The 20 Best New Manga You Should Be Reading In 2024
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Vote on the best 2024 manga that should be on everyone's to-read list.
Looking for some hot-off-the-presses manga to read? Not to worry, because in 2024 there's a ton of new manga that's already debuted or will be coming out soon. We're counting down some of the top manga of 2024. Hopefully, you'll find something on the list that will be one of your new favorites.
If you're a romance fan, you might want to check out Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You: Soulmate, the sequel to one of the most popular romance manga out there. But if you'd prefer something that isn't a sequel, maybe Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You or The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity will be more your speed. Prefer action? Gachiakuta, Gokurakugai, or Marriage Toxin could be good manga to read. Want something that's just plain weird? Check out Fish Society or My Name is Shingo.
Whateever your tastes, look below for some new recommendations of manga with official English print releases. Be sure to cast your votes on which ones other fans should pick up.
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1Gachiakuta
Release Date: January 16
Author: Kei Urana
Genres: Shonen, Action, Fantasy
Premise: Rudo and his foster father, Legto, are trying hard to adapt to living in a wealthy town's slums. But it's not easy. Rudo hates how wasteful the townspeople are and spends his days rummaging through the trash for useful items. In this town, everything that isn't useful gets thrown into the Abyss. One day, he comes home to discover that Legto has been slain. He's arrested for the crime and thrown into the Abyss himself. There, he encounters monsters made of trash and a man who will train him in becoming a “janitor” - someone who fights these monsters.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Kei Urana worked as Atsushi Ohkubo's assistant during the serialization of Fire Force. So if you're a fan of that series, this one is worth checking out. Besides that, the idea is so delightfully bizarre that it's hard not to get excited about.
Worth reading?Buy at
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2The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Release Date: June 4
Author: Saka Mikami
Genres: Drama, Romance
Premise: Chidori Public High School and the all-girls Kikyo Private Academy are right next to each other, but they're completely different. Chidori is known for being a nest of delinquents, while Kikyo is the home of high class girls who look down on them. One day while working at his family's cake shop, Chidori student Rintaro has a chance encounter with Kaoruko, a student from Kikyo. Is it possible for them to build a bond?
Why It’s Worth Reading: Do you like your manga to send a message? The moral here is loud and clear - don't judge people because they belong to a specific category. Multiple characters meet someone from a group they disdain, only to learn that they've misjudged that group to begin with. But aside from its moral lesson, the series also features a touching Romeo and Juliet-style romance.
Worth reading?Buy at
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3Gokurakugai
Release Date: April 16
Author: Yuto Sano
Genres: Shonen, Action, Fantasy
Premise: Tao and Alma are troubleshooters - those tasked with solving the problems of the citizens of Gokurakugai, a working class area that's rife with evil spirits. So while some of the problems that the two must solve are mundane, others are a whole lot more fantastical.
Why It’s Worth Reading: At just 20 years old, Yuto Sano won the 2017 Gessan Newcomer Award Winter Season. The work of anyone with that sort of early achievement is worth looking out for. The story itself is exciting, the art is gorgeous, and the protagonists have a deep contrast with each other that creates a fun dynamic.
Worth reading?Buy at
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4Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Release Date: February 20
Author: Jinushi
Genres: Seinen, Slice of Life, Romance
Premise: Sasaki's job is making him miserable. His only bright moment comes when he goes to the supermarket and has an interaction with his favorite cashier, Yamada. One day, he arrives at the supermarket to discover that Yamada isn't there. Disappointed, he goes behind the building and has a cigarette. There, he encounters a woman named Tayama who he builds an unexpected connection with.
Why It’s Worth Reading: This manga offers a realistic look at adult life and the working world. It might be grim, but people can find solace in each other. That makes this a great manga for any adult who is struggling with their own career. Also, there's an interesting twist that's worth sticking around for, but you'll have to read to find out what it is.
