These amazing manga series from the 2020s have raised the standard for their respective genre.
With the rising global popularity of anime, a lot of fans are getting deeper into the underappreciated art form of manga. These Japanese graphic novels have been popular in the country for decades now, and span over multiple genres. Most anime series that we see today all originate from one manga or another. But thanks to the growing fame, the new decade has given us some unforgettable manga series that not only garnered millions of readers but also changed the trajectory of the genre forever. Here are some of the best manga series that came out after 2020 that you need to read.
Wind Breaker - Satoru Nii (2021)
We are starting out easy and fun with Satoru Nii’s delinquent manga Wind Breaker. The series received an anime adaptation in 2024, which popularised it even more. The story revolves around Haruka Saakura, a boy who’s prone to fighting. His looks and temper always made other people ostracise him, even when he tried to help them. He starts high school in Furin High, situated in the town of Makochi, because he heard the institute is filled with delinquent boys. But once he enters, Sakura realises that these boys actually work tirelessly to protect and improve the town they live in. As he starts to make friends and meet new people, Sakura’s idea of delinquency changes.
The story is told beautifully, with a horde of characters that all have amazing backstories that will make you cry. Even the villains have great character development that will make you fall in love with them. If you’ve never read a shonen manga before, Wind Breaker is a great way to start your journey.
Kagurabachi - Takeru Hokazono (2023)
The manga first gained popularity with a meme that went viral on X (formerly Twitter). Many people thought that the hype would die down, but Hokazono proved everyone wrong with his amazing writing. Kagurabachi takes place in an alternate modern world where sorcerers walk among us. The story centers around Chihiro Rokuhira, whose father Kunishige made six enchanted blades during the Seitei War. When Kunishige is killed and the swords are stolen. Chihiro sets out on a journey to salvage the weapons and avenge his father’s death.
As the plot summary suggests, the manga is quite dark and gritty. However, Hokazono has perfectly crafted the superpowers in the story, including all the swords and their masters. Watching Chihiro take down villains with his own cool sword is always satisfactory, but the way the protagonist keeps making friends is even heartwarming. The story’s pacing is also amazing, which means you won’t have any trouble keeping up with it.
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All - Sumiko Arai (2021)
If you are an anime/manga fan on social media, chances are you’ve already seen Sumiko Arai’s Girl's Love manga, lovingly known as “The Green Yuri”. The name comes from its unique artstyle that makes use of a particularly bright shade of green in its backgrounds. The series began on Arai’s X (formerly Twitter) back in 2021. As the name suggests, it tells the story of Aya, a high school student obsessed with rock music. Her friends don't get her music taste, but one day when Aya comes across a mysterious guy in a record store, her life changes forever.
Unbeknownst to Aya, the guy she has a crush on is actually her seatmate in high school, and she’s a girl named Mitsuki! The misunderstanding trope works its magic in this adorable romcom yuri that keeps getting better. The background characters are also great and contribute a lot to the story. Thanks to its unique artstyle and a rich musical theme, this wholesome manga became super popular amongst younger fans. The Green Yuri is also set to receive an anime adaptation soon!
Gachiakuta - Kei Urana (2022)
This Kei Urana masterpiece exploded in popularity over the last few months. The story of Gachiakuta takes place in a world that’s divided into two parts, the Sphere and the Pit. Rudo, a young tribesfolk boy lives at the edge of the sphere, away from the wealthy spherites. One day, he is accused of killing his own adoptive father and sentenced to being thrown into the Pit. But instead of dying, Rudo survives and fights off some trash beasts born from a millennium of garbage being thrown into the pit. He meets Enjin, a Cleaner with special powers who can kill the trash beasts. Rudo joins the Cleaners and vows to get revenge on those who wronged him.
Much like Kagurabachi, Gachiakuta is quite a dark tale full of action. However, Urana’s worldbuilding sets it apart from other manga series. Not only is the Pit designed in a unique way, but all districts have their individual flare. Every character also has a vital Instrument that they can use in battle, making the fights really interesting. What catches your eye in the manga is the art style which seems to combine high fashion with dark dystopia.
After God - Sumi Eno (2021)
When talking about great art, one has to mention Sumi Eno’s After God, a manga known for its breathtaking illustrations. The unique series takes place in a reality where Japan has been invaded by Gods. Thirty seven years after Tokyo was reduced to rubble by them, some researchers set out to answer the question: how does one kill God? After losing her friend, Kamikura Waka is desperate for answers, but things get complicated when she meets an Anti-God researcher named Tokinaga.
