15 Best Manga To Read In 2023

Manga, the Japanese comic books and graphic novels, have captivated audiences around the world with their unique storytelling, captivating characters, and imaginative worlds. If you’re a fan of manga or just looking to get started, you’re in luck. 2023 promises to be another exciting year for the genre with many new releases and old classics to choose from. To help you find the best of the best, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best manga to read in 2023. From heart-warming romance to action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone in this list.

Look Back By Tatsuki Fujimoto 

Tatsuki Fujimoto is the mastermind behind the popular manga series, Chainsaw Man, but he has several underrated works that are worth checking out. One of them is the one-shot manga, Look Back, which sheds light on the struggles and hardships that artists face in their creative journey. The protagonist, Fujino, and his counterpart, Kyomoto, are two contrasting characters, but their mutual love for creating manga serves as the foundation of their bond.

The storyline is a refreshing change from the intense violence and gore of Chainsaw Man, and it’s a heartwarming tale that readers will find themselves engrossed in. The stunning artwork and emotional narrative make Look Back a must-read for anyone who appreciates good manga. If you’re a fan of Tatsuki Fujimoto, or simply looking for a beautiful and touching manga to read, Look Back is the perfect choice. So, don’t miss out on this underrated gem, and get ready to be swept away by its raw beauty and emotional depth.

Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

Spy x Family is a hilarious and thrilling manga that is attracting a lot of attention from fans. Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo, the manga follows the journey of Twilight, a legendary spy who must infiltrate a corrupt politician’s life. To do this, he must form a family, and in doing so, he adopts Anya, a six-year-old telepath, and meets Yor, a trained assassin. The comedy in this series is top-notch, with Anya providing most of the humor. The manga is beautifully drawn, with a perfect balance between comedy and action. The character designs are detailed and the environments are stunning. The manga is a perfect combination of comedy, mystery, action, and political drama, making it one of the next big shonen manga to watch out for. Spy x Family is a complete shonen manga package that is sure to leave readers entertained and eagerly waiting for more.

Choujin X By Sui Ishida 

Sui Ishida’s latest work, Choujin X, is a thrilling and chilling series that is sure to captivate fans of his previous hit, Tokyo Ghoul. This new series is set in the late 1990s and revolves around two young heroes, Tokio and Azuma, who come face to face with a supernatural monster known as a choujin. With its destructive powers, the choujin transforms Tokio and Azuma into supernatural creatures with similar abilities. Despite the dark and daunting situation they find themselves in, the duo retains their youthful spirit and desire to do good. The series is a perfect blend of superhero action and horror, showcasing Sui Ishida’s exceptional talent in creating suspenseful and intense stories. Readers who are fans of Tokyo Ghoul will not be disappointed by the horror and brilliance of Choujin X.

The Elusive Samurai By Yusei Matsui

The Elusive Samurai by Yusei Matsui is a historical fiction manga set in feudal Japan. It focuses on the journey of Hojo Tokiyuki, an ambitious and young samurai who dreams of reclaiming the throne. However, unlike the typical warrior, he aims to achieve his goal peacefully and with honor. Despite his young age, Hojo is determined to prove himself as a capable leader and bring peace to the kingdom.

Yusei Matsui, the talented manga artist, is well-known for his creation of the popular shonen series, Assassination Classroom. The Elusive Samurai was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2021, and it has already gained a significant following. This manga is a perfect blend of action, drama, and history, and it promises to be a classic in the making. If you’re a fan of manga and love stories set in feudal Japan, then The Elusive Samurai is a must-read. So, it’s not too late to start exploring this thrilling tale of a young samurai’s quest for power.

Undead Unluck By Yoshifumi Tozuka

Get ready for a thrilling and hilarious adventure with the upcoming anime adaptation of Yoshifumi Totsuka’s manga, Undead Unluck. The anime is being produced by David Production, which means it’s the perfect time to pick up the manga and get a head start on the series. Undead Unluck stars Fuuko, a young woman with a notoriously bad luck streak, and Andy, an undead man who just wants to end his misery. The serialization of the manga in Weekly Shonen Jump began in 2020 and as of 2022, it has 14 volumes. Totsuka’s unique art style and impeccable storytelling will keep you engaged and entertained throughout the entire manga. With its combination of humor, drama, and the undead, Undead Unluck is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages. Get ready to experience the unlikeliest duo as they journey through life’s ups and downs.

