Mangaversity: May 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.

I know it’s pretty far out but Kana has just licensed (and officially announced in the week or so since I first wrote this) omnibus editions of City Hunter and Cat’s Eye, two retro-classics that have never been released here in the states. As you know, I’m a fan of this era of manga and their anime adaptations. What you definitely don’t know is that I’m a huge fan of these works specifically and I cannot wait to read them in all their dated glory.

Also, Yen Press, get your damn publisher to start sending books to Baker & Taylor again. Send them so we don’t have to buy from freaking Amazon.

Oh, and quick NON manga choice that nearly slipped into the top 11: "Not So Shoujo Love Story," Vol. 1. Looks like a ton of fun!

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.)

Chainsaw Man, Vol. 18
Written and Illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Published by Viz

This is probably the weakest part of Part 2. The stuff that comes after though? Just you wait.

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!

When the whole world goes crazy from the Chainsaw Man Church’s dark plans, Denji and Nayuta find themselves in mortal danger. Asa and Fami jump into the fray to attempt a rescue, but they’re going to need to recruit new help if they want to have any chance of succeeding.

The Elusive Samurai, Vol. 15
Written and Illustrated by Yusei Matsui
Published by Viz

Despite being, like, two years behind, I will always recommend anything by Matsui. The man won my heart with “Assassination Classroom” and the only reason I’m not as into this work is that the historical setting absolutely fucks with my reading comprehension week to week. So many horses this man has to draw!

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!

In medieval Japan, eight-year-old Hojo Tokiyuki is the heir to the Kamakura shogunate. But the Hojo clan is in decline, and Tokiyuki’s peaceful days of playing hide-and-seek with his teachers come to an abrupt end when his clan is betrayed from within. The lone survivor of his family, Tokiyuki is the rightful heir to the throne, but to take it back, he’ll have to do what he does best—run away!

Tokiyuki has emerged from hiding and joined forces with Kitabatake Akiie. He has also sworn allegiance to Go-Daigo’s southern court in order to seek revenge upon Ashikaga Takauji. With Akiie’s rowdy troops in the vanguard, Tokiyuki is chosen to lead the attack and attempt to seize Kamakura once again. But the pass is guarded by a former member of the Kanto Hisashiban, and breaking through will force Tokiyuki to risk his life in a one-on-one duel to the death!

March Comes in Like a Lion, Vol. 4
Written and Illustrated by Chica Umino
Published by Denpa

Chica Umino can do no wrong. You will laugh, you will cry, you will (maybe) learn Shogi.

Shimada 8-dan challenges Soya Meijin for the Shishioh Tournament.Concerned about Shimada's poor health, Kiriyama heads for Kyoto to pick up the challenger's spirits. A tender love story that moves along like a flowing river.

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.

Vinland Saga Deluxe Edition, Book 7
Written and Illustrated by Makoto Yukimura
Published by Kodansha Comics

This is the section of “Vinland Saga” that drags a little more than it needs, if I were to be reading this chapter by chapter. In one long chunk? It’s immersive and is a necessary third “arc.” It’s impossible to go wrong with “Vinland Saga.” And that green??? Gorgeous. These are truly the definitive way to own the series.

Thorfinn's detour to Greece has been itself derailed by a succession crisis. The Jomsvikings seek a new leader, and Thorfinn cannot keep his identity as the son of Thors secret for long. It seems the dream of paradise will have to be deferred until the end of one more war... The violent and complex action epic that inspired the hit anime returns, in premium, 3-in-1, collector’s hardcovers!

Includes volumes 19-21 of the Japanese edition of Vinland Saga and new bonus content.

