April is upon us, which means the weather by me is warmer, the sun is out longer, and the trees are making a real mess of things. Ah spring. How I missed ya. So did my manga picks, apparently.
Welcome one, welcome all, to Mangaversity! This is my attempt to continue my contribution to the Soliciting Multiversity column while messing with the format to make it my own. Special thanks again to Zack Davisson for pointing out this should’ve been my choice for the title from the get go.
April is upon us, which means the weather by me is warmer, the sun is out longer, and the trees are making a real mess of things. Ah spring. How I missed ya. So did my manga picks, apparently. There are a glut of new first volumes that got my attention and, in a surprise twist, significantly fewer Viz titles on my main list!
It helps that I’m finally getting around to reading a bunch of the series I’ve spotlighted to see if they hold up or if I can drop them from consideration. Curiosity is a powerful force folks. Let’s get to it!
Perennial Favorites:
My love for these titles are very well documented and you will not go wrong reading them, though some titles that get featured here come with more caveats than others (“Berserk,” for instance, gets my full endorsement, but is certainly not for everyone.)
Akane-banashi, Vol. 11
Written by Yuki Suenaga
Illustrated by Takamasa Moue
Published by Viz
I cannot wait until we get to where we are on the Shonen Jump App so I can scream even louder about how good this series is.
Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father!
Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam—the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal—to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi.
After the success of the trial performances, Asagao picks Akane to be the zenza for his futatsume promotion performance. She plans to perform one of the stories that Chocho taught her in order to court a recommendation to become a futatsume herself. But something unexpected happens when Taizen Arakawa, the shin’uchi Akane is hoping will recommend her, is threatened by his master to not go through with what he promised. The truth behind the Arakawa school expulsion scandal begins to unravel, and at the crux of it all is none other than Akane’s own master, Shiguma Arakawa.
Dandadan, Vol. 12
Written and Illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu
Translated by Kumar Sivasubramanian
Lettered by Jennfier LeBlanc
Published by Viz
July can’t come soon enough.
A nerd must fight powerful spirits and aliens all vying for the secret power of his “family jewel,” so who better to fight alongside him than his high school crush and a spirit granny?!
Momo Ayase and Okarun are on opposite sides of the paranormal spectrum regarding what they’ll believe in and what they won’t. Their quest to prove each other wrong leads them down a path of secret crushes and paranormal battles they’ll have to participate in to believe!
A gravely injured Okarun wakes up to an out-of-body experience! And when he answers Momo’s phone, he’s sucked through the telephone wires to where Seiko and Turbo Granny are in the middle of a battle. Thankfully, Turbo Granny is able to teach Okarun a technique for returning to his body that will also help in the impending alien invasion. Elsewhere, Momo and the others are undergoing their own training, but when they return home on the predicted date of the invasion, they find it’s already begun!
A Man and His Cat, Vol. 13
Written and Illustrated by Umi Sakurai
Translated by Taylor Engel
Lettered by Jennifer Sherman
Published by Square Enix Manga
Truly an underappreciated gem. Not particularly complex, nor gorgeously rendered, but finely tuned to my exact tastes.
In this best-selling, heartwarming tale, a lonely older man takes home a pet-shop kitten that no one else wants. It doesn’t take long for the pair to warm up to each other, and soon, they’re inseparable. Told through the eyes of both the man and his cat, this sweet and hilarious story is a balm for the soul!
Marin comes back to Kanda's house for a visit, but what's this? She's plumper than ever! Everyone will have to work together to get her back in shape. For Moriyama, time is almost up to find two more band members before the group gets disbanded. Kanda also faces inner struggles, but Fukumaru promises to stay by his side through it all.
Deluxe Den:
Every so often, there’s a new deluxe edition of a beloved manga that I think is worth shouting out but not at the expense of another item on the list. Usually this is the case for interstitial volumes, which is mostly what ends up here. This month has a LOT. Sorry folks.
Ajin: Demi-human, Complete Collection, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Gamon Sakurai
Published by Vertical, Inc
Trust me, this series rips and works so much better in big chunks than chapter by chapter.
Gamon Sakurai's hit dark fantasy series now in a new omnibus format!
