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The 12 Best Single-Volume Manga Releases

The perfect way to dive into the best that manga has to offer

There is a lot to be said about consuming a long-run manga series, spending years following the exploits of your favorite characters, and seeing your collection grow. Many of the titles with the most accolades manage to weave these long expansive stories that make them fan favorites and generate a lot of conversation within the fandom.

However, single-volume manga offers its benefits and the often under-touted format forces its creators to make a strong impact within the confines of a short narrative story. Personally, these shorter series make up some of my all-time favorite reads as well as act as perfect starting points to recommend to others who are interested in the medium but are unwilling to commit to dozens of volumes. Furthermore, these titles are ideal for revisits, casual re-reads on a nice day outside, or lounging at home.

In no particular order, here are 12 outstanding single-volume manga releases that you will want to check out for a quick dive into some of the greatest stories ever committed to the page. *This list also includes anthologies as well as work released in a single omnibus format of 1-3 volumes.

12. Mizuno and Chayama by Yuhta Nishio

The story of ” ” 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  as both an artist and a storyteller.

An example of the grace afforded by Japanese mangakas' in exploring LGBTQ+ material, “Mizuno and Chayama” is an ideal read for those interested in books that focus on themes of love and acceptance.

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11. Witches by Daisuke Igarashi

Several tales of witchcraft throughout the ages come together beautifully under the artistic direction of Daisuke Igarashi. There is a specific chaotic power to each story contained within, that will leave readers with a different understanding of the powerful forces of nature and female divinity. The book also plays with elements of both horror and romance to make a well-rounded experience, this is even before acknowledging the superior visuals and storytelling abilities of Igarashi.

Perfect for those who like experimental narratives and art that mixes traditional and modern storytelling, this collection evokes a strong sense of awe for the undeniable talent of Igarashi.

10. Solanin by

Iniao Asano's command of emotion, with an emphasis on struggling with depression, is unmatchable in format. “Solanin” is both the perfect introduction to his work as well as a prime example of how the mangaka can effortlessly tap into the inevitable sorrow each of us faces in our lives at one point or the other. Furthermore, “Solanin” captures the malaise of youth that comes from uncertainty and lack of direction in a society that expects young men and women to have their lives figured out early on.

For those looking for a cathartic read that touches on the fragility of being human, “Solanin” is an enjoyable tear-jerker. It has also been adapted into a film which is the perfect complement to the manga.

9. Dororo by

While there is no shortage of omnibus releases of the great Osamu Tezuka, “Dororo” offers a complimentary balance of action, drama, and fantasy elements that makes it an endearing read that also highlights what makes Tezuka such an important figure in manga. This is a hefty omnibus, and one that can be picked up and read through at a casual pace, but it will always be a joyous experience showcasing the godfather of manga at his best.

The book is perfect for sharing with any audience and those looking for a strong story that, even with its tragic story, resonates a joy in art and characters that is incomparable.

8. No Longer Human by Junji Ito

Outside of his adaptation of “Frankenstein” Ito's brand of horror is not heavily reliant on character building, as most of his work is similar to Lovecraft's brand of ‘cosmic horror', where the protagonists' personalities become irrelevant to the otherworldly horror that is being forced upon them. Seeing Ito excel so greatly in a character-driven manga is going to be a deeply rewarding experience for fans of his work. All the while, the strength of the story and visuals should appeal to those just discovering his work for the first time. An amazing read and stellar physical edition make this an ideal addition to any book collection.

There is plenty of Ito out there to check out, and while readers who just want short stories might be best served to check out a collection like “Tombs“, “” touches on a deeper horror that will both shock and sicken readers in a positively unforgettable way

7. Hana-Chan And the Shape of the World by Ryotaro Ueda

Where “Hana-chan” excels is in its ability to appeal to all ages while offering deeper value to mature readers. The work can be taken at face value, speaking to childhood flights of fancy which will be appreciated by everyone. Adversely, the book can also be interpreted as children dealing with trauma in a changing landscape that fades with age. Perhaps the best example of this comes from ‘Hana-chan's Disaster in the Weeds' which, taken at face value, is a tale of children fighting against robots trying to get rid of their play area. However, it is easy to also see an adult's inability to understand the importance of such spaces for children to harbor imagination. In addition, this short points to issues of both corporate greed and environmentalism which will go over the head of children but will resonate deeply with adults. Overall, “Hana-chan” is one of the idyllic titles that explore informative years in a multifaceted manner that will resonate with all readers.

