Manga Recommendations!
I've been asked a few times to recommend manga for people, so this is my Master List for Recs! The basic rules are that I have to have read at least 3 available volumes before recommending it, unless there are less than that available in English. I've included any major content warnings, but I will miss some stuff. I've differentiated between Romance, BL/GL and Queer Positive mostly because of vibes and the fact that I figured if you wanted to pick out Queer Stories then it was easier to jump to that section than scoot through romance! And also I didn't want people to think that just because I'm recommending a BL/GL series doesn't mean I think it's good Gay Rep! But as they say, I support Gay Wrongs AS WELL as Gay Rights.
If the series has a * it means it's available on the Shonen Jump App/Viz Media Website as part of their subscription service.
Action Adventure
Blue Exorcist* by Kazue Kato (159+ chapters, ongoing, final arc)
Rin Okumura appears to be an ordinary, somewhat troublesome teenager—that is until one day he is ambushed by demons. His world turns upside down when he discovers that he is in fact the very son of Satan and that his demon father kills his adoptive father with the aim of possessing Rin so he can conquer Assiah. Whilst the other Exorcists decide the solution is to kill Rin, he persuades them to let him train to become an exorcist himself under the tutelage of all those at True Cross Academy. Including his younger twin brother Yukio!
Another one to add to the list of "Good Shonen Written By Women".
Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP 9 Volumes, complete.
Quintesential Magical Girl series! Sakura Kinomoto is a normal ten year-old girl until she accidentally releases the mystical clow cards! Now with the help of Keros -- the Guaradian of the cards -- she must locate and capture all the escaped cards before they cause more mayhem on her home town! She's not the only one looking to become master of the clow though, and soon Sakura is making new rivals as well as new friends.
CW: This series was written in th 90s and it shows. There are multiple positive depictions of Student/Teacher relationships including one between a ten year old and her homeroom teacher. These are deemed as okay because they are soulmates.
Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui (14 Volumes, Complete)
What do you get when you cross dungeon adventures and food manga? You get Delicious in Dungeon, where we find our troupe of adventurers on a mission to save their lost team member while figuring out how to survive on the food that the dungeon provides. When young adventurer Laios and his company are attacked and soundly thrashed by a dragon deep in a dungeon, the party loses all its money and provisions. They're eager to get right back to it, but there's just one problem: if they set out with no food or coin to speak of, they're sure to eat it on the way! But Laios comes up with a brilliant idea: "Let's eat the monsters!" Slimes, basilisks, mimics, and even dragons…none are safe from the appetites of these dungeon-crawling gourmands!
Demon Slayer* by Koyoharu Gotouge 23 Volume, complete.
Returning home one day, 14 year old Tanjiro discovers that his whol family has been killed by a demon. The only survivor is his younger sister Nezuko, who has instead been turned into a demon herself. He must now join the Demon Slayer Core in order to find the demon who killed his family and find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human!
CW: Graphic depictions of violence. Implied sexual assult. Implied child sex workers. Child death. A character must repeatedly cut their throat in order to escape a dream world.
Kaiju No. 8* by Naoya Matumoto (ongoing)
"Kafka hopes to one day keep his pact with his childhood friend Mina to join the Japan Defense Force and fight by her side. But while she’s out neutralizing kaiju as Third Division captain, Kafka is stuck cleaning up the aftermath of her battles. When a sudden rule change makes Kafka eligible for the Defense Force, he decides to try out for the squad once more. There’s just one problem—he’s made the Defense Force’s neutralization list under the code name Kaiju No. 8."
What to do when you want to battle Kaiju but you yourself are also a Kaiju.
Magical Girl Dandelion by Kaeru Mizuho (7+ Chapters)
A teenage girl who's had a powerful bodyguard ever since she was a child: a monster lurking in the shadows. But one day, the girl is asked to become a magical girl to fight the villainous creatures who threaten mankind. Monsters similar to her loyal companion. But despite the complicated situation, he can't help but keep protecting her.
My Hero Academia Vigilantes* by Hideyuki Furuhashi ad Betten Court 126 chapters (complete)
"Koichi Haimawari couldn’t make the cut to become an official hero, so he uses his modest Quirk to do good deeds in his spare time. Then one day a fateful encounter with some local thugs leads him to team up with two other unlikely heroes. None of them really know what they’re doing, but they’ve got the courage—or foolishness—to try. But they soon discover fighting evil takes more than just being brave…"
Okay, hear me out. This one is for the Superhero fans wanting to get into manga. This is the Batman to mainline's Shazam, but without all the women in refridgerators. It's digs deeper on the more adult aspects of hero society, with a more anti-cop, anti-establishment appraoch. It's also facinating to see Koichi become LESS synical as the series goes on.
This series also made Midnight one of my favourite characters and now it's really awkward when people assume I just mean mainline Midnight and not Midnight who was allowed to have depth and development.
CW: Implied sexual assult
Prince Freya by Keiko Ishihara (10+ Vols available in English, ongoing)
"The powerful kingdom of Sigurd has slowly been conquering all the lands that share its borders, and now it has turned its voracious attention to the small, resource-rich kingdom of Tyr. Tyr cannot hope to match Sigurd in strength, so in order to survive it must rely on the intelligence, skill, and cunning of its prince and his loyal knights. But when the prince is poisoned, a young village maiden named Freya, who bears a shocking resemblance to the fallen prince, must step into his place to save them all."
CW: Non-Graphic Sexual Assault, sexual themes, Non-Con Kissing, Heavy Violence, Decapitation, Trauma, PTSD
The King's Beast by Rei Toma (14+ available in English, ongoing)
Rangetsu is an Ajin, a person with animal features, mystical abilities and a second class citizen. Female Ajin are forced into sex work and male Ajin are forced into the millitary. If they are lucky, they might be taken away as a Beast Servant for one of the King's children. That's what happend to Rangetsu's twin brother, Sogetsu until he was suddenly murdered in a political assasination. Rangetsu swears revenge, and diguises herself as a man in order to become the Prince's new Beast Servant. Yet when the time comes to kill him, can she actually do it?
CW: There is an underlining Master X Servant (Slave) relationship but this is depicted as knowingly problematic and messy, although still inherently romantic. A slave class is depicted as animalistic. Attempted Sexual Assualt. Sexual Assualt. Attempted child sexual assult. Forced Prostitution. Cannibalism. Mental Illness.
Tokyo Mew Mew by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi (3 Omnibus Volumes, complete)
"Momomiya Ichigo was just trying to enjoy a date with the boy she liked, Aoyama Masaya. Instead, she ended up conscripted into a struggle against aliens intent on wiping humanity from the earth! The Mew Project has infused five young girls with the DNA of endangered creatures, and given them special powers to fight chimera anima, earth animals transformed into monsters by alien parasites. Somehow, Ichigo has to get her teammates to work together, battle chimera anima, and fend off the attacks (and advances?) of the aliens themselves. And that's in addition to keeping her identity secret and improving her relationship with Masaya. Not to mention, just who is that mysterious Blue Knight anyway?"
