Shonen manga has long been a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture and entertainment. The genre has captivated readers with stories of adventure, friendship, and pursuing one’s dreams for decades. The word ‘shonen’ in Japanese means boy or youth. This is why the genre at first primarily targeted and catered to young men and boys. However, the shonen manga genre has evolved over the years, reaching more audience demographics than ever. Today’s mangaka continues to explore the genre’s core themes while also introducing new perspectives and complexities that help the Shonen stories appeal to more demographics.
Over the years, many renowned Shonen manga series have left an indelible mark on the industry, from classics like Dragon Ball and Yu Yu Hakusho. Popular titles such as My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer have also recently ended. The search for the next great Shonen manga continues as other iconic series ends. For readers eager to discover the following titles that will lead the future of Shonen manga, the list below highlights some of the best ongoing series shaping the genre today.
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Akane-banashi
Publisher: Shueisha
Akane-banishi is written by Yuki Suenage and illustrated by Takamas Moue. The story follows Akane, a determined teenage girl seeking to avenge her father for being unfairly expelled from the profession of Rakugo, a traditional Japanese art of storytelling. While the plot follows a classic revenge narrative familiar to many Shonen readers, Akane-banishi offers a refreshing twist. In contrast to typical battle Shonen that uses this plot centered on fighting or becoming the strongest, this series focused Akane’s journey to rise the ranks within the intriguing world of Rakugo, an art that is not widely familiar outside of Japan. Not to mention the captivating art style, engaging characters, and lighthearted story.
Black Clover
Publisher: Shueisha
Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover has become a staple in the Shonen genre since its debut. The fantasy adventure manga delivers an exciting story about magic and the power of never giving up. The series follows Asta, a young boy born without any magic who dreams of becoming the Wizard King, a title given to the strongest mage in the kingdom. Lacking magical abilities does not deter Asta from pursuing his dreams.
Instead, he makes his magic happen as he sets out to obtain his dream. Black Clover is set in a world where magic means everything and delivers an endearing story with a lovable collection of characters and intense magical battles. It’s a must-read for fans of epic fantasy adventures.
Blue Lock
Publisher: Kodansha
Blue Lock is a sports Shonen manga written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. The series revolves around the Blue Lock Program, an intense soccer training camp that seeks to create the ultimate soccer striker for Japan’s national team. The program pits hundreds of the nation’s best young soccer players against each other in cutthroat competitions and training regimens daily. The manga stands out amongst sports shonen for its use of intense psychological drama and dynamic artwork. This manga is perfect for sports fans who enjoy a story about ambition and determination. And what those emotions can do to the athletes’ psyche along the way.
Chainsaw Man
Publisher: Shueisha
Chainsaw Man is a dark-action horror Shonen manga created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The manga centers on Denji, a young man burdened by a huge debt who craves a simple life and the hope of grabbing a girl’s boob one day. Through a series of events, Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man, a human devil with chainsaws on his head and arms. Shortly after his transformation, he is recruited – manipulated, really – into joining the Devil Hunters, which thrusts him into a new adventure. Chainsaw Man is an excellent manga for readers looking for something different in the Shonen genre. It is a mixture of dark humor, intense action, and an unpredictable plot that dives into the complexities of desire and humanity.
Dandadan
Publisher: Shueisha
Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan is a supernatural science fiction Shonen. The story centers on Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, two high school students from different social statuses who find themselves entangled with one another in a world where spirits and aliens exist. Throughout the series, Momo and Ken clash with bizarre, powerful beings from outer space and urban legends alike. Dandadan stands out for its unpredictable plot twists, engaging characters, explosive illustrations, and ability to gracefully balance humor and action. It is also refreshing to see a Shonen series led by a female protagonist who does not sideline other characters for the sake of the plot.
The Elusive Samurai
Publisher: Shueisha
The Elusive Samurai is a historical action Shonen manga written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. Set in Japan during the Kamakura Period, the manga is centered on Tokiyuki Hojo, the heir to a fallen shogunate following the traitorous coup against his clan. After his family is overthrown, Tokiyuki must use his unmatched evasion skills to survive and take revenge against his betrayers. The Elusive Samurai provides a stimulating samurai tale that blends history and military strategy and a refreshing protagonist who relies on his brains over his brawn to outwit his enemies.
Fairy Tail: 100 Year Quest
Publisher: Kodansha
Fairy Tail: 100 Year Quest is a direct sequel to Hiro Mashima’s hit series, Fairy Tail. The latest addition to the Fairy Tail universe brings back beloved characters like Lucy and Natsu for a new daring adventure that has gone unfinished for over a century. The protagonist eagerly takes on the new challenge and unravels new mysteries and revelations. Fairy Tail: 100 Year Quest is an exciting continuation that builds on the original story while preserving its core essence. It further develops the characters and expands the rich lore within the world of Fairy Tail.