The book's versatility makes it perfect for sharing with children, while still being engaging for a mature audience. The book is seldom mentioned, but it is a gem worth reading.

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6. Josee, The Tiger and The Fish by Seiko Tanabe & Nao Emoto

Hitting the same emotional stings as the anime, “Josee” flows perfectly between drama and romance, while leaving a bit of room for moments of calmness to capture the beauty of the sea and the visceral reactions of its characters. The book has a slightly cinematic flow to it given a naturalistic flow that makes room for textless panels that establish the environment and atmosphere. This leads to the inevitable ‘confession' between Tsuneo and Josee carrying a huge weight that evokes the same emotional response as the anime. Nao Emoto, undeniably, understood how to capture and adapt the moments in the manga that made “Josee” such a cathartic experience.

Watch the anime read the book then watch the anime, repeat, and repeat. This adaptation is sublime and one of the best examples of how manga can complement anime instead of the traditional approach of page-to-screen.

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5. Robo Sapiens: Tales of Tomorrow by Toranosuke Shimada

Awarded the Division Grand Prize at the 2020 Japan Media Arts Festival, “Robo Sapiens” is an intriguing entry into speculative fiction and sci-fi manga. A tale that spans eons, the book intertwines the lives of several humanoid A.I. tasked with taking care of humanity. Each given a directive that can't be overcome, the robo-sapiens become obedient observers as the world passes them by and evolves in fantastical ways. Representing an impressive feat in storytelling, Toranosuke Shimada elicits a strong emotional reaction to these beings who themselves are devoid of feelings.

The experimental narrative and unorthodox visual approach of , make this one of the more unique entries on this list. Yet the touching commentary on what it means to be ‘human' will be what brings readers back to revisit the title time and time.

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4. Never Open It: The Taboo Trilogy by Ken Niimura

Certain books just resonate a timeless joy, those you can pick up and explore from child to adult and find a comforting familiarity. Ken Niimura‘s “Never Open It: The Taboo Trilogy” is one instance where this sentiment could not be more concrete. Drawing influence from classic Japanese tales, Nimura imbues the timeless cautionary tales with his own spin and vision – creating work that perfectly straddles between classic and modern storytelling. Furthermore, the tales are steeped in morality that reflects past sentiments but can still resonate with the youth today.

Check out our video interview with Ken Niimura, his love of manga and classic stories resonates strongly with “Never Open It”. The book can be cherished by young and old for generations to come.

3. Comics Underground Japan Edited by Kevin Quigley

” acts to showcase a diverse group of talent, both well-known in the west such as Hideshi Hino and Suehiro Marou and more obscure creators such as Muddy Wehara and Carol Shimoda. While each creator's work is notably distinct, the collection does tie the creators together in various ways. Notably, many of these artists came to prominence in the cult publication “Garo” which showcased alternative talent. As a result, the collection conveys honor toward creators who were at the forefront of experimental narrative and art.

For those looking to explore the fringes of manga and who love the short story format, this would be a cherished title in any collection. The book feels like an important part of history, despite its crass cover that is a playful mockery of purchasing art from the fringes.

2. Helter Skelter: Fashion Unfriendly by Kyoko Okazaki

“Helter Skelter” becomes a timeless cautionary tale of how the requirements to attain ‘beauty' can come with high stakes to those who can't navigate the immense pressures attached. The way Okazaki approaches such subjects as drug abuse, manipulation, and depravity within the industry is a rather harrowing experience that feels grounded in the reality of someone who has perceived the worst aspects of the fashion world she worked within. Given our views on beauty, and push towards manufacturing it by any means necessary, “” feels like it will remain relevant for decades to come.

The manga was also, brilliantly, adapted to the screen by Mika Ninagawa. If there is a case for ‘cult' manga existing “Helter Skelter” is a prime example, as those who have become enamored of the work are pretty vocal about it. Check it out if you want to be in the know.

1. My Broken Mariko by Waka Hirako

Much in the same way that revered mangakas such as Inio Asano can capture the raw emotive response in dire circumstances, Hirako's debut novel is nothing short of remarkable. The series showcases a strong understanding of how to convey messages both in a visual approach and narrative. As a result, the stories' ability to elicit a strong emotive response from the reader is undeniable, particularly in those who have faced the loss of a loved one with words left unspoken or empathize with mental health issues.

Also adapted into a film, “” is a modern masterpiece in manga both in visuals and story. This one should not be missed, even if the subject matter can be challenging.

About the author

Adam Symchuk

Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.

His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.

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