Witch Hat Atelier by Kamone Shiramama (12+ Volumes available in English, ongoing)
"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 the gift for magic. She's resigned to her un-magical life, until a traveling magician passes through her village, and Coco learns what what everybody "knows" might not be the truth."
Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi 40+ Volumes ongoing
"Princess Yona lived a happy life with her peace-loving father, King Il. Surrounded by attentive servants and protected by her smart-mouthed bodyguard, Hak, Yona's only difficulties in life were her unruly red hair and trying to convince her father to let her marry her cousin, Soo-wan. Then one day a betrayal in the palace causes Yona to lose everything, turning her into an exile with no one left but Hak to defend her. Yona is determined to become strong in her own right and defeat those who wronged her, and an ancient legend involving the Crimson Dragon King and his four Dragon Warriors may be her key to reclaiming her kingdom." CW: Violence, murder, drug abuse, threats of sexual violence
Boy Love/Girl Love
5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love by Zeniko Sumiya (One Shot)
The lone witch Meg has one-upped the witch hunter Lilith by turning her into a cat. The spell can be broken, if Lilith kisses the one who cast the spell upon her…
10 Dance by Inoue Satou (Lime) 6+ Volumes Ongoing
"Shinya Sugiki, the dashing lord of Standard Ballroom, and Shinya Suzuki, passionate king of Latin Dance: The two share more than just a first name and a love of the sport. They each want to become champion of the 10-Dance Competition, which means they'll need to learn the other's specialty dances, and who better to learn from than the best? But old rivalries die hard, and things get complicated even further when they realize there might be more between them than an uneasy partnership..."
CW: Internalised homophobia/biphobia, Casual Xenophobia/Racism (treated negatively)
A Beast's Love is Like the Moon by Guri Nojiro (One Shot)
Tired of the fast-paced city life, Izuki has agreed to take care of his uncle's house in the mountains, which are said to be "visited by yokai." Izuki, dismissive of the superstition, goes exploring — only to be attacked by a yokai in the woods. He's saved by a beautiful man named Haku, who claims to be the incarnation of a komainu guardian dog. He pledges himself to Izuki and begs him to be his master. Izuki refuses at first, wanting to return to the city as quickly as possible, but is swayed by Haku's lonely eyes and brings him back to the house. Gradually, he falls into a comfortable rhythm with the pushy but devoted Haku while living under the same roof, and Izuki wonders if he really wants to return to the city as he thought. However, Haku harbors a secret that could put Izuki's life at risk. Will Izuki and Haku come together in the end, or will Haku succumb to the loneliness that he's held at bay for centuries…?
Birds of Shangri-la by Ranmaru Zariya (Lemon) 2+ Volumes (ongoing)
"A paradise of sensuality, Shangri-La is a male brothel celebrating the glories of gay sex. Newly hired Apollo is in charge of getting the men ready for clients, but as a straight man, he’s a bit naive. Phi, one of the brothel’s most sought-after prostitutes, is tasked with getting him up to speed, but not before toying with him a bit. Too bad the rules of the brothel are clear—no orgasms, no penetration, and no falling in love!"
CW: Flashbacks to Child Sexual Assault/Child Prostitution, graphic depictions of violence, blackmail.
Overall it has a Positive depiction of Sex Work, but YMMV
Catch These Hands by murata (4/4 vols available in English)
"Back in the day, Takebe was a tough-as-nails delinquent who could throw hands with anyone. But right when she finally decides to leave her old ways behind, Takebe has a surprise reunion with her old rival, the “Bloody Cardigan” Soramori. After all these years, she still wants a piece of Takebe—but not in the way anyone expected! Her proposal: If Soramori can beat Takebe in a fight, they have to start dating?!"
Cherry Magic! 30 Years of Virginity can make you a Wizard?! by Yuu Toyota (Light Lime) 12+ Volumes (ongoing)
"It's complicated: A thirty-year-old virgin gets more than he bargained for when his newfound magical power reveals he's the object of his male coworker's affections! Adachi, a thirty-year-old virgin, discovers he has the magical power to read the minds of people he touches. Unfortunately, the ability just makes him miserable since he doesn't know how to use it well! And to make matters worse, when he accidentally reads the mind of his very competent, handsome colleague, Adachi discovers the guy has a raging crush on none other than Adachi himself! Things are about to get very awkward!"
Coyote by Ranmaru Zariya (Lemon) 4+ Volumes (ongoing)
"In order to conceal that he’s a werewolf, Coyote avoids getting too involved with humans. But Marleen, a pianist at a bar he frequents, is interested in him and just won’t take no for an answer. When Coyote unexpectedly goes into heat for the first time, Marleen catches him while he’s unable to maintain his human form and offers up a tempting invitation. Coyote wants to resist, but can he?" CW: Violence, Murder
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher by Tama Mizuki (lime) (4+ Volumes, Ongoing)
In high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends–a friendly delinquent named Hatoyama–but never confessed. Years later, Hitsuji is a slightly anxious but responsible adult who found his calling as an elementary school teacher. One of his young students is upset with a sloppy and nonconformist dad–who turns out to be Hatoyama! When Hitsuji learns that Hatoyama is struggling to raise his son as a single parent, Hitsuji helps him out, first as a teacher and then as a friend who can teach Hatoyama how to clean his home and cook actual vegetables. As the men grow closer, some of Hitsuji’s anxieties begin to melt around the welcoming (and grateful) Hatoyama. What will become of the feelings Hitsuji used to harbor for his first love?
Dick Fight Island by Reibun Ike (Lemon) 2 Volumes (complete)
Every Four Years the Mighty Wyrm tournament takes place on the island of Pulau Yang Indah between the eight clans to choose the next king! The rules? He who comes first, looses. This year, Harto represents the diamond clan and has been doing important research in the outside world, where he has discovered a special technique that he hopes will lead his clan to victory! It involves a previously unknown spot hidden deep within the warrior's mighty arse: The Prostate.
CW: DubCon but in the same way that fighting tournaments are. You don't exactly WANT the person to punch you in the face, but you agreed to the terms when you stepped in the ring and can tap out whenever you want.
The Dragon's Betrothed by Meguru Hinohara (Lemon) 2+ Volumes, ongoing
"Troubled writer Chiharu Izunome reluctantly returns to his rural hometown, hoping some R & R will refresh his creative juices. Instead of finding respite, he’s quickly entangled by an old promise to wed a local god! Rin, the water dragon god to whom Chiharu has been betrothed, can be disarmingly friendly and charming, but inside lurks an animalistic ferocity. Knowing that he can’t escape Rin’s protective embrace, can Chiharu make himself fall in love with the god instead?" CW: Dubious consent that becomes explicit consent
Go for it Nakamura! by Syundei 2 volumes (Complete)
Nakamura has a huge crush on Hirose and is convinced he has it in him to become friends! Now if only he could actually say a few words in front of him?
