Mangaversity: August 2025

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.

The last couple of months I’ve been making a concerted effort to read more manga. I’d been slacking with all these new series, thanks in part to trying to clear the backlog of comics and novels I, uh, actually own. Felt it was appropriate to know whether or not I liked any of these series that’ve been catching my eye and, if not, then I can drop them like a hot potato and shorten the lists.

Spoilers: the list will never be meaningfully shorter.

Also, pardon any lateness that may occur. I have a wounded pointer finger right now which is impacting my ability to type quickly or for long-ish periods of time.

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. 13
Written by Yuki Suenaga
Illustrated by Takamasa Moue
Published by Viz

This is the series that keeps on giving. You can do it Akane!

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father!

Maikeru Arakawa is gearing up to be the first futatsume in the Arakawa school to take the shin’uchi exam since the big expulsion scandal that forced Akane’s father out of the rakugo world. That incident weighs heavily on all of Master Shiguma’s apprentices, but it hit Maikeru especially hard due to his close relationship with Shinta Arakawa. And worse, one of the Arakawa Arch Four, Zensho Arakawa, has it out for Maikeru due to their similar performance styles. Will Maikeru be able to gain the approval of the Arakawa Arch Four and overcome the hurdle that no one in the Arakawa school has even attempted since the scandal all those years ago, or will he face the same fate as Akane’s father?

Dandadan, Vol. 14
Written and Illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu
Translated by Kumar Sivasubramanian
Published by Viz

Y’all are watching Science Saru flex on everyone with their adaptation, yeah?

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?!

As Momo and the others fight desperately against the alien invaders, a recovering Okarun finally comes to and is able to join them. Unfortunately for him, it’s Tuesday, and that means one thing—the Evil Eye wants to fight! Thankfully, the invaders quickly capture the Evil Eye’s attention when they get in the way of his match, and with his help, the team begins to crush the enemy. But suddenly, Vamola’s suit is snatched by an octopus-shaped invader, landing the team in dire straits!

The Elusive Samurai, Vol. 16
Written and Illustrated by Yusei Matsui
Published by Viz

Soon, I will catch back up with Matsui’s bat-shit manga about 11th century Japan. Soon.

In war-torn medieval Japan, a young samurai lord struggles to retake his throne, but not by fighting. Hojo Tokiyuki will reclaim his birthright by running away!

Kitabatake Akiie’s army, including Tokiyuki’s powerful Hojo clan contingent, begins their westward march on Kyo from Oshu. It will be a long journey and will not go unopposed, as forces loyal to Ashikaga Takauji are mobilizing to stop them. Not only will Akiie and Tokiyuki need to contend with ambushes and supply problems along the way, but the army of the renowned warrior Toki Yorito also moves to confront the Oshu army at a place that will one day become famed in Japanese history—Sekigahara.

Hirayasumi, Vol. 6
Written and Illustrated by Keigo Shinzo
Published by Viz

Honestly, one of the best manga on the shelves right now and also, somehow, completely out of stock for libraries?! What the hell Viz!

With a carefree outlook on life, Hiroto knows better than anyone that slowing down is sometimes the best way to move forward.

At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn’t have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn’t be happier. Hiroto’s breezy attitude isn’t easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people who surround him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life.

It’s been a rough few weeks for Hiroto and Hideki. But after Hiroto collapsed from overwork and Hideki lost his job, the two are back in high spirits and ready to fulfill an old childhood dream! Meanwhile, there are big changes on the horizon for Natsumi, and Yomogi’s love life is about to take a turn she never expected!

March Comes in Like a Lion, Vol. 5
Written and Illustrated by Chica Umino
Published by Denpa

There’s no way this is actually coming out this month but I can dream.

After struggling in his attempt to win the Shishioh title, Shimada now settles into his role as shogi ambassador. His shogi courses are lively affairs and this is no exception. And even with rain tempering some of the festivities, the energy from the youth as well as his fellow professionals has given the title challenger renewed hope for the future. A future where titles continue to be achievable if not won.

Show-ha Shoten!, Vol. 8
Written by Akinari Asakura
Illustrated by Takeshi Obata
Published by Viz

I heard this series is finishing soon (three volumes or so) and I’m sad! I thought it would go on for quite a bit longer. I’ll save my thoughts for the end, though.

A pair of dreamers strive to rise to the top of the comedy world in this story by Akinari Asakura with art by Takeshi Obata (Death Note)!

Three comedy duos have finished their acts for the Wara-1 Koshien championship, and none have come close to beating Broken Glass Slipper’s high score! But with Brutus finally taking the competition seriously and an experienced group like Sprechchor waiting in the wings, could Broken Glass Slipper be looking at the end of their first-place reign?