Worth reading?Buy at
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5My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999
Release Date: May 14
Author: Mashiro
Genres: Shojo, Romance, Comedy
Premise: After college student Akane Kinoshita gets dumped by her boyfriend, she drowns her sorrows in an MMO game. Through the game, she meets several friends, but none of them are who they seem to be. Most notably, a seemingly rude elf is actually a boy in her town named Akito Yamada, who just really doesn't know how to socialize. When she meets him in real life, the two forge an unexpected bond.
Why It’s Worth Reading: If you're a gamer who has forged important relationships through your hobby, this series will probably resonate with you. It's a solid romance to boot, as the relationship between Akane and Yamada develops in a believable way. Also, the anime has already debuted, so if you enjoyed it and can't wait for a new season to find out how things develop, you can always read the manga.
Worth reading?Buy at
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6Marriage Toxin
Release Date: January 2
Authors: Joumyaku (Story), Mizuki Yoda (Art)
Genres: Shonen, Action, Comedy
Premise: Gero hails from a clan of hitmen. He thinks that he's satisfied with this existence and has no desire to do something ridiculous like get married or have kids. Then, he and his sister are told that one of them has to produce an heir. His sister is already in love with a woman and he doesn't want to take that away from her; at the same time, he realizes some love in his own life wouldn't be so bad. When he meets a con artist who specializes in marriage, he teams up with them to find an actual relationship.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Who doesn't want to read about an awkward assassin's attempt to build a love life - or a con artist's attempt to help out? Another thing that's cool about this series is the matter-of-fact way that it approaches queer relationships and identities.
Worth reading?Buy at
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7Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You: Soulmate
Release Date: April 2
Author: Karuho Shiina
Genres: Shojo, Romance, Drama
Premise: This is the spin-off sequel to the beloved series Kimi ni Todoke. Sawako and her friend Kurumi are now college roommates. Although Kurumi is satisfied spending most of her time with Sawako, she also wants a romance like the one her friend has. When she meets Sawako's cousin, she realizes that that might be possible after all.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Kimi ni Todoke is one of the most popular romance manga in history, and for good reason. It has nuanced characters, an engaging plot, and centers around a genuinely beautiful relationship. If you're one of the many people who loved the first series - or if you're a romance fan in general - this sequel is a must-read.
Worth reading?Buy at
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8Hirayasumi
Release Date: May 21
Author: Keigo Shinzo
Genres: Seinen, Slice of Life
Premise: 29-year-old Hiroto Ikuta spends his days working a part-time job and hanging out with his neighbors. He's particularly close with an elderly neighbor who he calls Granny - so close, in fact, that she leaves him her house after she passes away. Not long after he moves in, his cousin Natsumi moves in with him so that she can attend a nearby art school. The two have very different personalities, but they'll have to find a way to get along.
Why It’s Worth Reading: This series explores an important question: what makes life worth living? Hiroto is relatively aimless, but he's also genuinely happy. Meanwhile, some of the people around him are working hard to achieve their goals, but haven't found happiness in doing so. How are we supposed to spend our time, and what truly has meaning? If you've been struggling with these kinds of questions yourself, this manga might be a great read.
Worth reading?Buy at
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9The Fable
Release Date: April 9
Author: Katsuhisa Minami
Genres: Seinen, Drama, Thriller
Premise: Fable is a legendary hitman who's being forced to take some time off work because he's ended far too many lives. Also, his boss thinks that some time as a civilian could help with future jobs. Adjusting to his sabbatical is going to be a challenge, but he'll have to meet it, or the consequences could be deadly.
Why It’s Worth Reading: This series won the 41st Kodansha Manga Award, an honor which indicates some serious quality. Critical acclaim aside, the series has an intriguing premise. What does an assassin do when they're not on the job? How do they process the mundane aspects of everyday life? This story delivers on that great hook.