"Ajin is an action-packed, supernatural thriller - and there are some scenes of some seriously bad-ass action - while underneath, it tackles issues of society, discrimination, and of course, mortality." - Kotaku
THE ENEMY IS BOREDOM
Another action-packed installment treats the reader to a bit of demi-human ringleader Sato’s backstory before cascading into a bravura battle of guns and wits. Coldblooded hero Kei knows uncannily well what makes his adversary tick—and begins to prove his match.
The breathless nightmare trip Ajin: Demi-Human, finally available in omnibus format. A thriller that just keeps on getting better and deeper.
Drifters Omnibus, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Kohta Hirano
Translated by Matthew Johnson
Published by Dark Horse Comics
I wonder if this means a volume 7 is on the horizon.
From Kohta Hirano, the creator of Hellsing, comes Drifters, an action-packed fantasy epic where warriors and warlords from Earth's history are transported to an alien world to intervene in a worldwide civil war.
At the eye of the storm is the Black King who, desiring more than land and resources, is uniting the non-human races for a single purpose—the genocide of humanity. Drifters Omnibus Volume 2 collects Drifters volumes 4, 5 and 6 with 688 pages of all-out mystical mayhem!
Gravitation, Collector’s Edition, Vol. 5
Written and Illustrated by Maki Murakami
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
One more volume to go!
LOVE IN THE CONCRETE JUNGLES OF NEW YORK!
Shuichi has been whisked away to none other than the United States! His relationship with Yuki now in shambles, Shuichi decides to make his American debut and forget all about Japan—Yuki included. But when Shuichi finally returns home, Yuki is there to greet him at the airport!
Red River 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Chie Shinohara
Published by Viz
Now that I’ve read the first one of these, I realize I should have put a warning that the consent displayed in those early volumes are, uh, rocky at best. Not too out of place for a shojo series particularly of that era. Good stuff otherwise though. Fans of “Heroic Legend of Arslan” should give it a go.
A 3-in-1 edition of the classic romance fantasy series where a modern girl is whisked to ancient times and must navigate a scheming court and warring factions while trying to find her way home.
Yuri, a modern teenager, is transported to ancient Anatolia as part of a scheme by the evil Nakia, queen of the Hittites. Only the intervention of Nakia’s stepson, Prince Kail, saves Yuri from the queen’s bloodthirsty intentions. As an unintended consequence of the prince’s actions, the people of Anatolia embrace Yuri as the incarnation of the great war goddess Ishtar.
Kail and his forces struggle to rescue Yuri from becoming one of the Prince of Darkness’s courtesans. But the rescue will not be a simple one. Plus, someone has been impersonating Yuri in her absence and dragging down her reputation among the Hittites.
Übel Blatt Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Etorouji Shiono
Translated by Caleb Cook
Lettered by Abigail Blackman
Published by Yen Press
Apparently this series is cursed with controversy, from the contents of its first volume (a BIGGER yikes than I initially thought) to the atrocious adaptation to a major misprint on the first deluxe volume. Oh, and its publisher's parent company fighting with one of the biggest distributors of books to libraries.
At last, Koinzell will have his first taste of revenge! After decades of anticipation, Köinzell finally squares off against the first of his former, traitorous comrades, the "hero" Schtemwölech. Without the moons to fuel his strength, though, is he up to the task of dispatching this formidable opponent? More importantly, should he prevail, is he prepared to face the wrath of an empire robbed of one of its beloved knights of the Order of the Seven Lances...? An epic fantasy on the grandest of scales!
Vagabond: Definitive Edition, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
Published by Viz
I am hype to start this series finally.
This large-trim definitive edition with gorgeous textured design collects three phenomenal volumes of the samurai-era masterpiece by manga legend Takehiko Inoue!
Striving for enlightenment by way of the sword, Miyamoto Musashi is prepared to cut down anyone who stands in his way. Vagabond is an action-packed portrayal of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher—the most celebrated swordsman of all time.
Musashi sets out for Nara intent on challenging the warrior monks of legendary Hozoin Temple. But Musashi’s growing feelings for his childhood friend Otsu may prove to be a fatal distraction in his match against Inshun, the austere master of Hozoin’s deadly spear technique!
Your Lie in April Omnibus, Vol. 4
Written and Illustrated by Naoshi Arakawa
Published by Kodansha Comics
A series that left me in tears, now finishing its re-release in a larger format! Definitely not my favorite series but up there among the greats.
The moving, musical drama about love, life, pain, and passion that inspired the hit anime returns in a huge omnibus edition! This collectible reissue includes Vol. 10-11 of the manga--over 400 pages of manga--plus exclusive color art and a new, larger size.
