10 Best Manga to Read in 2026

In 2026, manga has fully emerged as a medium people actively seek out for its rich storytelling, deliberate pacing, and expressive freedom. Whether through serialized releases or collected volumes, the narrative depth and unique artistic voices found in manga often go beyond what animation alone can convey.

This year, the connection between manga and anime has never been stronger. Trends within Japan’s manga scene, shaped by editorial decisions, reader responses, and social media buzz, increasingly align with what gets adapted into anime and how those adaptations are received globally. Likewise, the latest anime trends in 2026, from split cours to long-form franchise planning and streaming-driven popularity, are shaping how readers engage with source material before, during, and after animation premieres. By considering both cutting-edge Japanese manga trends and the evolving anime landscape, this list highlights works that aren’t just popular, but deeply connected to the current cultural moment.

With so many titles available in print and digital formats, finding truly worthwhile manga can be surprisingly challenging. That’s why this guide exists. In this article, I’ve handpicked the 10 best manga to read in 2026, focusing on series that reflect the present moment and drive the future of the medium, many of which have close ties to anime culture and trends.

2026 Manga Highlights: What’s Hot This Year

In 2026, several major manga titles are set to receive new anime adaptations, and interest in manga is expected to grow even further. Many readers will turn to the original manga to fully experience the authentic worldbuilding behind these adaptations, while others will pick up the manga to continue the story beyond what the anime has covered.

At the same time, there are also newer series that have only just begun but are quickly gaining attention thanks to their strong storytelling and growing popularity. In addition, some long-running manga that have been around for years are experiencing renewed momentum, making now the perfect time to rediscover them. All of these titles are featured in this Best Manga to Read in 2026 list.

Looking at broader manga trends, ongoing series such as Spy × Family, Sakamoto Days, Blue Box, and Dandadan, all of which received anime adaptations within the past year, continue to be deeply loved by fans in their manga form. Meanwhile, My Hero Academia, whose anime recently reached its conclusion and sparked widespread discussion, remains firmly at the center of attention.

Recently completed series like Kaiju No. 8 and My Dress-Up Darling are also highly recommended reads right now, and with further anime projects on the way, they are likely to stay in the spotlight for some time to come.

Finally, no discussion of the current manga landscape would be complete without Chainsaw Man Part 2 (School Arc), which continues to lead the industry as an ongoing series and remains one of the most influential manga of the moment.

10 Best Japanese Manga to Read in 2026

*The volume counts listed for each manga are based on information available as of January 2026.

1. Akane-banashi

Why Should You Read Akane-banashi in 2026?

One of the first manga I want to highlight as essential reading in 2026 is Akane-banashi (あかね噺). Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, one of the most competitive manga magazines in Japan, it has steadily grown into a central title and will finally receive its anime adaptation starting this April. Centered on rakugo, a traditional form of Japanese comedic storytelling, the series does face a hurdle in achieving worldwide mainstream popularity — but once it breaks through that barrier, its true value will shine. And in many ways, it already holds more than enough potential to do so.

While it doesn’t feature the conventional battle-action elements typical of Shonen Jump series, Akane-banashi instead delivers a different kind of “battle,” fought through words, performance, and stage presence. Even in Japan, many readers do not have prior knowledge of rakugo, yet they still find the series deeply engaging. It is precisely why I believe every manga fan should give it a try.

2. Kagurabachi

Why Should You Read Kagurabachi in 2026?

A new title that can be seen as inheriting the spirit of classic Shonen Jump battle-action manga like Naruto and My Hero Academia is Kagurabachi (カグラバチ). From the perspective of dark fantasy, it also follows in the footsteps of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen. Although it only began serialization in September 2023 and is still relatively new, its popularity is already strong enough that people often say an anime adaptation is practically guaranteed.

Some readers may already know it, but for anyone currently looking for a new manga to pick up, Kagurabachi should be at the top of the list. Its mangaka, Takeru Hokazono, had never serialized another manga before this one, yet both the storytelling and the artwork show a level of quality that feels anything but the work of a newcomer.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo

Why Should You Read Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo in 2026?

There is no longer any need to explain Jujutsu Kaisen, the series that dominated the manga and anime industry throughout the late 2010s. But did you know that Jujutsu Kaisen actually has a sequel? The original series concluded in 2024, yet a new title called Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo (呪術廻戦≡) began in 2025. The original creator, Gege Akutami, continues to write the story, while the artwork is handled by Yuji Iwasaki, known for illustrating manga based on a story written by Nisio Isin.

The protagonists are Tsurugi and Yuka, siblings who are the grandchildren of Yuta Okkotsu. Although the story is set sixty-eight years after the Culling Game and takes place far in the future, it gradually reveals many truths that were never told in Jujutsu Kaisen. For existing fans, this new series is absolutely essential reading.

4. RuriDragon

Why Should You Read RuriDragon in 2026?