Kaiju No. 8
Publisher: Shueisha
Kaiju No. 8, created by Naoya Matsumoto, is an action science-fiction Shonen manga. It is set in a world constantly threatened by deadly kaiju, where humans fight to survive. The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, is an average man who dreams of joining the Japanese Defense Force to fight kaiju alongside his childhood friend. Suddenly, Kafka is transformed into a kaiju and now possesses the power to fight kaiju head-on.
With his new powers, Kafka becomes reinvigorated and joins the Defense Force to help protect humanity and annihilate all kaiju threats. Kaiju No. 8 stands out amongst the Shonen genre for its fresh take on the kaiju genre. Providing intense battles, well-developed characters, and an underdog story with a protagonist who embodies resilience, it’s impossible not to love this series.
MARRIAGETOXIN
Publisher: Shueisha
MARRIAGETOXIN is an action romantic comedy shonen manga written by Joumyaku and illustrated by Mizuki Yoda. The series follows Gero, a deadly assassin from the poison clan, who longs for love and everyday life but gives up on ever having anything like that. However, when his sister is forced into an arranged marriage, Gero takes her place. With little to no experience in love or dating, Gero recruits the services of Mei Kinosaki, a marriage swindler, to help him find a partner to satisfy his clan leader’s demands. MARRIAGETOXIN is a must-read for readers who enjoy a mix of action, comedy, and romance with slightly more mature themes. Not to mention the relatable quirky characters and touching story.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
Publisher: Shueisha
Mashle, written and illustrated by Hajime Komoto, is a comedic action fantasy series. The story follows Mash Burnedead, a young man born without magic who enters a world where magic is everything. It even determines a person’s social status. However, what Mash lacks in magic and he makes up for it with his physical strength, which helps him overcome nearly every magical challenge. One day, his peaceful life is threatened, and now he must become a top student at an elite magic school to protect his family.
Mashle is what happens when Harry Potter and Shonen fans collide, and that is meant in the best of ways. The series does not shy away from making fun of exaggerated fantasy and shonen tropes with a balanced comedic tone.
One Piece
Publisher: Shueisha
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is one of the most renowned Shonen series of all time, having captivated readers for over 25 years. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with a rubber body who dreams of finding the legendary One Piece treasure and becoming King of the Pirates. Luffy and his friends go on fantastical adventures, unravel mysteries, and work to overcome any challenge that gets in the way of their dreams.
The lengthy pirate manga stands out in the Shonen genre for its ability to evolve over the years. It is not just a swashbuckling adventure; it is a complex interwoven story that explores themes of freedom, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams while touching on topics of revolution, slavery, and politics. All of this makes it a timeless Shonen manga that thrills readers worldwide. It is at least worth reading the first 100 chapters if over 1,000 chapters seem too daunting for newcomers.
One Punch Man
Publisher: Shueisha
One Punch Man is a superhero action-comedy manga written by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata. The series focuses on Saitama, a seemingly ordinary man who can defeat anyone with a single punch. However, his incredible power has left Saitama bored and unfulfilled, longing for a worthy opponent he can go all out against. One day, he decides to become a hero for fun, which leads him on a journey searching for purpose. Along the way, he encounters various heroes and villains. One Punch Man is a perfect read for fans of action and comedy. It is a satirical take on superheroes with deadpan humor, stunning artwork, and over-the-top action.
Sakamoto Days
Publisher: Shueisha
Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days is an action-comedy manga that has quickly become a fan favorite within the Shonen genre. The series centers on Taro Sakamoto, once a fearsome hitman, now a retired family man running a small convenience store. However, some of his old enemies find Sakamoto and want revenge, which forces him to go back into action to protect his family. Sakamoto Days is a refreshing take on a hitman story that blends domestic life with lethal, high-stakes settings wrapped in lighthearted humor. This is a must-read manga for fans looking for Shonen with an unconventional protagonist.
Spy X Family
Publisher: Shueisha
Spy X Family is an action-comedy Shonen manga written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo. The series follows a fake family comprised of a spy, an assassin, and a telepathic girl. Twilight, a master spy, is tasked with infiltrating an elite school to get closer to a target. Now assembled as the Forger family, Loid, You, and Anya must work together to make everyone believe they are a real family while hiding their true identities. Throughout the series, the Forger family find themselves on various adventures together or on their own. Spy X Family stands out for its delightful story with a mix of espionage thriller, hilarious comedy, and endearing family dynamics.
Undead Unluck
Publisher: Shueisha
Undead Unluck is a supernatural action-comedy written by Yoshifumi Tozuka. The story follows a girl named Fuuko Izomu, who is cursed with terrible luck that brings deadly misfortune to anyone who touches her. One day, she crosses paths with an immortal man, Andy, who cannot die. Together, they join an organization known as The Union to help fulfill their goals and take on eccentric and powerful enemies. Undead Unluck delivers an unpredictably fresh story in the genre. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy action, comedy, unconventional characters, and a story with emotional depth.
Some of our favorite Shonen Manag series are approaching their end or have already concluded. It’s natural to wonder what comes next. But one thing is sure — the Shonen genre will always have incredible stories to captivate readers. The future is bright, and there will always be a new Shonen adventure to discover.
