A Curated List of 10 Japanese Comics I Discovered Recently (That You've Probably Never Heard Of).
Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, staying on top to keep up with every worthwhile release. Inevitably, the most popular series get all the attention, yet a treasure trove exists of undiscovered treasures just out of sight.
One of the greatest joys for any manga enthusiast is stumbling upon a largely unknown series in the sea of new chapters and then sharing it to friends. Here are some of the best lesser-known manga I've discovered recently, along with reasons why they're deserving of your time before they gain widespread popularity.
Several entries here have not yet reached a mainstream following, notably because they all lack anime adaptations. Some could be trickier to read due to digital exclusivity. Sharing any of these will earn you some notable geek cred.
10. An Unassuming Salaryman Revealed as a Hero
- Creators: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
- Released by: Shueisha
- Available on: Manga Plus
I know, it's an unusual starting point, but let me explain. Comics are often fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'll acknowledge that fantasy escapism is my comfort read. While the title isn't strictly an isekai, it follows many of the same tropes, including an incredibly strong protagonist and a video-game-inspired fantasy framework. The charm, however, stems from the protagonist. Keita Sato is an archetypal exhausted salaryman who relieves pressure by entering fantastical portals that appeared in the world, armed only with a baseball bat, to smash monsters. He's indifferent to treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to hide his pastime, protect his family, and finish work early for a change.
More polished fantasies are out there, but this is a rare example published by a major house, and thus conveniently readable to international audiences through a popular app. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher sets the standard, and if you're seeking a short, lighthearted escape, this manga is an excellent option.
9. Nito's Exorcists
- Author: Iromi Ichikawa
- Released by: Shueisha
- Available on: Manga Plus
Usually, the word "exorcist" in a manga title makes me hesitant due to the genre's overpopularity, but two series changed my mind this year. This series recalls the best parts of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its eerie vibe, distinctive artwork, and unexpected brutality. I started reading it by chance and was immediately captivated.
Gotsuji is a formidable practitioner who purges ghosts in the hope of discovering his master's killer. He's paired with his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is focused on his safety than supporting his vengeance. The storyline appears straightforward, but the character development is thoughtfully executed, and the visual contrast between the comedic design of foes and the gory combat is an effective bonus. This is a series with real potential to go the distance — provided it survives.
8. Gokurakugai
- Author: Yuto Sano
- Released by: Shueisha
- Available on: Manga Plus; Viz
If breathtaking art is your priority, then look no further. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is spectacular, meticulous, and distinctive. The story doesn't stray far of typical hero's journey beats, with superpowered people fighting evil spirits (though they're not labeled as exorcists), but the protagonists are distinctly odd and the world is fascinating. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, run the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, resolving disputes in a poor neighborhood where two species live side-by-side.
The villains, called Maga, are created from human or animal corpses. When human-based, the Maga wields magic reflecting the circumstances of their end: a hanging victim can strangle others, one who died from self-harm induces hemorrhaging, and so on. It's a macabre yet fascinating twist that adds depth to these antagonists. Gokurakugai has potential for massive popularity, but it's constrained by its infrequent release pace. Starting in 2022, only five volumes have been released, which makes it hard to stay invested.
7. Bugle Call: War's Melody
- Authors: Mozuku Sora, Higoro Toumori
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Find it on: Viz
This dark fantasy manga examines the ever-present fight narrative from a novel angle for shonen. In place of highlighting individual duels, it presents epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—people with distinct abilities. Luca's ability enables him to convert audio into visuals, which helps him command armies on the battlefield, employing his instrument and background in a ruthless soldier group to become a formidable commander, fighting to eventually earn his freedom.
The setting is somewhat generic, and the insertion of sci-fi elements occasionally doesn't fit, but The Bugle Call still delivered bleak developments and unexpected plot twists. It's a mature shonen with a cast of quirky characters, an interesting power system, and an enjoyable mix of military themes and dark fantasy.
6. Taro Miyao: Unexpected Feline Guardian
- Author: Sho Yamazaki
- Released by: Shueisha
- Available on: Manga Plus
A emotionally distant main character who idolizes Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and subscribes to ends-justify-the-means becomes the owner of a cute cat named Nicolo—allegedly because a massage from its small claws is his sole relief from tension. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you