Worth reading?Buy at
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10You and I Are Polar Opposites
Release Date: May 7
Author: Kocha Agasawa
Genres: Shonen, Comedy, Romance
Premise: Suzuki has a lot of energy, but she can't seem to put that energy towards voicing her own opinion. She soon grows attached to Tani, a boy who is typically quiet, but can easily say what he thinks when he needs to. Can these two totally different people form a relationship?
Why It’s Worth Reading: If you're a fan of the “opposites attract” trope, this will likely be appealing. The protagonists' dynamic has been compared to that of Marin and Gojo in My Dress-Up Darling, so fans of that series may enjoy this one, too. But it may be interesting in its own right - whether or not a person can speak their mind is a meaningful part of one's character, so that difference opens up the door for some deep moments.
Worth reading?Buy at
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11Steel of the Celestial Shadows
Release Date: January 16
Author: Daruma Matsuura
Genres: Seinen, Historical, Fantasy
Premise: Ryudo Konosuke desperately wants to fulfill his mother's dream that he become a splendid samurai. Sadly for him, a curse has rendered him unable to get near steel without destroying it, making the samurai life more or less impossible. But things turn around for him when he meets a mysterious woman who introduces him to a world of magic.
Why It’s Worth Reading: A samurai's soul is supposed to be in his sword. In most samurai manga, the sword is a big deal, whether it's a realistic one or one with magical powers. The idea of a samurai who can't even touch steel is a unique one. It's always cool to see what authors do to create conflict for their characters.
Worth reading?Buy at
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12Fool Night
Release Date: June 18
Author: Kasumi Yasuda
Genres: Seinen, Drama, Sci-Fi
Premise: In the future, humankind is on the brink of extinction. Thick clouds stop the sun from reaching the earth properly, which destroys most of the plant life and therefore most of the oxygen. To combat this, a technology that turns humans into plants is developed. This creates oxygen, but there are obvious drawbacks. Toshiro Kamiya decides to pursue this option when he realizes that there's no way that he can afford his mother's medication - or even afford food.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Fool Night is a dystopian series that asks some serious moral questions: what should the poor be expected to give up? Should they have to sacrifice their lives for the benefit of others when the wealthy don't have to do any such thing? Like any good dystopian story, it takes modern day issues and exaggerates them in a way that feels humanly plausible even if the technology seems far-fetched.
Worth reading?Buy at
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13I See Your Face, Turned Away
Release Date: May 7
Author: Rumi Ichinohe
Genres: Shojo, Romance, Drama
Premise: This manga tells four separate stories of teenagers dealing with unrequited love. At the center of this mess is Hikari, a girl who thinks that she's content to fade into the background while she imagines the romance between her best friend Mari and a classmate. But does she actually want a starring role in this drama she's imagined?
Why It’s Worth Reading: Some romance fans like stories that are light and fluffy, but others are only happy if there's a little bit of melancholy thrown in. This bittersweet series should satisfy the latter group. Unrequited love is painful in real life, but in fiction it's a hotbed for drama that will hit you in the feels.
Worth reading?Buy at
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14Medalist
Release Date: March 5
Author: Tsurumaikada
Genres: Seinen, Sports, Drama
Premise: Tsukasa Akeuraji always wanted to be a figure skater, but because he started training later in life, he wasn't able to build the skills he needed. He's content with his lot, until he meets a little girl named Inori Yuitsuka who reminds him of his former self. He doesn't want to see Inori end up like him, so he agrees to train her to become a world champion.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Figure skating isn't a common subject in manga or anime. There was Ginban Kaleidoscope, which barely made any sense and focused more on ghosts than on skating. The smash hit Yuri!! on ICE was great, but also sometimes more focused on relationships than on skating itself. This series delivers the full experience of the sport of figure skating and its associated culture. Plus, the story is very moving - you can't help but root for a lovable underdog like Inori.
