10 Best Manga to Read in 2025

Japanese manga is now being read all around the world. Many popular anime are based on hit manga series, making manga the very foundation of today’s pop culture. Even among anime fans, a growing number of enthusiasts are turning to manga—the original source of their favorite stories.

Thanks to digital platforms, manga is now easier than ever to access—not just in paperback, but online as well. With simultaneous or near-simultaneous releases in multiple languages, readers across the globe can enjoy new chapters at the same time as in Japan. It’s fair to say we’re living in a golden age of manga.

So with all this momentum, where should you begin? In this article, I’ve handpicked the best manga to read in 2025.

2025 Manga Highlights: What’s Hot This Year

So what are the most talked-about manga titles today? Global hits like Spy × Family, the School Arc of Chainsaw Man, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have already skyrocketed in popularity—so much so that they may feel too familiar to include in this “best of 2025” list.

Then what makes 2025 unique in the world of manga?

One major shift is the conclusion of several blockbuster series in 2024, including Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. For those who haven’t caught up yet, 2025 might be the year to finally see these iconic stories through to the end. Another major moment came in March 2024 with the passing of manga legend Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. Revisiting his timeless works will surely be a meaningful journey for fans this year.

2025 is also a big year for manga-to-anime adaptations. While the anime versions draw widespread attention, the original manga often offers a different kind of storytelling—sometimes with emotional depth or plot continuations that the anime hasn’t reached. This makes manga a must for those who want the full experience.

10 Best Japanese Manga to Read in 2025

*The volume counts listed for each manga are based on information available as of May 2025.

1. Dandadan

Why Should You Read Dandadan in 2025?

One of the fastest-rising manga titles right now is Dandadan (ダンダダン). To be honest, the story itself isn’t particularly groundbreaking—but what sets it apart is the unique blend of sharp comedy and bizarre, often terrifying enemies like aliens and ghosts. The contrast between these horror-like elements and the light-hearted tone creates a distinctive atmosphere that makes it surprisingly easy to read.

The characters also play a big role in shaping the series’ identity. Okarun, a bullied otaku, and Momo, a fiery and expressive girl, each bring their own charm and individuality to the story.

Another major factor behind Dandadan’s recent surge in popularity is its first anime adaptation, which aired in 2024. Despite being published on Shonen Jump+—one of Japan’s most competitive platforms—Dandadan has stood out ever since its debut in 2021. With Season 2 of the anime set to premiere in July 2025, now is the perfect time to start reading the manga if you haven’t already. And if you’ve watched the anime, the manga offers even more thrills beyond the screen.

▶︎Want to read Dandadan? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

2. RuriDragon

Why Should You Read RuriDragon in 2025?

One of the most promising candidates to become the next flagship title of Weekly Shonen Jump—Japan’s most influential manga magazine and a global hub for manga culture—is RuriDragon (ルリドラゴン). This rising star first caught readers’ attention in 2022, gaining rapid popularity shortly after its debut. However, the series was put on hold for over a year due to the author’s health issues, which partially explains why it hasn’t yet achieved widespread international recognition.

That said, RuriDragon resumed serialization last year and has already been making waves in Japan. It ranked No.1 in the 2023 edition of “2023 Nationwide Bookstore Staff’s Recommended Comics,” published by Nippon Shuppan Hanbai, and placed in the Top 10 in a category of “Kono Manga ga Sugoi!” 2024 (by Takarajimasha), one of Japan’s most respected manga rankings.

While the premise sounds fantastical, the manga is grounded in the quiet rhythms of everyday life, allowing readers to relate to Ruri’s struggles on a surprisingly personal level. It’s this blend of the extraordinary and the mundane that gives the series its unique charm. With only three volumes released as of March 2025, it’s unlikely we’ll see an anime adaptation anytime soon. However, RuriDragon is poised to remain in the spotlight for years to come.

▶︎Want to read RuriDragon? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

3. Sakamoto Days

Why Should You Read Sakamoto Days in 2025?

With Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia now concluded, the question is: what’s leading the charge in Weekly Shonen Jump today? One clear answer is Sakamoto Days. Since its debut in 2020, Sakamoto Days has stood out for its stunning artwork—evoking the spirit of legendary Jump-era manga from the golden age. Much of that artistic prowess is channeled into dynamic and meticulously crafted fight scenes.

The series was adapted into an anime by TMS Entertainment in early 2025, instantly bringing it to global attention. While many had high hopes that Sakamoto Days would become one of the best anime of the year, some fans—myself included—found that the first 11 episodes, which aired from January to March, didn’t quite exceed expectations. Still, the anime isn’t bad by any means—but to truly experience what makes this series special, the manga is the way to go.

The story follows a retired assassin who finds himself back in the line of fire, hunted by former enemies—a setup that may remind some of Rurouni Kenshin. Yet Sakamoto Days brings a modern edge to the formula, with contemporary character designs, sleek action sequences, and a strong sense of humor that speaks to today’s readers. Personally, I believe this is a series best enjoyed on the page. And if you haven’t started it yet—now’s the perfect time to dive in.

