Mangaversity: January 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 to Zack Davisson for pointing out this should’ve been my choice for the title from the get go.
It’s the new year (in manga, at least) and I’ve got quite the spread for you. I’ve got something for everyone, even you isekai lovers (kinda.)
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.)
Kowloon Generic Romance, Vol. 9
Written and Illustrated by Jun Mayuzuki
Translated by Amanda Haley
Lettered by Abigail Blackman
Published by Yen Press
The anime adaptation is coming out soon and I really, really hope it does Mayuzuki’s manga justice.
Ordinary memories of a world where no one is at fault are sorrowfully reflected in Kujirai’s glasses. But what does Kudou think of the world...? What if Kowloon disappears? It doesn’t matter if it’s a tragedy, because the future absolutely is up to oneself. Beyond the emotions that are conveyed and the everyday life that passes by, the true form of Kowloon is revealed?!
Chainsaw Man, Vol. 17
Written and Illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Published by Viz
All the stuff with the Chainsaw Man Church wasn’t my favorite but, I mean, even weak “Chainsaw Man” is better than most other manga on the shelves.
Broke young man + chainsaw demon = Chainsaw Man!
Denji was a small-time devil hunter just trying to survive in a harsh world. After being killed on a job, he is revived by his pet devil Pochita and becomes something new and dangerous—Chainsaw Man!
As Public Safety starts to close in on the leaders of the Chainsaw Man Church, the organization’s terrifying true plan will be revealed. Meanwhile, both Asa and Denji will have to make tough decisions when their own lives are on the line!
Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 13
Written and Illustrated by Kamome Shirahama
Published by Kodansha Comics
Yesssssssss! New volume!
A beautifully-illustrated story about a girl who longs for magic in her life and learns that, on the inside, she already is what she wishes she could be. This lushly-drawn story has won an Eisner Award and a Harvey Award, and was voted one of the top 10 manga of the year in 2018 by the Japanese manga industry.
CROSSING PATHS
The true mastermind responsible for the havoc in Ezrest is subdued at last, but not without exacting a heavy price on Coco. She is still eager to rejoin the search for Custas, and fortunately Beldaruit knows just the spell to allow her to do so without worrying Qifrey. Meanwhile, the other witches are called to where they are most needed in the aftermath. As strings of fate never meant to interact are further entangled, the starlight reveals society’s true nature.
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.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure - Part 6, Stone Ocean, Vol. 8
Written and Illustrated by Hirohiko Araki
Published by Viz
One more to go!
A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!
The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring color pages! JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles.
Weather Forecast’s memories have been restored, and he is not happy. He unleashes his full power against Pucchi and Pale Snake, but others are caught in the crossfire of his attack. Can Jolyne and the rest of her friends reach the two men unscathed? Weather Forecast seems to have Pucchi on the ropes though, and it finally looks like his good fortune has run out, but the bad priest won’t go down easily—not when he is so close to reaching Heaven.
Ajin Demi-Human Complete 2
Written and Illustrated by Hirohiko Araki
Published by Vertical Inc
This was a series I read way back when it serialized on Crunchyroll’s manga app. Anyone remember that? I kinda stunk! But it did let me read this and the all-time great manga “Space Brothers” at a time when neither were in print. Actually, I still think “Space Brothers” only publishes digitally.
Anyway, “Ajin” is a really interesting series. It’s in the same tradition as “Gantz” and “Spriggan,” though far more restrained than the former and way less uncomfortable than the latter. The main character is such a twerp!
IT’S ALL-OUT WAR
Glib high schooler Kei has discovered to his horror that death is just a repeatable event for him—and that humanity has no mercy for a demi-human. When more of their kind come out of the woodworks…their morals vary, to say the least.
The breathless nightmare trip Ajin: Demi-Human, finally available in omnibus format. A thriller that just keeps on getting better and deeper.
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.
- Mao, Vol. 19
- Certainly not one of the better Rumiko Takahashi works but even her worst is a B- and at 19 volumes and counting, you gotta give her props.
- Marriage Toxin, Vol. 5
- Heard good things about this. Doesn’t really grab me. Love the chaotic use of color on the cover though.
- Red River, 3-in-1 Edition, Vol. 2
- Again, I’m very interested in checking this out for historical reasons.
- Hell is Dark with No Flowers, Vol. 1
- Sounds like my front window.
- The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 12
- The man’s name is Ray White, the most fantasy of names. I love it.
- Fish Society
- Denpa. Please. Please tell me this is actually coming out in January.
- Takashi from the Bike Shop, Vol. 1
- The art is so cute!
- Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree, Vol. 5
- I only read the first volume so I dunno if the joke ever got old but I commend the team for keeping it up.
- Beyblade X, Vol. 1
- They’re still making “Beyblade” manga????
- Blood Night Market, Vol. 1
- Vampires are back and gayer than ever. Hell yeah.
- Boy’s Abyss, Vol. 8
- I want to read this and give it its due. I really do. I just don’t feel like being sent down the sadness chute right now.
- Thunder 3, Vol. 2
- The conceit of this one still rules and the quick look through volume 1 I did confirms it. Whether the rest holds up, I should know by volume 3.
- Sakamoto Days, Vol. 15
- Still a great series, was way better when it was a slapstick assassin comedy and not a dramedy.
- Shadows of Kyoto, Vol. 1
- Spook me up this holiday season!
- Shimazaki in the Land of Peace, Vol. 2
- Award winning series! Guess that means I have to read it soon.
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.
- Origin, Vol. 8
Boichi is letting his freak flag fly I guess! How’d I not hear about this series earlier? Eight volumes already!
- Fire in His Fingertips: A Flirty Fireman Ravishes Me With His Smoldering Gaze, Vol. 6
The title is pure smut X light novel stupidity, and you know what you’re getting on the tin, but what really got me to stop and go “what?” with this volume is the cover. It’s SO awkward looking. The leg from nowhere. The shimmer on the latex shirt?? The lean and head pull. It’s like looking at a renaissance cat.
The List:
11. Q-Tip
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Vampires are having a moment. I wonder if it has anything to do with this pervasive feeling of extraction via powerful, monstrous oligarchs and corporations. Hmmm….Well, that’s a topic for “#DRCL” and not this vampire delinquent manga.
My one hesitancy is I wish I knew what the heck “Dra-Q” was a play on. Yeah, yeah. It’s a funky spelling of Drac(ula) but that’s it. Maybe Amelie is into Q-tips? Is she secretly a Queen? Is everyone queer but the copy doesn’t wanna admit it? Tell me!
Dra-Q, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Chiyo
Published by Kodansha Comics
Amelie is an average high schooler who also happens to be a vampire. Pako is the resident school delinquent. Together, they might just be a match made in hell. A bloody, darkly comic love story manga for fans of Dandadan and Call of the Night.
High schooler Amelie Kurosaki isn’t like the other girls. She’s secretly a vampire, which means she can’t smile (her fangs will show), she can’t cry (her eyes will glow red), and she absolutely, positively cannot fall in love with a human (love leads to bloodlust). The problem is, Amelie can’t help staring wistfully whenever she sees a certain third-year delinquent known as Pako. Then, a fateful incident after school results in a surprise confession, followed by an even more shocking attack that reveals Amelie’s true nature. Can a rough-and-tumble delinquent and a strong vampire with a soft side make an un-life together?
10. Neverending Stoooooriiiess
In the pantheon of manga that will likely never have an ending because the industry grinds its creators minds and bodies into a fine dust, “Vagabond” is one of the more interesting, and frustrating, ones. It’s so close to being finished but Inoue won’t return to it until he has the enthusiasm back.
It’s a beloved series and perhaps the release of these “definitive editions” means an ending is in sight. Or it could just be Viz’s way of keeping it in print in a more ~deluxe~ manner as befits a series of this stature.
Vagabond Definitive Edition, Volume 1
Written and Illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
Published by Viz
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.
At 17 years of age, Miyamoto Musashi—still known by his childhood name, Shinmen Takezō—is a wild young brute just setting out along the way of the sword. In the aftermath of the epic Battle of Sekigahara, Takezō finds himself a fugitive survivor on the losing side of the war. Takezō’s vicious nature has made him an outcast even in his own village, and he is hunted down like an animal. At this crucial crossroads in Takezō’s life, an eccentric monk and a childhood friend are the only ones who can help him find his way.
9. Color Me Surprised
I love how little the solicit gives away for this one. Mysterious future worlds where humans are few and far between is exactly my jam. I know it won’t have the soft vibes of “Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou” but I feel like this could fill that niche in my reading lineup right now.
The Color of the End, Vol. 1: Mission in the Apocalypse
Written and Illustrated by Haruo Iwamune
Translated by John Neal
Lettered by Madeline Jose
Published by Yen Press
A girl walks alone in a world without humans. Her mission—to search for survivors and cleanse the land. But is anyone still out there in the lonely, beautiful ruins, waiting to be found?
8. The Prodigal Dragon Returns
Speaking of mangaka on heath hiatuses, Shindo had an explosive debut with “RuriDragon” a couple years back and was poised to take Weekly Shonen Jump by storm before having to stop at around chapter 10. As with so many short-lived comedy manga in Shonen Jump, hopes of getting a print release here in the US was slim to zilch.