The amazing storyline and art sets After God apart from its contemporaries. Some double spreads in the manga are a visual treat. Although the story can get grisly and dark, it never strays from quality. The pacing of the story is also really good, with resolutions and answers popping up every few chapters. This means you won’t easily lose track of a plot point. Overall, this is definitely one of the underrated gems of this decade.
Spacewalking with You - Inuhiko Doronoda(2023)
The winner of the 17th Manga Taishō Award, Spacewalking with You is a manga for those who love deep, meaningful stories. Unlike the previous entries, this series doesn’t have battles or romance. However, the story of an almost-delinquent Kobayashi and his new eccentric classmate Uno is one that will touch your heart. The series focuses on the difficulties both Uno and Kobayashi face in their everyday lives, and how they can’t seem to do the ‘normal’ things their peers easily can.
Both Kobayashi and Uno start to depend on each other as nobody else seems to intimately understand their unique struggle. Their bond deepens throughout the series as Kobayashi joins the astronomy club, wanting to be close to Uno. Due to its poignant and beautiful storytelling, the manga has already won several awards and been nominated for many more. If you love slice-of-life stories, then this friendship will definitely win your heart!
The Summer Hikaru Died - Mokumokuren (2021)
When it comes to supernatural eldritch horror, there are very few manga on the same level as Mokumokuren’s “The Summer Hikaru Died”. It takes place in a small Japanese town where two high school boys Yoshiki and Hikaru live. One day, Hikaru goes missing in the woods and when he comes back a few days later, the boy doesn’t remember what happened to him. However, Yoshiki quickly discovers that what returned from the forest isn’t his friend, but an eldritch being that can bring chaos into their world.
The way the author presents this supernatural horror tale perfectly woven together with awkward teenager romance is astonishing. It is a treat for both BL fans as well as eldritch horror lovers. Although there’s little to no action in the series, the ominous atmosphere makes it an enthralling read. The deep lore behind the creatures we see in the manga is also extremely interesting.
Sousou no Frieren - Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe (2020)
It’s no surprise that one of the best anime of 2024 also came from an equally great manga. The story of this series follows the titular protagonist Frieren, an elven mage who has been around for hundreds of years. Fifty years ago, she was part of a hero’s party who defeated the demon king. Five decades later, she returns to the capital to meet the other party members one last time. After the hero warrior of their party Himmel passes away, Frieren feels a deep sorrow and guilt, and wants to meet Himmel again at the place where all souls rest. She takes a human mage Fern and another warrior Stark under her wing and begins her journey.
Unlike most other run-of-the-mill fantasy series, Frieren’s story cuts deep into your heart. It speaks of the human condition and how fleeting our lives are when compared to things that have been here for ages. Through Frieren, we are reminded of the importance of spending time with our loved ones before it’s too late. Despite its deep poignance, the story has some really good battles as well as moments of comedy that will only make you fall in love with the manga more.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth - Uoto (2020)
Uoto’s manga was published from 2020-2022, and despite its short run, left a deep impact on its readers. The story takes place in 15th century Europe where the Church controls everything and those who go up against their will are branded as heretics and killed off. A young boy named Rafal is prodigious in his knowledge of astronomy, but his life changes completely when he meets a heretic named Hubert, who believes that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
The story blends history and fiction so perfectly that you won’t be able to stop reading it once you start. It captures the struggles of medieval scholars who dared to go up against the Church and how much they had to suffer at the hand of its anti-heresy laws. It spans several generations, proving that killing one person can never get rid of an idea, especially if it stems from the truth. The anime adaptation of this manga also received immense critical acclaim.
Dandadan - Yukinobu Tatsu (2021)
Both the Dandadan manga and anime are incredibly popular amongst the younger anime fans. The series focuses on dual protagonists Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (Okarun). While Momo is a believer of spirits, demons, and supernatural beings, Okarun believes in aliens and other cryptids. The two challenge each other, with Okarun visiting a famously haunted place while Momo goes to a building said to be home to alien activity. Their adventure ends in a nightmare when Okarun is possessed by a Yokai and Momo uncovers her spiritual power while fighting off a group of aliens. Things only start getting more complicated as more characters are introduced.
Despite its goofy setting, Dandadan has some of the best collections of mythological creatures and cryptids in any manga. It has several yokai, as well as supernatural beings from other cultures, along with famous cryptids such as Nessie and the human tornado. The story itself only gets better as new members join Okarun and Momo’s group and the number of paranormal villains also increase. It seems that the manga will soon enter its final arc, where the group will face their worst enemy yet. Overall, Dandadan is not only one of this decade’s most well-researched manga, but one of the most entertaining as well.