The answer to "What if Rumiko Takahashi wrote a wholesome, unproblematic Boy Love?"
Goodbye, My Rose Garden by Dr. Pepperco (3 Volumes, Complete)
England, the early 1900s. Alice, a young noblewoman, has a Japanese maid named Hanako working in her household. The two have a fairly typical relationship… until the day Alice begs Hanako to kill her. As Hanako tries to figure out why her mistress would make such a terrible request, she and Alice grow closer until an entirely new feeling begins to blossom between them. CW: Suicidal Ideation, Racism, Homophobia, Misogyny
I Got Reincarnated in a (BL) World of Big (Man) Boobs by Tsukiji Nao (3 Omnibus Volumes)
"I just... wanted to... touch boobies..." Nagare Otokawa was an otaku loser obsessed with breasts. He tragically died never knowing the feel of the sweet, sweet bosoms he'd craved all his life. Little does he know, his wish is about to be granted in a way he never would have expected. Nagare gets reincarnated as a handsome guy and quickly realizes that he’s living in a (BL) world full of sexy (male) beauties. Even so, he sets out to find and squeeze the bust of his dreams. He does, in fact, end up with his face planted deeply in some luscious cleavage, but to his dismay, it's the magnificent pecs of the super-muscular class delinquent, Ryuji Onizuka! Now Nagare must try to dodge his way past the barrage of BL scenarios that hurtle into his path. Will he persevere and get the busty girlfriend of his dreams, or will he end up falling for the all-man—yet temptingly bodacious—Ryuji?
I Hear the Sunspot by Yuki Fumino, 4 Parts, 6+ Volumes (ongoing)
"Because of a hearing disability, Kohei is often misunderstood and has trouble integrating into life on campus, so he learns to keep his distance. That is until he meets the outspoken and cheerful Taichi. He tells Kohei that his hearing loss is not his fault. Taichi's words cut through Kohei's usual defense mechanisms and open his heart. More than friends, less than lovers, their relationship changes Kohei forever." CW: Ableism, Internalised Ableism (all treated negatively)
Marriage to Kitsune-Sama by Homerun Ken (Oneshot) (Lime)
Every few decades, the town of Hokutochou sends a human up the mountain to marry one of the fox spirits who reside above them–and Inaho has always longed for that role. When he comes of age, he ascends to his new home and meets his handsome new husband: a kitsune lord named Subaru. Subaru has been watching Inaho for a long time and is pleased to receive his new spouse. But before this supernatural marriage can enter its honeymoon stage, Inaho learns that Subaru is stuck with an unfortunate curse. This fox spirit wants to eat up his beloved: literally! Can Inaho and Subaru find a way to break the curse and save their relationship?
Megumi and Tsugumi by Mitsuru SI (6+ Volumes) (Lemon)
Tsugumi is a delinquent who hates all alphas for how they treat omegas like him, so when some alphas from an elite school attack another omega, Tsugumi beats ’em to a pulp! Megumi, the son of the elite school’s chairman, takes it upon himself to avenge his pummeled friends, but when the time comes, all he finds is a fired-up Tsugumi reeking of pheromones and insisting he can control his heat through sheer willpower! Faced with a different kind of battle, Megumi goes from attacker to savior, whisking Tsugumi to safety and leaving the cranky omega reconsidering everything he’s ever thought about alphas. CW: MPreg, DubCon, Attempted Sexual Assault
The Moon on a Rainy Night by Kuzushiro (6+ Volumes)
One day, while rushing to a piano lesson, a girl named Saki collides with someone on the street. As Saki collects herself, the stranger picks up the sheet music Saki dropped, hands it to Saki together with a band-aid, and continues on her way—all without saying a word. Saki is left wondering about the identity of the tall, lovely stranger, only to discover the next day that she is one of her classmates at her new high school. The girl’s name is Kanon, and though she is hearing impaired, she refuses any kind of support or “special treatment” from her teachers or classmates. Over the course of the year, Saki slowly grows closer to Kanon and begins to chip away at her cold exterior. CW: Bullying, Ableism, Internalised Ableism, Homophobia
Old Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan, Lime (2 Volumes, complete)
"The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up! At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work. Togawa, his younger subordinate, finds it troubling and takes it upon himself to shake up Nozue’s routine. During a lunch outing, the two go to a pancake shop full of exuberant young ladies to “do what girls do,” and it’s just the thing to breathe life into Nozue. The two men start an unlikely friendship—and perhaps something a little sweeter!"
The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter by Kazuki Irodori, Wakatsu Yatsuki, Kikka Ohashi 4+ Volumes, ongoing
"Seiichiro's always pulled his own weight, all day every day, for almost thirty years. Even when he gets stuck in a fantasy world because of some strange Saint-Summoning Ritual, he keeps on keeping on. It isn't until he meets the Aresh, the Captain of the Knights, that realizes he may possibly want more out of life than his job. Can Seiichiro melt the heart of the infamous Ice Nobleman—or is he destined to be married to his work…forever?!" CW: Dubious Consent
Run Away With Me, Girl by Battan, (Light Lime) 3 Volumes Complete
"A wistful romance between two women about how, sometimes, you need to run away in order to find where you truly belong. Midori was Maki’s first love and high school sweetheart—that is, until Midori broke up with Maki at graduation, saying they were now “too old” to be “fooling around” dating girls. Ten years later, will running away be the key to lead the two women back into each other’s arms? " CW: Domestic Abuse, Homophobia
She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat by Yuzaki Sakaomi (5+ Volumes)
Cooking is how Nomoto de-stresses, but one day, she finds herself making way more than she can eat by herself. And so, she invites her neighbor Kasuga, who also lives alone. What will come out of this impromptu dinner invitation…? CW: Disordered Eating, Parental Neglect, Misogyny, Homophobia
Therapy Game by Meguru Hinohara (2 Volumes, complete) Lemon
"Shizuma only drank that night to forget his heartbreak. He didn’t intend to also forget Minato, the one-night stand who soothed his broken heart. And since Minato’s not one to be forgotten, he hatches a plan of seduction…and revenge! Recently dumped and very straight, Shizuma tries to drink his sorrow away, only to wake up being spooned by a man! When he explains to Minato, his drunken fling, that he doesn’t remember a thing about their night together, Minato secretly vows to seduce him again—and then dump him as revenge! But even the best-laid plans can go awry when Cupid has his way."