However! “RuriDragon” is back, now with an irregular (but healthier) Jump+ schedule, and with a second volume out in Japan, it’s time for us to get our first. Rejoice!
Ruridragon, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Masaoki Shindo
Published by Viz
Ruri faces the usual high school issues: pushy classmates, annoying teachers, and…waking up with dragon horns?!
Just after starting high school, Ruri gets hit with the biggest reveal of her life—she’s a dragon!
Well, a half dragon. Her mom admits Ruri inherited her draconic traits from her father, who, yes, is actually a dragon. As if dealing with curious classmates wasn’t already challenging enough, Ruri and her dragon genes literally turn up the heat in the middle of a lecture. Her ordinary life is about to be anything but!
7. Last Quarter, I Gave You My Coins, But The Very Next Day, You Paid Them Away
Is the pattern of my picks this time “mangaka who have incomplete works?” Perhaps. “Last Quarter,” though, is complete and the last of Ai Yazawa’s major works (sans-“Nana”) to get the deluxe treatment. Of all her series, this is also the one that most appeals to me. Supernatural mysteries enmeshed in Yazawa’s eclectic fashion styles and broody art? I’m down for that.
Last Quarter, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Ai Yazawa
Published by Viz
A supernatural mystery of two star-crossed lovers from the creator of Nana!
Struggling to adapt to life with a new mother and sister after her father’s remarriage, Mizuki meets a blue-eyed man playing guitar on the street in Shibuya and is powerfully drawn to him. How far will she go to see him again?
Mizuki is trapped in a crumbling mansion, bereft of memories except for the time she spent with Adam. Hotaru and her friends have been working from her fragmentary recollections to discover what happened. Will Mizuki be reunited with Adam?
6. Bro. Bro! Broooooooo.
I just…I love this concept so much? Fish out of water comedies like this and “Saint Young Men,” when done to the proper level of absurdity, are beautiful to behold. There’s a big if, though. This isn’t a new concept so it’s gotta hit the ground running or there’s no recovering. Lean into the bro, bros!
Tokyo Alien Bros, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Keigo Shinzo
Published by Viz
Aliens walk among us—but they’re just two bros hanging out in Tokyo. Oh, and they’re on a mission to colonize Earth.
Fuyunosuke Tanaka is a perfectly ordinary college student, except for one thing—he’s secretly an alien. He and his brother Natsutaro have traveled across the galaxy to study the people of Earth and evaluate the planet’s resources, but adapting to life on this new world may prove a bit harder than they thought.
Fuyunosuke’s been living the good life in Tokyo. In fact, he’s almost got the whole “being human” thing down. His brother Natsutaro, on the other hand, can’t figure out the first thing about blending in on this strange planet. There’s still a lot they don’t know about humans, but with any luck, Fuyunosuke might just be able to show his bro that life on this little blue ball isn’t so bad after all.
5. Relation Ships? Can’t Say I’ve Ever Been On One.
Give me the good, good melodrama! Feed me the struggles of these women as they try to make mismatched partnerships work! More messy gay josei dramas! Yessss. GOOOOOOOOD.
How Do We Relationship?, Vol. 12
Written and Illustrated by Tamifull
Published by Viz
A romance of convenience between two college women soon becomes the real thing.
Shy Miwa has always dreamed of finding love, but living in small-town Japan made finding the right match difficult—especially since she likes girls! Even going away to college didn’t seem to help, until one day her outgoing classmate Saeko suggests they might as well start dating each other since it’s not like either of them has other options.
Miwa is trying so hard to make things work with Tamaki, despite the strain their mismatched libidos put on their relationship. Saeko is throwing all her energy into supporting Yuria’s dream of becoming a beautician, even though Yuria doesn’t seem to want her help at all. They both love their girlfriends so much, but sometimes love isn’t enough…
4. ReLife, But for BL
I don’t know what it is about this specific kind of fantasy - being sent back into the body of one’s younger self to correct a mistake - that I vibe with so much. It’s not too common but I’ve enjoyed the likes of “Erased” and that one anime from a couple years ago that’s not “ReLife” but I can’t remember its name (it’s not “Re:Zero,” which also counts here) because of those elements.
“I’m Here, Beside You,” takes a queer, romantic twist on the formula and I’m fascinated to see how it plays out. Will it wrestle with the culture shock of changed norms or is it more firmly in the uncomplicated wish-fulfilment game? Will it lean more dramatic or more melodramatic? Based on the cover art and the blurb’s restraint, I suspect the former, which has me far more interested.