Since striking out from Iceland, Thorfinn's crew keeps growing, adding the aspiring sailor Gudrid, a baby, a dog, and the vengeful tinker Hild, but they seems to be getting no closer to selling their cargo in Miklagard, much less making the trek west to Vinland. When the Jomsvikings realize this Thorfinn is the same peerless fighter they once fought against, he emerges against his will as a top candidate to lead the band. Floki, who wants to ensure his grandson wins the power struggle, sends the bloodthirsty Garm after Thorfinn. Before long, this leadership dispute threatens the peace of the entire Baltic Sea, drawing the attention of King Canute...

This premium, hardcover edition presents the acclaimed action epic in hardcover, at a bigger size than ever before (7 by 10 inches), wrapped in a dark green leather-patterned cover with logo stamping. This new edition features all the content of the original release, plus new and exclusive bonus illustrations, interviews, and behind-the-scenes details never before translated.

Hunter X Hunter 3-in-1 Edition: 4-5-6
Written and Illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi
Published by Viz

The series I will only read when it’s done, meaning I’ll be sixty when I get around to it.

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.

After narrowly escaping the traps and trials awaiting them on Zevil Island, Gon and his friends approach the end of their exams! But there’s no time to celebrate—the final phase is a series of one-on-one battles. The winner of each round automatically passes the Hunter Exam, and the defeated must continue competing against each other. When Gon faces a ruthless opponent in his first match, can muster the strength to make it through?

Tokyo Babylon Premium Collection, Volume 7
Written and Illustrated by Clamp
Published by Yen Press

The last volume! An under-rated classic and one of the few CLAMP series to actually reach a conclusion. 

At long last, the time for Subaru Sumeragi to settle his “bet” with Seishirou Sakurazuka has come. What was the promise Seishirou had made seven years ago, and what secrets has he kept hidden all this time? Witness Subaru’s ultimate fate in this grand series finale.

Spice and Wolf, Collector’s Edition, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Keito Koume
Story by Isuna Hasekura
Character Designs by Jyuu Ayakura
Translated by Paul Starr
Lettered by Alexis Eckerman
Published by Yen Press

People rave about this series, though maybe not the manga adaptation. Doesn’t matter to me because this collector’s edition is sure to be a very pretty object connected to a beloved story,

Kraft Lawrence has been walking the lonely path of the itinerant merchant for seven years. His life changes forever when he meets Holo, the Wolf-God of the harvest, and the two begin traveling together. Soon they discover a unique business opportunity, but their plans go awry when a competing organization captures Holo and threatens to turn her over to the oppressive, monotheistic Church. Can Lawrence rescue his companion, and will the pair become more than just friends? Find out in this newly released deluxe collector's edition!?

Pet Shop of Horrors, Collector’s Edition, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Matsuri Akino
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment

Spooky.

THE MELODY OF MYSTERY

Despite paying regular visits to the pet shop, Detective Leon Orcot is no closer to solving the mystery that is Count D. But his latest case could give him just the excuse he needs to investigate the shop further! While trying to uncover the truth behind the death of Evangeline Blue, a renowned singer, Leon discovers she was one of Count D’s customers. Which pet did she order, and could it be the key to solving her murder?

Don't miss this all-new translation of the cult classic!

Caught My Eye:

As always, a scattershot list of manga with some capsule reviews. Or silly comments. Let me know if you like them.

• Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 26
  • It’s a good series, and woah that cover is cool. I just don’t like it as much as everyone else.
• Love on the Horizon, Vol. 2
  • I know the series isn’t actually BL This is Us or romantic Memento. I just get that sense from the cover.
• Kagurabachi, Vol. 3
  • I’ve been told this is where it really gets good. Volume 1 didn’t sell me on it yet.
• I Want Your Mother to Be With Me!, Vol. 1
  • Yuzuki’s the mom that’s got it going on.
• Kindergarten Wars, Vol. 1
  • The legions of lego vs the columns of crayons. 
• Horror Collector, Vol. 1
  • What if a small boy beat up Man, Hook, Car, Hand, Door?
• Frieren Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 13
  • One day. One day.
• Eden of Witches, Vol. 3
  • Volume one was beautifully drawn but light on story.
• Versus, Vol. 3
  • New manga by ONE! Oh wait. He just did the story? And there’s an “organized” line? Hmmmm…..
• Too Many Losing Heroines!, Vol. 3
  • Apparently this is good? I suspect it’s not my cup of tea.
• Thunder 3, Vol. 4
  • I was all in but the first volume left a lot to be desired. I’m hopeful it picks up as the concept develops more.
• Snow & Ink, Vol. 3
  • Cover is stylish, plot is…not ideal. It all hangs on whether the tone is done right.
• Sakamoto Days, Vol. 17
  • Still a good series. Still missing the magic of the first few volumes.
• Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! 8
  • This is here under duress.
• Oshi No Ko, Vol. 10
  • The endgame approaches and I’m still waiting on season 3 of the anime. That is all.
• Mujina into the Deep, Vol. 2
  • Truly, I have a love/hate relationship with Inio Asano and I’m dreading reading volume 1.
• Mao, Vol. 20
  • Rumiko Takahashi may be phoning it in with “Mao” but damn, 20 volumes? That’s worth celebrating.
• Takahashi from the Bike Shop, Vol. 2
  • He’s just so hunky! Why wouldn’t you wanna talk to Takahashi?
• The Strange Tale of Panorama Island
  • I made a choice to drop this from the main list only because it’s a paperback re-release. Still, I’m very excited to read this one.
• Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 25
  • I love Bungo but it moves so slowly. This volume is nearing the end of Season 5 so I’ll be more excited when we get into that territory.
• Cosmos, Vol. 1
  • I’ll get back to you on this one. It’s got some big names recommending it (Tite Kubo, Hiromu Arakawa, Rumiko Takahashi.) Sci-fi insurance scams though!

The List:

11. The Internet is Built for Cats

It’s been too long since I full on gushed over a series simply because it has a cat in the title. Let me rectify that. ahem. AHHHHH! Look at the cute kitty! Look how smol it is! Look at its little feetsies! It is too precious. I can’t go on.

Fairy Cat, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Hisa Takano
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment

A sweet and fantastical story about the world’s tiniest cat and the boy it chooses to live with.

A minuscule cat appears one rainy day, perched on Kanade’s chair. But the moment he spots the tiny ball of fluff, it vanishes! Kanade knows fairy cats are a rare sight to behold, hiding out of reach in nooks and crannies—but now that he’s seen one, he is determined to win its affection. Can Kanade coax the fairy cat out of hiding and befriend it?

10. Khan You Handle It?

I’m a big fan of josei historical fiction manga. There’s something about the match between stories aimed at women and historical settings that make for rich, unique works. “Ooku” is a low-key fav of mine, after all. I’m also really digging the art-style of “A Witch’s Life in Mongol.” I hope that the interiors are as funky as the exterior.

A Witch’s Life in Mongol, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Tomato Soup
Translated by Amanda Haley
Lettered by Alia Nagamine
Published by Yen Press

In the harem of the Khan, wisdom is beauty. The time: the thirteenth century. The place: Yeke Mongol Ulus, the greatest empire the world has ever known. The woman: Fatima, hailing from Persia, where medical technique and scientific knowledge have been perfected beyond all precedent. Fatima’s desire for a stage where she can put her knowledge to work has brought her to the palace of the Mongols, where she falls under the wing of Töregene, the sixth wife of Ögedei, the second Great Khan—a mighty woman with complicated feelings about the direction of the empire. These two women are the axel upon which the politics of the palace, and soon the very world, will turn…

9. Bold. Italics. Underline!

I believe this is part two of a two-part manga. That makes it easier to highlight this undeniably smooth looking, full-color manga. Full-color! We don’t get that often. Will it be a sensitive romantic drama or is it a pretty trashy, forgettable work? It could go either way. I’m holding out hope for the former.