Spy X Family, Vol. 14
Written and Illustrated by Tatsuya Endo
Translated by Casey Loe
Published by Viz

Oh the dance arc. I enjoyed this quite a bit but it’s fuzzy. I guess I just have to re-read it.

An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!

The midterm exams—with stella stars and tonitrus bolts on the line—are over. Has Anya’s hard work studying classical language paid off? Also, in hopes of advancing her plan B at the class gala, Anya asks Damian to be her dance partner!

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 14
Written and Illustrated by Kousuke Oono
Published by Viz

The joke is still funny! And now there’s ghosts?! Hell yes.

It’s a day in the life of your average househusband—if your average househusband is the legendary yakuza “the Immortal Dragon”!

Tatsu—with Masa in tow—is off to care for the tombstone of Takeyama, the passionate, undefeated fighter who taught him the way of the yakuza before shockingly getting whacked…by a cavity. Little do they know that Takeyama’s spirit watches them from beyond the grave. Unfortunately, the visit doesn’t go according to plan after Tatsu’s loud cleaning gear draws a dangerous crew—ghosts!

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, like the ones this month.

Ashita No Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow, Vol. 3
Written by Asao Takamori
Illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba
Published by Viz

Joe sucks and I love him. The best kind of shitty kid protag.

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!

RIVALRY GIVES WAY TO OBSESSION

Joe's cunning and intuition have forced open the door to the pro career he feared might be locked away forever, his showdown with Rikiishi now tantalizing within reach...but he'll have to fight his way through rookie-of-the-year Wolf Kanagushi first! Reckoning with the fact that instinct alone—even the instincts of a natural-born boxer—may not be enough to carry the day, Joe gets serious about his training. But Rikiishi is serious too—deadly serious. How far will these two go to settle the score...?

Hitmaker Asao Takamori was arguably the biggest manga author of his day, while Tetsuya Chiba, winner of innumerable awards, was recently given the prestigious Order of Culture by the Japanese government, the first manga artist ever to receive that honor.

The Legend of Kamui, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Shirato Sanpei
Translated by Richard and Noriko Rubinger
Published by Drawn & Quarterly

“Kamui” volume 1 was a shockingly placid intro to a series billed on swords, fighting, and death. It’s quiet and sprawling, with tons of characters to follow and lengthy digressions about political systems, class struggle, and nature. I see why it may not be a “must read” for the average manga fan but hot damn is it catnip for classics nerds like me.

More swords, more fighting, more deception...

Shirato Sanpei’s epic feudal sword drama continues! In Shirato’s world, life is hard and every step forward is hard-won. But through that hardship comes strength. The Legend of Kamui: Volume 2 features more action and more intrigue as minor characters step into the light of this sweeping seventeenth-century social tapestry.

Deeply embroiled in the deceptive maneuverings of the upper class, the warrior Ikkaku begins to see the betrayal around him. Meanwhile, the genin Shosuke uses his education to better himself and learn to farm—all while realizing his education can better the lives of those around him, too. As he gains the skills and intelligence necessary to forge a path forward, he also becomes all too aware that there can, and must, be a better way.

Will Ikkaku become a prisoner of his own quest for revenge? Will Shosuke find salvation in leading peers out of destitution? The White Wolf, too, resurfaces and begins to lead a life apart from other wolves until he meets the great One-Eyed Lone Wolf. Will he be accepted or will he be killed, hunted down for his rare pelt?

Only time will tell. There is no rest for the wicked, and sinister forces only work against the little guy.

Hunter X Hunter: 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 3
Written and Illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi
Published by Viz

More Togashi! 

Plucky Gon’s quest to find his dad leads him into a whole world of crazy adventure.

Hunters dedicate their lives to tracking down treasures, magical beasts, and even other people. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Those who do pass earn the right to call themselves Hunters.

Gon and Killua are diligently studying the mysterious ways of Nen with Master Wing at Heavens Arena. When Gon successfully completes the Nen lesson, he also passes the final (and secret) test of the Hunter Exam. After another run-in with the insane magician Hisoka, Gon heads home and receives an unexpected message from his father: Come find me…

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.