I’m Here, Beside You, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Tea Natsuno
Translated by Leighann Harvey
Published by Yen Press
Ibuki Doi has never forgotten his first love from high school—Mikami Baba, the kind, handsome, and totally straight student council president. Though he was too shy to approach Mikami back then, Ibuki always held his idol near and dear to his heart, wishing him nothing but the best! However, when he learns Mikami is soon to be married to a man, he just can't help it—he's absolutely devastated. He drinks himself into a stupor to drown his sorrow but is surprised to wake up and find...he's back in high school?! Could this be Ibuki’s second chance to make things go his way?
3. Anya to the Rescue!
It’s easy to forget, because of how breezy the chapters are, that “Spy x Family” is one of the best action-comedies coming out right now. Having now read Endo’s previous work, I can appreciate just how damn good this is in comparison. The story is tightly wrapped around the characters, the art is propulsive and stretchy, and the willingness of the comic to have a mix of short vignettes, medium adventures, and long arcs of varying tones keeps it from getting stale. My only complaint is it comes out too damn slowly!
Greatness takes time, I suppose.
Why pick Volume 13 to highlight, though? Not particular reason beyond wanting to gush and spotlight it after having not done so in a while. The renewed focus back to Loid’s spycraft and giving him an actual challenge instead of a gag one certainly helps but the series truly shines when the whole ensemble is centered.
Spy x Family, Vol. 13
Written and Illustrated by Tatsuya Endo
Published by Viz
An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!
Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head!
Twilight is on the ropes after his battle with an Ostanian spy! Can Nightfall save Twilight from disaster? Will WISE manage to recover their stolen secrets? And what will become of Loid and Yor’s marital crisis? Meanwhile, Anya’s friendship scheme gets thrown off by an unexpected gift from Damian!
2. Classics! Unadulterated Classics!
Folks. This is a series that I never in a million years thought would see an English release. Older manga already struggles to find traction outside of Tezuka or the famously niche literary creators. Thankfully, we’re living at a point in time where enough books are published that seminal but less traditionally palatable works like “The Legend of Kamui” can be published. D&Q, you’ve done it again.
The Legend of Kamui, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Shirato Sanpei
Translated by Richard Rubinger, Noriko Rubinger, and Alexa Frank
Published by Drawn & Quarterly
The iconic series that launched the alt-manga bible GARO becomes available in English for the very first time.
At long last, manga titan Shirato Sanpei's groundbreaking epic makes its way into English. Celebrated as a watershed of both the Japanese counterculture and dramatic, longform storytelling in manga, The Legend of Kamui serves up clashing swords and class struggle to create a timeless political allegory set in feudal Japan. This ten-volume series is a must-have for fans of samurai and ninja manga and anime, and of other giants of postwar manga like Tezuka Osamu, Mizuki Shigeru, Tsuge Yoshiharu, and Lone Wolf and Cub's Kojima Goseki.
It's the 17th century in Japan. Child outcast Kamui lives on the fringes of a miserably stratified society. Fueled by pure grit, rage, and a dash of cunning, his only way out is to take up the mantle of ninja. Follow scrappy peasants, cold-blooded ninja, and disgraced and exalted warriors as they navigate the unforgiving hardships of a violent yet hopeful age. With its vivid and critical attention to social injustice and environmental issues against a backdrop of heart-pounding action and romance, this multilayered gekiga drama not only redefined ninja and samurai fantasy, it also offers astonishing parallels with the modern day.
Originally serialized between 1964 and 1971 in the legendary alt-manga magazine GARO, The Legend of Kamui is translated by social historian and decorated academic Richard Rubinger with Noriko Rubinger.
1. Why Did No One Tell Me This Was Coming Out?
I love Kaori Ozaki’s work. She’s one of the few mangaka who seem to work exclusively in the short form but whose work actually gets published outside of magazines. I eagerly await news of each new work she has…and somehow I not only missed this short work of dramatic fiction but ALSO a collection of shorts from a few months ago? I’ve been sleeping on the job.
Dogs and Punching Bags
Written and Illustrated by Kaori Ozaki
Published by Vertical Inc
From Kaori Ozaki, author of the gods lie. and Mermaid Prince, comes another poignant exploration of love, family, and belonging.
After leaving her isolating life in Tokyo, 34-year-old Nichiko returns to her remote island hometown for her estranged alcoholic father’s final days. There she meets Chimaki, an eccentric young man who stirs up old memories—and feelings Nichiko had all but decided she no longer deserved. But despite his puppy-like enthusiasm for life, Chimaki’s almost obsessive need to help those around him seems to be compensating for an unspeakable past...
Elias Rosner
Elias Rosner
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