Manga Reviews & Recommendations (Page 3)

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.

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.

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.

Naoya Matsumoto

Action, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

In a world where kaiju—giant monsters—regularly attack cities, Japan relies on an elite military force known as the Defense Force to protect its people. Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old cleanup crew worker, once dreamed of joining the Defense Force and slaying kaiju himself. But life had other plans—his days are now spent disposing of monster corpses, far from the front lines. Everything changes when Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa, a passionate young recruit chasing the very dream Kafka gave up on. Inspired by Reno's drive, Kafka begins to rekindle his own lost ambition. But fate takes a shocking turn—Kafka is infected by a mysterious small kaiju, transforming him into a powerful human-kaiju hybrid: Kaiju No. 8. Now caught between two worlds, Kafka must confront both monstrous threats and his own past, fighting not just for survival—but for the dream he once abandoned. Kaiju No. 8 is the story of an adult who dares to rise again, battling between justice and monstrosity in a second chance at his destiny.

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.

Taiga Sassa

Drama, Ongoing Series, Slice of Life, historical

"Isabella Bird in Wonderland" is set in Japan in 1878 (Meiji Year 11), a period shortly after the Meiji Restoration. Although Emperor Meiji had lifted the ban on Western cuisine in 1871, allowing Western culture to gradually permeate Japan, the nation was still far from the fully Westernized country it is today. The protagonist, Isabella Bird, is an adventurous woman who had previously explored places like Hawaii and the Rocky Mountains. This time, her goal is to journey to Japan's northernmost region at the time, "Ezo-ga-shima" (present-day Hokkaido). Unable to speak Japanese, Bird initially struggles to find an interpreter but eventually meets Tsurukichi Ito, who agrees to accompany her, and their journey begins. From the perspective of Bird, raised in the West, everything about Japanese culture and landscapes of that era is astonishing and strange. Through numerous hardships and rare experiences, she gradually builds connections with Tsurukichi and the Japanese people she encounters, making this a story of cultural discovery and interpersonal bonds.

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.

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.

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.

Makoto Raiku

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shonen

Zatch Bell!! 2 is the direct sequel to the original series, following Zatch Bell, who became the “kind king” ruling over the demon world, and Kiyomaro Takamine, who has grown into adulthood in the human world, as they reunite to face an intense new battle. The story takes place about 12 years after the events of the first series. Zatch has brought peace to the demon world as its king, but this peace is shattered when a mysterious group of invaders suddenly appears, leaving the demon world in ruins. The demons’ powers are stolen, Zatch himself goes missing, and many of their former allies are defeated. A young demon girl named Zelly survives and, along with her companions, is entrusted with Zatch’s message—“Find Kiyomaro”—and a sketch of his face. They are then transported to the human world, specifically Egypt. While struggling to navigate this unfamiliar world, Zelly and her friends are relentlessly pursued by enemy forces. Eventually, she meets Kiyomaro, now a grown archaeologist. With the power of the old “spell book” and the energy of ancient ruins, Kiyomaro reawakens Zatch, bringing him back to the human world. Together once more, the duo embarks on a mission to confront the crisis threatening the demon world and challenge their powerful new enemies.

Story by Ryūuki Oonuma, Art by Hikari Komaru

Action, Animals & Pets, Comedy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

INNU is a violent action-comedy manga set in Tokyo’s Asakusa district. The story begins when high school girl Sally Yamaga finds a mysterious pug abandoned along the banks of the Sumida River. This dog, nicknamed “Innu,” can speak human language and possesses superhuman combat abilities—making him the “strongest dog” in existence. However, bound by a promise to Sally, he pretends to be an ordinary dog in front of everyone else. Sally is no ordinary girl—she’s the daughter of the boss of the Yamaga-gumi yakuza syndicate. Danger and trouble constantly follow her, from gang turf wars to professional hitmen. Innu uses his extraordinary powers to protect Sally from these threats, resulting in a series of wild, unpredictable incidents. The manga blends intense action with comedic flair, featuring eccentric characters, hardboiled one-liners, and absurd gags. As the story unfolds, mysteries surrounding Innu’s true identity and past come to light, along with the deepening bond between him and Sally. Together, they face fierce battles against the underworld forces targeting her. With its unique “strongest dog × yakuza princess” pairing, INNU delivers a thrilling, unpredictable, and hilariously over-the-top buddy action-comedy.

Tetsuro Kuromatsu

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Sports

DRAFT KING is set in the world of professional Japanese baseball, following the sharp-eyed veteran scout Gohara Ganriki and the rookie scout Kamiki as they navigate the behind-the-scenes world of scouting and draft negotiations. Gohara possesses an exceptional gift: the ability to spot a “Draft King”—a player who, regardless of their draft position, will ultimately rise to become a true star with the best career achievements. He often seeks out talent that no one else notices, from overlooked prospects to completely unknown players. The story spans high school, college, corporate league, and even independent league baseball, as Gohara’s unconventional scouting philosophy and Kamiki’s personal growth intertwine with the lives of the players, their families, and those working behind the scenes. It delves deep into the tense strategies before and after the draft, the rivalries between scouts, and the internal politics of baseball teams, offering a realistic portrayal of the sport’s off-the-field battles. While the teams and players are fictional, the manga occasionally references anecdotes about real-life stars such as Ichiro and Masumi Kuwata, adding an extra layer of authenticity that makes it a thrilling read for baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

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.