Worth reading?Buy at
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15A Kingdom of Quartz
Release Date: February 27
Author: Bomhat
Genres: Seinen, Fantasy
Premise: An orphaned girl named Blue dreams of becoming an Angel - a being whose job is to protect the Quartz Kingdom from demons. Unlike other aspiring Angels who have white wings, Blue has black wings, which cause others to believe that she might be cursed. When a demon attack proves to be something that the Angels can't handle, Blue unleashes a new power that could be the key to the world's salvation.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Despite having adorable, almost Ghibli-esque art, it gets dark. The story is best compared to Made in Abyss and Puella Magi Madoka Magica - deceptively cute and deeply disturbing. If you love that sort of contradictory vibe, you'll love this manga.
Worth reading?Buy at
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16Bless
Release Date: April 2
Author: Yukino Sonoyama
Genres: Shonen, Drama
Premise: Aia Utagawa has been working as a model for a long time, but what he really wants is to be a makeup artist. He's scared to make the leap, but that changes when he meets Jun Sumisaki, a girl who is self-conscious about her appearance because of her freckles. He resolves to help her become a model by doing her makeup - hopefully making both of their dreams come true.
Why It’s Worth Reading: The world of modeling is inherently intriguing since it's in the public spotlight and has standards that most industries don't have. Here, it's presented in a nuanced and detailed manner that might hook fans of Paradise Kiss. Another thing that makes this series stand out is its approach to gender. Media doesn't often depict boys as being interested in makeup, but in reality there are many boys who enjoy it, so it's nice to see that kind of representation.
Worth reading?Buy at
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17A Brief Moment of Ichika
Release Date: April 23
Author: Natsu Tadano
Genres: Drama, Romance
Premise: Three years ago, Ichika Sendawara was told that she had two years to live. Now, she has no idea how much longer to expect to be around, let alone how to use her time. She does know one thing: she's in love with her former professor, who is just as lost in life as she is.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Because of its heavy subject matter, this manga might be a tough read for some. But if you can handle the inherently sad nature of its premise, it's a worthwhile story. The protagonist has to completely reevaluate her life, which is a massive undertaking that can result in plenty of interesting themes and character development.
Worth reading?Buy at
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18Fish Society
Release Date: April 30
Author: Panpanya
Genres: Josei, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Premise: A group of fish come up onto land and pick up jobs at the harbor as part of an attempt to solve labor problems in the fishing industry. It's hoped that this will make things go a lot more smoothly, and will be liberating for the fish, but it also has the side effect of taking jobs from some of the human workers.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Panpanya is a unique artist with a surrealist style. Most of their work has focused on sea life, making this an important addition to their overall body of work. If you like manga that does its own thing without worrying about trends, you might like this. Also, if you're interested in reading more work by non-binary authors, this is one to put on your list.
Worth reading?Buy at
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19My Name Is Shingo
Release Date: February 27
Author: Kazuo Umezz
Genres: Seinen, Sci-Fi, Horror
Premise: Marin and Satoru are two elementary school students who have fallen in love. They end up adopting a “child” - a robot named Monroe - who is in search of his real parents. The manga chronicles the robot's development and his search, as well as his affect on Marin and Satoru.
Why It’s Worth Reading: This manga has a bizarre, dreamlike quality. It doesn't rely on logic or standard storytelling methods, instead following its own logic. For some, this might be frustrating, but for those who like off-beat art, that's exactly what makes it so great.
Worth reading?Buy at
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20Sketchy
Release Date: April 9
Author: Makihirochi
Genres: Seinen, Slice of Life, Sports
Premise: Ako Kawasumi's life is going nowhere. She spends most of her time working at a video rental store and hanging out with her boyfriend. This is fine, but she has no meaningful goals or direction. This changes when she sees a girl on a skateboard. She decides to try out skating herself, and quickly falls in love with it.
Why It’s Worth Reading: Life as a young adult isn't easy. Once the structure of school and parental demands disappears, you're left to make your own meaning. But while this struggle is common, it doesn't often show up in manga, which tends to focus on teenagers. If you're an adult looking for something more relatable, this might work for you.
Worth reading?Buy at