CW: Suicide of a Character from the Past, Biphobia (treated negatively)
The Titan's Bride by ITKZ (VERY LEMON) 5+ Volumes, ongoing
"Kouichi Mizuki has just graduated high school and is looking forward to the future, but after his last day at school, he finds himself summoned to Eustil, a world of titans! His summoner, Prince Caius, has brought him to the kingdom of Tildant to become his bride and fulfill a prophecy, but their considerable size difference makes Kouichi worry that he might not survive being penetrated by his huge new "husband". Caius agrees to send Kouichi home after a month if he is truly unhappy; yet as time goes by, Kouichi finds himself getting used to being a "dwarf" in a land of giants. And in spite of his protests, Caius's nightly ministrations on his body fill him with unimaginable pleasure..." CW: Attempted Sexual Assault, Violence, Abduction,
The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait by Nmura (OneShot)
In 1920s Tokyo, prodigy Kiyo has finally made it to university, only to find himself in a tough spot. He happens upon Ozaki, who invites him to live in his mansion. But is Ozaki just an eccentric recluse, or something far stranger? And what kind of relationship did he have with Kiyo’s grandfather?
Comedy
A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai 12+ Volumes, ongoing
"Fukumaru is a big, unusual-looking cat who has spent a long time sitting in the pet store waiting for a home. He's almost a year old, and the shop's customers only seem to want tiny kittens. Then one day a miracle happens - an older man comes along and takes him home! Thus begins the heartwarming everyday life of a cat who only wants to be loved and a lonely man who is delighted to give him the love and happiness he deserves."
Spy X Family* by Tatsuya Endo (137+ chapters, ongoing)
Not one to depend on others, Twilight has his work cut out for him procuring both a wife and a child for his mission to infiltrate an elite private school. What he doesn’t know is that the wife he’s chosen is an assassin and the child he’s adopted is a telepath!
The Emperor and I* by Mato (38 chapters, complete)
"One day something emerges from high school girl Kaho’s refrigerator—an emperor penguin, the largest of all penguins! When this emperor joins the household, fun and wacky antics with family and friends ensue!"
The Way of the Househusband by Kousuke Oono (8+ Volumes, Ongoing)
"He was the fiercest member of the yakuza, a man who left countless underworld legends in his wake. They called him “the Immortal Dragon.” But one day he walked away from it all to travel another path—the path of the househusband!"
I'll be honest, I have only read up to Vol 5 because as a gag manga it doesn't exactly GO anywhere but it's still super fun and funny! So worth reading if you haven't yet =)
CW: Positive depiction of the Yakuza/mob
The Yakuza's Guide To Babysitting by Tsukiya (5+ Volumes, ongoing)
Kirishima is a vicious demon of the Sakura Family, yet his vicious streak is starting to cause more problems than solutions and so in order to tame him the head of the family gives him the most important task: becoming the babysitter to his 7 year old daughter.
Cue adorableness, character growth and DILFs.
CW: Positive depiction of the Yakuza/mob. There is a recurring canonically gay character who is a bit of a stereotype but is overall portrayed favourably.
Disabled Narratives (Fictional)
Blade Girl by Narumi Shigematsu (3 volumes, complete)
"One year after losing her leg, 16-year-old Rin is tired—tired of the painful physical therapy, tired of being treated differently, and tired of her stupid, heavy, awkward prosthetic leg. All that changes when she encounters the Blade Runners, a group of one-legged athletes who run with “blades”—carbon fiber prosthetics specialized for competitive running-made by their gifted prosthetist, Kazami. The blades are light, flexible, and formidably difficult to control—Rin can barely walk with one, much less sprint. But as she tumbles to the ground again and again, she rediscovers many of the things that she’d forgotten, and finds a new goal: to compete in the Paralympics." CW: Internalised Ableism
Run on Your New Legs by Wataru Midori (5 Volumes, Complete)
"After the loss of his leg, Kikuzato’s dream of becoming a soccer ace comes to an end. But with use of a prosthetic leg, he finds a new goal -- to become a track star and win gold at the Tokyo Paralympics!" CW: COVID-19, Internalised Ableism, Ableism
Drama
Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga li by Asuka Konishi (7+ volumes available in English, ongoing)
"Yoshino grew up as the yakuza princess of the Osaka Somei crime family. Everyone left her alone due to her sharp gaze and mobster ties. But when her grandfather signs a truce with the Tokyo-based Miyama crime family, she’s offered for betrothal to the Miyama leader’s grandson, Kirishima. At first, Kirishima seems amiable and polite–but when he shows his dark side, he proves to be more disturbing than any gangster Yoshino has ever met. This engagement is sure to be a wild ride for a tough yakuza princess and her twisted yakuza prince!"
CW: Violence, Blood Shed, Sexual Themes, Emotional Manipulation, Everyone Is A Walking Red Flag But God Is Red Such A Pretty Colour Sometimes!
Non-Fiction/Informative
The Bride Was A Boy by Chii (One shot)
"Drawn in the style of diary comics with an upbeat, adorable flair, this is a charming tale about Chii, a woman assigned male at birth. Her story starts with her childhood and follows the ups and downs of exploring her sexuality, gender, and transition–as well as falling in love with a man who’s head over heels for her. Now they want to get married, so Chii’s about to embark on a new adventure: becoming a bride!"
CW: Societal Transphobia and Homophobia
Cells at Work! Lady by Shigemitsu Harada (Author), Akari Otokawa (Artist)
Life as a lady can be tough, but life IN a lady is that much tougher. From periods to pregnancies, it can be an emotional ride…especially when you’re the size of a cell. Thankfully, Macrophage, Killer T, Helper T, and White Blood Cell are joined by a host of hard-working allies equipped to deal with the daily struggles of lady life. CW: Cis-Normative, Miscarriage, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Difficulties, Diet Culture
Embrace Your Size: My Own Body Positivity by hara
A love letter to those who dream of being fashionable but consider their weight as an obstacle, this uplifting comic essay by a plus-sized author chronicles her own journey with body positivity and learning to love herself as she is. CW: Disordered Eating, Fatphobia
The Girl That Can't Get a Girlfriend by Mieri Hiranashi (One Shot)
Mieri is an awkward, nerdy college student with no dating experience, and her previous crushes on fellow butch women have all ended in disaster. That all changes when she meets Ash and has her feelings returned for the first time—but when first love turns to first heartbreak, Mieri will do everything possible to win Ash back. Based on true events, this is a hilarious and heart-wrenching story about love, loneliness, and the true meaning of finding one’s own happy ending.
I'm a Terminal Cancer Patient, but I'm Fine by Hilnama
At 38 years old, Hilnama, a manga artist, is diagnosed with colon cancer. Never one to lose hope or give in to despair, she begins cancer treatments despite the deadly diagnosis. But when going through such a grueling process, it can be difficult to keep a positive outlook… When faced with the struggles and trials of life, Hilnama turns to what she knows: writing and creating manga again, drawing herself as a rabbit in a world of humans and hospitals. This poignant and down-to-earth account of diagnosis, treatment, and living with terminal disease will be a reference for positivity and perseverance for years to come. CW: Medical Debt, Cancer, Medical Treatment, Past-Domestic Abuse. Note: Hilnama-sensei died shortly before the English publication of this work.