• April Showers Bring May Flowers, Vol. 3
  • The kind of sweet shojo story I probably should be reading to wind down.
• Black Night Parade, Vol. 7
  • This series is kinda unhinged and I love it.
• Dragon and Chameleon, Vol. 4
  • I still love the Freaky Friday conceit so much.
• Eden of Witches, Vol. 4
  • Great art, less great story. Gotta see if the newer volumes are less generic than volume 1.
• Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 29
  • My next long project to catch up on.
• Gene Bride, Vol. 2
  • I have read volume 1! Not what I was expecting but better than I hoped. Volume 3 might make it onto the main list, if it's not muscled out.
• I See Your Face, Turned Away, Vol. 4
  • But how can I see you if you're facing away from me?!
• Kaina of the Great Snow Sea, Vol. 4
  • It's the summer so the idea of a big snow sea sounds great right now.
• Kagurabachi 4
  • I want to like this series! I really do. I’m hoping volume 3 and 4 turns it around for me.
• Oshi No Ko, Vol. 11
  • I'm really trying to avoid spoilers for this as I am afraid of what I'll find.
• Pupposites Attract, Vol. 3
  • Dog book! Us cat lovers eat well usually but what about those doggo fans?
• Rai Rai Rai, Vol. 1
  • This cover makes me...uncomfortable. Is someone coming for "Kaiju No. 8?"

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. I think I mostly picked erotica this time around…apologies.

• Super Ball Girls, Vol. 2
  I fear to know if this is a wholesome sports manga, a bog-standard harem, or a raucous parody. Perhaps when I google the cover I will know. [Edit: I now know…]
• In the Heavenly Prison, the Devil Enchants Me, Vol. 2
  The oversized water balloons pretending to be boobs have a seam in them. Are they secretly the cockpit for an alien spacecraft? The world needs to know. This knowledge cannot live with me alone.
• Do You Like Big Girls? Omnibus 7-8
  I’m just gonna leave this quote here: “can we squeeze in one more big girl?”
• Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Begins With the Civilization of Ruin, Vol. 4
  And we gotta get at least one generic-ass maybe isekai.

The List:

11. A New Kind of Energy Drink

A pick purely on the cover. A shallow choice, yes, and I did relegate volume 1 to my Caught My Eye list. However, I really do love the style of the cover and I gotta go with my gut. If it’s good enough to get me to go “maybe I should read this” twice-over, that has to count for something.

Girl Crush, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Midori Tayama
Published by Viz

In the super-competitive world of K-pop idol trainees, perfection isn’t enough. You’ve got to have heart!

After Tenka fails to get a callback from her audition and a drop-in dance class reveals that her moves aren’t actually all that, she heads back to Japan to restart her real life. But a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend helps Tenka realize she’s not ready to give up on her dream or herself! Now she just needs to find an agency that’s willing to give her a chance.

10. The Punctuation Used At The End of a Text

I’m in a “pining and struggling” kind of mood these days. Something about the heightened emotions of an early love is hitting me in just the right places.

Long Period, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Nagisa Furuya
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment

Two childhood friends struggle through their feelings for each other and the pressures of growing up. Can their relationship withstand the emotional whiplash of adolescence? From the creator of The Two Lions and Only the Stars Know—also available from Seven Seas!

Yusei insists he hates his best friend—or at least, that’s what he tells himself. Itsuki, his gifted, charming, and impossibly talented friend, seems to be wasting his potential. After all, Itsuki could easily get into any prestigious university or join any sports team, yet he chooses to spend his time with Yusei. Struggling with feelings he can’t quite understand, Yusei pretends to despise Itsuki, hoping it will help him overcome his emotions or, at the very least, distance himself from the one person who means so much. But is pretending enough to change Yusei’s heart? And what about Itsuki’s feelings?

A tender Boys' Love story about childhood best friends and the unspoken feelings that bind them.

9. Elusive, Mysterious, Rarely Seen…A Full Color Manga

I must admit, I was originally dismissive of this series. Knew little about it and thought it’d end up being an unsuccessful and uncomfortable navigation of gender expression and cross-dressing, playing it more for cheap laughs than anything else. I’ve encountered…a lot of exploitative trash doing this. However! By all weights and measures, metrics and whispers, reviews by Nick (we miss ya, dude) and Rebecca, I’m wrong about this one. It’s got heart and wholesomeness and in all the right places too.

…I do keep reading the title as tsuchinoko though.

Senpai Is an Otokonoko: My Crossdressing Classmate, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Pom
Published by Kodansha Comics

The beloved webtoon finally comes to print in a beautiful new full-color edition! A cheerful high school girl, Saki, confesses her love to a pretty upperclassman only to find out her senpai's actually a cross-dressing boy (otokonoko). But Saki has competition for the heart of her daring classmate in the form of Hanaoka's devoted best friend...

