Manga Reviews & Recommendations (Page 3)

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.

Keigo Shinzō

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Slice of Life

"Hirayatsumi" is a slice-of-life drama following Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree 29-year-old part-timer. Living without a steady job or a romantic partner—and without any particular worries about his future—Hiroto unexpectedly inherits a small single-story house ("hiraya") in Asagaya from his elderly neighbor, Hanae Wada. Soon afterward, his 18-year-old cousin Natsumi arrives from Yamagata to attend art school, and they begin living together. Friends carrying their own troubles and various unique individuals gradually gather around Hiroto, creating a warm and lively community within the little house. Set against a relaxed, gentle atmosphere, the characters each confront their own lives, discovering small everyday joys and personal growth along the way. It’s a comforting, heartwarming tale perfectly suited for the modern reader seeking solace.

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.

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.

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.

Miko Yasu

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

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

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.

Mizuki Kawashita

Comedy, Completed Series, Ecchi, Harem, Romance

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

Harold Sakuishi

Music & Idol, Ongoing Series, School, Seinen

"THE BAND" is a coming-of-age music manga centered around Yuhei Araki, a middle school student struggling with bullying. Yuhei finds solace and hope through music when attending a live concert with his mother, where he meets and quickly befriends Shintaro "Mataro" Ibata, a transfer student who shares his passion. Unfortunately, after just a year and a half, Mataro transfers away, leaving Yuhei feeling isolated once again. Bullying continues into Yuhei's middle school years, accompanied by other hardships like truancy and family tragedy. However, Yuhei’s life takes a major turn when he inherits a crescent-shaped guitar—a Kawai Moonsault—from his uncle, and reunites with Mataro. Together, they form an impromptu band in Nagoya’s lively Osu Kannon shopping street. Through music, Yuhei begins confronting his personal struggles, deepening friendships, and connecting with new bandmates. This story illustrates how music can break through isolation and darkness, highlighting the powerful growth and bonds of friendship among the young band members.

Sora Karin (Story), Kosuke Fushimi (Art)

Action, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Verbellum - War of Words follows Keiji Iruma, a high school student aspiring to become a screenwriter, who suddenly finds himself invited to a mysterious supernatural battle called "Verbellum," a deadly game where participants fight using powers derived from "verbs." Keiji obtains the verb "Open," granting him versatile abilities such as opening doors, wounds, and much more. The goal of the game is to collect passwords from other "verb" wielders to ultimately become the "Master of Words." Keiji teams up with his cousin Maki Hanazato and their ally Ririka Azuma to survive encounters with dangerous factions such as the "Senri Assassins" and confront the shadowy mastermind behind the game. This unique battle setting utilizes the power of verbs, leading not just to physical confrontations but also intense psychological and strategic warfare. Keiji, who struggles with lost memories, navigates a labyrinthine web of intrigue, betrayal, and tragedy. As the tournament escalates toward its climax, Keiji must rediscover both his abilities and his past to confront his ultimate enemy in this thrilling survival battle.

Hachi Nishika

Drama, Ongoing Series, Romance, Seinen, historical

In the spring of 1936 (Showa 11), 20-year-old Natsumi Sekiya is suddenly informed by her father that her marriage has been arranged. She accepts an engagement with Takimasa Ebata, a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Navy. However, on her wedding day, Takimasa is absent due to naval training, and Natsumi ends up having her wedding ceremony with just a photograph of him. When Takimasa finally returns after his military exercises, their first meeting is awkward. Despite feeling unsure about her quiet, reserved husband, Natsumi earnestly strives to support him as a wife. Neither experienced in household chores nor familiar with married life, the couple gradually grows closer, navigating their awkwardness and building trust. Due to Takimasa’s frequent long-term deployments at sea, Natsumi feels lonely but communicates her feelings through letters, strengthening their bond with every reunion. Amid occasional misunderstandings, jealousy, and interactions with family and friends, the two steadily mature as a couple. Set against the backdrop of pre-war Japan, this gentle, warm-hearted story portrays the pure and slightly frustrating romance of a newlywed couple, capturing their everyday life as softly as the ocean breeze.

Umikaze Minamino (Story), Kabuto Kodai (Art)

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden tells the story of a legendary warrior known as the "God Slayer," who, yearning for combat even at the brink of death, reincarnates into the future. Her soul inhabits the frail body of Nia Liston, a sickly noble girl. Initially struggling with the weakness of her new form, she harnesses her inner "Qi" to gradually restore her health and strength. Despite her delicate appearance, Nia possesses extraordinary combat prowess and an insatiable thirst for battle, effortlessly defeating powerful foes even in everyday life. Using her noble status, she engages in diverse pursuits, from academy life to serving as a personality at a broadcasting station. Eventually, she earns a staggering one billion Clams, enabling her to organize a global martial arts tournament. This story vividly captures Nia’s thrilling journey as she seeks formidable opponents, brilliantly showcasing her unstoppable pursuit of battle.

Kotori Inokuma

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

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

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.

Kouji Seo

Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Seinen

The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is a romantic comedy set in Familia, an old seaside café left behind by the protagonist's late grandmother. The story follows Hayato Kasukabe, a brilliant student who passed the entrance exam to the University of Tokyo. After a falling out with his grandmother, he returns to his hometown for the first time in three years—only to learn of her passing. His original plan is to tear down the café and turn the property into a parking lot. However, to his surprise, five beautiful and eccentric young women are already living there, claiming to be his grandmother’s “family.” Each of these girls carries personal baggage or painful memories and was taken in by the grandmother, who gave them a home and purpose at Familia. At first, Hayato constantly clashes with them, but as he learns more about their stories and the kindness of his late grandmother, he decides to reopen and rebuild the café. From running the business and dealing with rival cafés to navigating romantic entanglements among the five heroines, Hayato and the girls develop a deep, almost familial bond as they face daily chaos and heartfelt moments together. Blending cheeky humor, pop culture parodies, romantic tension, and touching themes of found family, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is a vibrant, feel-good story filled with laughs, charm, and just the right amount of spice.