The Life Changing Manga Of Tidying Up by Mari Kondo
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up, but in Manga form! With a heteronormative romantic subplot and everything. Useful if you're like me and want to learn to declutter your room but don't have the brain worms to read the actual book.
My Brain Is Different by MONZUSU (One Shot)
"Anthology following the true stories of nine people (including the illustrator) navigating life with developmental disorders and disabilities.
This intimate manga collection follows nine adults with developmental disorders as they outline their struggles and triumphs. Experience the stories of a high school dropout’s new path to education; a person seeing the world through new eyes thanks to their medication; a father and daughter learning to thrive together, and more. This manga illustrates diverse anxieties but also self-empowerment in learning to navigate a world not built with everyone in mind."
CW: Domestic Abuse (violence and emotional), Ableism, Suicidal Ideation
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Nagata Kabi (Lime) (One Shot with Follow Ups)
"A hugely popular comic on Pixiv, My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness offers readers an honest and heartfelt look at one young woman’s exploration of her sexuality, mental well-being, and growing up in our modern age."
CW: Depression, Anxiety, A Homophobic Society
Sex Ed 120% by Writer Kikiki Takaki and Artist Hotomura (3 Volumes, complete)
Gym teacher Tsuji-sensei has one mission: help with Japan’s terrible modern sex education standards. The problem is, her students barely know their birds from their bees! CW: Frank and honest discussions about sex and gender in important detail.
Until I meet my Husband by Ryousuke Nanasaki, Yoshi Tsukizuki One Shot
"From school crushes to awkward dating sites to finding a community, this collection of stories recounts the author’s “firsts” as a young gay man searching for love. Dating isn’t ever easy, but that goes doubly so for Ryousuke, whose journey is full of unrequited love and many speed bumps. But perseverance and time heals all wounds, even those of the heart." CW: Toxic/Unhealthy Relationships, Dubious Consent, Homophobia
Occult
Be Very Afraid of Kanako Inuki! by Kanako Inuki (Collection of One Shots)
From the mind of Japan's "queen of horror manga" comes a short story collection sure to put a grin on your face and send a chill down your spine. For more than 30 years, Inuki Kananko has been terrorizing girls and boys with twisted catch-22s and ghoulish monsters. Discover one of the best-kept secrets of global horror with this selection of some of Inuki's most popular short comics. The six hair-raising stories feature an array of unnerving characters and scenarios brought to life in Inuki's signature art style, in the tradition of Junji Ito, Kazuo Umezu, Shintaro Kago, and Junko Mizuno.
Dandadan* by Yukinobu Tatsu, 181+ Chapters (ongoing)
Momo Ayase and Okarun are on opposite sides of the paranormal spectrum regarding what they’ll believe in and what they won’t. Their quest to prove each other wrong leads them down a path of secret crushes and paranormal battles they’ll have to participate in to believe! CW: Sexual Assault in the context of Alien Abductions and Yokai Attacks, Nudity, Crude Humour
Goodbye Eri* by Tatsuki Fujimoto (One Shot)
"With his mother dying, Yuta attempts to capture her last days on his phone. After her death, Yuta heads to the roof of the hospital to commit suicide, but a meeting with a strange girl leads him on the path to making a movie."
CW: Character Deaths from Long Term Unspecified Illness, grief, mourning, bullying, emotional abuse
Sadako at the end of the World by Koma Natsumi (One Shot)
"In a world torn apart by an apocalypse, two lonely little girls chance upon a strange video. To their surprise and joy, a girl with long black hair named Sadako climbs out of the TV...But little do they know that Sadako is a vengeful ghost who will kill them in a week! In order to help their new friend, these two sweet, innocent girls begin a journey to the end of the world to look for more victims friends. Can their bond with Sadako help her find peace and finally break the curse? Or will this tale have a tragic ending...?"
The answer to "What if Studio Ghibli made a Ring movie?
CW: Character Death, I mean it's the Ring Girl what were you expecting? Of course she's gonna kill people.
Hell's Paradise* by Yuuji Kaku 13 Volumes, complete
"Gabimaru the Hollow is one of the most vicious ninja assassins ever to come out of the village of Iwagakure. He’s ruthlessly efficient, but a betrayal results in him being handed a death sentence. There is only one hope: travel to a long-hidden island and recover an elixir that will make the shogun immortal and he will regain his freedom. Failure is not an option—on this island, Heaven and Hell are a hair’s breadth away." CW: Extreme Violence, Sexual Content, Nudity
Hiraeth: The End of the Journey by Yuhki Kamatani (3 Volumes complete)
"After the death of her best friend, Mika is determined to follow her into the grave. But her suicide attempt introduces her to a world unlike any she's ever seen...full of gods and spirits and entities of which she could never have dreamed. But even with this world of wonder, can she find a way out of her sorrow?"
CW: Attempted Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Grief, Mourning
The Demon Prince of Momochi House by Aya Shouoto (16 Volumes Complete)
"On her sixteenth birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits her ancestral estate that she’s never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role!"
Historical
The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Touko Shino 13+ Volumes (ongoing)
"Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!"
Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom by Nao Iwamoto, (One Shot)
"Once upon a time, two countries who shared a border wouldn’t stop squabbling over petty issues. Their spats eventually escalated into war…over an incident involving dog poop. Finally, the gods declared that both nations had to call a truce. The most beautiful girl in the Gold Kingdom would marry the smartest man in the Water Kingdom, paving the way to a new era of peace! When Sarah, a princess from the Gold Kingdom, meets a charming man named Naranbayar from the Water Kingdom, they decide to do what it takes to stop more pointless conflict between their countries–by pretending to be in love. Will their plan work? And what if real romantic feelings blossom between them?" CW: Xenophobia (fictional nations)
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga 19 Volumes (Complete)
"In the Tokugawa era, the dreaded redface pox is devastating the country's population of young men, and after a few generations, the gender ratio has fallen to roughly one male for every four females. Since sons rarely survive to adulthood, family trades are now passed from mother to daughter, and women hold even important governmental positions. In order to prevent the rest of the world from discovering this state of affairs, Japan institutes a strict isolationist policy, and female officials adopt masculine names so that even the official records don't reveal what's happening. Though the outside word is suffering from a shortage of marriageable men, the inner chambers of Edo castle are a lavish place, filled with hundreds of men who serve both as an emergency standing army, and also as the personal harem for the new shogun - a woman named Yoshimune who is determined to fix the rampant inequality and wastefulness of her country." CW: Sexual Assault, Rape, Domestic Abuse, Violence, Pandemic, Homophobia, Abuse of Power, Ableism, Sex
The Rose of Versailles, by Riyoko Ikeda 5 Omnibus editions of 14 Volumes (Complete)
"Since General de Jarjayes of France’s Royal Guard always wanted a son, he brings up his only daughter Oscar to dress, fight, and behave like a man. When Oscar’s excellent swordsmanship wins her the honored position as bodyguard to Louis XVI’s new bride, Marie Antoinette, the Jarjayes household believes it can finally be proud. However, what nobody realizes is the pit of thorns the royal court in Versailles has become – with all its excessive opulence, it attracts not just those with status and wealth, but also those with ruthless ambition. To confound matters, Marie Antoinette turns out to be an airhead whose selfish actions are turning the starving population against her. Amidst the sordid schemes and terrible tragedies, and with the tide of history sweeping against the nobles, can Oscar protect her new King and Queen whilst upholding justice for the oppressed peasants of France?"
