10. Takopi's Original Sin by Taizan5
“Cute little alien Takopi lands on Earth. What is his mission? To be taken to our leader? No. To spread happiness throughout the universe! The first person Takopi meets is depressed fourth grader Shizuka. (Or is it…?) Takopi is determined to do whatever it takes to make Shizuka smile again. But his misguided attempts to help her by using his advanced technology to turn back time only result in mayhem and death. What is the truth Takopi can't remember? And what must the pink alien octopus with a heart of gold sacrifice to truly help Shizuka and her friends…?” (Viz Media)
When it comes to science fiction manga, this is the kind of unique perspective on the genre that makes it fun to read. Tajin5's manga, “Takopi's Original Sin,” will make you uncomfortable, but it's supposed to. It's the kind of story that sticks with you after finishing, rethinking different twists and how they made you feel or what might've happened if characters had other choices. For fans who enjoy emotional rollercoasters or not knowing what will happen next, this manga is a must. (Nubia Jade Brice)
9. Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord by Yodokawa
“Manga editor Asako Suga decides moving into a new home is just the thing she needs to get over a painful breakup with her toxic ex-girlfriend. She finds the perfect place for rent—affordable, spacious, lovely garden included—but there's one catch. The house comes with a live-in landlord! It's disappointing enough that Asako can't have the single life she hoped for, but her cute landlord also seems to be hiding a big secret…Will living together bring them closer, or turn out to be more trouble than it's worth?” (Yen Press)
Mangaka Yodokawa has crafted quite a wholesome and welcoming story in “Monthly in the Garden with My Landlord.” Those who enjoy slower-paced and more realistic portrayals of romance with an older protagonist will appreciate the book's thoughtful approach and warm visual style and tone.
8. Insomniacs After School by Makoto Ojiro
“Dark rumors about what befell the members of the astronomy club keep people away from the school observatory, and that's what makes it the perfect sanctuary for Nakami and Magari to get some much-needed rest. Unfortunately, the school faculty can't allow its unsanctioned use. But if there were a new astronomy club, maybe these two insomniacs could have a place to call home!” (Viz Media)
“Insomniacs After School” is a picturesque coming-of-age romance story that works well with its simplistic yet sincere approach. It is executed with skill in both story and visuals that puts faith in Makoto Ojiro to lead the reader deeper into the story.
7. Jungle Juice by Hyeong Eun & Juder
“Every society has its hierarchy, and college student Suchan Jang is at the top of the human one. But despite his popularity and charisma, he has a secret that keeps him from getting close with others—under his clothes lies a pair of dragonfly wings! And when he's forced to expose them to save the girl he likes, Suchan suddenly finds himself plummeting to the bottom of the food chain. It is then, alone and at his lowest point, that he is introduced to a hidden society of fellow human-insect hybrids. Abuzz with both friend and foe, this world offers Suchan the opportunity to seize a new start for himself…All that's left is climbing his way back to the top!” (Ize Press)
Hyeong Eun's “Jungle Juice” exemplifies why Korean WebToon/manhwa series dominate here in the West, merging engaging teenage drama with explosive action with such joy that now escapes many of the mainstream comic-book publishers. Indeed, “Jungle Juice” is pure, unrestrained fun, making the work an easy-to-pick-up but hard-to-put-down series, thanks to several factors that blend well together.
6. Crescent Moon Marching by Hamachi Yamada
“To escape the stress of city life, high school, and her overbearing mother, Mizuki runs away from home to spend spring break with her aunt. But her future is looming and she still has no idea what she's interested in… until she crosses paths with Akira, a high school trumpet player who introduces her to the world of marching band!” (Azuki)
A rather sublime music-driven manga, Hamachi Yamada's “Crescent Moon March” digs beyond just the love of music, offering an endearing story of a youth, Mizuki, finding her path in life after years of struggling. Through Mizuku, the reader gets insight into a marching band's niche culture and music, with its loud and vigorous performances in contrast to the shy girl struggling with her confidence. Consequently, the manga beautifully touches on the transformative power of music and the sense of community that can be built around group activities.
