira becomes determined to rival Hikaru. Motivated by this rivalry, Hikaru begins studying Go seriously and sets a personal goal: to one day challenge Akira with his own strength, not Sai’s. Hikaru eventually joins the Japan Go Association’s training program for young players, where he trains alongside other aspiring pros, including international talents. Through competition, setbacks, and growth, Hikaru matures both as a person and a player. The story emotionally portrays Hikaru’s journey as he develops bonds with Sai and Akira, overcomes inner struggles, and steadily strives toward mastering Go on his own—ultimately aiming to reach the elusive “Hand of God.” It’s a moving and inspiring tale about passion, rivalry, and self-discovery through the ancient game of Go.

Story by Osamu Nishi, Art by Shiro Usazaki

Action, Adventure, Magic, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Ichi the Witch is a fantasy manga set in a world where only women can use magic, centering around a young boy named Ichi who lives alone in the mountains. Abandoned in the wilderness as a child, Ichi survives through hunting and gathering. One day, he encounters a powerful magical creature known as "King Uloro," and inexplicably acquires magical abilities, despite magic traditionally being limited to women. This extraordinary event makes Ichi the world's only male witch—known as the "Witch Man"—leading to his recruitment by the Witch Association to carry out dangerous "Magic Hunts." Together with his companions, the witch Deskaras and the chronicler Kumugi, Ichi confronts various magical threats, including cataclysmic entities known as "Anti-World Magic," capable of humanity’s destruction. This manga offers an innovative take on magic and adventure, depicting an unconventional journey that defies all established norms.

Satoru Noda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

Set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era, Golden Kamuy follows Saichi Sugimoto, a battle-hardened ex-soldier known as “Immortal Sugimoto.” In order to fulfill a fallen comrade’s last wish and secure a fortune, he sets his sights on a legendary hidden stash of gold. The key to the treasure? A cryptic map tattooed on the bodies of escaped prisoners. Along the way, Sugimoto partners with Asirpa, a brave and resourceful Ainu girl with deep knowledge of the land and a personal quest for truth surrounding her father's death. Their bond grows stronger as they journey across the harsh northern wilderness. What follows is an exhilarating blend of survival, cultural exploration, gourmet adventures, and a deadly battle for gold, where cunning and brute strength collide. As greed, justice, and betrayal intertwine, the quest for the gold escalates into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens to engulf even the nation itself. Thrilling, emotional, and utterly unique—Golden Kamuy is a masterful tale of riches, honor, and the human spirit set against the frozen frontier.

Takeru Hokazono

Action, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

In a world where swords possess mysterious cursed powers, young swordsmith Chihiro Rokuhira inherits Enten, a legendary blade forged by his father. Driven by vengeance and duty, Chihiro dives headfirst into a ruthless war hidden within the shadows. Facing powerful foes, unraveling the dark secrets within his cursed sword, and confronting painful memories of his past, Chihiro’s journey leads him deeper into a sinister world of sorcery and bloodshed. Blending fierce, elegant swordplay with intense supernatural battles, Kagurabachi follows Chihiro’s relentless quest for truth amidst curses, betrayal, and destiny. A new-generation supernatural action manga filled with breathtaking combat, dark mystery, and an unfolding tale of vengeance and revelation!

Ayaka Katayama

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Sci-Fi, Shonen

Fungus and Iron is a sci-fi manga set in a dystopian near-future world dominated by fungi (mushrooms) that have parasitically taken control of human brains. These fungi strip humans of their free will and independent thought, enforcing an absolute authoritarian regime. Within this oppressive society lives Dante, a young soldier and an outcast, uniquely able to retain his emotions and consciousness, unaffected by the fungal domination. Despite his peculiar condition—unable to read yet gifted with extraordinary physical abilities—Dante undertakes secret missions outside the controlled zones for the ruling government known as "Amigasa." During one such mission, he meets Aoi, a girl belonging to "Ether," a rebel organization seeking free thought and liberation from fungal control. Inspired by Aoi's words, Dante begins questioning the very structure of his world. Eventually, Dante endures torture designed to infect his brain with fungi, yet miraculously resists their control. Through this ordeal, he acquires a unique power combining iron and fungus, transforming him into an Ether warrior determined to challenge the oppressive regime. The manga unfolds with intense battles between fungal oppression and human resistance, intertwined with shocking revelations about the hidden truth of their world.

