Manga is highly influential, but it isn't a monolith; it represents various styles, genres, and subjects. As such, many different people across the world have created works that are manga-like. Here are some selections that are well worth reading.
Compiled by:
Josh C
The AwlSeries: Awl
A tense recounting of the Korean labor movement in the early 2000s that speaks to workplace injustices that continue to this day—not only in Korea, but worldwide. This is the story of those that resist and fight for a better world not only for themselves, but those around them.
Grass
A haunting graphic novel that explores the life of a comfort woman forced into sexual servitude by the Japanese military during WWII. This powerful story not only sheds light on a dark chapter in history, but also honors the resilience and struggles of those who survived.
Devil's CandySeries: Devil's Candy
An incredible artistic endeavor that oozes with equal parts ichor and cutesy goth style. Follow the tale of a mad scientist and his creation, who now has to learn to live in an absurd new world filled with monsters and mayhem. Funny, cute, and clever, a dark comedy worth reading with characters that are instantly memorable.
Not-Sew-Wicked StepmomSeries: Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom
A hilarious and heartwarming reimagination of the tale of Cinderella only told from the wicked stepmother’s perspective. What do you do when you find yourself reborn as a hated villain? For this main character, you become a clumsy but lovable stepmom who does her best to dote on her children and improve the world around her.
Dog Days
Content warning: This story is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, but perhaps, more of the latter. However, if you can look past the heartbreak, you'll be enthralled by the narrative that explores the relationship between dogs and humans, dogs and themselves, and dogs in the wild.
Omniscient Reader's ViewpointSeries: Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
This story is filled with drama, victory and loss, and the ability of the human spirit to not only survive, but thrive in times of peril. A true epic that explores a changed, broken, and doomed world, and the monsters and heroes that now call it home.
The God of High SchoolSeries: God of High School
This tale is akin to a shonen battle comic, where the main characters are inevitably set on a path to become so powerful that they'll punch the very face of enemies, historical characters, or whatever literal god stands in their way. A classic that pumps out the action and focuses on fully developing characters.
Orisha. Volume 1, With Great PowerSeries: Orisha
In this West African-inspired shonen manga, a kind-hearted outcast unexpectedly gains godlike abilities after fusing with a celestial seed. To protect his world, he must master his newfound Orisha powers and find allies before they fall into the hands of those seeking conquest. A high stakes fantasy tale that explores whether compassion can prevail in a world driven by greed and immense power.
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
The infamous Wei Wuxian, founder of the Demonic Path, left a trail of chaos and hatred in his wake, until he was brought down by those closest to him backed by rival clans. But death isn’t the end. He is reincarnated, gets kidnapped by his arch-enemy Lan Wangji, and hilarity ensues. As they battle monsters and unravel mysteries, Wei Wuxian discovers Lan's unwavering demeanor hides a major crush.
Solo LevelingSeries: Solo Leveling
A power fantasy to the nth degree that tells the story of Sun Jin-woo who starts as the weakest hunter. After gaining a unique ability that allows him to level up his skills, he begins a journey toward greatness, aiming not only to defeat but to control the monsters that threaten his world.