Shounen Manga
Manga
These are all some pretty good shounen manga! Some of these are pretty popular while others are pretty niche but I decided that as long as it’s shounen, I’ve read the manga and liked it, I added it to the list. That means there are fantasy series, delinquent series, isekai, sports manga, and etc. I hope you find something interesting to read in here! Have a blast!
Manga, 74 vol, 2001
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Author:10
Bleach is the only anime out of the big three that I’ve watched the anime for and read the manga for. I love Bleach but I’ve gotta say that the manga is just better than the anime. Well, so far at least. I have high hopes for the TYBW arc animation. I enjoy the art and that it’s not censored to satisfy younger readers. I enjoy the characters as Kubo is very good at characterization and creating depth and mystery. I enjoy everything about this story. Give it a read if you haven’t.
Manga, 28 vol, 2009
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Author:8
This is a funny and emotional series that has me .hook, line, and sinker. It’s one of my favorite shounen series and I love everything about it. I’m sad that it isn’t more popular. Give this a read.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
Assassination Classroom
Manga, 21 vol, 2012
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This series is a very heartwarming one, it has me in a vice grip and I love every second of it. Definitely read it if you haven’t.
Manga, 37 vol, 2005
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Author:9
Baki is probably one of the coolest, ridiculous stories I’ve ever read. The fights are awesome and the muscles in this series are so awesome I could cry. It’s just a fun, action packed series that deserves a lot of love.
Sousei no Taiga
Taiga of Genesis
Manga, ? vol, 2017
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This series is amazing. It’s a wonderful series with great characters and an amazing plot and setting. Every chapter makes me excited to read the next and it’s so beautifully drawn that I can’t help but sigh at it. I love this series so please go and read it.
Manga, 4 vol, 2014
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Author:8
This manga is such a fun series and I don’t know many people who have actually read it. It’s action packed and the main characters are so fun and cool. There’s even a sprinkle of romance in there and I’m a sucker for that too. Definitely go ahead and read this underrated gem.
Manga, 5 vol, 2016
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I really wish this series didn’t get dropped because it was so interesting. I recommend reading it despite the abrupt ending because it is a really interesting read regardless. I just think that the premise and the characters are interesting enough to read even if it doesn’t have a proper ending.
Manga, ? vol, 2014
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This shounen is an isekai that I actually quite like because I relate to the main character as a bookish type person. It’s not an overly incredible series or anything but it’s just mindless fun for me. There are some things that I find a bit skeptical about in this manga like the abundance of loli characters. If there’s a girl it’s very rarely one that seems like an adult which is definitely a minus for me. I don’t like any ships in this series for that exact reason and although the main character doesn’t find interest in any of them, at least yet, I haven’t dropped it. However, if he ends up getting with one of those girls I’m dropping it.
Yondome wa Iya na Shizokusei Majutsushi
The Death Mage
Manga, ? vol, 2018
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This isekai series is really good and it’s pretty dark and can be pretty gory. It’s not afraid to get pretty violent. The story follows a man who experienced a lot of pain and torture being reincarnated into a young damphir in another world. It’s a good series and I’ve never seen another series like it.
Manga, ? vol, 2008
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This series is an old fantasy manga that sadly can’t be completed because the author passed away in 2019. When it was being serialized it was one of my favorite ongoing mangas. I’m not sure if the manga got everything from the source material completed but all I know is that it was an amazing series.
Manga, 10 vol, 2016
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The main character in this show is quite different from a lot of other manga and isekai I’ve read. He was trained professionally with a sword and he has no qualms about killing people whom he considers a threat to his well-being and others. His grandpa trained him that way in the modern world because of tradition. So when he gets transferred to another world and the people there want to use him for their own benefit… let’s just it doesn’t work the way they would like. I like his ambiguous morality and the way he affects the new world he’s in as he tries to find a way back home. The fact that he also wants to go home is also something that I like about this story. It feels realistic in its interpretation of how someone like him would react if someone like him would get transported to another world.
Manga, 23 vol, 2014
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This boxing manga is pretty dark and I love it. It has so much depth in each of the characters and as you continue reading you begin to feel an incredible attachment to the main character. It’s like you start wanting to protect him from the entire world and hope that he will become happy.
Manga, 19 vol, 2009
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This manga is hilarious. This delinquent fighting manga has me rolling over laughing. The art style is pretty funny as well. It’s just super unpredictable and I’d recommend it to anyone who just wants a good time.
