Obvious favorites like Gon, Killua, Bisky, Chrollo, Leorio, Kurapika, and Hisoka, to name a few, have already found their home on the Nen x Impact roster, but a new Phantom Troupe member will be coming to the title.

Feitan Makes It To Nen x Impact In an Exciting New Trailer

In a new trailer uploaded by Bushiroad and Arc System Works, Feitan’s moveset and flashy animations are shown off in gameplay clips, including his intro animations. True to how he appears in the anime and manga, Feitan has his signature umbrella sword and all his usual edgy flare in tact for Nen x Impact.

While Hunter x Hunter may currently be in an indefinite hiatus due to Togashi’s health, it seems as though the series is slowly making a comeback, as indicated by the mangaka’s recent X posts and the upcoming fighting game.

One of the most notorious modern examples of an infamous harem series is Rent-a-Girlfriend, based on the original manga by Reiji Miyajima, a mangaka that’s managed to make himself just as controversial as his magnum opus.

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 4 Enters Production With a Video Game Adaptation On the Way

With an admittedly adorable announcement illustration showing the series’ two leads holding hands, it’s official – Rent-a-Girlfriend is coming back for a fourth season. Despite ongoing controversy surrounding the series, including the mangaka’s use of AI in some of his recent work, it seems Chizuru and the rest of the girls are here to stay. As of writing, there’s no word on when exactly the season will air aside from it being planned for 2025.

In addition to a new season, Rent-a-Girlfriend will also be receiving a video game adaptation. The game will be releasing on both PS4 and Nintendo Switch, and its tentative English title is Rent-A-Girlfriend: The Girl of the Horizon and a Swimsuit. Pre-orders open August 5, 2024 in Japan, and the development team, MAGES, promises to reveal additional information about the game on the same day. The basic premise of the upcoming title is that it’s a completely original story taking place on an island, where each of the five main heroines will work part-time jobs.

Originally created by Paru Itagaki, creator of the highly underrated Beastars anime and manga, as well as being the daughter of Keisuke Itagaki, the creator of Baki, Sanda takes the classic holiday figure and turns him into a buffed-up action hero.

Why You Should Be Giving Sanda a Chance, Regardless of How It Looks

Sanda takes place in 2080, where the Japanese birthrate is on a sharp decline, and the country has placed strict control policies on minors that’s resulted in arranged marriages becoming a social norm, and preventing young people from sleeping as to not hinder their development. Christmas has all but disappeared, and the idea of ‘Santa Claus’ is long forgotten due to being sealed away.

One faithful December 25th, the protagonist of the series, Sanda Kazushige, has their ‘seal’ broken by a classmate, causing him to look like Santa Claus. Sanda discovers he can control this transformation by eating jellybeans to turn back into himself, or by wearing red to turn into Santa. Sanda’s classmate broke the seal in hopes that Sanda would help her search for their missing classmate, and to restore society’s belief in Christmas.

The series, admittedly, has a pretty ridiculous premise – but much like Beastars, tackles many of the sociopolitical issues plaguing up-and-coming generations. The manga has excellent characters, and the incredible writing style that Paru Itagaki pours into all of her work make Sanda an incredibly unique series that everyone should be reading. Plus, the anime adaptation will be handled by Science Saru, well-known for producing Devilman Crybaby and the upcoming animated adaptation of Dandadan.

Fans can take a deep breath, though – because Jujutsu Kaisen is officially in its final story arc.

The Shinjuku Showdown Arc Has Been a High-Stakes Finale From the Beginning

Jujutsu Kaisen has never held its punches when it comes to character death, gruesome plot twists, and the ongoing threats that cursed spirits cause, but the Shinjuku Showdown arc has truly cemented itself as pushing boundaries when it comes to what JJK fans can handle. Fighting off Sukuna, the series has said goodbye to multiple iconic characters – including Gojo Satoru, who was once thought to be the strongest.

This led to a dramatic turn wherein Yuta Okkotsu took over Gojo’s body by copying Kenjaku’s cursed technique, leading to a “true” final showdown against the King of Curses.

Fans have speculated for quite some time that the Shinjuku Showdown arc would be the series’ big send-off, but during a Q&A at the Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition in Shibuya Hikarie, Japan, Gege Akutami, the series’ original creator, confirmed it. Alongside news that the series would not be appearing at the next Jump Festa event, its time for devoted fans of the series to begin preparing for the end.

Source: Translations provided by soukatsu on X.

Speaking of celebrations, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Eiichiro Oda’s shonen epic One Piece, Toei Animation and Crunchyroll are teaming up to bring something truly special to San Diego this year.

The One Piece 25th Anniversary: Symphonic Voyage Performed by the San Diego Philharmonic Orchestra Is Guaranteed To Pull Fans Into Oda’s World

For the series’ 25th anniversary, Toei and Crunchyroll are bringing the One Piece 25th Anniversary: Symphonic Voyage to SDCC 2024 – a live outdoor concert experience celebrating One Piece. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will be performed by the San Diego Symphony at the Rady Shell in Jacobs Park, and is completely free with limited seating, on a first-come, first-served basis, to everyone with a San Diego Comic-Con badge.

The event is described as follows:

“Setting sail at on Saturday, July 27 at 7:00 pm, the One Piece 25th Anniversary: Symphonic Voyage with the 40+ piece San Diego Symphony will transport concertgoers on a 90-minute long immersive voyage combining emotional soundscapes and aerial pyrotechnics based on some of the most memorable moments from One Piece, the epic series created by Eiichiro Oda and produced by Toei Animation – now anime’s longest running global phenomenon.”

Further information and updates can be found on Toei Animation’s official social media outlets, as well as through Crunchyroll directly.

One of the best parts of watching the series flourish is seeing the many fan projects that have spawned from its popularity, especially cosplay.

u/This_Ad9873’s Cosplay Brings Frieren’s Cast Together In Gorgeous Detail

As shared on Reddit’s r/cosplay board, the photograph of u/This_Ad9873’s cosplay depicts Frieren, Fern, and Stark resting in the woods; napping, reading, and eating a snack, respectively. Each of the cosplayer’s beautifully embodies their character’s personality and look through the creative posing in the photo.

While simple, seeing fan projects like this is what keeps fandom moving and growing, and it’s always fun to see fans embracing the small eccentricities the characters they choose to cosplay embody.

Adapted from the final arc in the original manga, which was originally quite controversial due to the story feeling rushed because of Tite Kubo’s health and ongoing pressure from Shonen Jump magazine, the anime adaptation has revitalized the story and truly made it something worth remembering.

Everything We Know About ‘Thousand Year Blood War’ Part 3

As confirmed during their Anime Expo 2024 panel, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War will be returning in full swing in October 2024. With a flashy new trailer and visuals courtesy of Studio Pierrot and their freshly rebranded Pierrot Films, the next installment in the anime looks even more phenomenal than Parts 1 and 2.

The team working on Thousand Year Blood War are similarly enthusiastic, sharing their thoughts on X, courtesy of Viz Media’s official account:

As well as a new key visual, that especially observant fans may recognize as a recreation of official artwork drawn by Kubo all the way back in 2003.

With their still being a few months left before part 3, there’s never been a better time for new and returning fans of the series. Part 1 and Part 2 can be streamed on Amazon Prime, and Tite Kubo’s original manga can be purchased in print and digital through Viz directly, or on Amazon.

The web novel, which was later adapted into a manhwa (or Korean webtoon), follows Dokja, an average office worker whose one and only hobby is reading a web novel titled Three Ways To Survive the Apocalypse. To his dismay – the story in the novel begins to become a reality, and he seems to be one of the only people who knows how to stop whatever’s happening.

Everything That’s Been Revealed About the Omniscient Reader Anime

While the anime adaptation has been licensed by Aniplex and will be streaming on Crunchyroll, there’s been no official word at this time what studio will be animating the project. Expectations are understandably high for the anime, given the original property is a fan-favorite among community members.

Again, given the recent success of Solo Leveling and Tower of God, it’s exciting to see the anime industry entering a new era of embracing Korean manhwa as viable properties for anime adaptations, given how much the webtoon and webnovel industries respectively have grown in recent years.

In addition to sharing new artwork of the main cast, Studio Orange offered some insight on the production process for the anime and when fan’s can expect to see Vash return.

Everything That’s Been Confirmed About TRIGUN STAMPEDE’s New Season

Confirmed during the Anime Expo 2024 panel, the new season will be titled TRIGUN STARGAZE and is slated to air on Crunchyroll once the season is ready to be released. While there is no official release date at this time, we do have every updated character illustration from the upcoming season.

Vash:

Knives:

Wolfwood:

Witch Hat Atelier has been running in Kodansha’s seinen manga magazine, Morning Two, since July 2016, and currently has 5.5 million copies in circulation. The award-winning series has enchanted manga readers around the globe, and fans have been itching to here ore about its anime adaptation ever since it was announced all the way back in 2022.

Everything We Know About Witch Hat Atelier’s Upcoming Anime Adaptation

During its featured panel at Anime Expo 2024, it was revealed that Witch Hat Atelier would be produced by Bug Films, the same studio behind the perfectly handled adaptation of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead that debuted on Netflix in the Summer 2023 anime season. Additionally, it was announced that the anime would begin streaming on Crunchyroll in 2025.

It was also announced that Ayumu Watanabe (Children of the Sea, Space Brothers) will be directing the anime, with Yuka Kitamura composing the original soundtrack, and Kairi Unabara handling character designs. Kodansha handles the publication of Witch Hat Atelier in English, and gives the following synopsis:

“A beautifully-illustrated story about a girl who longs for magic in her life and learns that, on the inside, she already is what she wishes she could be. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, this lushly drawn story was voted one of the Top 10 manga of the year in 2018 by the Japanese manga industry. In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: she wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch … until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem …”

The film has been a resounding success, making a whopping 172 million yen (1.06 million USD) with over 137,000 admissions.

What Hideo Kojima Had To Say About ‘the New Film ‘Look Back’

On his official X account, Hideo Kojima noted that he found Look Back to be, “one of the most remarkable anime of the last decade.” He offered additional commentary, saying: “I was shaken to my core! The tenderness, the kindness, the strength! Such rich expressions and sensitivity, surpassing even a live-action film! I was moved by the present and future of entertainment! Anime is truly incredible. I’ve already ordered Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original manga and can’t wait to “look back” on it.”

Fans have taken notice of Kojima’s adoration for the film, too, with one popular tweet saying the following:

While many fans of the series consider the manga a masterclass in storytelling and an absolute must-read, other adaptations of Sui Ishida’s work are far less favorable, and somehow, fans keep getting disappointed whenever Tokyo Ghoul tries to branch out its franchising opportunities.

Tokyo Ghoul Fans Feel Like the Series’ Latest Announcement Was Overhyped

To celebrate the series’ 10th anniversary, the official X account for Tokyo Ghoul began posting a cryptic countdown for a “big announcement”. Everyone’s mind went to the same place, obviously: Tokyo Ghoul would finally get the Brotherhood treatment. Unfortunately for many, instead of a new anime, Tokyo Ghoul will be celebrating the big “10” with an art exhibit.

While fans, especially those in the West, are understandably heartbroken to get their hopes dashed for a proper anime adaptation of such a beloved series; perhaps too many of us were putting faith in something that wasn’t even teased to be true. Plus, Sui Ishida’s latest series, Choujin X would be a far more interesting pick for a new anime.

While its narrative is relatively short compared to epic-length shonen franchises like Naruto and One Piece, Demon Slayer excels through its beautifully illustrated fight scenes and easily recognizable character designs.