▶︎Want to read Sakamoto Days? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

4. Blue Box

Why Should You Read Blue Box in 2025?

One of the most successful manga-to-anime adaptations of the past year is undoubtedly Blue Box (アオのハコ). Kouji Miura’s popular romance manga was beautifully brought to life by Telecom Animation Film, with the anime airing from Autumn 2024 through Winter 2025. As the season wraps up, it’s no surprise that many fans are turning to the manga to continue the story.

While Weekly Shonen Jump is often known for its action-packed adventure series, Blue Box has carved out a unique space since its serialization began in 2021, capturing a wider audience with its heartfelt blend of school life, sports, and romance.

The story centers on the budding relationships between high school athletes dedicated to their clubs—badminton, basketball, and rhythmic gymnastics. At first glance, tropes like living under the same roof as your crush or the classic love triangle may seem overly familiar. But what keeps Blue Box feeling fresh is its tone: rather than relying on jealousy or bitterness to drive the drama, the characters move forward with genuine positivity and emotional maturity.

That’s not to say sadness or envy don’t exist in this world—but they’re expressed in a way that’s gentle, relatable, and even humorous. It’s this careful, nuanced touch that makes Blue Box such a refreshing and rewarding read.

▶︎Want to read Blue Box? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

5. Daemons of the Shadow Realm

Why Should You Read Daemons of the Shadow Realm in 2025?

In recent years, Daemons of the Shadow Realm (黄泉のツガイ) has become a recurring title on manga popularity rankings in Japan—the very heart of manga culture. For those unfamiliar with it, the most straightforward way to introduce this series is by highlighting its creator: Hiromu Arakawa, the legendary manga artist behind Fullmetal Alchemist. While she has also been working on the historical fantasy series The Heroic Legend of Arslan, Daemons of the Shadow Realm marks her return to fully original fantasy adventure, which began serialization in late 2021.

The first English volume was released in April 2023, and the series has steadily gained recognition overseas. With its rich world-building and Arakawa’s signature storytelling, Daemons of the Shadow Realm is a title that’s bound to prove its true worth in the years to come.

The gripping premise quickly unfolds into a classic shonen-style adventure, complete with intense battles and supernatural beings known as Daemons.

▶︎Want to read Daemons of the Shadow Realm? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

6. Goodnight Punpun

Why Should You Read Goodnight Punpun in 2025?

Goodnight Punpun (おやすみプンプン) is by no means a new manga—it ran from 2007 to 2013 and is already a completed work. So why include it among the best manga to read in 2025? The reason lies in the spotlight now shining on author Inio Asano, thanks to the success of the 2024 anime film adaptation of Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction. If there’s a manga artist the world should be paying attention to right now, it’s him. And in my opinion, Goodnight Punpun is his true masterpiece.

The story is deeply rooted in everyday life, yet its protagonist is portrayed as a cartoonish bird-like figure—a visual metaphor that starkly contrasts the raw, heartrending emotions of love, loss, and growing up that unfold throughout the narrative. This bold stylistic choice is what makes the manga so strikingly original.

Visually, Goodnight Punpun is packed with unmistakable artistic identity. One glance, and there’s no doubt: this is the work of Inio Asano. And while Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction was an outstanding anime adaptation, it’s also worth reading in its original manga form to fully appreciate Asano’s distinctive storytelling voice.

▶︎Want to read Goodnight Punpun? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

7. Jujutsu Kaisen

Why Should You Read Jujutsu Kaisen in 2025?

Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) may already be a household name, but why is now the right time to read it? The answer is simple: the story has finally concluded. The long-running series wrapped up at the end of 2024, with Volume 30 marking the finale. While the anime adaptation—launched in 2020 and produced with impressive quality by Studio MAPPA—has made a global impact, even the second season (which aired by 2023) only covers about half of the manga’s full narrative. With that much story still untouched by animation, can fans really afford to wait? The English version is also nearing completion, making this the perfect time to read the entire saga to its powerful end.

At its core, Jujutsu Kaisen is defined by its spectacular battle scenes. Even on the page, Gege Akutami’s artwork delivers dynamic action with gripping intensity. The series introduced unforgettable characters, most notably Satoru Gojo—arguably one of the most iconic figures in modern manga. And of course, there’s the intense rivalry between the protagonist and the terrifyingly powerful Ryomen Sukuna, a core element that drives the story’s tension.

With its cinematic action, unpredictable plot twists, rich character development, and explosive popularity, Jujutsu Kaisen is without a doubt one of the defining manga of the 2020s.

▶︎Want to read Jujutsu Kaisen? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

8. My Hero Academia

Why Should You Read My Hero Academia in 2025?

You might feel like My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is already old news—but do you really know how the story ends? If you’ve only seen the anime, the answer is likely no.