Romance
A Sign of Affection by suu Morishita (10+ Volumes, ongoing)
"Yuki is a typical college student, whose world revolves around her friends, social media, and the latest sales. But when a chance encounter on a train leads to her meeting friend-of-a-friend and fellow student Itsuomi-san, her world starts to widen. But even though Itsuomi-kun can speak three languages, sign language isn't one of them. Can the two learn to communicate the budding feelings between them?"
Very, incredibly shojo and yet all the tropes feel completely relevant and earned! There is also a huge focus on consent and communication throughout which I am a very big fan of. Also the use of lettering to inform storytelling is SO DAMN GOOD it makes me want to scream. Also hands. So many beautiful pictures of hands. We also need more stories with disabled protagonists in this world <3
Changes of Heart by Kujira (9 Volumes, complete) (Lime)
"After being dumped by her boyfriend, Koyori went to her longtime friend Hijiri's house to drink away her sorrow…and ended up spending the night with him! Not only that, he tells her he loves her—and she's not sure how to reconcile the new development with someone she's known since they were kids. After all, the stakes are high—if things don't work out, she'll hurt one of her closest friends. And to make matters worse, her ex wants to patch things up…? Koyori needs to figure out what she wants, before she loses it all."
Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya, 23 Volumes (complete) Available in English as 12 Volume Collector's editions from YenPress
What starts off a story of an orphan high school girl who discovers that a bunch of pretty boys will turn into Chinese Zodiac Animals if she hugs them quickly becomes a heartfelt and moving story about escaping the cycle of abuse. It quickly becomes clear that the actual curse the Sohma Clan are under is nothing to do with turning into animals, but rather the suffering they endure under an unending cycle of abuse encouraged by all those around them.
It covers themes such as learning the importance of self love, allowing yourself to put you first for a change and being brave enough to ask for help when needed. The series is open and honest about the complexity of forgiveness, and how everyone deserves a chance to change and become a better person no matter how impossible that may seem-- yet at the same time does not demand that victims forgive them or accept their attempts at recompanse.
This series requires you to think and contemplate. I have read it numerous times over the years, and each time I come away with something new. This series shaped me as a person, and if you can put up with the late 90s/early 00s Shojo Nonsense then it's absolutely worth a read!
CW: Domestic Abuse (physical and emotional), Child Abuse, Cult Behaviour, Gender Essentialism, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Exagerated Female-on-Male Violence for Humour's sake, Adult/Minor romantic relationships including one between a Middle School Pupil and her Student Teacher.
Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada (One Volume Complete)
Nokoru is finally afforded the chance to telework at home due to the pandemic lockdown. Rediscovering old passions and new hobbies, Nokoru is allured by his next-door neighbor, Natsu. CW: Covid-19, Mild Sexual Content
Horimiya by HERO and Daisuke Hagiwara (16 volumes, complete)
"At school, Kyouko Hori is known for being smart, attractive, and popular. On the other hand, her classmate, the boring, gloomy Izumi Miyamura tends to get painted as a "loser fanboy." But when a liberally pierced and tattooed (not to mention downright gorgeous) Miyamura appears unexpectedly on the doorstep of secretly plain-Jane homebody Hori, these two similarly dissimilar teenagers discover that there are multiple sides to every story...and person!"
CW: Mild Biphobia for humour's sake
In The Clear Moonlit Dusk by Mika Yamamori (5+ Volumes, ongoing)
"Yoi Takiguchi has long legs, a deep voice, and a handsome face…in other words, Yoi is such a good-looking guy that most people don't notice or care that she is, in fact, a girl. Indeed, she's had the nickname "Prince" as long as she can remember. That is, until she met Ichimura-senpai…the only person who's really seemed to see her for herself. To her surprise, she's not sure how to handle this new relationship, especially when her newfound friend is a prince himself (and a guy prince, at that). The story of the two high school princes starts here!"
Knight of the Ice by Yayoi Ogawa (11 volumes, complete)
"A rom-com manga on ice, perfect for fans of Princess Jellyfish and Wotakoi! Kokoro is the talk of the figure-skating world, winning trophies and hearts. But little do they know … he’s actually a huge nerd! From the beloved creator of You’re My Pet (a.k.a. Tramps Like Us)!
Chitose is a serious young woman, working for the health magazine SASSO. Or at least, she would be, if she wasn’t constantly getting distracted by her childhood friend, international figure skating star Kokoro Kijinami! In the public eye and on the ice, Kokoro is a gallant, flawless knight, but behind his glittery costumes and breathtaking spins lies a secret: he’s actually a hopeless romantic otaku, who can only land his quad jumps when Chitose is on hand to recite a spell from his favorite magical girl anime!"
Koigakubo-kun Stole My First Time by Rin Miasa (Lime) 6+ Volumes ongoing
Eiko Kagehara truly loves one thing in this world: the MMO she's played with her friends for the last 15 years, in which she leads a fantasy life as a sought-after blacksmith. But when her friends start leaving to, of all things, get married, have kids, find new jobs...she's thrown for a loop. So much so, in fact, that she drunkenly shares her gamer ID with her super-hot new colleague...who just happens to have been helped by her in-game in the past, and who wants to repay her by teaching her how to love?!
Ladies On Top by Nejiganameta, 6 Volumes, Complete, (Lemon)
"Mizuki seems like an ordinary office lady–tidy, cute, quiet, and looking for Mr. Right–but while she yearns for love, she’s left cold by traditional romances where men take the lead. Then, at the age of 24, Mizuki discovers Shinomiya, a seemingly perfect guy at the office who likes aggressive women, and something awakens within her. Together, Mizuki and Shinomiya learn that reversing traditional gender roles can be both liberating and exciting, especially in bed!"
CW: A character's stated rejection of sexual advances is initially repeatedly ignored
Love's In Sight by Uoyama 8 volumes, complete
"Morio Kurokawa is the toughest-looking tough guy around. Yukiko Akaza is a self-possessed girl with a vision impairment attending a school for the blind. The whole city fears Morio, but Yukiko sees the real him—he’s a soft sweetheart who’s just searching for his place in the world! Morio the Black Panther has won over a hundred fights. He’s beloved by his goons and feared by the public. But now, he faces his biggest challenge yet when he meets Yukiko...and falls in love at first sight! Can Morio outgrow his delinquent roots and turn over a new leaf for his unexpected love?" CW: Discusses ableism in a plethora of forms, including a scene where a visually impaired person is violently attacked with hot water. Homophobia and ageism are also discussed.