In True Ufotable Fashion, the Infinity Castle Arc Will Be a Film Trilogy

While there has been some mixed reception following the Hashira Training Arc anime adaptation, fans are more than excited to see what exactly an Infinity Castle anime adaptation means for the franchise. As previously mentioned, Demon Slayer‘s story is short, and it wears its themes and ideas on its sleeves – and while the other seasons and anime adaptations have been well produced, many believe that Ufotable is dragging the story out much longer than it needs to be.

While there is no release dates in place for the trilogy just yet, it has already been confirmed that Crunchyroll and Sony will have distribution rights; meaning that fans should expect a wide theater release in the US, as this has been the case for all previous Demon Slayer feature films.

Magic Knight Rayearth Is Making a Big Comeback For Its 30th Anniversary

As announced by TMS Entertainment on their official social media accounts, the classic series will be getting a brand-new anime adaptation to celebrate its 30th anniversary, a massive milestone for any series. While details are sparse at this time, TMS has released a gorgeous key visual depicting the three leads wielding their iconic blades.

Surprisingly to new fans, Rayearth is one of the earliest examples of a series that falls under the “isekai” genre, following three girls – Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji – after being called by the mysterious Princess Emeraude to Cephiro to save her world.

With the series being set in a fantastically reimagined regency England, colorful fashions, and heart-pounding romance sequences, there are plenty of anime, manga, and light novels that matches Bridgerton‘s energy and then some.

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion

Technically situating itself as an isekai, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion begins with the death of a young woman named Rinko, who is reborn as Raeliana – a beloved character from a novel. But Rinko is more than familiar with the source material she’s been reincarnated into: she’s destined to be murdered by her fiance. Using her knowledge of the original story, Raeliana comes up with a scheme to ensure her survival by seducing a duke with a devilish personality.

Clearly, for fans of Simon and Daphne’s relationship in Bridgerton‘s first season, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion is a no-brainer for binge-watching. While many would think it a fairy tale to be reborn into their favorite novel, audiences get to see a different side of the coin wherein Raeliana is constantly fighting for her survival, all the while missing out on the duke falling deeply in love with her.

The Rose of Versailles

For those who like Bridgerton‘s fantastical take on the regency era and Shondaland’s unique approach to adapting fashion trends from the time, they may find themselves at home with The Rose of Versailles. Originally created by Riyoko Ikeda in 1972, The Rose of Versailles is a fictionalized retelling of Marie Antionette’s life during the French Revolution, but later shifts its focus to follow Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, the daughter of a French military commander who grows up to succeed his role.

While heavily fictionalized, The Rose of Versailles is intensely beautiful, and follows two very different experiences in womanhood and fighting for personal freedoms all while making commentary on social and economic disparity.

Snow White With the Red Hair

Leaning far more into fantasy when compared to Bridgerton, Snow White With the Red Hair follows Shirayuki, an herbalist who resides in Tanbarun. Compared to the other citizens in the kingdom – her striking red hair. As she gets older, the first prince of the kingdom, Prince Raj, learns of her beautiful and unique trait; demanding that she become his concubine. Standing strong, Shirayuki reuses him, cutting her hair short and abandoning her home to travel to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines.

Later, she meets another prince named Zen Wistaria and his two aides, Mitsuhide and Kiki. Referencing it’s title – the infamous apple from the original fairy tale makes an appearance, and Prince Zen becomes poisoned. Shirayuki manages to cure him with her past herbalist experience, and begins to train in the palace to hone her skills for the royal family. Back in Tanbarun, Prince Raj realizes that he has real romantic feelings for Shirayuki, and begins to try and change his ways to win her favor; all the while, Zen and Shirayuki begin to fall hopelessly in love with one another.

7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married To Her Worst Enemy

One of the more charming “villainess reincarnation” series to be released after My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead To Doom!‘s unexpected success, 7th Time Loop follows a headstrong young woman named Rishe, whose life always starts out the same way – her getting rejected by her fiance, becoming exiled or running away to start fresh in a new occupation, only to be killed by a mysterious prince, or in the crossfire of a war that said prince starts.

In her latest and seventh life, Rishe abandons her fiance only to come face-to-face with with the man himself – Prince Arnold of the Galkhein kingdom. Arnold is taken by Rishe’s brash and determined personality, as well as her quick-with and dextrous timing with a blade. Because of this, he insists that Rishe marry him, instead, and takes her to Galkhein to make her his bride. Serving as an almost one-sided enemies to lovers story, 7th Time Loop is an intriguing story that makes its male lead perfectly mysterious in an “I can fix him” sort of way that’s hard to pull yourself away from.

Arte

Taking place in 16th century Florence, Arte is an underrated period piece that follows Arte, the only daughter to the noble Spalletti house. From childhood, Arte has had an immense talent and love for painting, but when her father unexpectedly passes away, her mother tries to push her to give up her pursuit of the arts and marry well to ensure her future – something that fans of Bridgerton have seen explored time and time again in its female characters’ storylines.

Arte doesn’t want to give up her dreams, however, opting to try and find a solution to her marriage dilemma. She begins working under a master painter named Leo to hone her craft, and as time goes on, even though she tries her best to fight it, Arte begins to fall head-over-heels in love with her mentor.

What is Jujutsu Kaisen’s Manga Release Schedule?

Jujutsu Kaisen releases weekly on Sundays and is available on Manga Plus and the VIZ Media Jujutsu Kaisen portal, with occasional hiatuses. Aside from the usual holiday breaks for Weekly Shonen Jump series like New Years, Golden Week, Obon, and Christmas, I will keep you posted on any developments.

Full Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

Please, note that the Jutusu Kaisen chapter release date schedule might change due to unforeseen circumstances regarding the author’s condition and problems with the magazine. If that happens, the data here will be updated to bring you the most accurate release schedule. As of early June 2024, Gege Akutami, the mangaka behind Jujutsu Kaisen, has announced that he will be taking a three week break as he deals with a series of health issues.

Given that Gege doesn’t take any breaks after he returns at the end of this month, Jujutsu Kaisen‘s schedule in 2024 should go as follows:

Fans will want to buckle up – it seems as though, with current events in the series, that Jujutsu Kaisen is ramping up for its grand finale.

Full Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

Below you can find our previously-covered 2023 schedule! As you might have guessed, several unexpected hiatuses happened, but some explosive moments followed too!

It’s bittersweet to imagine the Dark Trio soon losing its second pillar, but the series has had a spectacular run! However, Chainsaw Man has lately been bringing up the rear with some crazy chapters of its own.

What is Spy x Family’s Manga Release Schedule?

Spy x Family does not run in Weekly Shonen Jump despite its mass appeal, but rather through the online service Shonen Jump+, and has been its most successful manga since its release date in 2019. Spy x Family releases on a bi-weekly schedule, releasing one manga chapter every other Sunday, with Chapter 100 being 2024’s latest installment released on June 23, 2024.

Full Spy x Family Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

Below you can see the anticipated Spy x Family release date schedule for 2024. While the mangaka has taken a couple of unexpected breaks throughout the year, if everything stays on track, this should be a definitive guide to keeping up with the Forgers for the rest of 2024.

As you can see, this biweekly format is anticipated to carry through much of the year, and the only currently foreseen conflict is at the end of April, Golden Week, a set of consecutive holidays in Japan. This is a fairly similar pattern to that of One Piece’s release schedule from 2024.

With two seasonal anime seasons, a smash-hit feature-length film and the manga still being far enough ahead of season 3, there’s plenty to enjoy this calendar year with Loid and the rest of the Forgers.

Full Spy x Family Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

We have provided an anticipated release schedule, with small adjustments predicting a similar pattern to 2022’s releases, accounting for any holidays that overlap throughout the year.

You can read these chapters through the Viz Shonen Jump portal or through the Shonen Jump manga reader app.

Spy x Family released on Shonen Jump+ on March 25, 2019. It also has received an anime tv series, as well as an upcoming anime film.

For fans of the series that are already knee-deep in the DLC, or for those who haven’t quite had the time to dive in just yet, there’s no better time to build on hype surrounding the Shadow of Erdtree release by watching and reading anime and manga that situate themselves in the dark fantasy genre.

Hellsing

While Hellsing doesn’t take place in a medieval fantasy setting, it does have all the grime and gore that fans of Elden Ring‘s brutal battles can’t get enough of. Hellsing follows an elusive organization that investigates a variety of supernatural threats. After being called in to look into a vampire terrorizing the village of Cheddar and turning the townsfolk into ghouls. The organization dispatches their most valuable member to look into the threat: a vampire called Alucard.

Hellsing is such a unique spin on dark fantasy in the way that it combines post-modern politics and social commentary in with a grisly, bloody story. Plus, for anime fans that love delving deep into franchises they love, Hellsing is an early example of a series that received the “Brotherhood” treatment. The original Hellsing anime only follows the manga up to a certain point before diverting slightly, while Hellsing Ultimate follows the manga’s story much more closely.

Bastard!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-

Action-packed with just the right amount of self-awareness to be fun and occasionally campy, 2022’s Bastard!!, based on the original manga by Kazushi Hagiwara and produced by Liden Films, embraces every eccentricity the series has to offer.

After an apocalyptic event caused by a demon named Anthrasax who was subsequently slain by the Dragon Knight, Earth is sent spiraling into a dark age. In the present day, a kingdom known as Metallicana is invaded by the “Dark Rebel Army”, who aim to bring the demon back to life. These events lead the the kingdom’s high priest requesting that his daughter reawaken Dark Schnieder, the leader of the Dark Rebels, who reincarnates in a young man named Lucien. While the story can be campy, with all the flashy designs and humor that comes from a series that originally released in the late 80s, it’s infectiously fun.

Dororo

Based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga of the same name, 2019’s adaptation of Dororo by Tezuka Productions and MAPPA is a haunting blend of historical fiction and dark fantasy. The story follows Hyakkimaru, who, when he was born, had his organs and limbs sacrificed to twelve demon gods by a feudal lord in exchange for his people’s prosperity. He’s later adopted by a doctor named Jukai, who gives him his name and raises him as his own.

As Hyakkimaru becomes a teen, he is attacked by demons, but develops the idea to see their silhouettes and fights back. He reigns victorious, and regains the ability to feel pain. His adoptive father sends him on a journey to regain his body, and on his way meets a young child named Dororo. The two begin traveling together, learning many of the harsh realities of the world around them, and more importantly: what it means to be a human being.

Claymore

Perhaps one of the most iconic high fantasy manga ever written, Claymore, created by Norihiro Yagi, takes place in a traditional medieval setting where humanity is being ravaged by beings called “Yoma”, shape-shifters that feed on humans. A group known only as “The Organization” maufactures Yoma-hybrids to fight back against this threat. Referred to as “Claymores” or “Silver-Eyed Witches” by the public, this elite force of female warriors are powered by demonic energy that gives them superhuman strength, similar to that of the Yoma.

Claymore‘s world is incredibly vast, and Norihiro’s artstyle is nothing short of breathtaking. The illustrations of the Yoma seems to loom off the page, and the fight sequences between the Claymores and their otherworldy prey are heartstoppingly intense. For fans of Elden Ring’s unique world and visually impressive monsters, Claymore is an instant favorite that diehard fans of the games shouldn’t go overlooking.

Berserk

While it may seem like the obvious choice, for the uninitiated, Berserk is hands-down the best manga that fans of Elden Ring should be reading. In addition to the games constant nods and references to Miura’s legendary dark fantasy manga, Berserk is nothing short of a horrifying, gorgeous adventure story.

