2024 has been a remarkable year for manga, with a plethora of captivating stories, both new and ongoing, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. From pulse-pounding action to heartwarming romance and intricate mysteries, the manga landscape has offered something for every taste. This article delves into some of the must-read manga series of 2024, exploring both new releases and the continued success of established favorites.
The Reign of Shonen: Action and Adventure Dominate
Shonen manga, known for its action-packed plots and focus on young male protagonists, continued to dominate the charts in 2024. Several titles stood out for their thrilling narratives and captivating characters.
Jujutsu Kaisen: A Phenomenal Finale
Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen concluded its serialization in 2024, leaving a lasting impact on the manga world. Honored as “Manga of the Year” by Da Vinci Magazine, Jujutsu Kaisen masterfully combined thrilling battles with profound philosophical themes. The series’ dramatic conclusion, while emotional for fans, solidified its place as one of the most talked-about shonen manga of the year. It also dominated manga sales, selling over 7 million copies, surpassing even the behemoth One Piece.
One Piece: The Enduring King
Despite being overtaken in sales by Jujutsu Kaisen, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece remains a powerhouse. It continues its strong run, topping the charts as Japan’s most-read manga of 2024. The series continued to captivate audiences, covering the Egghead Island arc and venturing into the newest arc, Elbaf. One Piece’s enduring popularity, even after two decades, is a testament to its compelling storytelling and world-building.
My Hero Academia: A Heroic Journey
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia was another juggernaut in 2024. This popular series consistently appeared on the New York Times best-seller list and reached over 100 million copies in circulation worldwide, including its spin-offs. The story of Deku’s journey to become the greatest hero continues to resonate with readers globally.
Kagurabachi: The New Kid on the Block
While it debuted in late 2023, Kagurabachi made a splash in 2024 with its first tankobon volume release. This action fantasy manga has been praised for its superb art, storytelling, and compelling characters, quickly establishing itself as a standout in the genre.
New Shonen Stars
Several new shonen manga also garnered attention in 2024:
- Centuria: This manga, described as a blend of Vinland Saga with supernatural elements, offers a gripping narrative of revenge and violence.
- The Witch and the Mercenary: This RPG-like fantasy follows a witch and her powerful bodyguard on epic missions, showcasing a tale of might and magic.
- Monochrome Days: A relatable story of an office worker rediscovering his childhood dreams, making it an inspiring read.
Other notable shonen releases include Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi, Goze Hotaru, MAD: A Story Of Alien Invasion, and Hero Organization, proving that 2024 was a year rich with shonen content.
Beyond Shonen: A Diverse Manga Landscape
While shonen series dominated sales and readership, 2024 also highlighted a diverse array of manga across various genres.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: A Fantasy Masterpiece
This fantasy drama/adventure series captivated readers with its unique premise and poignant storytelling. It explores themes of time, loss, and the lingering impact of the past. Frieren‘s popularity was further boosted by its anime adaptation, expanding its audience and boosting manga sales.
Oshi no Ko: Industry Intrigue
Oshi no Ko offered a unique look into the entertainment industry, following the lives of Ai and Aqua Hoshino. This manga took readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the ups and downs of their careers, their struggles, and victories.
The Apothecary Diaries: Historical Mystery
This historical mystery series, with two different ongoing manga, appeared twice in Japan’s top 10 reader’s choice survey. Its intriguing plot and historical setting have made it a popular choice among readers.
My Dress-Up Darling: Romantic Comedy Delight
This romantic comedy offered a lighthearted and charming story, earning its place among the top manga of the year. Its focus on cosplay and personal growth resonated with many readers.
Other Notable Manga of 2024
Several other manga series stood out in 2024, including:
- Set It and Forget It: A wholesome slice-of-life manga about a young woman who discovers her passion for cooking.
- Tower Dungeon: An action fantasy manga focusing on a farmhand who gets called into service to save the princess.
- Gachiakuta: This series was recognized for its unique narrative and compelling characters.
- The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy At All: A manga that explores themes of identity and self-discovery with a unique twist.
- Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: This series offers a unique take on relationships and everyday life.
- Delicious in Dungeon: A unique blend of fantasy and cooking, this series has gained a devoted following.
- Kaiju No. 8: A popular shonen title that made it to the list of top manga in Japan.
- Spy x Family: This comedy series continues to entertain readers with its unique premise and lovable characters.
- Demon Slayer: With a new season of the anime, the manga continues to be a bestseller with over 150 million copies sold since 2016.
- Attack on Titan: The conclusion of this long running series in 2024 was a major event.
Anticipated Releases and Continuing Series
2024 also saw highly anticipated new volumes and continuations of popular series, with many releases throughout the year. Some notable series included:
- Blue Box
- Kaiju No. 8
- Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
- Marriage Toxin
- Chainsaw Man
- Undead Unluck
- Black Clover
- Sakamoto Days
- Komi Can’t Communicate
- Spy x Family
Many new manga series also debuted in 2024, including RuriDragon, Beyblade X, Firefly Wedding and Tokyo Alien Bros, setting the stage for the future of the industry.
Manga in 2025: What to Look Forward To
As we move into 2025, there are many anticipated releases and continuations of popular series to look forward to. Series like The Climber, Vagabond, and Red River are generating excitement among manga fans. The industry shows no signs of slowing down, with a consistent stream of new releases and compelling stories on the horizon.
2024 was undoubtedly a stellar year for manga. The diverse range of genres and the continuous release of captivating narratives ensured that there was something for every reader. From the conclusion of major series to the debut of exciting new titles, 2024 has set a high standard for the years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned manga enthusiast or new to the medium, there’s never been a better time to explore the vibrant world of Japanese comics.
