Eleven Essential Recommendations Emerging from Manga's Modern Movement
The manga and anime community is undergoing a lull, with popular shonen series like "My Hero Academia," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "Undead Unluck" reaching their conclusions. Many fans are now debating which series will take the next spot in the big three, with talks dominating about shows like "Dan Dan Dan" and "Sakamoto Days." For those in search of new manga to add to their collection, here are some we've been reading and why you should check them out.
Akane-banashi
If you enjoyed "Act-Age," get ready for "Akane-banashi," a unique take on rakugo theatrical performances. The story follows Akane Osaki, a girl determined to become a professional rakugo performer after her father was humiliated and banished from the craft. Each chapter sees Akane rise up the ranks, performing rakugo stories and experimenting with different styles. With unparalleled character writing, "Akane-banashi" will have you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what happens next.
Centuria
For fans of "Berserk" and "Vinland Saga," "Centuria" is a must-read. The series follows Julian, a boy with his will to live nearly extinguished after living as a slave. When a supernatural force enters his life, Julian is granted the gifts of 100 lives belonging to his fellow enslaved and is charged with protecting a young girl from supernatural assailants. Drawing parallels to its predecessors, "Centuria" delves into themes of revenge, redemption, and survival, making it an unforgettable dark fantasy experience.
Gokurakugai
If you're a fan of yokai series with handsome demon hunters like "Dandadan" and "Tokyo Ghoul," check out "Gokurakugai," a manga about two demon-hunting women, Alma and Ms. Tao. With each chapter, the action-packed series takes on a new, devilish challenge, keeping readers entertained with its wacky humor and thrilling twists and turns.
Ichi the Witch
Craving a fresh take on magical girl series? Look no further than "Ichi the Witch," a sparkling fantasy about an eponymous wildchild who's just discovered he's the first male witch ever. With a whimsical cast, glittering visuals, and enchanting magic, "Ichi the Witch" captures the hearts of readers while using its new magic system and comedic timing to its full potential.
Kagurabachi
Manga fans who are always praising upcoming series only to worry they'll be disappointed later will find solace in "Kagurabachi." The manga follows Chihiro, a swordsman who seeks revenge for the death of his father and is powerfully equipped with a seventh secret blade. "Kagurabachi" dives into the themes of redemption and revenge, offering readers a gripping, action-packed plot and a fantastical world worth exploring.
MAD
"MAD" is for those who enjoy the dark and suspenseful atmosphere found in incredible series like "Chainsaw Man" and the "Alien" movies. Set in a post-apocalyptic world teeming with alien invaders, "MAD" tells the story of survivors as they fight to survive against an overwhelming enemy. With nostalgic aesthetics, ghostly visuals, and gripping horror, "MAD" offers a spine-tingling, suspenseful journey like no other.
Magilumiere Co., Ltd.
Finding the perfect job is hard enough, but what if you had to become a magical girl to land your dream gig? "Magilumiere Co., Ltd." is a modern take on the nostalgic magical girl genre, as Kana Sakuragi struggles to find employment in a technology-driven world. When she lands a job at a magical start-up, her life takes an extraordinary turn, leading her on an adventure full of wonder, friendship, and self-discovery.
Marriage Toxin
"Marriage Toxin" is the magical, action-packed manga for any fan of quirky, heartfelt series like "Naruto" and "Sakamoto Days." The story follows Gero, a dedicated hitman tasked with passing on his clan's hitman legacy to his sister. When things go awry, Gero embarks on a mission to build a fulfilling romantic life, stumbling upon comedic obstacles and learning the true meaning of love.
Ruri Dragon
If you're in the mood for a refreshing, slice-of-life manga, look no further than "Ruri Dragon," a lighthearted fantasy about a high school girl with a secret power: dragondom. The series focuses on Ruri's coming-of-age, examining her relationships and the challenges she faces as she grows into her unusual identity. With a charming cast and endearing visuals, "Ruri Dragon" offers readers a cozy, slice-of-life haven.
Shinobi Undercover
Fans looking for a hilarious, action-packed manga will love "Shinobi Undercover," a comical take on the ninja genre set against a modern backdrop. Following a sensitive ninja named Yodaka, the series puts a humorous spin on traditional ninja tropes, as Yodaka battles to protect a girl from assassins while juggling his awkward personality. With brilliant action and gut-busting comedy, "Shinobi Undercover" is a must-read for any fans of the ninja genre.
Steel of the Celestial Shadows
When it comes to mature, engaging stories, "Steel of the Celestial Shadows" is an unmissable addition to any reader's collection. The series revolves around Ryudo Konosuke, a samurai struggling to embrace his part-dragon heritage. With a unique take on the samurai genre, "Steel of the Celestial Shadows" offers readers a thrilling, engaging, and captivating experience, complete with fascinating characters and incredible world-building.
From "Akane-banashi" to "Steel of the Celestial Shadows," there's no denying that the shonen genre continues to push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives to its readers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, these new entries are sure to offer plenty of excitement and entertainment. So, dive into the world of manga and uncover these hidden gems for yourself!
[1] "Embers" is a follow-up of "Blowout Brothers" by Nishi Sotaro.
[2] "Sakamoto Days" is created by Hiroe Mori, the creator of "Gigantor."
[3] "Gachiakuta" is a spin-off of "Simon's Cat."
[4] "B No Seisen" was serially published in Monthly Shonen Jump from August 2020 to January 2021, and the collected edition was released in February 2021.
After exploring various new manga, Io9 readers might also be interested in 'Embers', a follow-up to 'Blowout Brothers' by Nishi Sotaro, or 'Centuria', a dark fantasy series for fans of 'Berserk' and 'Vinland Saga'. In the future, technology could play a significant role in the shonen genre, possibly leading to manga like 'Magilumiere Co., Ltd.', where a magical start-up revolutionizes job hunting.