The manga follows Guts, a swordsman who, in the beginning, is a lone wolf; and Griffith, the leader of a band of mercenaries called the Band of the Hawk. The two eventually bond – but the story doesn’t end happily with the pair becoming some sort of adventuring party. Quite the contrary, with Griffith later betraying Guts and his crew, sacrificing them to a powerful demonic being. After this cataclysmic event, Guts journeys onward to seek revenge on Griffith. While there’s plenty of details being left out of such a simplified synopsis, Berserk is a legendary fantasy franchise, and while the series struggles to be adapted into an animated medium, it still stands as one of the most influential pieces of dark fantasy fiction to ever be released.

Interestingly, Studio Bones latest series, slated to release during the Summer 2024 anime season, feels like a stark contrast from some of the studio’s recent work. Adapted from the original series created by the late Cocoa Fujiwara, The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies is an interesting choice, given the original series was never properly finished when the mangaka passed in 2015.

What is The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies about?

The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Archenemies follows exactly what the title suggests – a magical girl named Byakuya Mimori and the leader of an evil organization called Mira are sworn archenemies, but when they finally face off against one another, something unexpected happens that leads Mira into falling in love with Mimori. Enemies to lovers is an extremely popular archetype in popular literature, and seeing it play out in a story with a magical girl at the center is even more exciting.

Because of the author passing with only 21 chapters of the manga released – the story is unfinished. Plus, with the project releasing almost a decade since the mangaka’s passing, the timing feels bittersweet. While its unclear if content will be added to give the series a definitive anime-only ending, fans of the series and of Fujiwara’s work have high hopes for the series due to the staff working on the project. Not only will the two voice actors from the manga’s drama CD adaptation (Ono Yuuki as Mira and Nakahara Mai as Mimori) be returning to reprise their roles as the main characters, Akiyo Ohashi (The Stranger by the Beach, Given -on the other hand) will be directing andYuniko Ayana (The Apothecary Diaries, Given) writing the series’ script, it seems as though the anime will be a labor of love.

One of the biggest series using cosplay as its core theme is My Dress Up Darling, originally created by Shinichi Fukuda and adapted into a televised anime by CloverWorks in 2022. The series followed a young man named Gojo Wakana, who grew up with his grandfather, a professional Japanese doll maker. Gojo took a shine to the meticulous craftsmanship needed to make these dolls, but feels ashamed that his hobby isn’t traditionally masculine. His perspective begins to shift when he becomes friends with the bubly Marin, a popular girl in school who loves anime and gaming. She discovers his secret, and eventually requests his help sewing her cosplay outfits, leading the two into an unlikely friendship.

How Does 2.5 Dimensional Seduction compare to My Dress Up Darling?

2.5 Dimensional Seduction follows a high school student named Masamune Okumura, a second-year student who runs the (and is the only member of) their school’s manga club. Claiming he has no interest in “real girls” and has an undying obsession toward a fictional character named Liliel. Out of nowhere, a passionate underclassman who loves cosplay, Lilysa Amano, joins the manga club alongside him and convinces Okumura to be her photographer. Through this, he learns that she, too, is a huge fan of Liliel, and romantic undertones begin to develop between the two.

From the synopsis alone, there’s quite a few key differences between the two series. While My Dress Up Darling definitely has elements of a slice-of-life romance and even that of an ecchi series, the series also contains a lot of information regarding the popularity of cosplay as a hobby, the importance many cosplayers place on accuracy when cosplaying certain characters, and the importance of bonding with other cosplayers in the community and working together to share in the love that one has for their favorite characters.

While 2.5 Dimensional Seduction has some of these themes as well, the series leans much more into its rom-com and ecchi influences, going out of its way to put its female characters in scandalous positions, and even veering into harem territory. Despite My Dress Up Darling having other female characters in its cast, they never serve as rivals to Marin, but in 2.5 Dimensional Seduction, the other girls in the manga club do seem to serve as some kind of competition to the female lead.

Does 2.5 Dimensional Seduction have what it takes to be as popular as My Dress Up Darling?

While 2.5 Dimensional Seduction and My Dress Up Darling are both classified as being targeted at a male demographic – shonen and seinen, respectively, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction will likely struggle to garner the same level of mainstream attention and adoration as My Dress Up Darling. While My Dress Up Darling does possess scandalous content, the series’ unique approach to showcasing the love and dedication fans feel toward their hobbies, as well as the hard work and craftsmanship that cosplayers put in to bring their favorite characters to life.

Comparatively, 2.5 Dimensional Seduction focuses much more on ecchi humor and the dynamic between its male lead and his harem of nerdy girls. While cosplay and hobby culture are still a core theme, its less about the love of the hobby and far more about using cosplay as a narrative device to put its female characters in cute outfits. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, but in the current animanga landscape, this could lead to 2.5 Dimensional Seduction not having the same mainstream appeal as My Dress Up Darling, making it difficult for the new series to leave its target audience.

Gachiakuta follows Rudo – a tribesfolk, or individual that has descended from criminals that have been exiled from society. Rudo detests the upper class for dumping trash where the other tribesfolk live, in a massive dump site known only as “The Pit”. As a child, Rudo was told by his adoptive father, a man named Regto, that his biological father was thrown into The Pit for committing a crime before Rudo was born. After rummaging through the site the next day, Rudo returns home to fine Regto killed – and he’s the primary suspect.

What makes Gachiakuta a unique shonen series?

While the shonen demographic is no stranger to grunge and grime, Gachiakuta stands out in how it handles topics like wealth and class disparity, the justice system, and other timely sociopolitical topics. Aside from its poignancy, Gaciakuta is filled with high-stakes action. After the lead protagonist is thrown into The Pit, he’s give the opportunity to work as a Cleaner, a unique role given to “Givers” – something that Rudo awakens in himself, and fight alongside an exclusive group of individuals that hunt and destroy trash beasts.

For anime fans that enjoyed the highly underrated Dorohedoro, or other eccentric series like Soul Eater will easily latch on to Gachiakuta‘s unique artstyle and modes of story telling. For those that can’t wait to see the series animated, the manga serializes in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine, and is available in both English print and digital editions through retailers like Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Books-A-Million

Having originally begun serialization in 2006 in Square Enix’s shonen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy, Black Butler has become a classic around the globe, having 35 million copies in circulation at time of writing, multiple anime adaptations covering arcs from the manga, live stage plays, and even a Nintendo DS game.

When will Black Butler begin serializing again?

At this time, there’s no word on when Yana Toboso will be returning from her break and get back to work on Black Butler. As announced by the official X account for Monthly GFantasy, the mangaka will be taking a trip to England in order to conduct further research and prepare for the manga’s final story arc as well as taking a much needed break from writing.

With 34 collected volumes and nearly two decades of build up under its belt, fans of the series are both anxious and devastated to hear that the series will be entering its final stretch, but, as the iconic demon butler Sebastian might say, it’s certainly been one hell of an adventure.

The latest episode of My Hero Academia will finally be adapting the fight against Dabi and Shoto Todoroki – a battle that beautifully defines everything that the series has been building up to with both character’s individual arcs.

When will My Hero Academia season 7, episode 8 air?

My Hero Academia season 7, episode 8 will be released on Crunchyroll on June 22, 2024 at 2:30 am PST, 4:30 am CST, 5:30 am EST, and 10:30 GST; shortly after the new episode airs in Japan.

The battle between Todoroki and his estranged older brother is one that fans have been waiting for since the original chapters of the manga released. Based on the episode trailer alone, it seems as though this will be a fight that studio Bones pours their heart and soul into – teasing some of the most fluid animation quality the anime has ever seen.

Delicious in Dungeon follows Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck, and Senshi – an adventuring party delving deep into the dungeons to rescue Falin, Laios’ sister, after being eaten by a terrifying red dragon. While the series initially seems to be a relatively light-hearted rescue-mission begins to unravel and explore deeper themes related to human connection, and the importance of sharing a meal with the ones you love.

Everything we know about ‘Delicious in Dungeon’ season 2

Announced by the show’s official X page, studio Trigger officially announced that season 2 is currently in production. This exciting announcement was paired with an adorable illustration of Laios’ party, and on Kadokawa’s official YouTube channel, a brand-new teaser for the series was released.

The new teaser gives hints at which story arcs the new season will cover, and considering season 1 ended with Laios’ party seemingly joining forces with other adventurers that viewers were introduced to to once again consume pieces of dragon to attempt to save Falin from her curse. For anxious fans that can’t wait to see what happens next, they can always read ahead thanks to Delicious in Dungeon’s manga being officially licensed by Yen Press; available for purchase through retailers like Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 249 ends on the first uplifting cliffhanger we’ve gotten in a while, and anyone who’s read manga knows that any chapter with 50 at the end usually has something special up its sleeve. Here’s the release date and countdown to Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 250!

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 250 Release Date and Countdown

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 249 will be available on Shonen Jump’s Jujutsu Kaisen portal on Sunday, February 11th, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. The back-to-back breaks they took in early January seem to have done wonders for series creator Gege Akutami, as there won’t be a break between Jujutsu Kaisen Chapters 249 and 250

2024 will be a big year for Jujutsu Kaisen, and I think I speak for many fans of this particular point of the Dark Shonen Trio when I say I want to see how every step of the series’ sprint to the finish lands. This handy release chart outlines when new chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen become available in every country the series is (officially) available in, so check it out if you want to know!

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 249 Recap

The chapter opens with a flashback to Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 243, which ends with a recently decapitated Kenjaku swearing that the Culling Game will fulfill its intended purpose, even if he doesn’t live to see it. Relinquishing control over his Cursed Spirit Manipulation Technique, Kenjaku unleashes a storm of Cursed Spirits, forcing Yuta to give his Cursed Spirit familiar Rika permission to rampage.

Seizing the moment, Kenjaku summons one last Cursed Spirit, which he uses to add a new rule to the Culling Game’s ever-changing rulebook: “The right to invoke the great merger between mankind and Tengen will sit with Fushiguro Megumi.” Yuta finishes Kenjaku off with this katana as soon as the words finish exiting his mouth, but it’s already too late.

We then cut back to the present moment, with Yuta engaging Sukuna in a one-on-one blade duel. Generating a second skin of Cursed Energy blades, Sukuna (literally) holds his own against Yuta’s swordsmanship. Unimpressed with Sukuna’s skill, Yuta admits that he feels responsible for Sukuna’s resurrection because he didn’t kill Suguru Geto all those years ago and unleashes his Domain Expansion: Mutal Love of the Real and Fake.

Shielding himself with his Hollow Wicker Basket Technique, Sukuna realizes what Yuta’s planning: while he’s busy fighting Yuta, Yuji will use his unique ability to grab souls to pull Sukuna out of Megumi. The chapter ends with Yuji getting ready to do just that, striking a fierce grappler’s pose.

Of course, Gege Akutami has never missed an opportunity to throw us curveballs, and the sudden arrival of a powerful ally tips the odds in Yuji’s favor and gives fans even more reason to be excited about the next chapter. Speaking of, here’s everything you need to know about the countdown and release date of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 248!

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 249 Release Date and Countdown

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 249 will be released on Sunday, February 4th, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. This marks the second break the series has had in 2024, but given how stressful making manga week-by-week is, Gege has more than earned a break. With the series set to end by December of this year, a week-long break shouldn’t be anything to lose hair over.

2024 will be a big year for Jujutsu Kaisen, and fans worldwide will undoubtedly want to be there to see where the story’s final act will lead. This handy release chart outlines when new chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen become available in every country the series is (officially) available in, so check it out if you want to know!

Related: Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Release Date Schedule 2024: When You Can Expect New Chapters

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 248 Recap

Shrugging off the seemingly decisive blow Yuji dealt him in the last chapter, Sukuna retaliates by casually slicing a hole in his former vessel’s stomach. However, his smugness evaporates once he sees Kirara Hoshi and Ui Ui take Hiromi Higurama away to be healed, and he realizes that Yuji is already healing from the injury, having finally mastered the Reverse Cursed Technique.