Veil, Vol. 2: Calming Noir
Written and Illustrated by Kotteri
Published by Udon Entertainment

"I like looking at you when you’re enjoying a scent." On a cobblestone street, a moment was shared by two people. One day, by chance… he, a police officer met she, a runaway heiress. She was looking for a job and he welcomed her as the new police station receptionist. Enjoy witty dialogue and bold illustrations, in this in full-color manga collection by Kotteri!

8. Psychedelia

I had no idea Last Gasp was still publishing. Last I saw from them was a long-dormant website that still had volumes of “Wandering Son” listed as part of the manga they’d licensed (Fantagraphics nominally has it now.) It’s cool to see them bring this off-beat manga here. We need more of the underground!

Ultra Heaven, Vol. 2
Written and Illustrated by Keiichi Koike
Translated by Ajani Oloye
Lettered by Colin Turner
Published by Last Gasp of San Francisco

Cub has been drugged. He's seeing things, disturbing things. Like his spaghetti dinner trying to grab him. He turns to a new technology – an amp – to chase the source of his hallucinations.

Volume two of Keiichi Koike's Ultra Heaven brings more psychedelic visuals to illustrate Cub's journey.

7. Utopia in a Graveyard

False utopias are everywhere in fiction and it's hard not to see why. They’re easy to do, they play to our cynicism, and more often than not act as reifications of our current systems. Rarer are the ones that act as criticisms of current systems and rarer still are ones that do so without stumbling over their own feet. I’m cautiously optimistic that “Stardust Family” can thread the needle and provide a good sci-fi tale.

Stardust Family
Written and Illustrated by Aki Poroyama
Translated by Airco
Lettered by Rachel J. Pierce
Published by Yen Press

In a world set in the future, children hold the authority to determine who may become parents. Having children is illegal—unless a couple first passes a strict examination, conducted by a child, that certifies them as capable providers. It is a veritable utopia with no child abuse…or at least, so it may seem. Hikari is one such examiner in this system, spending his days evaluating prospective parents. But one day, he comes across a couple that isn’t quite like the others…?

6. Hopefully He Doesn’t Squeeze

It’s heartening to see more manga featuring characters who sign as their leads. While that’s the catalyst, “Love in the Palm of His Hand” has all the makings of a great, if schmaltzy, romance through its emphasis on connection rather than conflict.

Love in the Palm of His Hand, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Rinteku
Published by Square Enix Manga

Through sign language and acting, two young men seeking their places in the world discover a connection that transcends the spoken word.

“To think that just what I’ve always wanted to hear would come from someone I just met.”

Fujinaga is a university student who dreams of becoming an actor so he can do what he loves best—conveying emotion and story through physical expression. But after failing multiple auditions, his hopes are dashed and his confidence crushed. When he meets Keito, a fellow student with congenital hearing loss, Fujinaga is suddenly introduced to the world of sign language. Although clumsy at first, Fujinaga quickly picks up signing and surprises Keito with his astonishing talent of expressing emotions through action.

Is it that only in a place beyond all verbal limitations can two people, both yearning to be understood, forge a bond they never expected?

5. She’ll Be In During Regular Business Hours

Messy lesbian drama! Triangles within triangles! Betrayal! That’s the kind of nonsense I need right now.

My Girlfriend's Not Here Today, Vol. 4
Written and Illustrated by Kiyoko Iwami
Published by Seven Seas Entertainment

“SHE’S CHEATING ON YOU WITH ME.”

With that simple sentence, Fuuko confirms Nanase’s worst fears and demolishes her already fragile trust in Yuni. As the couple grapples with who’s responsible for what and how to move forward, they each come to the same conclusion: They don’t want to give up what they love. But do Nanase and Yuni want the same thing?

4. Stuck in the ISS with You

I’ll be honest, I thought this series was actually set in space. Seems I’m looking for something to fill the “Space Brothers”-sized hole in my reading habits. Ah well, the characters have a nice solid roundness to them, soft but defined, and I could use another buddy comedy. We’ll have to see if it can keep it up.