You Can Read Crescent Moon Marching on Azuki
5. Guardian of Fukushima Fabien Grolleau & Ewen Blain
“March 11th, 2011: a massive earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered a devastating tsunami which, in turn, destroyed the three core reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This tragedy cost almost 20,000 lives and devastated countless more, including Naoto Matsumura, a farmer ordered to evacuate from the deadly radiation zone. Unwilling to abandon his beloved animals, Matsumura chose to return home to his farm, and to fight for the beauty of life. This powerful graphic novel from France intertwines Matsumura's story of human resilience and compassion with the compelling mythology of Japanese folk tales.” (TOKYOPOP)
It is difficult not to feel stirred by “Guardian of Fukushima” from the anger towards the mistakes that cost many people their lives, and many others their homes and sense of purpose, to animal rights, which were seen as secondary. While many animals perished due to neglect, the amount saved from suffering is an important story to be told about the incident at Fukushima. When considering what transpired, it is as powerful a read as a harrowing one. Yet, presenting the story with sincerity under gorgeous art direction and with additional content that lets the reader see beyond the story of Matsumura, the book is an unforgettable story that readers should seek out.
4. Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand Yoko Komori
“When Tokiko's parents break up, she and her father move from the bustling city to a sleepy coastal town to live with her grandmother. Starting sixth grade in a new school where everyone has known each other their whole lives isn't easy. Things start to look up when local boy Yosuke, another outsider, wants to be friends. But then strange memories start to surface. Swimming in the ocean… Drowning… Getting saved by…a merman? Yosuke denies the presence of merfolk, yet the townspeople hold a festival to honor them every year. Can Tokiko solve the mystery of what is real and what is fantasy…?” (Viz Media)
Yoko Komori's “Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand” has great depth hidden behind its serene visual direction and childhood flights of fancy, it is one of those series that resonates with the reader long afterward, due to how sincere it is. A strong and unforgettable single omnibus book whose appeal should speak to a larger audience, its themes are grounded in the very experience of wonderment growing up with hints of loss that all children have to face at one point or another when starting to understand the world around them.
3. The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren
“It has Hikaru's face. It has Hikaru's voice. It even has Hikaru's memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn't Yoshiki's best friend. Whatever it is, it's dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn't gone—would be crazy…but when it looks so very like Hikaru…and acts so very like Hikaru…” (Yen Press)
The series presents a unique take on the horror and BL genre, amalgamating the two in a way that does not isolate fans of either genre. The general confusion of coming of age and terms with sexuality merges with horror in an abstract way that evokes cosmic and body horror in equal measure. Consequently, the book touches on both authentic and abstract concepts of terror while maintaining a sincerity grounded in the realism of the experiences of many youths in trying to discern their identity. It is a precarious balance that Mokumokuren navigates with mastery few mangakas' can tap into.
2. The Horizon by JH
“A world where everything has been lost. A boy and a girl, alone together. A spark of hope, kindled between them. All they can do is move forward. But against broken adults and devastating despair, how long will they be able to keep going…?” (Ize Press)
meditation on suffering, JH's “The Horizon” moves at a natrual pace, following the lives of two young kids who have survived a horrific, world-ending disease. The series thrives under its minimalistic approach; pages are left dialogue-free to capture the anxiety and fear of the children as they navigate an uncertain landscape. “The Horizon” is equal parts bleak and tragic, and under the expert guidance of its creator, the manhwa stands as one of the most masterfully told stories to grace the medium.
1. One Hundred Tales by Osamu Tezuka
“An adaptation of the Faust legend as a samurai period piece. Ichirui Hanri is an ordinary accountant servicing his lord. Though innocent, he is sentenced to death by hara-kiri after being entangled in a power struggle. A witch named Sudama appears and offers Hanri three wishes in exchange for his soul. Hanri accepts. Is it worth it?” (Ablaze)
Throughout the book, the work has a certain warmth; Tezuka comes across as a good friend who knows how to comfort, entertain, and make merry. It is quite a peculiar feeling that goes beyond wholesomeness with such comfortable familiarity in how Tezuka captivates his audience. Still, “One Hundred Tales” cements why the “godfather of manga” was such a beloved creator and influence to so many.
