The Definitive Guide to the Best Manga of 2025 The landscape of manga experienced a thrilling evolution, characterized by the explosive rise of new-generation hits and the satisfying conclusions of legendary titles. With major publications on platforms like MANGA Plus and Shonen Jump+ redefining what readers expect from serialized stories, the medium has arguably never been healthier. From supernatural action-comedies to mature, slice-of-life romances, this year delivered an unparalleled variety of storytelling. Here are twelve of the most captivating manga series that dominated the scene. Ichi the Witch
Written by Osamu Nishi and illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, this standout series quickly captured the hearts of fans and creators alike, even drawing high praise from My Hero Academia creator Kouhei Horikoshi. Taking home top honors as the Best Print Manga at the Next Manga Awards 2025, the story follows a young, magically gifted girl whose sheer power and eccentric cast of characters set a new standard for modern shonen battles. It is widely praised for its kinetic art style and engaging world-building. Strikeout Pitch
Baseball manga are a staple of the medium, but Kyu Sumiyoshi flipped the script with this web-manga sensation. Taking first place in the Web category at the Next Manga Awards, the story revolves around a mysterious, formidable pitcher who only appears at night. The high-stakes atmosphere, coupled with the realistic desperation of high school teams trying to reach Koshien, makes it a compulsive and gripping read. The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All
Sumiko Arai’s masterstroke of a romance completely took over the fandom. Winning Best New Manga at both the American Manga Awards and cementing itself as a fan-favorite, this series thrives on its infectious energy. It follows a rock-loving high school girl who falls for a cool classmate, completely unaware that her crush is actually a boyish girl who works at a local music store. Dandadan
Yukinobu Tatsu’s wild supernatural action-comedy continued to break viewership and readership records. With a wildly successful anime adaptation that spurred massive manga volume sales, the story perfectly blends high-octane battles with urban legends, aliens, and ghosts. The dynamic between Okarun and Momo Ayase provides endless laughs and heart-pounding moments, solidifying it as a modern classic. Kagurabachi
Since its debut, Takeru Hokazono’s gritty revenge tale has transformed from an internet phenomenon into an established heavyweight in the shonen sphere. The story of Chihiro and his quest to track down enchanted blades forged by his father features razor-sharp action paneling and a brooding atmosphere that harkens back to the golden era of dark battle manga. The Apothecary Diaries
This historical mystery and medical drama, with writing by Natsu Hyuuga and stunning illustrations by Nekokurage, continues to be an unstoppable force. Following the sharp-witted Maomao as she navigates the perilous political intrigue of the imperial court, the manga secured Best Continuing Series at the American Manga Awards, proving that clever deduction is just as thrilling as any sword fight. Daemons of the Shadow Realm
Hiromu Arakawa, the legendary creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, made a spectacular return with this dark fantasy series. Set in an isolated village, the story of twins Yuru and Asa deals with ancient curses, mythological daemons, and betrayals. With an anime adaptation in full production by Studio Bones, Arakawa’s intricate world-building has never been more vibrant. Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
For readers seeking something a bit more grounded, this mature slice-of-life romance became one of the most beloved cozy reads of the year. The narrative follows a weary middle-aged businessman named Sasaki who finds solace in his smoking breaks with a cheerful supermarket cashier named Yamada. The twist, which Sasaki is blissfully unaware of, is that Yamada dresses in a completely different, gothic-styled subculture off the clock, providing charming and heartfelt comedic moments. Centuria
Tohru Kuramori’s epic web-manga debut took the community by storm, quickly ranking among the most-read chapters on MANGA Plus. Set in a harsh historical fantasy world, the protagonist Julian embarks on a nearly impossible quest to assassinate a tyrant, utilizing one hundred different borrowed lives along the way. It is a visually striking and emotionally devastating historical epic. Blue Box
Kouji Miura’s beloved romance and sports series flawlessly transitioned into a massive hit, boasting impressive sales numbers. Exploring the intersection of high school life, competitive badminton, and young love, the story moves at a refreshing pace with emotional maturity. The gentle, positive approach to the characters’ athletic ambitions and budding feelings makes it a comforting staple. The Summer Hikaru Died
Mokumokuren’s supernatural horror series has captivated readers with its deeply atmospheric, unsettling narrative. It tells the story of Yoshiki, a boy who realizes that his best friend Hikaru has been replaced by something otherworldly. Blending genuine dread with a hauntingly tender relationship between the two, it stands out as one of the most unique psychological thrillers in recent memory. Witch Hat Atelier
Kamome Shirahama’s breathtaking magical fantasy continued its critical dominance by winning Best Manga at the Harvey Awards. The story follows Coco, a young girl who discovers the breathtaking, dangerous rules of magic after accidentally turning her mother to stone. Shirahama’s exquisite, ink-drenched artwork and deeply philosophical approach to art and creativity make it a visual masterpiece.
The past year was defined by a remarkable balance between explosive action-oriented blockbusters and deeply evocative, intimate stories. Whether it is the magical battles crafted by legendary authors, or the heartwarming, quiet moments found in mature romantic comedies, the medium demonstrated its endless capacity for artistic growth. As the industry looks ahead, these twelve exceptional titles have firmly cemented their place in the hearts of fans worldwide. American Manga Awards 2025 Winners Announced
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