Spacewalking With You, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Inuhiko Doronoda
Published by Kodansha Comics

One's an apathetic loner, one has his head in the stars...and they have no idea how much they need each other. The coming-of-age buddy comedy manga that became a surprise hit in Japan.

Named top shonen series of the year in the Kono Manga Ga Sugoi Japanese industry poll!

Kobayashi just can’t focus--not on studying, not on work--and the adults in his life think he's in danger of becoming a worthless dropout. Then, one day, a strange new presence arrives in his class: an energetic and naive kid named Uno. Kobayashi saves Uno from getting scammed, and that close encounter launches a new friendship. Uno's definitely a space cadet, but Kobayashi can't help admiring the way he floats through life, and before he knows it, he might start feeling his feet lift off the ground, too...

This hilarious and inspiring manga series from debut artist Inuhiko Doronoda was nominated for the 17th Manga Taisho Award and broke 600,000 readers in Japan!

3. So Many Horses

Right on the eve of this coming out in the states, just one month after I talked about this being the first part to come out here without an anime adaptation, david productions just had to make a long-awaited announcement.

We’re, obviously, a long way off from a release but I am suitably excited. Who’s ready for a brand new batch of wild localization names? I’m ready for Filthy Acts for a Reasonable Price. Are you?

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 7, Steel Ball Run, Vol. 1
Written and Illustrated by Hirohiko Araki
Published by Viz

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.

Riders from around the world gather in the Wild West for the race of the century! Johnny Joestar, a former jockey paralyzed from the waist down, comes to spectate, and momentarily regains the ability to walk while watching a duel fought by Gyro Zeppeli. Desperate to learn more about this power, Johnny joins the race alongside Gyro and embarks on the most epic and bizarre race to ever cross the American frontier!

2. The Title that Earns the Word “Saga”

A double-dip month but “Vinland Saga” is worth it. An amazing work of art that only gets better and better. He’s tackling the colonialism and myth at the heart of the idea of Vinland! And the perils and struggles with trying to build an idealized utopia! It’s so good folks. It’s so, so good.

Vinland Saga, Book 14
Written and Illustrated by Makoto Yukimura
Published by Kodansha Comics

One of the greatest European historical epic comics ever written continues. Includes Japanese manga volumes 27 and 28.

CULTIVATING WHEAT AND A PEACEFUL HEART

The first wheat grown in Arnheid Village sways in the breeze, Gudrid is pregnant, and Hild has finally let go of her need for vengeance. The new world that Thorfinn dreamed of, a world without war or slavery, seems within reach. Yet history is a tide that too often sweeps away individuals with good intentions, and there are those among the Lnu who believe that continued toleration of these newcomers will end in disaster, and some among the Norsemen who still hold onto a belief in physical force as a first, not last, resort. What will sprout from this seed of uncertainty, alongside the golden grain...?

1. New Challenger Approaches

“Hirayasumi” very quickly jumped into my top, must-reads the second it comes out, manga a month or so back. It seems like it’s a soft, fluffy story before revealing itself to be a bittersweet, hopeful tale that digs in deep. It’s effortlessly charming, gets you to sob the big tears, and is full of little details that make it seem as if you’re sitting on your porch, watching the neighbors.

Hirayasumi, Vol. 5
Written and Illustrated by Keigo Shinzo
Published by 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.

A whole year has passed since Hiroto and his cousin Natsumi began living together. But even with the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming around them, Hiroto can’t help but feel worried about his friend Hideki. Because while Hideki claims to have mastered the perfect balance between his career and new responsibilities as a father, Hiroto has a sneaking suspicion that things are much worse than his friend is letting on…

Mangaversity - April 2025

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.

House of Ideas, Powers of SecretsElias Rosner

Mangaversity - House of Ideas, Powers of Secrets

House of Ideas, Powers of SecretsElias Rosner