The romcom manga about vibrant, messy, adolescent love makes the move from digital hit to collectible paperback!

First-year high school student Saki is head-over-heels for her the older Makoto. After all, this senpai is tall, beautiful, and oh-so-cool... Who wouldn’t fall for a girl like her? The bright and bubbly Saki doesn't hesitate to confess her feelings. But Makoto turns her down, because Makoto isn’t a girl, but rather a cross-dressing boy!

Second-year Makoto is used to the negatives that come with his love of cross-dressing: harsh gossip from his classmates, the disapproval of his mother... Most of his classmates already know, but still, when he tells Saki, he expects her to be disgusted. Yet Saki's feelings only grow stronger, and she says she doesn’t care about Makoto's gender expression. In fact, she's determined to win him over and become his first love!

Caught between the straightforward Saki and his overly protective childhood friend Ryuji--who may have feelings for Makoto of his own--Makoto must navigate a complicated love triangle and chart his own course to happiness.

8. Fantasy Proper Names Ahoy

Oh how I miss the word salad of a good fantasy series. That it’s a short shojo series is all the better. Why not highlight this on its final volume, yeah?

In the Name of the Mermaid Princess, Vol. 7
Written by Yoshino Fumikawa
Illustrated by Miya Tashiro
Published by Viz

In a society hostile to diversity, can Princess Mio be true to herself?

Mio and July learn that the Elementsia are inextricably linked to the centuries of conflict between humans and unhumans. To set things right, they attempt to overthrow Kuya the Sky Dragon. But when Mio’s beloved Yuri is mortally wounded, she must battle her own worst impulses. In this final volume, will compassion triumph over hate?

7. Much A-Do About Cultists

Another dystopian sci-fi series, another dollar. What seems to be setting “A-Do” apart from the rest, besides its killer covers, is its visual echoing of the work of “Akira.” Now, it’s nowhere near that level - I don’t think anyone really draws like Otomo anymore - but it does capture that seedy future infused with the echoes of today. Really strong first chapter too.

A-Do, Vol. 8
Written and Illustrated by Amano Jaku
Translated by Max Greenway
Published by Kodansha Comics

A brash young woman and a boy with a mysterious arm search for answers while evading military assassins in this dystopian sci-fi action manga, perfect for fans of Akira and Sakamoto Days.

BORN-AGAIN HERO

The swaggering Saigo came off much the worse after crossing paths with Killy and Bart, who have come to collect Ewan on Kariya's orders. Riko and Gero look on helplessly as the two A-DO turn the cultists into mindless zombies, but just when things are looking dire, the newly healed Renji comes forward to challenge the assailants. Is the erstwhile villain about to take a turn for the heroic...or does he have his own twisted purposes?

6. Still the Only Katsuhiro Otomo Work Available

While I’m glad “Akira” is staying in print, and that they’re making the sweet hardcovers from the now long-out-of-print (I presume) box set available on their own, my enthusiasm is tempered by Kodansha’s silence on the whole “complete works of Otomo” collection they were supposedly working on. I’d like to have a nice hardcover of “Domu” please!

Seriously though. If you’ve never read “Akira,” this is the best way to do so. It’s sooooooooooooo good.

Akira: Hardcover Collection, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Katsuhiro Otomo
Published by Kodansha Comics

The epic, timeless hit that inspired the legendary anime film and made the word "manga" part of the global vocabulary returns in a new hardcover edition. The AKIRA Hardcover Collection features the original right-to-left manga reading format and Katsuhiro Otomo's original, hand-drawn sound effects in a beautiful, large-sized collectible edition.

Thirty-eight years have passed since the end of World War III, and the megalopolis of Neo-Tokyo has sprung from the bones of the devastated old city. By night, the borderlands between glittering towers and irradiated ruins are ruled by criminals, cultists, and street gangs. Two childhood friends (and rivals), Kaneda and Tetsuo, ride with one of these gangs. By day, the military and a secret elite toy with the psychic phenomena that caused the devastation in the first place. A high-speed incident on a decrepit express road will lead to a collision between Tetsuo, Kaneda, and forces they cannot hope to understand and that will change them forever...

The AKIRA Hardcover Collection features the updated translation and lettering of the 35th Anniversary Edition box set, now collectible one book at a time. As in the box set, this six-volume version of the masterwork of Katsuhiro Otomo (Memories, Steamboy, Domu: A Child's Dream) features the creator's Japanese-language, hand-drawn sound effects and the original, right-to-left manga reading format in a 7"x10" casewrap hardcover.