Highway Star By Katsuhiro Otomo 

Katsuhiro Otomo, the mastermind behind the iconic manga Akira, has released a compilation of 12 short stories in one book, entitled “Highway Star”. These stories were created between 1976 and 1977 and were published in the order they were written. The compilation is unique as some of the short stories are exclusively available in this book, as they are no longer in print. Reading this compilation is a treat for fans of the manga genre, as Otomo is known for his exceptional storytelling and artistic skills. This book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the medium and the limitless possibilities it offers. Furthermore, its rarity makes it even more special, as it has only been reprinted four times.

For those who admire the art of manga and want to immerse themselves in the world of Katsuhiro Otomo, “Highway Star” is a must-read. It is a collection of timeless stories that showcase the artist’s passion and creativity. Get your hands on a copy today and experience the brilliance of one of the greatest mangakas of all time.

Nights With A Cat By Kyuryu Z

Nights With A Cat by Kyuryu Z is a charming manga that follows the story of a young boy named Fuuta and his sister’s beloved cat, Kyuruga. As Fuuta comes home from his daily routine, he finds solace in spending time with the feline. The manga is a comedic representation of the habits and mannerisms of a cat, something that every cat owner can relate to. The art style of the manga is unique and adds to the overall experience of the story. The short chapters keep the story concise and focused, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the moments shared between Fuuta and Kyuruga. The humor in the manga is spot-on and adds to the light-hearted tone of the story.

Nights With A Cat is a delightful read for anyone who loves cats or is just looking for a light and entertaining manga. The combination of humor, unique art style, and relatable story make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and some wholesome cat content.

Kaiju No. 8 By Naoya Matsumoto 

Kaiju No. 8 is a thrilling and exciting manga set in a world where kaiju (giant monsters) wreak havoc in Japan’s cities. The protagonist, a 32-year-old named Kafka, is not a part of the Kaiju Defense Force but works as a cleaner for Monster Sweeper Inc. However, after narrowly escaping being devoured by a kaiju, Kafka becomes host to a big kaiju bug and transforms into a kaiju himself. He retains his mind and ability to speak, but struggles to hide his new form. Together with a newbie cleaner, Reno Ichikawa, Kafka takes the grueling exams to join the Defense Force. The manga excels thanks to its comedy timing, crisp and clean artistry, and the adoration for the legacy of kaiju.

Kafka himself is a charming and sweet protagonist, older than most shonen characters, and a true himbo. Overall, Kaiju No. 8 is a modern take on the heart of Japanese pop culture and a must-read for fans of shonen manga and kaiju.

Sakamoto Days By Yuto Suzuki

Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki is a hit among fans of Shonen Jump. The protagonist is a former yakuza member who has left behind his criminal past to start a new life with his wife. Despite his change in appearance, he still carries the rough demeanor of a hitman. Despite having put on some weight, Sakamoto is still physically capable of defending himself and his new life. In high-stress situations, he has the ability to lose weight, which also enhances his strength. Although the premise of Sakamoto Days may seem absurd, the writing is exceptional and combined with Yuto Suzuki’s unique art style, it has become a modern classic in the genre.

Is Love The Answer? By Isaki Uta

Isaki Uta’s manga “Is Love The Answer?” tells the story of Chika, a high school girl who feels like an outsider because she doesn’t fit in with her peers who are obsessed with romance. Unlike her peers, Chika has never fallen in love with anyone or felt physical intimacy. When Chika reaches college, she discovers that she is an aromantic asexual, and begins her journey to self-acceptance. Through her journey, Chika realizes that she is not alone and that it is okay to not conform to heteronormative expectations of human companionship. This manga provides representation for aromantic asexuals and helps people understand this underrepresented identity in a relatable and realistic way. The manga is written by the same mangaka who wrote “Mine-Kun is Asexual”.