Shuuzou Oshimi

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Slice of Life

His name is... Fujii. He doesn’t possess any special powers. He’s not trying to become someone important. He simply exists—like something by the side of the road. School life, job hunting, casual conversations, quiet worries. Fujii drifts through the everyday moments we all know too well—but always just a little off. That slight misalignment makes him oddly funny, faintly melancholic, and strangely unforgettable. Fujii isn’t extraordinary, yet he makes the ordinary feel profound. His words, his silences, his awkward grace—each leaves behind a quiet echo in the reader’s heart. A story that’s both humorous and strangely moving. Relaxing yet thought-provoking. A “gentle shock” that reveals the strange just beside the familiar.

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.

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.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

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

Kaiji: Against All Rules is the second major arc of the Kaiji series, following Kaiji as he’s thrown into Teiai Group’s brutal underground forced labor camp and struggles to claw his way back to freedom through life-or-death gambles. Drowning in debt, Kaiji is sent to the subterranean prison, where the foreman Ōtsuki runs a rigged dice game called Chinchirorin. By exposing Ōtsuki’s elaborate cheating and turning the tables, Kaiji wins back the trust of his fellow inmates and eventually earns a rare chance to leave the underground—for just 20 days. With only a small sum of cash and a limited window of freedom, Kaiji sets his sights on paying off the debts of 45 fellow prisoners, searching desperately for a single gamble that could change everything. On the surface, Kaiji meets a new partner, Kōtarō Sakazaki, and together they set their eyes on Teiai’s most infamous underground casino attraction: The Bog, an enormous pachinko machine designed to be unbeatable. With Sakazaki and the fixer Endō at his side, Kaiji devises ingenious counter-schemes and massive setups to dismantle Teiai’s rigged system. After a grueling battle of wit, endurance, and luck, Kaiji finally topples The Bog and walks away with over 700 million yen. But true to the spirit of Kaiji, even after securing such a staggering victory, he cannot escape without twists of fate and cruel reversals. Kaiji: Against All Rules is a story of ultimate gambles, unbreakable camaraderie, and the raw greed and weakness of humanity, told through one of the most iconic “turnaround dramas” in modern manga.

Shōhei Manabe

Crime, Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Kujou no Taizai is a hard-hitting legal drama manga that follows Taiza Kujou, a highly skilled lawyer who deliberately takes on only the most troublesome and controversial cases. The series paints a gritty and realistic picture of Japan’s modern legal system and its ties to the underworld. Kujou specializes in handling requests from semi-gang groups, yakuza, ex-convicts, and other shady figures. Prioritizing law and his client’s interests over morality, he defends them with a relentless, belief-free stance. Though society condemns him as a “corrupt lawyer,” Kujou himself admits that he puts the client’s benefit above the victim’s suffering, shaking up the courtroom with outcomes that defy conventional justice. The manga dives into cases ripped straight from modern headlines: drunk-driving hit-and-runs, drug possession, financial fraud, welfare scams, inheritance disputes in nursing homes, and corruption in large hospitals. Through these, Kujou consistently pursues the most advantageous solution for the accused, regardless of public opinion. Beyond the cases, the story weaves in the motives and struggles of his office staff, clients, rival prosecutors and lawyers, police officers, and figures from the criminal underworld. This creates a tense human drama where law and ethics clash, and life-or-death gambits unfold. With Kujou’s cold conviction, unyielding devotion to his clients, and unflinching gaze at the darkness of law and society, Kujou no Taizai delivers a sharp, provocative look at justice in modern Japan.

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.

Tatsuya Endo

Animals & Pets, Anime Adaptation, Drama, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Loid Forger, a master spy known by the codename Twilight, is assigned a top-secret mission to maintain peace between East and West. His task: infiltrate an elite school by creating the perfect fake family. But the “family” he hastily assembles is anything but ordinary— His wife, Yor, is a deadly assassin hiding her identity. His adopted daughter, Anya, is a telepath who can read minds. And none of them know each other's true secrets. What begins as a fabricated life for the sake of a mission soon blossoms into something real. Through awkward dinners, chaotic school interviews, and secret missions, this mismatched trio discovers the meaning of love, family, and belonging. Action-packed, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny— SPY×FAMILY is a feel-good home comedy where a spy, an assassin, and a psychic come together to form the most unlikely (and lovable) family.

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.

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."

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.