Manga, 18 vol, 2005
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I’ve just started reading this and so I can’t say much besides the fact that this is an incredibly entertaining read. It’s so much fun and it’s already got all of my attention.
Hataraku Saibou
Cells at Work!
Manga, 6 vol, 2015
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Cells at Work is so incredible, I’ve never read or watched a series that genuinely made me fascinated to learn about science of the body and yet this does. Hot anime men and women running around trying to protect the body, it’s just fun. There isn’t fan service or anything but it’s still just so good.
Hataraku Saibou Black
Cells at Work! CODE BLACK
Manga, 8 vol, 2018
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This spin off is a bit darker than the original, because the body itself is dying. While the cells are all still trying to protect and save the body, it isn’t necessarily working. It’s fun and you learn a lot from this.
Manga, 15 vol, 1992
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Author:9
A fighting manga that is incredibly funny and emotional. The main character is so precious and I love him so much, it’s an older series but it’s amazing and it holds up till this day. All the characters are wonderfully written and I’d recommend anyone to read this.
Manga, ? vol, 2003
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This basketball manga is a more well rounded series than Kuroko no Basket when it comes to basketball. It goes more in depth on the intricate details of playing basketball. I feel like if you’re an actual basketball fanatic than you would enjoy this. As someone who isn’t a basketball fall though, I still enjoy this immensely. Everything about the characters, their situations, and etc. is intriguing. Give this a go!
Manga, ? vol, 2012
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An emotional series about a misunderstood boy trying to find himself after a tragic happenstance tries to join the koto club, a classic Japanese instrument. It’s a lovely story with adorable characters that have you rooting for them no matter what. I’ve never read a story with so many sweet people who I think deserve the world. This is a must read.
Haikyuu!!
Haikyu!!
Manga, 45 vol, 2012
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If you’re on this site there’s probably no way you haven’t heard of Haikyuu but this series is a beautiful example of a great shounen sports manga. Everything is laid out so that normal people can understand and be impressed. Everything is well written and drawn, it’s popular for a reason.
Manga, ? vol, 2015
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Another popular manga for great reason, this series is a gem. I have absolutely no interest for soccer or football for the rest of the world. I think it’s probably one of the most boring and confusing games I’ve ever witnessed in my life. And yet, this series makes the game interesting for me. I get genuinely impressed by feats that I wouldn’t have understood without it and the characters keep me from leaving as well. This is a must read.
Otome Game Sekai wa Mob ni Kibishii Sekai desu
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Manga, ? vol, 2018
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This funny manga is a great read if you’re not looking for anything too serious. It’s hilarious and the main character is pretty bleak and it’s hilarious how he tries to set things right. It’s just a light hearted series that I’d definitely recommend.
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Manga, ? vol, 2015
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Slime is a must read isekai, if you’re getting into the genre I’d say this is the one you should start off with, all of the characters are very well developed and while it has a bit of a slow start you’ll be so many chapters from the beginning and then suddenly run out of chapters wondering where all the rest of them are. READ THIS.
Manga, 18 vol, 2000
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This emotionally impactful series is an action packed one and it made me cry multiple times. It’s dark and sad and it’s amazing. I’d recommend anyone to read this if they’re looking for violence as well as something to make them cry. It’s wonderful.
Tougen Anki
Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood
Manga, ? vol, 2020
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This series Is like a mixture of Blue Exorcist and Jujustu Kaisen, it’s dark and bloody and action packed and I love it. All of the characters are genuinely so wonderfully written and I love finding shounen series like that. I love the main character, I think he’s a genuine and adorable kiddo and I only want the best for him and his friends.
Vanitas no Karte
The Case Study of Vanitas
Manga, ? vol, 2015
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A wonderfully written series in a very unique and interesting world. The setting is beautiful and the characters are all fun. It’s mysterious and can be serious at times and it keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. It’s seriously such a cool and refreshing read.
Manga, ? vol, 1998
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This series probably doesn’t really need an explanation but if you’re on the fence about whether you should read this or not, take this as your hint from the universe to read it. It’s worth it, the author is coming back to write more soon as well so hopefully one you catch up to the chapters available you’ll have more to read from. Read it slowly and have fun with it.