Irritated by this development for reasons he doesn’t initially understand, Sukuna spaces out to do some self-reflection (stunning Yuji and the assembled sorcerers). He realizes that he never found a goal greater than pursuing power, while Yuji and his comrades have a mission greater than themselves: killing him. The revelation that ideals can give those he considers weaklings the strength to stand up to him (and that Yuji is the living embodiment of this fact) infuriates Sukuna.

Resolving to kill Yuji and crush his ideals once and for all, Sukuna’s body suddenly changes, growing a face like Master Tengen’s. Atsuya Kusakabe realizes that Kenjaku has given Megumi Fushigoro the power to initiate his plan to merge humanity with Tengen, fulfilling the threat he made after his defeat in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 243.

Announcing his intention to kill everyone still playing the Culling Game and initiate Kenjaku’s master plan, Sukuna sets his sights on Yuji. Before he can close the gap, however, Yuta Okkotsu leaps into the fray and unleashes his monstrous Cursed spirit, Rika, against the King of Curses.

Here’s whether or not the Vinland Saga manga finished, as well as all you need to know about its final arc.

Is the Vinland Saga Manga Over?

Vinland Saga was first released on April 13, 2005, and, despite the author’s belief it would be over in ten years, is still ongoing. The manga is currently in its final story arc, called the “Vinland Arc.” The arc started on December 2, 2019, with the release of chapter 167: Voyage to the West (1). The manga is divided into four parts, all following Thorfinn’s life: War Arc, Slave Arc, Eastern Expedition Arc, and Vinland Arc (the current and final one).

For those wondering whether or not the Arc is close to its end, Makoto Yukimura — the series creator — revealed on Twitter (now X) that the Vinland Arc will have around 50 chapters and more than 1,000 pages in total. Currently, the chapters part of the Vinland Arc add up to around 900 pages. You can check out the post where Yukimura revealed the info below.

What is the Vinland Arc About?

If you don’t mind getting spoiled, the Vinland Arc follows Thorfinn and his crew during their endeavor to build a working and healthy settlement in Vinland. But upon arrival, they are forced to deal with communication difficulties, the suspicion of some highly respected figures, and the belief among some of the settlers that violence is the only path to prosperity.

The story’s future is unknown as we don’t know how historically accurate it will be, but Thorfinn and many other characters of Vinland Saga indeed existed and led an expedition to Vinland. After three years, the colonists gave up and abandoned Vinland, returning to Iceland. Will the author write the same story, or will he create a version in which Thorfinn succeeds? Probably the former — a bittersweet ending, with Thorfinn returning to Iceland with a new perspective on life.

Is Vinland Saga Season 3 Confirmed?

There’s currently no confirmation as to whether or not Vinland Saga will receive a third season, which, if greenlit, will most likely cover the whole Eastern Expedition Arc. If you are like me and cannot wait to see some of your favorite characters — aka Hild — in the anime, I would not worry too much, as the series’ popularity alone is more than enough to guarantee a return. 

For those who cannot wait for the release of a third season to see what happens in the story, you can check out which manga chapter the season ends in on our How to Read the Vinland Saga Manga After Season 2 guide.

Like many other shonen franchises with long-running, epically proportioned storylines, Fairy Tail has been running for the better part of the last two decades, officially beginning in 2006 as part of Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine.

The best way to read every Fairy Tail arc, in order

Fairy Tail follows Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, and other important members of Fairy Tail, one of the most powerful wizard guilds in the world. The story goes through several different story arcs that develop the eccentric cast of characters, the guild, and the world they inhabit, all while dropping hints about the mysterious Zeref and the age of dragons, two of the main plots during the latter half of the series original story line.

The current arc follows the sequel series, Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest, using the same cast of main characters trying to complete the impossible mission known as the “100 Years Quest”, which will be receiving an anime adaptation during the Summer 2024 anime season by studio J.C. Staff.

As can be seen above, Fairy Tail is an expansive franchise, and one of the longer running shonen epics. Something that’s also important to note when looking at the differences between the anime and manga is that the original anime adaptation, which was handled by A-1 Pictures, Dentsu Entertainment, and Satelight.

What is the longest arc in Fairy Tail?

The longest full existing arc in Fairy Tail is the Alvarez Arc with 107 chapters in the manga, although, the longest arc in the anime is the Grand Magic Games arc with 52 episodes compared to Alvarez’s 43 episodes.

We recommend following the Fairy Tail arcs in order, but for those who want the most comprehensive experience of the series. There is a lot to get through; it will be worth it in the long run if you think you will really enjoy the world-building and characters.

Why did Fairy Tail have a time skip?

Warning: The following section contains major spoilers for the rest of the series!

There was a seven-year time skip due to events in the X791 arc which involved the main cast being trapped in a frozen-like state for seven years. This happened a long time ago, showcasing just how long Fairy Tail has actually been running.

Now that you know all of the Fairy Tail arcs you are prepared to go and experience this series for yourself, especially with the series finally making a big comeback this summer with the 100 Years Quest arc finally getting animated and reigniting what fans’ love about the franchise.

Since Solo Leveling is a manhwa, not a manga, it can’t be read through the same channels as One Piece or Jujutsu Kaisen. With that important distinction out of the way, here’s where you can read Solo Leveling online.

Is Solo Leveling Available on WEBTOONS?

Manhwa, shorthand for South Korean webcomics that closely resemble Japanese manga, has become quite popular within the Otaku landscape in recent years. One of the most reliable platforms for manhwa is WEBTOON, a mobile-friendly website that hosts thousands of digital webcomics produced in South Korea.

Related: Solo Leveling Anime Season 1: Episode 1 Release Date

Unfortunately, unlike many other popular manhwa, Solo Leveling is not on WEBTOON. Solo Leveling’s publisher, KakaoPage, is one of WEBTOON’s primary rivals within the manhwa publication sphere. As a result, the adventures of Sung Jin-woo never have, and likely never will, appear on WEBTOON’s homepage.

Where Can You Read Solo Leveling?

While Solo Leveling isn’t on WEBTOONS, it is available on many other websites that host webcomics. The original, non-translated version of Solo Leveling is available on Kakao’s online website. Still, since I’m not fluent in South Korean, I cannot attest to the website’s quality.

Fortunately, non-South-Korean speakers can read Solo Leveling on various websites. Tapas, Pocket Comics, Webnovel, and TappyToon are some of the more popular manhwa platforms out there, and all of them can be downloaded for free on IOS and the Google Play Store.

Related: Every Solo Leveling Character You Need to Know for Season 1

However, there is one unfortunate reality to reading Solo-Leveling on these websites. Unlike Shonen Jump’s online platform, Tapas and the other websites listed above don’t follow a monthly subscription model. Instead, you have to either pay to read every chapter of Solo Leveling individually or spend up to $60 to purchase the long-running power-fantasy epic in its entirety.

One of the biggest hurdles new manhwa readers must overcome is the unfortunate but inescapable fact that manhwa isn’t nearly as accessible as manga. The massive cost of reading manhwa like Solo Leveling through legitimate sources has birthed countless unofficial manhwa websites that post unofficial translations of manhwa featured on Tapas and other legitimate websites.

Sadly, many of the webcomic translations featured on these “underground” websites are of inferior quality to the ones on official websites. Some of these translations are so bad that they get essential information about the world and characters wrong, making them almost impossible to read.

Sad as it is to say, the best way to read Solo-Leveling is through websites like Tapas and pay the chapter-by-chapter fees. However, if the first season of the Solo Leveling anime resonates with audiences well enough, its publisher may commit to making the series available through more accessible channels.

If the end of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247 is anything to go by, Yuji and Sukuna are finally about to come to blows. Here’s everything you need to know about the countdown and release date of Jujtusu Kaisen Chapter 248!

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 248 Release Date and Countdown

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 248 will be released on Sunday, January 28th, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. This marks the first break in Jujutsu Kaisen‘s 2024 schedule. Late last year, series creator Gege Akutami stated that their addition to the Dark Shonen Trio will end by December of this year, and it’s unclear if this break will impact that prediction in any meaningful way.

2024 will be a big year for Jujutsu Kaisen, and fans worldwide will undoubtedly want to be there to see where each turn the story’s final act takes will lead. This handy release chart outlines when new chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen become available in every country the series is (officially) available in, so check it out if you want to know!

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Release Date Schedule 2024: When You Can Expect New Chapters

Where to Read Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247

Jujutsu Kaisen is available on several websites, and the most accessible and user-friendly is Viz Media. Unfortunately, unless you pay for a premium subscription, you’ll be limited in the number of chapters you can read. Another safe option is Manga Plus to avoid buying a subscription.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 248 Recap

Recognizing Higuruma as his most pressing threat, Sukuna targets the defense attorney with everything he’s got. When Yuji intervenes, Sukuna unleashes a devastating new attack: Scales of the Dragon Recoil: Twin Meteors, a mockery of Satoru Gojo‘s signature move, Hollow Technique: Purple. As the dust settles, we’re shown a gruesome full-page panel of a bloody, one-armed Higuruma struggling to stand.

Fortunately, a last-minute save by Choso gives Higuruma a chance to stab one of Sukuna’s hands with the Executioner’s Balde. Unfortunately, Sukuna cancels out the attack by preemptively severing his arm. He then hits Higuruma point-blank with Dismantle, carving the lawyer to ribbons.

However, before he falls in a manner entirely similar to Kento Nanami, Higuruma tosses the Executioner’s Blade to Yuji. Adamantly declaring that he’s a Jujutsu Sorcerer, Sukuna’s former vessel plunges the Executioner’s Blade into the King of Curses back, ending the chapter.

What’s Great About Solo Leveling?

Solo Leveling isn’t always the most groundbreaking work of literature, but it’s remarkably entertaining and succeeds as a strong example of a good manhwa. Thanks to a left-to-right presentation for its print editions, along with color-printed pages, it’s accessible to Western audiences. It also boasts stellar artwork and a style reminiscent of traditional manga.

What Makes A Manhwa Similar to Solo Leveling?

As I’ve gone over in previous pieces, many popular manhwa scratch a common itch similar to Shonen manga featuring gimmicky, months-long fights. In the case of Solo Leveling, manhwa similar to it touches upon its themes including rapid ascent to incredible power, overcoming one’s lower social status, and often a modern-day setting common in most manhwa.

Related: December 2023 in Manga and Manhwa: A Month in Review

The best manhwa similar to Solo Leveling, however, aren’t just carbon copies, but series that steer into their gimmicks, and draw readers into the written medium to seek a broader variety of series. They may share common traits like OP main characters, a penchant for game UIs, and bizarre powers/scenarios creating a sort of inverted isekai plotline, so here are my top 5 picks!

5. Tomb Raider King

I’ve gone over Tomb Raider King already a couple of times at this point, thoroughly appreciating its angles commonly shared with Solo Leveling. It boasts a resurrected protagonist, relics and weapons of ascending potency, and a modern-ish world suddenly littered with dungeon-like areas to explore and raid. While Solo Leveling has Gates, Tomb Raider King has Tombs. Jinwoo Sung is killed in the double dungeon, while Jooheon Suh is betrayed by his colleagues and the raider organization.

The comparisons become more unclear when comparing their personalities, however. Jooheon is certainly more unapologetically manipulative, while Jinwoo has more of a journey to discovering the newfound power he has over people in his new status. But both characters embark on similar paths, an ascent to greater power, this time with the foresight to improve themselves, and their mutual experiences of having felt death’s embrace.