That’s because this massively popular hero-action series officially concluded in 2024 with the final chapter of the original manga. The English version is expected to finish in 2025 with Volume 42, just around the same time as Jujutsu Kaisen’s finale. The battle between heroes and villains, which began back in 2014, has now come to its epic conclusion.

The anime, meanwhile, is still building toward its climax. The long-awaited Final Season (Season 8) is scheduled to air in 2025, but its completion timeline remains unclear. For fans who can’t wait to see how it all ends, now is the perfect time to experience the full story through the manga.

With 42 volumes and over 430 chapters, My Hero Academia is no quick read—but it never overstays its welcome. Its strength lies in its diverse and memorable cast of characters and a classic shonen structure centered on growth, struggle, and transformation. Influenced by American comics, its visual style sets it apart from most Japanese manga—something that especially resonates with English-speaking audiences.

Even the villains have their own devoted fanbase, a testament to how well-developed and emotionally complex this story truly is. If you haven’t yet read My Hero Academia to the end, now’s the time to catch up on one of the defining manga of the decade.

▶︎Want to read My Hero Academia? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

9. Oshi no Ko

Why Should You Read Oshi no Ko in 2025?

Are there still readers who haven’t finished Oshi no Ko (【推しの子】)?

2024 saw the conclusion of several major manga series, but none sparked more debate and divided opinions than Oshi no Ko. Since its debut in Weekly Young Jump in 2020, this series has remained one of the most talked-about titles in the manga world. Created by the powerhouse duo of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, Oshi no Ko captivated readers with its layered storytelling and exploded in popularity with the anime adaptation that began in 2023.

Filled with mystery, suspense, and sharp commentary on modern youth culture, the series finally came to a close in late 2024. While reactions to the ending may vary, there’s no question that the unpredictable plot twists, pointed social satire, and strong character development were at the heart of its success.

Many fans first discovered Oshi no Ko through the anime—but with the full story not expected to be animated for several more years, the best way to experience the conclusion is through the manga. Once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop until you reach the final volume, Volume 16.

The English release still has a few volumes to go, but if you can read what’s available now, you won’t regret diving in. It’s one of the most compelling and conversation-worthy manga of recent years.

▶︎Want to read Oshi no Ko? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

10. One Piece

Why Should You Read One Piece in 2025?

One Piece is by no means a new manga. In fact, among ongoing series, it’s one of the longest-running, now entering its senior years. Yet if you ask manga fans in 2025 to name the single best manga of all time, One Piece would still be the top choice for many.

What began as a simple action-adventure with a focus on the lovable members of the Straw Hat Pirates has evolved into one of the most intricately crafted narratives in manga history. The series now weaves together multilayered mysteries—centered around “One Piece,” the enigmatic “D.,” and the legendary island of “Laugh Tale”—that fuel endless fan theories and speculation.

Beloved characters have been lost along the way, while others from the distant past are brought back into focus. This ability to continually surprise and emotionally move readers is part of what makes One Piece so special. The story is undeniably in its final arc, and the end is slowly coming into view. With the series set to reach its 30th anniversary in 2027, one key question remains: will it finish by then?

As of November 2025, Volume 110 is scheduled for release in English—roughly one year behind Japan, where Volume 111 was published in March. Even after more than two decades, One Piece continues to stand tall as the king of manga, with no signs of losing its crown.

▶︎Want to read One Piece? Check it out on Amazon Japan or Amazon.com.

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Selection Criteria for the Best Manga 2025

Each of the titles on this list was carefully chosen based on standout qualities across key categories. That means not only is the selection backed by a certain level of quality, but each title also offers a clear reason why it’s worth reading right now.

-Story

At the heart of any great manga is a compelling story. Whether it introduces a fresh, original concept, dives deep into emotional themes, or simply delivers such page-turning momentum that you can’t put it down—strong storytelling is the most essential criterion for inclusion.

-Character Design and Personality

Truly memorable manga are defined by their characters. If hearing the title instantly brings a character’s face or name to mind, that’s a sign of a well-crafted, iconic persona. Whether it’s a larger-than-life superhero, an ordinary high schooler, or even a non-human creature, the presence of unique, well-defined characters is a core requirement.

-Artwork

In manga, visual storytelling is everything. From the bold, kinetic energy of Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) to the realistic elegance of Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk), history has shown us that great manga often comes from artists with exceptional drawing skills. While it may not be fair to compare every modern creator to the legends, artistic quality and stylistic impact remain key points of evaluation.

-Cultural Impact and Timeliness

We also considered current relevance—whether it’s a breakout new series that hasn’t yet gained global recognition, a manga receiving its first anime adaptation this year, or a long-running title entering a critical story arc in 2025. If there’s a clear reason why now is the time to read it, that’s what earned it a spot on this list.

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If you’re looking for all-time classics selected as the greatest manga ever made, be sure to check out my definitive list here: 30 Best Manga of All Time.

If you love manga, aren’t you also curious about the anime of 2025? What are the must-watch anime series and movies this year? Let’s also take a look at the anime trends shaping up for 2026.