RuriDragon (ルリドラゴン) was featured in our Best Manga of 2025 list as well, and it remains one of the most noteworthy new manga again this year. Although it drew early attention, the series went on hiatus due to the creator’s health issues, but it resumed serialization in 2024, and Volume 5 is scheduled for release this March. An anime adaptation was announced late last year, and while it is expected to premiere sometime in 2027 or later, its popularity will undoubtedly soar even further.

Since the adaptation is being produced by Kyoto Animation, viewers can safely expect exceptional quality, making this a series worth starting now. It offers a contemporary story where everyday life and fantasy blend seamlessly, following a young girl’s gentle and imaginative journey.

5. The JoJoLands

Why Should You Read The JoJoLands in 2026?

The JoJoLands is the ninth part of Hirohiko Araki’s long-running JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, with serialization beginning in 2023. The reason JoJo is receiving renewed global attention now is the upcoming worldwide Netflix release of the anime’s sixth season, which adapts Part 7, Steel Ball Run, and will be available on March 19, 2026.

While JoJo’s world and its lore often connect across past story arcs, the more recent parts are written in a way that newcomers can enjoy without prior knowledge. With the latest installment currently ongoing, now is the perfect time to dive in. You are standing right at the entrance to the world of JoJo.

6. Hirayasumi

Why Should You Read Hirayasumi in 2026?

There are times when manga that feel deeply rooted in Japanese contexts and culture end up becoming global hits. Hirayasumi (ひらやすみ) is one of the titles that many manga fans believe holds that exact kind of potential. Rather than following the path of popular fantasy series, it focuses on everyday scenery and people struggling with the quiet difficulties of modern life.

An anime adaptation has already been announced, and expectations are high. Although its tone and setting are different, the series will be animated by Production +h, the same studio behind the film adaptation of Inio Asano’s manga Dead Dead Demon’s DeDeDeDeDestruction.

7. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Why Should You Read Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End in 2026?

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (葬送のフリーレン) is one of the best manga of recent years and easily a contender for an all-time great, so there is no way it could be left off this list. Beyond the strong reputation of the original manga, the anime adaptation that began in 2023 received overwhelming praise. Season 2 started earlier this year and has already proven that it maintains the same level of quality as the first season.

Compared with other masterpieces, the series still has only fifteen volumes available so far, making it an ideal time for new readers to start from the beginning. Following Frieren’s life, which spans over a thousand years, this manga has the potential to become something you stay connected with for life. If you first encountered it through the anime, you can either continue from where the show left off or start again from Volume 1.

8. Ghost in the Shell

Why Should You Read Ghost in the Shell in 2026?

Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊) is already considered a classic in the world of manga, so why should we pay attention to it now? One reason is its enduring strength as a work that continues to be read decades after its original serialization in 1989–1990. Another is the remarkably wide room for interpretation within the story, which has led to numerous anime adaptations over the years. In 2026, a brand-new Ghost in the Shell series was produced by Science SARU.

There are many films and anime interpretations, but the origin of everything is this single volume. The manga also has two follow-up installments: Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human-Error Processor and Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface.

9. Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17–21 / 22–26

Why Should You Read Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man in 2026?

Tatsuki Fujimoto has now become globally recognized thanks to Chainsaw Man, which remains one of the most widely read manga today. His one-shot Look Back was also adapted into an anime in 2024 and earned strong acclaim. Among his works, I especially recommend the two early-story collections that capture the foundations of his creativity. These are Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17–21 / 22–26 (藤本タツキ短編集 17–21／22–26), with the numbers in the titles reflecting the ages at which he created the works (he is now thirty-three).

As introduced in the 10 Best Anime Movies of 2025 list, all eight stories included in these collections were adapted into anime under the title Tatsuki Fujimoto 17–26 and released worldwide on Amazon Prime Video in November 2025. Although the anime adaptations of Fujimoto’s works are excellent, he is still one of those creators whose stories truly shine when experienced in their original manga form.

10. One Piece

Why Should You Read One Piece in 2026?

Although I also featured it in the Best Manga to Read in 2025 list, One Piece is a series that simply cannot be omitted in any year. This grand adventure manga, which began in 1997, will reach its thirtieth anniversary next year. With over one hundred volumes now published, it may feel daunting for new readers to jump in, but I strongly believe it is worth reading no matter how long it takes. If manga fans could choose only one title for the rest of their lives, many would choose One Piece, and it remains my personal best manga of all time as well.

As of Volume 113, the story continues to intensify, revealing long-hidden mysteries not only about Luffy but also about top figures within the World Government and powerful characters like Shanks. The series has entered its final saga and is more exciting than ever. The anime adaptation has been running since 1999, and a new project has already been announced to remake the story from Episode 1 using modern animation, making it easier for new fans to start from the beginning. One Piece is a series you simply cannot take your eyes off in 2026.

Selection Criteria for the Best Manga 2026

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.

While the manga landscape continues to evolve, the core principles behind our evaluation do not change easily. For this year’s list, we continue to follow the same selection framework used in 2025, applying those criteria once again to ensure a consistent and reliable standard for readers.

-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 2026. 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.

Be sure to check out the articles below for the latest anime updates from 2026 and beyond.