4. Overgeared

I love Overgeared. It’s one of the more upbeat stories comparable to Solo Leveling, although perhaps because it’s got a bit of Sword Art Online isekai mixed in with the OP MC structure. Youngwoo Shin is a player of an in-universe VRMMORPG in this case, as opposed to Jinwoo’s more mysterious “Player” status carried into the perceivable real world.

Overgeared features blacksmithing as Youngwoo forges his way forward, creating incredible equipment to make a living and protect himself. He functions well as part of a team, while still maintaining a similar OP Hero’s Journey narrative.

Jinwoo, upon seemingly dying, receives his quest and path to ascension. Youngwoo dies in-game while on an SS-Rank quest, jumpstarting his own experiences as well. While Youngwoo didn’t suffer the same penalties or stakes, he was brought to Level -1 after a class change, creating a distinctive twist on the formula that’s amusing to read, so check it out!

3. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Knowledge is power, and when you know everything, you can quickly find power over everything. In the case of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, there’s a strong set of common elements shared with Solo Leveling. There’s a stat-building mechanic, a layered and sympathetic protagonist, and existential, fantastical threats to a modern world.

What sets Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint apart is its distinctive appreciation for web novels as a medium. Dokja Kim is the sole reader of “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse,” giving him a unique insight into its various life-or-death scenarios. It’s equal parts MacGuffin and Deus Ex Machina, standing in for a more compelling and overt concept than Solo Leveling’s “System,” I’d argue.

2. The God of High School

Armed with lethal style and a MAPPA anime adaptation already under its belt, The God of High School is a great example of a successful and popular manhwa. This is possibly also the most nebulous comparison to Solo Leveling, as beyond their modern setting, it’s tougher to find the common elements.

While both series are set in the present day, The God of High School deals with martial arts as opposed to the more typical manhwa adventure in Solo Leveling. Instead of parties of hunters crashing gates and storming dungeons, The God of High School is named after its central martial arts tournament.

But despite these differences, their respective paths lead to similar insane levels of strength. The God of High School predates Solo Leveling by 5 years, but with Mori Jin’s surprising heritage from a certain simian monarch, you can mix in more than a fair share of Dragon Ball for the formula, and it’s a highly worthwhile series to check out.

1. Jungle Juice

I will never quite be able to shut up about Jungle Juice. Picking it up at NYCC turned out to be a bit of a life-changing decision of sorts because it’s become my favorite action manhwa. To call it manhwa like Solo Leveling would be an oversimplification. It shares elements with the series, sure, but it arguably also has traits of X-Men, Spider-Man, Vixen, and my all-time favorite superhero, Animal Man, but with a specific focus on insects and arthropods.

Jungle Juice is so good that I suggest you look past any fears of insects before you give it a try. While that sentence feels weird to write out, I stand by it. Suchan Jang as the protagonist is wonderfully engaging, turning slightly away from the Solo Leveling formula. There are no game UIs, and instead, people have been transformed by cans of Jungle Juice, a bug spray that disintegrates bugs and bestows their traits upon the users.

Related: Solo Leveling Episodes 1 & 2 Review

This doesn’t mean people are transformed entirely into bugs, decidedly taking a middle ground between fantasy and Cronenbergian horror. Often this results in aesthetically pleasing infusions of the most important traits, such as Suchan having dragonfly wings yet retaining other human traits like a mostly unchanged body free of insectoid limbs or chitin.

But here’s the kicker: Suchan tried to hide this and blended in as a popular young man. It’s only in embracing his abilities in a life-or-death situation where he became an outcast, and when he was brought into the fold of the Nest, an ‘Xavier’s School’-like haven for others affected by Jungle Juice, he still seeks a cure for his condition. Instead of quickly embracing his new powers, Suchan sees them as a threat to his happy, normal life and wishes to remove them while also discovering how incredibly powerful he is.

With the reward for excelling at the Nest being Cinderella, the key to reversing his condition, Suchan quickly guns for this, while encountering dangerous villains who threaten his classmates. It’s so much more than just another action manhwa like Solo Leveling, yet it can be just as gory, and for what it’s worth, I’d argue its art is streets ahead.

What is Blue Lock’s Manga Release Schedule?

Since Blue Lock is serialized in the Weekly Shōnen Magazine, it is rare for the series to take a break unless there is a holiday in Japan or the magazine itself takes a break. This means we can expect a new chapter to be released every Wednesday in Japan, or technically Tuesdays in the West before translations.

Related: Edens Zero Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

Full Blue Lock Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

Blue Lock has a generally reliable release date schedule for 2024 much like it did in 2023. However, if an unexpected hiatus happens, we will update this Blue Lock chapter release schedule to reflect new release dates.

With only a barely less-packed schedule than last year, you can expect plenty to come from Blue Lock in 2024!

Full Blue Lock Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

Starting the year similarly to last year as it will this year, Blue Lock had a pretty spectacular 2023. The number of chapters that passed may have been excessive while fans waited for one goal to be scored, but it was worth the wait!

You can read Blue Lock manga online from the official Weekly Shōnen Magazine website. Unfortunately, it is not translated into English, and you need a membership to read current issues. If you want to catch up on previous volumes or read some chapters digitally, check out the publisher’s portal here! You can also read over 100 of the first chapters on Mangamo!

What is My Hero Academia’s Manga Release Schedule?

My Hero Academia is released weekly and hardly ever goes on breaks, meaning that you will be able to read the manga every week. Its schedule is pretty similar to the one of Black Clover. If the dates change due to unforeseen circumstances, the data here will be updated to bring you the most accurate release schedule possible.

Related: Oshi no Ko Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule 2023

The story follows Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero but doesn’t have any special abilities, called quirks, like the rest of his peers. After proving his determination to All Might, the number 1 hero and symbol of peace, he gets a chance to attain a new power and make his dreams come true. He starts attending the elite hero training academy and becomes one step closer to his goal.

Full My Hero Academia Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

While the series was originally planned to end in 2023, we can be optimistic about 2024 playing into what’s turning into a crazy final saga for the series. With key villains out of the way, we are rapidly approaching the endgame, so read on for the release date schedule in 2024 for My Hero Academia!

Related: All My Hero Academia Arcs

Given the previous year’s pattern-breaking hiatuses seemingly every 2-4 weeks, and some pretty spectacular art lately, it’ll be understandable if delays happen. We’ll keep you updated here first!

Full My Hero Academia Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

If you’re already thinking about what you’ll be reading when My Hero Academia ends, there are many great new Shonen manga that can interest you, like Wild Strawberry. Or, if you’re interested in trying something new, perhaps manhwa might be up your alley!

What is Chainsaw Man’s Manga Release Schedule?

Chainsaw Man releases on Tuesdays available on Manga Plus and the VIZ Media Chainsaw Man portal, however, it doesn’t always release a new chapter weekly. Fans have come to expect a new chapter of CSM every one to two weeks.

Full Chainsaw Man Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

Here’s our latest up-to-date schedule for Chainsaw Man based on the recent chapter release pattern it had going into 2024. As an ongoing manga that returned with Part 2 in July 2022, it’s had readers ecstatic, even with the surprising shift in character focus.

Aside from holiday breaks, it has a semi-regular schedule, which we’ll revise with any updates including author and publication hiatuses.

Full Chainsaw Man Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

Below you can find the chapter schedule for Chainsaw Man through 2023, a phenomenal year for the series following the stellar reception to the 2022 anime.

Related: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

This series gets 1-week a hiatus lately every 2-4 weeks, much like Jujutsu Kaisen. While every chapter is an anticipated new update for CSM fans, it can be difficult to follow its release date schedule, so we’ll keep this piece updated with any additional author or publication breaks! Keep an eye out, as the series introduces us to the Chainsaw Man Church as Asa’s fame grows — while Denji’s fades.

Top 11 Best Manhwa With An OP Main Character

Manhwa featuring an OP MC is fairly common, as is the case with Shonen manga or Western comics, particularly Marvel and DC. Detractors may believe this lowers the tension of the Hero’s Journey when they see how quickly characters rapidly ascend from humble beginnings, but the truth is, these manhwa are mighty entertaining for what they are. They often represent a radical change or growth in the main character, including maturity, cleverness, raw strength, and even height.

Related: December 2023 in Manga and Manhwa: A Month in Review

How this manifests varies from case to case, though. Some main characters become shrewd or even arrogant, while others remain affable throughout the story, appealing to different readers seeking a different form of escapism. Here are my choices for the 10 best manhwa with an OP MC:

11. Leveling With the Gods

I should clarify to start this list: Leveling With the Gods is considered a webtoon, which is essentially the digital format. These are typically read by scrolling up or down on your phone, and in the case of Leveling With the Gods, it’s a bit trickier to put to print due to impressive vertical panels throughout.

Right away, you’ll notice a pattern that follows many of these series. Despite often never outright pointing it out, the protagonists are faced with game UIs to guide them along their journey. In the case of Kim Yuwon, this brings him into a conflict with the Outer Gods, bringing in a mixture of mythological gods including Greek and Norse legend, a running theme in popular manga. As he is sent back in time by Chronos to reverse the outcome of the war, he begins his rapid ascent in this action-packed series.

10. The World After the Fall

I find this series intriguing because of how quickly it acknowledges its game-like challenges, equipment, and interface with an otherwise real world. The events of The World After the Fall depict an otherwise normal world suddenly threatened by calamity in the form of mysterious towers appearing around the globe.

Sing N Song penned the original story for this in its web novel format, a name you’ll want to recognize later. I found this series quite striking, and while the Tower Impacts felt a bit tropey in terms of popular manhwa plots, the underlying conspiracy is where the readers will inevitably be drawn. Jaehwon, its protagonist, undergoes a series of important developments, namely abilities, weapons, and vanquished enemies he encounters while he ascends the tower. Chief among these is the Awakening concept, a bit of a running theme in several manhwa with OP MC structures.

9. The Gamer

Perhaps the most on-the-nose name in the case of this list, The Gamer features Han Jihan who bears the eponymous moniker. This series features Hanjihan’s experiences with the world reflected by his love for gaming, in a setting where people can ascend (or attempt to ascend) to godhood.

Hanjihan’s abilities, as founder of The Players, have predictably RPG-like foundations including elemental traits, affinities, and more. It’s an interesting blend of incredible feats and mundane activities, making this one more relatable.

8. Kill the Hero

Meet Woojin Kim. Woojin was murdered in a previous timeline, and returns to the past before his awakening as a ‘player’. Noticing a running theme so far? One of the cooler aspects of Kill the Hero is how you can differentiate Woojin’s abilities from others in this list of OP protagonists.

Woojin gets access to a great deal more death and gore-focused abilities here, dealing with his connection to the Underworld. His quest brings him on a warpath to defeat the otherwise righteous hero and leader of his guild who killed him. Combine this with a modern aesthetic and fantastical, varied global mythological influences and you’ve got a standard yet compelling story!

7. Second Life Ranker

Not the first and not even the last to feature monolithic, otherworldly towers the protagonist must ascend on this list, Second Life Ranker is the revenge tale of Yeonwoo Cha. Yeonwoo’s twin brother, Jeongwoo, was the pre-eminent high-ranked Player in the Obelisk (this series’ multi-tiered tower) before his murder at the hands of his teammates. This, along with a powerful keepsake, motivates Yeonwoo to ascend the Obelisk to take his revenge.

The signature defining trait this time around is Yeon-woo’s powers which largely draw from dragons. However, in true OP fashion, he also takes on abilities featuring the other powerful races to appear in this series, including gods, demons, and giants. To top this off, Yeon-woo starts this procession by having a reawakening as part of becoming a Player, another common trait of this series.