5. Josei Can We See

Anytime I see a Josei series, I know I gotta read it. Very few make the jump to the states and they’re always intriguing. “Sheltering Eaves” being set in the Japanese foster care system is already a draw, as that’s ripe for exploration and drama, and then layers on a romance. I’m a fan of messy and messy this seems to be.

Sheltering Eaves, Vol. 4
Written and Illustrated by Rie Aruga
Translated by Sawa Savage
Published by Kodansha Comics

From the creator of Perfect World comes a new josei manga about a pure romance that blossoms in the unfair world of the foster care system. Blending a realistic representation of the situation faced by the most vulnerable children in Japanese society with a page-turning love story, Sheltering Eaves is, like the teens who come to life on its pages, one of a kind.

The anger inside Tenjaku finally bursts, and there are consequences legally as well as personally. He is sentenced to juvenile detention after assaulting his father in retaliation for hitting Yoru. The systems intended to support vulnerable youths have their limits, especially after children age out. As Yoru and Tenjaku work on healing themselves emotionally, they remain committed to a future together. How will their codependent relationship survive after they leave the children’s home?

4. Dragons for Days

Volume 2 is here! Celebrate the arrival of Ruri and her adorable dragon antics. Let’s go!

Ruridragon, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Masaoki Shindo
Translated by Caleb Cook
Published by Viz

Ruri faces the usual high school issues: pushy classmates, annoying teachers, and…waking up with dragon horns?!

After releasing a burst of electricity during class, Ruri officially has her next dragon trait: electrostatic discharge! But not everyone wants to be friends with a dragon girl. Can Ruri soften up a steely classmate? Or will her attempts go up in flames?

3. Bake Me a Treat, You’re the Baker Man

I think what got me interested in “Confessions,” besides my love of fictional food prep, cooking and baking, is that this is set against a changing social backdrop. It’s not set in the isolated world of high school or in an actively hostile (or indifferent) reality or a fantasy world of pure acceptance. I want to see what that means for Ito and these two characters.

Confessions of a Shy Baker, Vol. 5
Written and Illustrated by Masaomi Ito
Published by Tokyopop

Toshimitsu Yamamura's favorite way of showing love for his boyfriend of many years, Gonta Tsubakisaka, is by baking incredible treats for them to enjoy together. But in his everyday life Toshimitsu isn't really... "out." As the legal landscape and cultural attitudes in Japan change favorably toward same-sex couples, Toshi finds himself increasingly willing to put himself out there despite his anxiety. With the support of friends, Toshi and Gonta find themselves participating in a Pride Parade for the very first time, and Toshi finds himself wondering what marriage to his beloved Gonta might be like...

2. GET IN THE ROBOT AMURO

If you read one series about giant robots, make it this one. If you only ever interact with one piece of “Gundam,” make it this one (sorry “Witch from Mercury.”) Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s retelling of the original Gundam show is masterful, dripping with charm and mood, full of meaty plots and dynamic characters. It’s a lot to handle but trust me when I say it is worth the read.

Originally released in these gorgeous hardcovers that are, I think, out-of-print, Vertical is bringing them back and upping the size to match their other recent hardcover re-releases. It’s sad some of the essays won’t be reprinted but I’m ok with this being different. Find out why generations have lost their shit over some big pew-pew mecha in its best looking format.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin: Deluxe, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
Original story by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino
Published by Vertical Inc

The storied Gundam franchise’s “First Season” that set new standards of verisimilitude for televised sci-fi animation returns in comics form at the hand of one of the initial creators! The definitive account expands on the classic narrative with the same sense of purpose that lit up the screen more than four decades ago.

This new edition collects the original bestselling twelve-installment English release into six oversized volumes. All of the many color pages—unusually numerous for Japanese comics—have been retained…only at a larger size. The master’s artwork has never looked so grand!

(Does not include essays and illustrations from the original release that are not the author’s own)

1. More Of These Please

I’m on record as being a short-story nerd and a big fan of these “early days” collections. That this is for one of my favorite mangaka out there meant it had to be number one. No questions asked.

Farewell, Daisy: Jun Mayuzuki Short Story Collection
Written and Illustrated by Jun Mayuzuki
Translated by Amanda Haley
Published by Yen Press

Just because you can’t use magic doesn’t mean that you can’t be happy. Laugh and cry along with the young women featured in this big collection of touching short stories from the early career of Jun Mayuzuki, author of Kowloon Generic Romance.

Mangaversity - July 2025

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

House of Ideas, Powers of SecretsElias Rosner

Mangaversity - House of Ideas, Powers of Secrets

House of Ideas, Powers of SecretsElias Rosner