Final volume!
THE LAST MOVEMENT
Kosei and Nagi's duet has carried thoughts and feelings to the most precious people in the musicians' lives. Kosei’s words, "please play with me again," give Kaori a ray of hope. As Kosei competes to qualify for the Eastern Japan Piano Competition in December, Kaori begins her difficult rehabilitation. Each of them starts a challenging walk forward. As their journey together draws to a close, the music of their hearts lays bare the truth of a friendship that began with a lie in April but ended up changing their lives
This new, 400-page collectible edition of Your Lie in April includes three full volumes of the original release, newly-published color art, translation notes, and a new, larger size.
Caught My Eye:
A very scattershot list this time around, as they usually are. I’m trying out having short, capsule comments on most of the volumes. Let me know if you like them.
- Blue Lock, Vol. 18
- People like this. I dunno if I’ll ever get into it.
- Boy's Abyss, Vol. 9
- Stare into it and you become sure you’ve made this joke eight times before.
- Case Study of Vanitas, Vol. 11
- I’m mostly here to recommend people look up a compilation of the Japanese VAs saying Vanitas.
- Agents of the Four Seasons Dance of Spring, Vol. 2
- Revenge tales! Love me a good simmering revenge story.
- Gaea-tima the Gigantis 1
- I think I’m underestimating this series by dropping it here. Then again, I’m not really in a sad complicated post-war story kinda mood right now.
- Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc., Vol. 7
- I like the concept of a magical girl start-up series. I just haven’t given it a shot yet.
- Mecha-ude Mechanical Arms, Vol. 1
- Based on the anime, it’s Graphix’s second release!
- Otaku Vampire's Love Bite, Vol. 3
- Vampires and otaku! What’s not to, uh, like?
- Speed Grapher, Vol. 2
- GO speed grapher. GO speed grapher. GO speed grapher GO.
- Bocchi the Rock! Side Story Kikuri Hiroi’s Heavy-drinking Diary 1
- Obligatory Bocchi pick.
- Go With the Clouds, North-by-northwest 7
- Glacially slow release schedule. I guess that’s what highly detailed art gets ya.
- Kinryo Rock 1: Code: Amrita
- Vampires and ROCK. What’s not to like?
- Tokyo Alien Bros, Vol. 2
- Say it isn’t so! Apparently it’s just OK. But it’s by the Hirayasumi guy, which is truly extraordinary, so…
- Yowamushi Pedal, Vol. 27
- The bicycling classic continues, this time with PECS MAN on the cover.
WTF is this:
A corollary to the Caught My Eye subset are the comics I don’t actually think are potentially worth a read - or at least don’t strike me list worthy - but have a certain je ne sais quoi that are absolutely worth pointing out and gawking at.
- Destroy All Humans, They Can't Be Regenerated, Vol. 3
Magic the Gathering manga. Official. Magic. The Gathering. Manga. With an unhinged cover, title, description combo. “It’s the nineties at Tokiwagi Middle School. And for gamers like Hajime Kano, after the release of Magic: The Gathering, nothing will ever be the same again!” - Disney Twisted-Wonderland, Vol 1: The Manga Book of Savanaclaw
Give it up for mobile game tie-in manga, I guess? We got ourselves a disney one with a hot guy playing a keyblade guitar. Baffling. - Toxic Super Beasts, Vol. 1
I’m sorry. Look at that cover. Tell me this doesn’t look…exactly like what you’d expect “Toxic Super Beasts” to look like. - The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protege, Vol. 1
“An outrageous BL manga about work, unlikely friends, and problems down there!”
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The List:
10. Detectives Be Crazy
I’m getting strong “Hinamatsuri” vibes off this comic and I’m not just saying that because both are published by One Peace Books. No, I’m here for that patented winning buddy combo of plucky young assistant and grizzled jaded formerly-retired pro. Might it be dull as dirt? Maybe! As long as the mysteries are fun, or patently absurd, I know I’m gonna have a great time.
Detectives These Days Are Crazy!, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Masakuni Igarashi
Published by One Peace Books Inc
Behold, a great detective who thrills the world solving impossible cases in no time! His name? Keiichiro Nagumo.