6. Player

I love Player because it speaks to the school outcasts who enjoy remedying their social anxiety woes with a little comic escapism. Seoljin Heo seems to have the same fixations as those around him in high school, yet he isn’t able to connect well with others. He despises a manhwa where a main character loses to a stronger enemy because “Losing in real life is enough.” But when his comment on the eponymous webtoon “Player” (getting meta here) got enough likes, he is incarnated into the story.

Ready to prove his mettle in a match, he is….practically disintegrated on the spot. But then he’s brought back as, you guessed it, a Player. Players in this series are destined to climb the Heavenly Arena Terrarium. That’s right, another tower features in this series. But with a great deal more humor, this series offsets its quirky faults by being delightfully self-aware of the tropes it uses. While it’s unfortunately not widely available in English yet, fans were eager to translate this one for those seeking a good story.

5. Tomb Raider King

Taking the route of regressing to an earlier point of the timeline in terms of predictable manhwa story beats, Tomb Raider King has some killer style. It’s got a decent amount of geopolitical commentary thanks to its central gimmicks of relics based on literature, legends, and myths from cultures around the world.

This results in some relics being innately more helpful than others. Some, such as an escape rope from ‘Brother and sister who became the Sun and Moon’ are originally not as strong as Muramasa, and certainly not as powerful as the Hand of Midas or Qin Shi Huang’s Elixir Plant. Still, protagonist Jooheon Suh makes excellent use of each. After dying, he’s sent back 15 years into the past when the relics started appearing around the globe. He takes this opportunity to seize them and grow his power to take revenge against Taejoon Kwon and TKBM who left him for dead.

This series not only embodies a similar structure to other manhwa series with OP MC stories, but it’s also genuinely interesting with a shrewd, hardened protagonist at its core. Plus, I just found it so compelling to see series like Michael Moorcock’s Stormbringer see a reference like some sort of mythological mashup similar to the original book version of Ready Player One.

4. Overgeared

Surprisingly, Overgeared is more isekai than outright modern fantasy stories featured elsewhere on this list. It’s a full-dive VRMMORPG adventure with Youngwoo Shin as the star as he grows his presence in the game “Satisfy”.

Many gamers have dreams of making a livable wage or even getting rich off their obsessions, and that’s not even exclusive to enjoyers of this medium. Overgeared not only empowers Youngwoo to live out this fantasy but to feel a place in the world and carve out a legend for himself. He’s Grid in this world, as he gains the knowledge and skills of a legendary blacksmith along with harnessing a bizarre supposed glitch allowing him to potentially outmatch anybody of a similar level.

Overgeared is not the least bit edgy or overly serious, being a fun comic book for any reader wishing for a little escapism. It’s got possibly the most likable protagonist of the bunch here, and for fans who prefer it in print form, your adventure is just beginning!

3. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

This manhwa might rub it in your face just in what way its MC is OP (what’s more OP than knowing everything?) but it’s also among the best. Based on the original creation by SingNSong (told you it’d come into play later) Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a brilliant story that, contrary to Player‘s central webtoon, allows Dokja Kim to live out the plot of his favorite web novel.

This creates a surreal test of humanity when the world suddenly experiences apocalyptic events where people are pitted against each other in life-or-death scenarios. Dokja proves his cleverness and adaptability numerous times throughout the story thanks to knowing how the events will proceed ahead of time.

While Dokja initially seems arrogant, beneath this facade is a vulnerable character who is his own worst critic. The result is one of the best-conceived protagonists you can enjoy in manhwa,

2. Tower of God

Revisiting Tower of God, I noticed that the art style has had a nice fine-tuning, but perhaps more noteworthy is its prolific run. With over 600 chapters (or episodes) its webtoon is still running today, one of the most beloved manhwa around since its 2010 debut.

What readers will truly enjoy about this series, aside from the usual hallmarks of an OP protagonist, leveling, and towers, is that it’s the formula arguably at its best. The series flows well, is eagerly anticipated both in webtoon and in anime form (Season 2 is coming in July 2024!), and has an approachable lore.

Regulars live within the Outer Towers, chosen to climb the Inner Tower, and Rankers are those who ascend to the top, with Jahad as the God of the Tower. Irregulars, such as Twenty-Fifth Bam come from outside this realm, able to change the world around them. As you dive deeper, the lore expands further and becomes more compelling, as you find that Bam, while increasingly powerful, is surrounded by compelling, compelling characters with intriguing backstories to make them feel more fleshed-out.

1. Solo Leveling

I started this list debating just how high this series would place. In many ways, it embodies many of the common tropes found in other series here. But Solo Leveling…well, it perfects the formula. Jinwoo Sung undergoes a rapid transformation that reminds me a lot of the meek Peter Parker just as he is bitten by a spider. But it’s all done in the setting of a real-world mixed with RPG mechanics.

Jinwoo died as the infamous Weakest Hunter of All Mankind but was given a second chance in the ‘Courage of the Weak’ quest. He’s the only one who seems to suddenly see a game UI pushing him to work out, defeat threats to his progression, and climb the ranks of society. He’s able to fight threats that were normally deadly to him, grow stronger, find powerful weapons, and even just grow taller. The transformation turns him into a poised, tough, hardened warrior who sees his old limits more clearly than ever and works like hell to keep surpassing them.

If not for Jinwoo being 25 years old, I’d have sworn this would fit like a coming-of-age. He has his reawakening after being a burden to others for far too long, and this serves as his way to seize his power. He quickly overpowers or outsmarts all opponents, yet knows when to halt after seeing threats too dangerous for him to tackle just yet. It’s fascinating to watch him try to keep his progression a secret as it would understandably arouse suspicion. He gains admirers and would-be assailants and tries to figure out the secret of the mysterious System protecting him.

Solo Leveling may embody the generic trends many other series in this list have, but it’s well-paced, wonderfully drawn, and utterly so satisfying. It doesn’t hurt that the series has an anime you can enjoy (for which I got to review the premiere!) and I can assure you that this one is likely to go down as one of the most famous manhwa ever.

Table of Contents

• Fun Manga to Read with Female Protagonists
  • I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time Vol. 1
  • My Poison Princess Is Still Cute Vol. 1
  • Sakura, Saku Vol. 1
  • Neighborhood Story Vol. 1
• Charming and Fun Manga for Yaoi and Yuri Fans
  • I Don’t Know Which Is Love Vol. 1
  • Minato’s Laundromat Vol. 1
  • Cheerful Amnesia Vol. 1
• Manhwa for Readers Desiring Killer Style
  • Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom Vol. 1
  • Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Vol. 1
  • Overgeared Vol. 1
  • Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 1
  • Jungle Juice Vol. 2
• Bonus from VIZ Signature

A Cascade of Content Courtesy of VIZ Media and Yen Press

I’ve been delighted to review manga this year as I was generously provided wonderful review copies from VIZ Media, and recently Yen Press along with their imprint IZE Press. The result has had the effect not only of showcasing the strengths and appeal of print manga and manhwa. They take up an impressive portion of even the largest book retailers.

But another impressive achievement of this has been to shine the spotlight on series under these publishers that deserve far more exposure. So I’ve been delighted by the recent deluge of content as we close the year, and while some are inevitably not all superstar series, many are worth consideration. Whether you’re wishing your loved one a happy holiday, treating yourself to a good read, or want to wish somebody an especially joyful Monday, here are the series I’ve been able to review for December 2023.

Related: Solo Leveling Episodes 1 & 2 Review

Fun Manga to Read with Female Protagonists

The first batch of reviews was a healthy balance of Yen Press and VIZ Media series along with some highly anticipated Shojo series. These stories feature characters seizing their agency, finding their place in the world, and occasionally finding love.

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time Vol. 1

Ahh word soup, the first phrase I thought when even seeing this title. This is a case of a series being compelling enough as a concept that the concept just became the name, burying any mystique. I had to search Crunchyroll among similar series with overly syntax-laden names to make sure I didn’t see this one already.

But don’t let my words sound like a poor impression, because once I got past this I found an entertaining, relatable manga. It’s got a medieval fantasy RPG premise that’s all the rage, and its central character is what happens when you put a disgruntled professional’s personality into an NPC. We’ve all been there, asked to go into overtime or pushed into it by the circumstances.

But in the case of Alina Clover, she’s having none of it, having signed on to be a guild receptionist for a comfortable life. If there’s an especially troublesome dungeon boss causing adventurers to tie her time up, she’ll solo the boss like a certain jar-headed Malenia slayer. Does she want to be celebrated as a hero or be invited into the Silver Sword guild? No, she wants to clock out and go home, and any monster who disrupts that for her is not long for this world.

The strengths of this series lie largely in its protagonist, but I found the supporting cast to fall somewhat flat. It’s well-drawn, with decent paneling, and it’s fun for a romp, but it’s not exactly water-cooler fiction. Not that there’s anything wrong with a little fun light reading!

3/5

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time Vol. 1 was released by Yen Press on October 17, 2023.

My Poison Princess Is Still Cute Vol. 1

This one has an endearing premise, with the demon Princess Raffy being so naturally poisonous that she’s considered a biological weapon. If you weren’t won over already by that stunted description, the story opens with her being married off in an attempt to broker peace with humanity. Her groom Loren, however, is perfect for her, not because her poison doesn’t affect him, but because he just reincarnates. Why does the charming knight continue to respawn for the princess who kills him just by being nearby?

He’s in love. It’s as simple as that. Loren is a gem in this, being so accepting finding everything about Raffy adorable, and discovering his boundaries with her shrink. Raffy helps this by meeting him halfway, speaking with her many confidants to understand her developing feelings, and what causes her to emit poison to begin with.

The paneling on this series is something I notice about a lot of the Yen Press review copies I got, being rigidly structured yet easy and approachable. The art has a cartoonish, spritely feel to itself, and Raffy and Loren make for a charming couple who break down boundaries despite being in an arranged marriage. It’s a wholesome story featuring a protagonist whose journey to loving herself leads to her being able to accept affection when she didn’t think it was possible.

4/5

My Poison Princess Is Still Cute Vol. 1 was released by Yen Press on December 12, 2023.

Sakura, Saku Vol. 1

This one was impossible to miss, with VIZ Media living rent-free with expertly targeted advertising in this case. Sakura, Saku is a Shojo Beat manga I thoroughly appreciate, with it feeling at times like it’s grasping at a love story, but at other times it feels like a coming-of-age or even just a character study. Why do people do good deeds? Do they do them with the desire of others’ gratitude, or is the simple act of kindness enough of a motivator?

It’s a simple premise, but wonderfully executed. Saku Fujigaya was sick to the point of being ready to pass out, only for a guardian angel to look out for her before she collapsed in a compromising spot. When she woke up in the hospital, protector by her unknown protector Ryosuke Sakura, she quickly sought a way to thank him, while taking his kindness to heart, paying it forward to the people around her.

Her changes are noticeable, and when she gets led thanks to Haruki Sakura, Ryosuke’s brother, she tries to get him to bring the letter to Ryosuke. But she quickly learns that Haruki is a wise and warm confidant beneath his blunt exterior. In truly getting to know the people with whom she bonds on this journey of personal discovery, Saku might discover beautiful friendships or possibly more.

While the paneling and presentation are certainly cinematic, what I admire about this manga is the expressiveness of its characters. Something about blushing faces in Shojo manga hits differently. Seeing Saku’s persistent state of wonder, gratitude, and pensiveness juxtaposes nicely with Haruki’s otherwise expressionless face, belied by his eyes beckoning you to an ocean of depth. This was also a total page-turner and I realized pretty quickly that while it’s certainly a potentially solid love story, I also love how much potential Saku and Haruki have to continue to grow.

4.5/5

Sakura, Saku Vol. 1 was released by VIZ Media on November 14, 2023.