My Happy Marriage by Rito Kousaka, Akumi Agitogi, Tsukiho Tsukioka 5+ Volumes, ongoing
"A browbeaten and mistreated daughter is cast out of her family home and sent to audition as a bridal candidate for the heir to one of the most powerful families in the land. Considered nigh worthless for having failed to inherit the superhuman powers of the bloodlines into which she was born, Miyo Saimori lives her days unwanted and unloved. She is treated as a servant by her half-sister who, unlike Miyo, is blessed with unusual powers, while her step-mother and very own father have little time or love for their eldest daughter. Ultimately seen as nothing more than a nuisance and a drain on the family wealth, Miyo is packed off to the Kudo house as a bridal candidate for its heir, Kyoka Kudo. But whispers abound about the Kudo clan, the most powerful in all the land. Still, will the allegedly cold and cruel house into which Miyo aims to marry prove much warmer than the family she left behind?" CW: Domestic Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional/Mental Abuse
Our Torsos Align: Human X Monster Love by Ryo Sumiyoshi (One Omnibus Volume)
"This manga collection of stories about beastly love is from the point of view of the devourers and the devoured. Mermaids bring luck, but drag you into the depths. A woman’s bird-like rescuer expresses his love in a language she doesn’t understand. An extraterrestrial angel with no limbs learns to feel. Enjoy these tales of monstrous and, at times, haunting romance in this beautifully illustrated collection that’s sure to thrill."
CW: Sexual Themes, A story starts out as a romance and is revealed to be a psychological horror
Snow White With The Red Hair by Sorata Akiduki (26+ Volumes, ongoing)
A fairytale inspired Shojo Drama! Shirayuki is a young herbalist famed for her skills and beautiful red hair. When the Prince of Tanburun hears about her, he demands she become his concubine. Seeing no other option, Shirayuki runs away from Tanburun and heads to Clariness where her real story begins! Full of healthy fairytale romance, STEM, Swords and so much queer coding it might as well be canon, this is an all ages series I'd recommend to any Shojo Fan!
Something's Wrong With Us by Natsumi Ando (Lime) (15/16 volumes available in English)
"A spine-chilling and steamy romance between a Japanese sweets maker and the man who framed her mother for murder—Something’s Wrong with Us is the dark, psychological, sexy shojo series readers have been waiting for!
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Nao became a traditional Japanese sweets maker, and at 21, she’s about to take the industry by storm. With unparalleled artistry and a bright attitude, she gets an offer to work at a world-class confectionary company. But when she meets the young, handsome owner, she recognizes his cold stare … It’s none other than Tsubaki, her childhood friend and first crush-the same boy who stood over his father’s bloodied body 15 years ago, and framed Nao’s mother for the murder. As the only witness of that fateful night, Nao is eager to chase down the truth and confirm her suspicions. Since Tsubaki has no clue who she is, she seizes her chance to get close to him, but instead of finding any answers, she begins falling deeper for Tsubaki’s allure …"
CW: As the title implies, this is a deliberately toxic relationship. She's gasligting him, he's possessive and aggressive. Contains references to PTSD.
Sweat and Soap by Kintetsu Yamada (Lime) (11 Volumes, complete)
"Don’t miss a romcom manga like no other! In an office romance, there’s a fine line between sexy and awkward … and that line is where Asako—a woman who sweats copiusly—met Koutarou—a perfume developer who can’t get enough of Asako’s, er, scent.
Asako’s living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop. Little do her coworkers know, the reason she loves the company so much is that she’s ashamed of her body odor, and their soap is the only thing that does the trick. So when the company’s lead product developer, a perfuming genius, approaches her in the lobby and wonders what “that smell” is, she’s terrified … but could it be … that he likes it? And, even more surprising to Yae … does she like him?
The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the “too real!” workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!"
If you were looking for an adult romance story that deals with healthy communication and kink negotation than this is the series for you!
Tamon's B-Side by Yuki Shiwau (5+ Volumes, ongoing)
"High schooler Utage Kinoshita works part-time as a housekeeper so that she can afford her fangirl obsession with Tamon Fukuhara, her favorite member of boy band F/ACE. When work serendipitously sends her to the home of her idol, she discovers that the real Tamon couldn’t be more different from his wild and sexy onstage persona! Tamon is an insecure mess in real life, and what’s worse, he’s threatening to quit! Utage refuses to let anyone stand in Tamon’s way—least of all himself. What’s a fangirl to do but roll up her sleeves and support her favorite singer with everything she’s got?" CW: Suicide Threats, Mental Health Disorders, Emotional Manipulation, Teens making mistakes and learning from them
The Invisible Man and his Soon-to-Be Wife by Neko Iwatobi (4+ Volumes, ongoing)
"Yakou Shizuka, a quiet and bashful woman, works at a detective agency. Her boss Tounome, who owns the company, is the gentlemanly type, kind and dapper, though he has an extra talent—he’s invisible! His special ability is perfect for detective work, but he quickly comes to find it doesn’t work on Yakou, who is blind and always knows if he’s near. Charmed, Tounome is determined to get her to date him and isn’t against using his many skills. Yakou’s quirky coworkers, a contrarian human man and a sisterly beastwoman, kindly watch over her as she stumbles and blushes through the uncharted waters of office romance." CW: Fantasy Racial Discrimination, Disability Discrimination, "Dark Elves" with Black Skin and "Light Elves" with White Skin
Slice of Life
Akane Banashi* by Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue, 141+ chapters (Ongoing)
"Rakugo--the ultimate form of storytelling, where everything in a story is expressed with just your body and words. Shinta and his daughter Akane have been seduced by this wonderful form of classical entertainment. Having observed her father strive to pass the shin'uchi rakugo test, Akane will take her own steps into this unique world!"
My Girlfriend's Child by Mamoru Aoi (5/9 Volumes on English)
Sachi and her boyfriend Takara are a young couple in high school. They go to school together, hang out, and even engage in the more intimate side of dating. However, after a recent evening of sex, Sachi gets the feeling that something isn’t right and buys a pregnancy test. Later, in the bathroom of a family restaurant far from her home, she sees the two red lines that will change her life forever. CW: Teen Pregnancy, Abortion Discussion, Pro-Choice. Parental Pressure, Parental Discrimination
BL Metamorphosis by Kaori Tsurutani (5 volumes, complete)
"Ichinoi, a 75-year-old woman living a peaceful life, unwittingly buys a Boy’s Love manga one day…and is fascinated by what she finds inside. When she returns to the bookstore to buy the next volume, the high school girl working there–Urara, a seasoned BL fan–notices a budding fangirl when she sees one. When Urara offers to help Ichinoi explore this whole new world of fiction, the two dive into BL fandom together, and form an unlikely friendship along the way."