Mashle: Magic and Muscle by Hajime Komoto

Mashle: Magic and Muscle is a unique manga that showcases the creativity of the artist. It takes inspiration from the Harry Potter franchise, with a protagonist who resembles Mob and acts like Saitama, but still manages to stand out with its originality. The world of Mashle is dominated by magic, where everyone can perform it except for the protagonist, Mash. Raised by an elderly man who encouraged him to build his physical strength, Mash eventually attracts the attention of the police when he visits town for some cream puffs. The police are shocked to find out that brute force is effective against magic, and offer Mash a deal to attend magic school and become the top student. This leads to a comedy-filled journey in magic school, where Mash’s deadpan expression and calm demeanor contrast with the politically corrupt world. Mashle is sure to be a classic in modern shonen manga.

Yona Of The Dawn By Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona Of The Dawn is a classic shojo series that has recently been reprinted and has gained a lot of popularity among manga and anime fans. The series, written by Mizuho Kusanagi, follows the journey of Princess Yona, who lived a lavish lifestyle as a royal until a coup on her sixteenth birthday turned her life upside down. To escape the danger and chaos, Yona teams up with her bodyguard Hak and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and survival.

The anime adaptation of the series only has one season and leaves fans on a cliffhanger, making the manga an excellent option for those who want to continue Yona’s story. The series is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and romance, making it an enjoyable read for a variety of audiences. Yona’s journey from a sheltered princess to a strong and confident young woman is a testament to the power of resilience and growth. If you’re looking for a thrilling and heartwarming series, Yona Of The Dawn is definitely worth a read. The beautiful artwork, captivating characters, and compelling storyline make it an unforgettable journey that you won’t want to miss.

Noragami: Stray God by Adachitoka

Noragami is a popular urban fantasy shonen manga series created by Adachitoka. The story revolves around a stray god named Yato who dreams of having a shrine and followers but is currently hiring himself out for five yen to build his reputation. In the second chapter, he gets into an accident with a teenage girl named Hiroyi Iki who can detach her spirit from her body and exists in the space between the living and the dead. As they journey together in the strange world of gods and monsters that exist in our world, they form a bond and embark on adventures filled with action, comedy, and drama.

The manga offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural threats in our modern world through its unique portrayal of Iki and Yato interactions with the beings of the far shore. Yato’s carefree and impulsive nature adds an element of humor to the story while also making him relatable and likable. With its blend of different genres, Noragami is a captivating manga series that offers a thrilling experience for its readers.

Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu

Dandadan is a unique shonen manga that combines elements of horror, romance, and teen drama. The story follows Momo Ayase, a teenage girl with a bad temper who is drawn to bad boys, and Okarun, a weak and timid individual who is a believer in conspiracy theories. When Ayase comes to his defense, the two start chatting about their beliefs and end up proving their theories to be true. Ayase is abducted by aliens, while Okarun is possessed by a spirit. The two team up to defeat the aliens, with Momo using her newly awakened psychic powers and Okarun using the spirit’s speed and strength. However, they must now find a way to cure Okarun of his possession. Dandadan offers a unique blend of genres, combining humor, horror, and romance. The dynamic relationship between Momo and Okarun, along with the imaginative and dynamic art, makes it stand out.

Dr. Stone by Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi

Shonen manga has evolved and modern series are introducing new and exciting elements to the genre. One Punch Man is a great example that adds humor, satire and philosophy to the mix. Another unique series is Dr. Stone which takes the edutainment genre to a new level and is a must-read for manga fans who crave something different. The translation is handled by Caleb Cook, one of the best translators in the business, and his work is the reason Dr. Stone is such a well-written series.

The manga is a post-apocalyptic story about a young scientific genius named Senku who is one of the few survivors after a mysterious event turns everyone into stone. With his vast knowledge of science and engineering, he sets out to find a cure for petrification and solve the mystery behind the disaster. Dr. Stone is an edutainment series that teaches readers about various scientific subjects while progressing the action-packed story. It’s an inventive approach that has never been seen in modern shonen manga before.

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