Neighborhood Story Vol. 1

Neighborhood Story existed long before creator Ai Yazawa’s iconic Nana series, and it hit the presses back in 1995. However, English-language readers couldn’t enjoy this thoughtful, layered storytelling until December 2023. Knowing of Nana’s popularity, with my Shojo-reading friends raving about it, I had to give Neighborhood Story a fair run.

It’s fantastic. Often I find popular manga, especially from the 90s and 2000s, guilty of giving us great protagonists and supporting characters, but forgetting about the latter as their runs go on. But in Neighborhood Story, I found Mikako Kouda and her childhood friend Tsutomu Yamaguchi to be an entertaining and thoughtful love story. Still, suddenly their friends, former romantic partners, and family felt so essential. They provided unique insight, and it felt like they noticed along with the readers when Mikako was in emotional turmoil.

When the story shifts to characters like Mariko or Yusuke, it doesn’t feel like B-plots, and their journeys feel equally compelling. This is what a proper ensemble cast should feel like, and Shonen creators should take notes on how it balances its cast. Between each series in this segment, I found no two mangas looked alike, and not in the mere sense of different artists.

Neighborhood Story has an extremely distinctive art style that thrives when it hyper-fixates on characters in close-ups, with Mikako’s thoughtful, spunky, pouty expressions popping off the page. Platonic and romantic love often overlap via frustrating nuances, and it’s the type of tension that feels far more genuine and relatable than will-they-won’t-they sitcom antics. It doesn’t hurt that the book itself is as expressive as its star, a hot pink paperback with heart-shaped flourishes perfect for fans of quintessential 1990s Shojo manga.

5/5

Neighborhood Story Vol. 1 was released by VIZ Media on December 5, 2023.

Return to Table of Contents here or read on!

Charming and Fun Manga for Yaoi and Yuri Fans

Yen Press had an impressive slate here, with several series varying in tone and tension featured. This is also not the only instance of me reviewing BL property this year, and I hope to bring those numbers up in 2024, as Sasaki and Miyano were a gem.

I Don’t Know Which Is Love Vol. 1

This was the first Yuri manga I ever read, and my close friend pointed out this one to me when I sent her pictures of YP’s manga display at New York Comic Con. I had to check it out, and quickly discovered a fun romp inside!

I Don’t Know Which Is Love is a Yuri harem, essentially, where Mei Soraike enrolls in college with the clear ambition of getting a girlfriend. However, she quickly finds out that there are a ton of attractive women, including fellow students and even a teacher! It’s possibly the most predictable template possible for a harem series, but Mei’s character is plenty of fun, being genuinely flustered by all of her prospective partners.

Virtually every interaction Mei has digs her deeper into a romantic hole where she can’t decide for herself on a partner. It knows how to draw the reader in to wonder who her genuine partner is, with just enough hints at who it wants us to expect. Each character has fascinating gimmicks that bring them closer to Mei, including things like being attracted to her voice, being a mentor to her while allowing her to express her sexuality, or just outright sharing a bed with her. It’s definitely at the end of romantic fantasies, and it’s difficult to say how it’ll end, but it’s a cute, casual read.

3.5/5

I Don’t Know Which Is Love Vol. 1 was released by Yen Press on August 22, 2023.

Minato’s Laundromat Vol. 1

This one had a bit more of a familiar BL structure, with its two male leads being attracted to one another, and internalizing it for a predictably frustrating amount of time. But Akira Minato has a justifiable reason to bottle it up: he’s in his 30s, and his crush, Shintaro Katsuki, is in high school!

The result is a significantly more complicated bond between the two. Shintaro develops his attraction to Akira, while Akira conceals it due to everything from their age gap to dealing with some previous unresolved issues. The romantic tension in this series is the most palpable of any of the romance manga I was sent, but it’s also the most troubling.

Yet, Shintaro’s connection to Akira never quite crosses the line, to Akira’s credit. Their sexuality is quickly revealed to each other, and I’ll say that Akira’s fixations go on the gratuitous side, but it’s tough to say what’s to be expected when you’re bottling up your sexual feelings for long enough. The tension erupts near the end of the volume, sure, but there’s enough to have readers wonder what’ll happen for the pair.

What sets this volume apart is its lovely bonus manga and even a small light novel portion in the back by Yuzu Tsubaki, the original author. But what I find from continuing to read these BL stories is that seemingly no other manga genre is as potent when it comes to two characters, looking each other in the eyes, with tension thick enough to cut with a knife while they lay their flirtatious proverbial cards on the table.

4.5/5

Minato’s Laundromat Vol. 1 was released by Yen Press on October 17, 2023.

Cheerful Amnesia Vol. 1

This one is fun as it features two women who are already in a committed relationship, but with a hook; Mari winds up taking care of Arisa when amnesia strikes, wiping 3 years from her memory. Despite the pair living together, Arisa has to adjust to all of it, with everything being a novelty.

The result is wholesome as hell. Mari is perfectly accommodating to Arisa who is just in awe of the two being together. Arisa is innocent but in curious way where she wants to rediscover her sexuality with her lover, but often has to pace herself. But the element that sets this apart from being too similar to 50 First Dates is the fact that it’s a Yuri romance.

See, later on in the series Mari laments her fears upon learning Arisa lost her memory. She feared she wouldn’t be accepted as her partner, as if their mutual attraction wouldn’t last. But Arisa is steadfast and loyal to her girlfriend, despite getting incredibly shy and overwhelmed when the two express affection or intimacy. It reads like a collection of comic strips or short stories, making it easy not to get lost in the plot. It’s adorable, a breezy read, and saccharine in a good way.

4/5

Cheerful Amnesia Vol. 1 was released by Yen Press on October 24, 2023.

Return to Table of Contents here or read on!

Manhwa for Readers Desiring Killer Style

2023 was the year I finally got to talk about manhwa and Korean print comics. It’s been a fascination of mine, and with Yen Press’ wonderful IZE Press imprint supplying us with fantastic books, I knew I’d get a chance to showcase some of my favorite reads. Sadly, I’m not able to review some of their most talked-about series like The Horizon just yet, but I did get to check out some truly special series nonetheless.

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom Vol. 1

This premise is an interesting blend of Isekai and Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom brings us a reincarnated Abigail Friedkin, former evil stepmother of Snow White (or Princess Blanche in this case) who is far less evil this time around. Inhabited by Lily Lee, a fashion designer from the present, Abigail wishes to correct the course of her stepdaughter’s upbringing and bring a smile to the girl’s face.

The gimmick here is that Abigail still outwardly presents with her usual traits making it hard to trust her. She’s got a terrifying smile, a reputation for cruelty that precedes her, and a husband who is mercilessly untrusting and cold toward her. It’s an uphill battle for Abigail then, as she tries to make Blanche happy while winning back the trust of her servants.

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom is well-executed but does have a few distracting flaws, namely the backgrounds. It seems accurate to claim that Mo9Rang isn’t very good at drawing detailed backdrops, so you’ll notice most shots focus entirely on the characters with the environment almost always blurred. This is a style choice, but it feels limiting when set in such an elegant, noble background. I’ll say it first, I can’t draw backgrounds from scratch either, and I arguably can’t draw at all, but it’s nonetheless a weaker aspect of the series. However, seeing Abigail win over Blanche’s heart over time? Priceless.

3.5/5

Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom Vol. 1 was released by IZE Press on August 22, 2023.

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Vol. 1

I’ve found that many of the manhwa I review tend to feature characters struggling to find acceptance in the face of some body-altering gimmick. Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is precisely no different, introducing vampires to the mix.

The story starts strong, with the main character Sooha withdrawing further into herself as her childhood friend, Chris, is being buried with bite marks on his neck, and a stake through his heart. It’s striking, and also super frustrating because that’s the most interesting part of the story before it all-too-quickly jumps to the present where we see Sooha going to a new boarding school.

The school explicitly forbids vampires from attending, which is good news for Sooha, because she tells her new classmate, Heli. You’ll never guess his secret, and if his otherworldly eye color and handsome appearance aren’t enough of a tip-off, I won’t say any more. I appreciate that Sooha’s story draws her closer to Heli and his fellow vampires, none of whom wish to reveal their secret to Sooha, but find this story doesn’t have as good of a flow.

Despite vampires being seen as a clear and present danger in the beginning, that intensity screeches to a halt as the story spends extra time padding out the ensemble cast introductions. 7 secret vampires along with Sooha, whose own powers are concealed for fear of being revealed as a vampire, make for an interesting dynamic. Heli’s chemistry with Sooha is engaging, and supporting characters like Shion are a hoot, but beyond a visually attractive series, I find this to be a slower burn and hope that Volume 2 picks up some steam beyond predictable vampires vs. werewolves drama.

2.5/5

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Vol. 1 was released by IZE Press on December 12, 2023.

Overgeared Vol. 1

Maybe I’m just the target audience because despite this (and other series in this list) strongly resembling Solo Leveling, I LOVED Overgeared. It is your usual fare, a VRMMORPG player who isn’t overly capable but wishes to make a living as a famous player of the game discovers a life-changing quest.

Shin Youngwoo is a ‘Satisfy’ player who, despite his love for the game, was nothing special in real life or the game. This was the case until an anomaly in the software turned his quest into a metamorphosis when he underwent a class change to become the successor to a legendary classman. It also reset his level to 1 before he was instantly killed in the game, dropping him to Level -1, without the stat penalties resulting in him being able to grow at a better rate than anybody else.

This, essentially, is a power fantasy, but in a more unique sense, it’s a “power gamer” fantasy where Shin can chart a new path for himself. He’s able to quickly learn to craft masterwork items to sell in the in-game economy and make fat stacks, while potentially making amazing gear to carry into battle. It doesn’t hurt that Shin is truly likable and takes advantage of this clever premise, turning it from a more generic Isekai story into a clever story for RPG fans to root for, with this being a personal favorite of mine.

4.5/5

Overgeared Vol. 1 was released by IZE Press on October 24, 2023.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 1

While Overgeared was the “power gamer” fantasy and Solo Leveling was the OP Hero’s Journey, I like to think of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint as the “rules lawyer” fantasy. It stars Dokja Kim as an office worker and web novel enthusiast whose favorite series has him as its only reader. He comes across the final chapter and soon finds himself contacted by the creator to thank him, where the story takes a turn.

After being contacted about the story becoming paid content at 7 PM despite it having such poor readership, Dokja sees the world devolve into bedlam. Moreover, it resembles events from the book so closely that Dokja realizes the book he was reading, “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse” has bled into the real world. As the only reader, he therefore had insight into the life-threatening game imposed upon humanity, along with all of its rules.

Dokja turns from a meek salaryman into a clever and ruthless strategist. When faced with a life-or-death choice, he brilliantly bucks the notion that he’d have to take innocent lives to fit the demands of TWSA’s strange godly creatures. Fantasy has bled into reality on an epic scale, and while it feels similar to many other manhwa with its depiction of RPG mechanics in the real world, it still feels unique.

It’s possibly the most blood-soaked manhwa on this list, but the action-packed visuals and premise of a man with intimate knowledge and rules of the future can forge his destiny are among the most compelling reads yet.

4.5/5

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Vol. 1 was released by IZE Press on December 12, 2023.

Jungle Juice Vol. 2

I will open by saying this: if you haven’t read Jungle Juice, it is a ‘must-read.’ This was possibly the first series to jump out at me when I started looking into covering it, and there are several factors to credit here. I’m a Western reader, growing up initially on Western comics with a love for Spider-Man and X-Men, you know, *chuckle* the indies. But Jungle Juice scratches the itch I have for both of those series, along with all-time favorites like Animal Man.