Manga, ? vol, 2016
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This isekai manga is genuinely interesting, it’s definitely not the best and I won’t claim it as such but it is interesting. The main character is sort of an office worker from his original world and so he’s a pretty smart guy. That translates into his magic and he can create different types of magics based on his knowledge from his past life. It’s also not a harem, there’s still fan service but it’s realistic in that most of the girls aren’t obsessed and in love with him. The side characters also have relationships outside of the main couple and watching those relationships grow and develop is fun too. Even the villains, who at first don’t feel very intimidating eventually start growing as well and while they might not have started out very intimidating as time goes the stakes are a lot higher. Just try it out and see if it’s for you.
Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!
The Eminence in Shadow
Manga, ? vol, 2018
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This hilarious manga is an absolutely amazing series. It’s a comedy isekai and it does it’s job well. I giggle so much while reading this and it’s so good it’s getting an anime adaption as well. Definitely read this before the anime comes out, I’m sure you’ll love it.
Kyokou Suiri
In/Spectre
Manga, ? vol, 2015
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This shounen romance series is pretty fun and light hearted. It has thriller and mystery elements in them that keeps you on edge as well. The characters are funny and although I can’t say that it’s a super deep or serious story, if you’re looking for a good time you’d like this.
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
Manga, ? vol, 2015
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This isekai is incredible, the main character is a lot different from a lot of others in the trope. He’s a lot more cold and calculating, he pretends to be kind and weak but he just isn’t. He’s average looking and he knows it, and although there is a harem it’s a harem of only two people. The whole world he’s in think that he looks hideous. The world building is great and while I have a lot of characters I hate in this series you are meant to hate them so it’s not like it’s bad writing.
Manga, 63 vol, 2006
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Author:7
A lot of people give this manga bad reviews because it relies on the power of friendship and there’s fan service. I’d say that the power of friendship is it’s selling point tbh though. It’s not an entirely logical series but it’s fun and it’s absolutely adorable. The characters are incredibly well written, more than a lot of other series I’ve read. They are consistent in their actions and emotions and although they develop and change that change is realistic. Just read it and see what you think.
Manga, ? vol, 2018
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This continuation of Fairy Tail so far hasn’t let me down. The ships in the series are developing and I love that but the world itself feels like it’s growing as well. If you’re a Fairy Tail fan and you were wondering if you should read it or wait for the anime I’d say do both!
Saihate no Paladin
The Faraway Paladin
Manga, ? vol, 2017
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This isekai is a very well written story with great art and a unique premise. I haven’t seen a world in isekai quite like this one and I’ve never encountered one with a paladin as a main character besides this. It’s a beautiful and emotionally impactful series that I find quite interesting to read.
Manga, 22 vol, 1988
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This oldie is an amazing manga, it’s humorous and can get pretty dark and is a definite must read. It was written in the eighties and so there are a few problematic things that don’t hold up in this day and age. However, it’s worth the read.
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Manga, 23 vol, 2016
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Demon Slayer is an incredible manga! Most people are holding out for the rest of the manga to be adapted to anime because the animation is amazing but I’d say to read the manga. It’s amazing story and it deserves to be read as well as watched.
Shingeki no Kyojin
Attack on Titan
Manga, 34 vol, 2009
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Author:7
Attack on Titan is a great and dark story and it only gets better. The ending of the manga that a lot of people complain about is still rather good. I love this manga and I think many people should read it. The characters are iconic and I love most of them. The character writing, world building, plot, it’s all so amazingly written and drawn that it’s a shame that there are people who haven’t read it.
Boku no Hero Academia
My Hero Academia
Manga, 42 vol, 2014
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My Hero Academia is a great new gen manga and it deserves the hype that it gets. I honestly think the manga is one hundred times better than the anime. It’s darker, and to be honest I like dark stories. I wouldn’t say the anime is too different besides that. I’d try to read the source material I’m sure that if you were watching the anime you’d love the manga too.
Kuroko no Basket
Kuroko's Basketball
Manga, 30 vol, 2008
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This basket ball manga is amazing, fun, and light hearted. It’s not a technical series and it has incredible charm. It’s seriously one of my favorite sports manga and it’s a lot of other people’s as well. It’s a warm and sweet and I love every bit of it.
Sousei no Onmyouji
Twin Star Exorcists
Manga, 35 vol, 2013
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The series is a fun one, it’s not the best written but the characters are great and the plot keeps you interested. It gets deeper as you read further and although I can’t say it’s the best series out there it is interesting.