Kenichi Okuyama

Drama, Ongoing Series, Romance, Shonen, Slice of Life

One Night Morning is an omnibus-style romance manga that focuses on the fleeting, emotionally charged moments that unfold the morning after a one-night encounter between a man and a woman. Each chapter tells a standalone story featuring different characters, capturing the subtle emotional shifts, awkward silences, and sometimes unspoken hopes that linger in the quiet hours after the night has passed. The relationships between the characters vary—ex-lovers, coworkers, total strangers, or people caught somewhere between friends and lovers. While each story starts at the end of a night together, it is the morning after that takes center stage: the brief window where decisions are made, truths are felt, and lives may subtly shift. Some characters find courage, others feel longing or regret, but all share a few meaningful hours that may change their paths forever. Whether it's the awkwardness of unfamiliarity or the bittersweet nostalgia of something almost rekindled, the manga delicately portrays these "special mornings" with emotional depth and a cinematic stillness. It’s a quiet yet powerful exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and the small miracles that happen after the night fades and a new day begins. This adult-oriented human drama captures the realism of modern relationships—highlighting how ordinary people wrestle with love, loneliness, and connection in just a few precious morning moments.

Makoto Yukimura

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Ongoing Series, Seinen

11th-century Northern Europe— An age of Vikings, where war, conquest, and plunder reign supreme. In a brutal world ruled by the sword, the fate of one young boy begins to shift. His name is Thorfinn. After witnessing the death of his father, the legendary warrior Thors, Thorfinn grows up on the battlefield, fueled by a burning desire for revenge. But beyond the violence, he begins to confront deeper questions—ones that rage and hatred alone cannot answer. What does one truly gain through fighting? What is real strength? As Thorfinn is torn between vengeance and purpose, his journey takes a new direction—toward Vinland, a distant land free from bloodshed and war. No longer driven by revenge, he sets out in search of peace, forgiveness, and redemption. With breathtaking battles, rich historical detail, and powerful philosophical themes, Vinland Saga is a soul-stirring Norse epic that explores what it means to be human in a world shaped by violence.

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.

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?”

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.

Shinichi Ishizuka

Drama, Music & Idol, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Blue Giant follows the journey of Dai Miyamoto, a young man whose life is forever changed when he discovers jazz. Captivated by the sound of the saxophone during high school, Dai becomes fiercely determined to express his deepest emotions through music. Completely self-taught, Dai dedicates himself to mastering the saxophone, passionately practicing alone and relentlessly pursuing his own unique sound—even without a mentor or fellow musicians to guide him. Eventually, Dai moves to Tokyo, where he encounters like-minded musicians, forming a band that pushes each member to their limits. Together, they navigate the demanding world of jazz clubs, music festivals, and live performances, steadily earning recognition for their raw talent and burning passion. Blue Giant captures not only the thrilling essence of live jazz performances but also the struggles, growth, and friendships forged through the pursuit of dreams. Readers are drawn deeply into Dai’s heartfelt journey, experiencing every triumph and challenge alongside him. A powerful and inspiring portrayal of passion, dedication, and musical expression—this manga truly resonates with anyone who has ever chased a dream.

Tennoji Dai (Story), Watanabe Michio (Art)

Crime, Seinen

Hakuryu centers around Tatsuya Shirakawa—known as "Hakuryu" (White Dragon)—the ambitious and intelligent young second-in-command of the Kurosu-gumi, a yakuza group based in Shibuya. Originally a small-scale criminal organization, the Kurosu-gumi rapidly expands its influence under Hakuryu’s exceptional intellect and strategic prowess, eventually extending its power into major metropolitan areas such as Roppongi. Acting as a surrogate leader for the aging boss Kansuke Kurosu, Hakuryu skillfully navigates intricate power struggles, gang rivalries, and delicate negotiations with the police and other crime syndicates. The narrative weaves together various modern societal issues—from pharmaceutical company scandals and corrupt martial arts organizations to nuclear-industry manipulation and baseball gambling—to depict how the Kurosu-gumi generates revenue and sustains itself. Central to the story are Hakuryu’s calm, calculated decisions, his foresight, and the deep loyalty and bonds he shares with his fellow gang members. The manga also depicts intense conflicts with the Oudo-kai, Kanto's largest organized crime syndicate. With its realistic portrayal of yakuza life and sharp commentary on contemporary social problems, Hakuryu delivers a gritty, compelling, and thought-provoking story.