Jungle Juice’s second volume continues Suchan’s journey as he learns to control his dragonfly powers. In this volume, he and his class are increasingly keen on performing well and protecting each other from the threats of ominous figures like “The Breeder” and we get treated to significant character-driven stories. Huijin’s story was a treat to behold, where we finally see the source of her powers, and I must say, it’s the most compelling, most awesome interpretation of the strengths of a certain infamous arthropod.

But beyond that, even just the small interactions with minor characters help us see significant growth. Suchan’s rigid desire to be “normal” again is chipped away at when he is faced with a child’s perspective on dragonflies and their roles in nature. It’s wholesome yet factual, and the “did you know” energy feels like a genuine, proper channeling of a child’s voice, making Suchan feel better about himself. The acceptance angle is solid in this manhwa, and this, along with his budding affection for Huijin, makes him a joy to watch.

But the action. THE ACTION. This manhwa is full of killer panels where the characters channel their bug-related powers, or complex, into something that feels like a truly iconic modern Shonen manga should be. Seeing Suchan channel his furiously glowing Compound Eyes in his fits of rage is intense. It smartly interprets more bugs and their characteristics, showcasing characters each with unique strengths and abilities. It’s not just super-strength in play. We’re talking razor-sharp barbs from a Goliath Birdeater, or the immense strength and durable chitin of an Emperor Scorpion. It’s clever and feels incredibly fresh.

Everybody has a signature attack they begin to develop, and the posing, along with vivid color and raw, primal emotion driving many scenes, makes it a delight to read. Jungle Juice is my favorite action manhwa, but it’s also among my favorite current comics in general, and I urge any fans reading this to check it out. You’ll also be excited to learn it’s part of a larger ‘Super String Universe’!

5/5

Jungle Juice Vol. 2 was released by IZE Press on December 12, 2023.

Return to Table of Contents here or read on!

Takopi’s Original Sin: An Emotionally Devastating Manga Story from Taizan5

My last review of this feature will discuss Takopi’s Original Sin. Sitting at just over 400 pages, this story was a cautionary Shonen series despite clearly being more of a Seinen read. An adorable interplanetary octopus who adopts the name Takopi wants nothing more than to make the humans he encounters happy. It’s in doing this that we see the unintentional, relentlessly cruel stream of events he unleashes.

Takopi learns a harsh lesson about how intentions don’t always negate results. His life’s purpose is to make others happy, at least for humans, this occasionally means giving into our misery to properly process trauma. While it was sweet and endearing, Takopi attempted and failed to make humans happy in this story, and with the help of some alien gadgets, he even had access to do-overs.

But this created a brutal causal loop, a bit of a trope in modern fiction where he continuously failed despite countless attempts. Where the series differentiates from others is the diabolical plot developments that cause that loop to snap. The series goes to some truly dark places but is remarkably heartfelt and will hit readers like a truck. But finishing this story can be oddly therapeutic.

The story is not the first to approach such dark subject matter. The film Mean Creek comes to mind, especially with its unflinching portrayal of bullying, misery, complex moral decisions, and death. But as a manga, you’re given the freedom to approach it at your pace and come back to it however slowly you need to. But I strongly recommend it, as the strongest collected story I’ve seen perhaps all year.

5/5

Takopi’s Original Sin was released by VIZ Signature on November 21, 2023.

I adore manga, manhwa, and print comics in general as a storytelling medium. They can be as challenging or as thought-provoking as any print novel, and the complex art within is always a nice bonus. I look eagerly forward to talking more about my favorite manga going into 2024, and I strongly suggest you consider the series featured on this list if you’re looking for something new!

Return to Table of Contents here.

_{These reviews couldn’t have been possible without the help of VIZ Media and Yen Press, who have generously supplied review copies of each series featured here.}

With many of the series’ strongest (and most popular) characters locked in a free-for-all against the deadliest sorcerer ever born, the stakes of the battle against Sukuna have never been higher. Here’s the release date and countdown for Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247 Release Date and Countdown

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247 will be released on Sunday, January 7th, at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET. As is often the case with the turning of the year, most manga published in Shonen Jump will take a one-week break to celebrate the first week of the New Year.

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular manga in the world, and new chapters are released at different times in different countries. Here’s a time zone release chart for new chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen if you want to know when new chapters will be released in your region!

Related: Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

Where to Read Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 247

The story of Jujutsu Kaisen is full of exciting twists and gut-wrenching turns, and you can read the whole thing on Viz Media. Unfortunately, unless you get a premium subscription, you can only read the three most recently released chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Related: 10 Strongest Female Characters in Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 246 Recap

With Higuruma’s Deadly Sentencing failing to suppress Sukuna’s Cursed Energy, the King of Curses can unleash his wrath on the lawyer. Fortunately, Atsuya Kusakabe teleports in and uses Shadow Style: Simple Domain to suppress Sukuna’s own Domain Expansion, and Yuji Itadorio, Choso, and Tatsuma Ino soon join him.

As cavalier and dismissive as ever, Sukuna initially holds his own against all five combatants, but the tide shifts in our heroes’ favor when Ino unsheaths Kento Nanami’s blunt sword, which has been infused with Nanami’s innate Cursed Technique. This catches Sukuna off-guard and gives Yuji a chance to get in close and get a few good punches on his long-time tormentor.

At that moment, Higuruma reveals that the actual end goal of Sukuna’s trial was to use the Executioner’s Blade to kill Sukuna without hurting Megumi Fushigoro. Unfortunately, it looks like Higuruma is willing to sacrifice himself to save Yuji’s best friend, viewing it as atonement for his past transgressions.

With a fascinating new aspect of the enchanted katana’s unearthly powers now out in the open, the world of Kagurabachi is set to become even more exciting. Here’s the countdown and release date for Kagurabachi Chapter 15.

Kagurabachi Chapter 15 Release Date and Time

Kagurabachi Chapter 15 is scheduled to be released on December 24th, 2023, at 8 AM PT / 9 AM MT / 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET. Kagurabachi is rapidly becoming one of the most popular Manga in Shonen Jump’s catalog, and new chapters are uploaded on several manga publication websites and apps. Of the ones I’ve personally used, Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and Manga Portal are the best!

Related: Kagurabachi Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can

Kagurabachi‘s story rarely stops to take a breath, so you’ll want to be there to catch every chapter as it’s released. Fortunately, we’ve constructed a Kagurabachi time zone release guide to help you do that!

SPOILERS: Kagurabachi Chapter 14 Recap

Having discovered the location of Sojo’s hidden laboratory, Chihiro infiltrates the facility to save Char before she undergoes another of the wicked sorcerer’s twisted experiments. Unfortunately, Chihiro’s wrecked body has barely begun to heal, and the swordsman’s cover is soon blown.

Realizing he’s in no condition to fight the sorcerers guarding the facility head-on, Chihiro uses his swords to kill the lights and retreats. Lamenting his lack of power, Chihiro nearly falls into despair, causing him to remember his conversation with his father, Kunishige, who told him to keep a cool head and be flexible in mind and body.

Related: One Piece Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

Filled with renewed determination, Chihiro steps out of hiding and faces his foes head-on, revealing the third and final of his enchanted sword’s techniques, Shred. While the details of his new ability aren’t shown before the chapter ends, its activation causes the laboratory’s halls to fill with the phantasmal goldfish that appear whenever Chihiro uses his abilities.

Based on its name alone, Shred is Chihiro’s most potent attack, but it may also be the most dangerous, Based on what he says right before the chapter ends, Chihiro doesn’t believe he’ll be alive much longer, implying that using Shred comes at an even greater cost to his body than his other techniques.

The long-running series doesn’t stop attracting attention and new fans, but with over a thousand chapters, it can be hard to keep up with it. At least, even though Oda says he’ll finish the manga soon, we probably still have tons of time.

What is One Piece’s Manga Release Schedule?

One Piece is released weekly, like Mashle: Magic and Muscle and most of the Shonen Jump manga, but Oda also often takes breaks after publishing three chapters, making the schedule a bit different. That allows Oda to take a breather and think more about the story while also letting us reflect on everything that happened in the story (and, of course, craft more theories).

Related: One Piece Manga Will Take a Break After Chapter 1086

You can read the three most recent chapters of One Piece on the Manga Plus website for free to catch up on the latest chapters or subscribe through the VIZ Media One Piece portal for the full library. If you are reading on a mobile device, you can also download the Shonen Jump Manga reader app to read all official Shonen Jump Mangas.

Full One Piece Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2024)

The release schedule for the One Piece manga in 2024 will likely resemble other schedules in terms of the weekly pattern along with irregular breaks.

While it’s impossible to fully predict Oda’s documented trend of breaks every few weeks, sometimes stretched into multi-week hiatuses, we recommend you check here frequently!

Full One Piece Manga Chapter Release Date Schedule (2023)

Here is the complete list of releases for 2023. As there were indeed many hiatuses, don’t be surprised to see 2024’s schedule change in similar fashion!

We will update this schedule with any hiatus taken, such as by Oda-sensei or by Weekly Shonen Jump. With every new chapter hailed as a blockbuster and peak Shonen anime by its legion of fans, this is a good resource to keep handy!

Unfortunately, right before his death sentence can be carried out, Sukuna reveals and exploits a technicality within Higuruma’s ability that effectively renders his trial mute. Here’s the official record of what went down in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 245.

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 245 Leaks: The Trial of Sukuna Begins… And Ends

Before it gets into the minutia of Sukuna’ ‘s trial, Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 245 dedicates a few pages to showing the jujutsu sorcerer community’s plan to take down his gender-neutral ally, Uraume. Uraume’s ice-baed Cursed Technique makes them a dangerous threat, but our heroes have a perfect way to counter them in Kinji Hakari.

Related: Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Release Date Schedule 2023: When You Can Expect New Chapters

A master martial artist armed with one of the most potent Cursed Techniques in the series, Kinji more than manages to hold his own against Uraume, who openly acknowledges Kinji’s strength by saying they no longer see him as a human being. Jujutsu Kaisen fans didn’t take long to notice that his compliment matched an earlier assessment of Kinji delivered by Jujutsu Kaisen 0‘s Yuta Okkutsu, and many were happy to report their findings on Twitter.

We’re then brought back to the trial of Sukuna, with Higurama declaring to the court that Sukuan bears full responsibility for murdering hundreds of civilians during the Shibuya Incident. Sukuna doesn’t even bother defending himself since he considers any form of justice that does not take the form of trial by combat a complete waste of time.

This admission earns Sukuna a guilty verdict from Higumra’s shikigami Judgeman, allowing the sentencing portion of the trial to proceed. With Sukuna’s Cursed Energy output suppressed and Higurama armed with the Executioner’s Sword, the King of Curses’ fate appears to be sealed… until it isn’t.

In a twist no one except Sukuna saw coming, it’s revealed that Higumra’s Cursed Technique defaults to suppressing the defendant’s Cursed Weapon if they have one when the trial starts. Since Sukuna held the Cursed Weapon Kamutoke when he was brought into the courtroom, only the weapon’s power is suppressed, leaving Sukuan free to unleash his devastating Cursed Technique on an unsuspecting Higurama.

Does Higurama Die in Jujtsu Kaisen Chapter 245?

As of Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 245’s final panel, things don’t look ideal for Higurama. The defense attorney takes a blow from one of Sukuna’s Cursed Energy blades, which carves a few massive chunks out of him. While Atsuya Kusakabe does leap in to absorb some of the blow, Higurama does take a good amount of damage.

Higurama’s dead-pan demeanor and sympathetic past have made him one of the more popular recent additions to Jujutsu Kaisen‘s cast, and his death would undoubtedly upset many fans. With that said, it would also provide Yuji with even more license to unleash his full fury on Sukuna, who has been worn down significantly by Satoru Gojo and Hajime Kashimo.