With over a decade of dominance in the comic space, the availability of manga continues to only grow. This year alone saw notable announcements for titles held in high regard but unavailable here in the West, such as “Homonculus” and “Innocent”. It is, undeniably, an exciting time to be a manga fan and there is never a lack of interesting titles to discover.
Looking back on the best manga of 2022, there was a focus on mature titles dealing with complex themes, impressive omnibus releases, and a few new editions of classic titles. We will count down to our top manga release of the year.
10. Mizuno and Chayama by Yuhta Nishio
The story of ” Mizuno and Chayama” is a highly emotional one, that is best left to experience given how much of it is defined in the visceral experience of the work. That said, the themes of forbidden romance, class divide, and school bullying, are far from being new concepts explored (and interwoven) in the medium. However, readers can be assured that the approach to such subjects is dealt with the necessary sincerity and compassion to make a story like this work in a way that leaves a lasting impact. The approach to the character's sexuality, though playing a prominent role in exploring prejudice, does not dominate the narrative or alienate the audience to one group. Instead, the universal appeal that can be gleaned by the work acts as further proof of the brilliance of Yuhta Nishio as both an artist and a storyteller.
9. Burn The House Down by Moyashi Fujisawa
A competently written drama that draws you into the troubled life of a young girl who had everything taken from her, “Burn The House Down” is a testament to quality in Kodansha's digital catalog (though a physical in the new year would be welcome). It is no surprise that the work has already been marked for a live-action adaptation on Netflix given how perfectly constructed the story is for that medium. Consider reading the manga before then, while it is still ongoing several volumes are currently available.
8. Welcome Back Alice by Shuzo Oshimi
The most challenging work of Shuzo Oshimi to date, “Welcome Back Alice” continues to see the mangaka create uncomfortable coming-of-age manga that explores themes of sexuality, manipulation, and insecurity. While this is nothing new for Oshimi, with every project the creator further pushes boundaries and becomes more defined as a creator who crafts stories completely unique to himself.
7. New York, New York by Marimo Ragawa
“New York, New York” will pull at readers' heartstrings and run them through the gambit of emotions from love to outrage. Ragawa shows a deep understanding of character building and the social landscape of the era making the title a deeply engrossing read. Brilliantly written and realized, the work feels both timeless and important. A must-read for fans of BL, romance, gekiga, drama, and lovers of more classic manga aesthetics.
6. Town of Pigs by Hideshi Hino
Hino horror returns! Hideshi Hino has long been a fan favorite of hardcore horror manga fans while, sadly, remaining OOP for some time here in the West. Thankfully, Star Fruit Books has revitalized the mangaka's work with the first release, “Town of Pigs”, being one of many to come. “Town of Pigs” reflects Hino at his strongest, a wonderfully absurd and dark story of a town overrun by evil creatures turning the populace into pigs.
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