…But all of that was over a decade ago. Now he’s just your typical middle-aged dude. Nagumo is behind the times to the point that he doesn't even know what a smartphone is. But out of the blue, he is confronted by a high school girl named Mashiro who shows up wanting to be his assistant. Witness the miracles a gender-gap detective duo can make!
9. Cool. Cooler. Coolest.
While I haven’t read any of the manga, I did really love My Dress-up Darling when it aired a couple years back, though I often forget about the series. The cover of volume 13 brought it all back. The softness of the art, the detail of the hobbies, the depth of the romance, the awkwardness of the leads. Plus, it really feels like a transition from winter to spring.
My Dress-up Darling, Vol. 13
Written and Illustrated by Shinichi Fukuda
Published by Square Enix Manga
A loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy rom-com!
After several sleepless nights, Wakana has finished the Heaven’s Will costume just in time for Comiket! Even though he and Marin aren’t sure what to expect from the event, once she bursts onto the scene as the eerie angel Haniel, they draw a massive crowd with the help of some familiar faces! The immaculate combination of his craftsmanship and her acting chops soon whips the entire venue into a fervor—so why does Wakana look down in the dumps?!
8. Santa Claus is Coming to a Town Near You
Truly, I want to know what this series is about. I have not found out. Someone help. Nakamura. Please. Tell meeee.
Black Night Parade, Vol. 6
Written and Illustrated by Hikaru Nakamura
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
WHERE AM I NOW?!
Miharu is whisked away from right under Knecht's invisible nose by Drosselmeyer, an enigmatic tinkerer who is one of the masterminds behind the construction of the Santa Claus House. He finds himself in Silent Night, a surreal space where the December 24th of that year is on a continuous loop, experiencing a world beyond his wildest dreams...! Discover Knecht's true intentions for recruiting Miharu to the Santa Claus House in this installment of the Black Christmas saga!
7. Kiss Kiss, Fall in Love
A josei, yuri series?! In the mainstream? With a cover like this? Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
Pink Candy Kiss, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Ami Uozumi
Translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash
Lettered by Jack Carrillo Concordia
Published by Viz
Can Takara find happiness with the girl she loved in middle school? Or is she 20 years too late?
After 20 years apart, Takara reconnects with Ema, the girl she nearly kissed in middle school—who’s now a beautiful, married woman.
Takara’s world turns upside down when her best friend from middle school reenters her life. She’s bewildered by how the shy, quiet girl she once knew has grown into a charming woman with an air of mystique. Despite Ema being married, Takara can’t help but think there’s something special about Ema’s cool, soft hands against her skin...
6. For Tomorrow (Part 2)
After reading the first volume, I can see why this took so long to make it to America, despite being a stone-cold classic. It’s about sports, it’s drawn in that Disney/Tezuka style of post-war manga, and Joe is a complete asshole. Just an absolute urchin of a boy. A true-blue selfish jackass with a mean streak. The complete opposite of your typical shonen protagonist and a far cry from the milquetoast nothings that are standard isekai protagonists.
I love it.
“Ashita no Joe” is a grimy story full of jagged characters and a story that is definitely way more out-there than you think. It’s mean and scrappy and like nothing else coming out right now.
Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow, Vol. 2
Written by Asao Takamori
Illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba
Published by Vertical Inc
A massive cultural phenomenon, made even bigger by the hit anime based on it. To this day, "Ashita no Joe" remains one of the most important manga of all time, and now it will finally see the light of day in English for the first time!
BACK ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF TEARS
After a stunning clash between Rikiishi’s finely honed skill and Joe’s raw, unbridled gift, both are released from Toko Reformatory—but Joe has a lot of catching up to do. His rival is already making waves on the pro circuit, and while Rikiishi has expensive, state-of-the-art training facilities, Joe has nothing but a makeshift gym down by the river. Danpei inspires him to dream of walking back across the so-called bridge of tears and into the limelight, but when the old pug’s reputation catches up with him, it looks like Joe might be shut out of the pros forever…
5. 500 Groundhogs of Springs
Time-loop comedies have to hit a very specific balance or they run the risk of being insufferable. Having a pair of people remember the loop already gives it a leg up. Reading “secure a girlfriend and lose his virginity—the ultimate teenage goal,” not exactly doing it much favors. It’s success will all be in the execution.
The Long Summer of August 31, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Ikkado Ito
Translated by McKenzie Carnahan
Lettered by Julie Davis
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
From the creator of I’m Not Meat–also published by Seven Seas! Two teens discover they’re stuck in a never-ending time-loop right at the end of summer vacation–can a new love reset them?
Caught in an endlessly repeating August 31st, high schoolers Suzuki Takaya and Takagi Kana are the only ones who remember each loop. The likely cause? Suzuki's unfinished summer mission to secure a girlfriend and lose his virginity—the ultimate teenage goal. A hilarious yet heartfelt time-loop comedy!
4. Beams in Eyes and All That
After just complaining about romantic comedy tropes, here I am about to throw my weight behind a series that’s literally described as “the best-selling tale of morally dubious romance.” Look. I love messy romance stories and “Someone’s Girlfriend” is about as messy as it gets. Have it determined if that mess is trashy, literary, or that holy grail of both? No. Do I want to? Yes.
There’s a full love square! Don’t tell me that doesn’t intrigue?
Someone's Girlfriend, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Nikumaru
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
THE LOVE SQUARE STARTS TO COLLAPSE!
Umimi will do anything to win back her ex--even enlist the help of her “big brother” Riku to break up a happy couple. And meanwhile, even though Riku hesitates to steal his best friend’s girlfriend, he can barely contain his feelings for the flirtatious Shizuku. After all, she’s been throwing herself at him throughout the school year. With everyone's passions so entangled, can their friendships survive this game of musical lovers?
Nominated for the Next Manga Award of 2023, the best-selling tale of morally dubious romance continues!
3. Sleeping for 1000 Years
Shamefully, I fell off “To Your Eternity” a couple years back. I was a dutiful weekly reader for years, even during the “quarter chapter full of typos” era. Now, I don’t even know what volume I would be on. Well, let it not be said I don’t fix my mistakes because this series remains a true joy, though it is wildly complicated. Bite off more than you can chew and dig into this meaty series about an immortal orb trying to learn to be human.
To Your Eternity, Vol. 22
Written and Illustrated by Yoshitoki Oima
Published by Kodansha Comics
A new manga from the creator of the acclaimed A Silent Voice, featuring intimate, emotional drama and an epic story spanning time and space...
Now a hit anime!
Kaibara has captured Tonari and Bon, and are holding them behind security so tight not even Fushi can break in. Meanwhile, the Captain closes in on Adey and the doll. Fushi and friends set out to rescue their comrades, but Andy attacks using a fearsome new “mode,” and Bon sneaks into Kaibara’s secret headquarter, all alone. There, he learns the twisted true nature of this future world. This is a story about making peace with the past.
2. Pre-Crisis, Post-Secret Wars, Pre-Harbinger Wars Cat-Man
I don’t think this series is going to do much to change my views on prejudice in the world, I do like reading stories featuring cats and I very much enjoy parables. It’s also possible this one-shot will be a concentrated dose of amazing art so, you know, it’s worth a high spot. Also, and sorry to the description, I saw the cover art first and went “AH SO CUTE.”
Cat-Man
Written and Illustrated by Parari
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
A poignant story that exposes the cognitive bias rampant throughout modern society–from the point of view of a man who happens to be a cat!
In a world where humans and humanoid cats coexist, shy cat man Hachisuke struggles with being seen as just a “cute” object. Trying to fit in among humans who don't fully understand him, he faces society’s hidden biases head-on. With wit and warmth, this story challenges us to see the world differently—through the eyes of a cat who just wants to belong.
1. The Future is Now
Despite the flippancy of the blurb’s opening sentence, “Gene Bride” is (seems to be) the kind of sci-fi manga I love to read: pointed, thoughtful, and connected to current events in expected and unexpected ways. I just hope it doesn’t have some noxious twist halfway through its four volume run. I’m holding out hope!
Gene Bride, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Hitomi Takano
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment
>A sci-fi drama about a woman sick of workplace misogyny and the man she just happened to be matched with in a middle school experiment!
Isahaya Ichi is fed up with men, a woman navigating a world where she’s underestimated at work because of her gender and sexually harassed. But when her former classmate, Masaki, unexpectedly shows up, everything changes. He claims to be the other half of her "destined pair" from a junior high school event called “Gene Bride,” where genetic information matched students into couples for a day. While Ichi barely remembers the event, Masaki's sudden reappearance sparks a journey of rediscovery and buried secrets.
Elias Rosner
Elias Rosner
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