Look Back* by Tatsuki Fujimoto (One Shot)
"The overly confident Fujino and the shut-in Kyomoto couldn’t be more different, but a love of drawing manga brings these two small-town girls together. A poignant story of growing up and moving forward that only Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, could have crafted."
CW: This series was inspired by/created in response to the attack on KyoAni studios, and as such depicts violence, grief and mourning.
Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa (15 Volumes, complete)
"Defying the expectations of family and teachers, Yuugo Hachiken chooses to leave the city and enroll at Ooezo Agricultural High School. Having always been at the top of his class, Yuugo assumes a rural school will be a breeze, but mucking out stables, gathering eggs, and chasing errant calves takes a lot out of him-and fills him with something he's never experienced before. Surrounded by endless fields and fresh air, Yuugo discovers a new connection to the land and to life...Springtime begins at Ezo AG!!"
CW: Animal Death, but in a farming way. You know?
Queer Positive (fiction)
Blue Flag* by KAITO (8 Volumes Complete)
"An unexpected love quadrangle with a dash of unrequited love as two classmates, a boy and a girl, begin to fall for each other when each of their best friends have already fallen for them.
Love is already hard enough, but it becomes an unnavigable maze for unassuming high school student Taichi Ichinose and his shy classmate Futaba Kuze when they begin to fall for each other after their same-sex best friends have already fallen for them.
For some reason, Taichi Ichinose just can't stand Futaba Kuze. But at the start of his third year in high school, he finds himself in the same homeroom as her, along with his childhood friend Toma Mita, a star athlete. But one day, Futaba opens up to Taichi and admits she has a crush on Toma. She then asks for his help in confessing to him! There's just one problem-Toma seems to already have a secret crush on someone else"
Boys Run The Riot by Keito Gaku (4 Volumes, complete)
"A transgender teen named Ryo finds an escape from the expectations and anxieties of his daily life in the world of street fashion. This personal, heartfelt, fictional story from a transgender manga creator made waves in Japan and will inspire readers all over the world!"
This series is completely Own Voices, from the Mangaka to the Translator to the Letterer to the Editor!
CW: Transphobia (like, duh), forced outing on social media
He's Expecting by Eri Sakai (4 Volumes, complete)
When career-minded Kentaro Hiyama finds out that he’s pregnant, it will change the course of more than just his own life. In the Japan of Eri Sakai’s thought experiment, ten years have passed since the male sex has spontaneously gained the ability to get pregnant, and society has struggled to adjust. Kentaro isn’t sure at first who the mother might be, and quickly finds himself butting up against regressive attitudes and discriminatory policies—most of which long precede male pregnancy. In his previous life, he’d never given any of it a second thought—he may have even held the same views. But through his encounters with other pregnant people, and galvanized by his new perspective, Kentaro turns his skills in business and marketing to effecting social change. CW: MPreg, Misogyny, Gender Discrimination, Parental Discrimination
I Think Our Son is Gay by Okura, 5 Volumes (complete)
Despite belonging to a family of four, the Aoyama residence is typically home to three due to father Akiyoshi's job. While he's away at work, mom Tomoko and her two beloved sons Hiroki and Yuri go about their everyday lives—going to school, making dinner, doing homework, etc. But now that Hiroki's in his first year of high school, his thoughts are turning ever so slightly to sex and romance…and his mom can't help but notice his slips of the tongue when he's talking about who he likes. Supportive Tomoko has an inkling Hiroki might be gay, but she's going to let him figure it out for himself. Unfortunately, Hiroki has little talent for keeping his "secret," so he might die of embarassment before all is said and done! CW: Casual Homophobia
I want to be a wall by Honami Shirono (3 Volumes, complete)
"Any love story aficionado will say that the key to a successful couple is intense desire for one another—but what if the characters in question are an asexual woman with a passion for Boys Love stories and a gay man whose heart forever belongs to his oblivious childhood friend? Although romance will never be in the cards for newlyweds Yuriko and Gakurouta, the bond blossoming between them promises to be a wonderful relationship—the likes of which neither has ever experienced before…"
Is Love The Answer? by Uta Isaki (One Shot)
"When it comes to love, high schooler Chika wonders if she might be an alien. She's never fallen for or even had a crush on anyone, and she has no desire for physical intimacy. Her friends tell her that she just "hasn't met the one yet," but Chika has doubts... It's only when Chika enters college and meets peers like herself that she realizes there's a word for what she feels inside--asexual--and she's not the only one. After years of wondering if love was the answer, Chika realizes that the answer she long sought may not exist at all--and that that's perfectly normal."
CW: Casual Acephobia and Homophobia (treated negatively)
Kageki Shojo!! by Kumiko Saiki (11+ Volumes available, ongoing)
"Ever since she was a little girl, Sarasa has wanted to play the role of Oscar as part of the Kouka Acting Troupe, an all-female acting troupe similar to the Takarazuka Revue. But before she can do that, she has to attend two years at the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts. As Sarasa practices singing, dancing, and acting, she grows closer to the other girls in her year, including her roommate, the stoic former J-idol, Ai. Though Sarasa is great at making friends, her outspoken nature and grand ambitions earn her lots of enemies as well. Can Sarasa keep her upbeat attitude and achieve her dream of stardom?"
CW: Past Child Sexual Assault, Bulimia, PTSD
Mine-kun is Asexual by Uta Isaki (One Shot)
"Mine-kun is Asexual. He doesn't like sexual intimacy in a relationship. He can kiss a girl, but it's not something he wants to do if he can help it. But Murai loves him so much that she's willing to overlook the fact that she can't hold his hand; that she can't cuddle up next to him when they watch movies together; that she can't fall in love with him the way that she hopes to be loved in return. In the eyes of those around them, is this even a relationship that's meant to last, or is it a train wreck just waiting to happen?" CW: Acephobia, homophobia,
My Brother's Husband by Gengoroh Tagame (2 Volumes, complete)
"Yaichi Origuchi's uneventful day is interrupted by a big, burly foreigner who shows up at his front door and begins to hug him. The man introduces himself as Mike Flanagan, and Yaichi quickly discovers that Mike is the widower of Ryouji, his younger twin brother. Since Ryouji left for Canada a decade ago, Yaichi heard nothing about him other than he married a foreigner and passed away the month before.
While Yaichi is apprehensive about the whole situation, his young daughter Kana is absolutely thrilled at the idea of having a gay Canadian uncle. Kana's lack of understanding of Japanese societal views on homosexuality cause Yaichi to reflect on his own preconceived notions. And as Mike continues to stay with the family, Yaichi gradually learns more about his brother-in-law, and he recalls his own past with Ryouji"
My Love Mix Up! by Wataru Hinekura (story) and Aruko (art) (9 volumes, complete)
"Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she’s written the name of another boy—Ida—on it. To make matters more confusing, Ida sees Aoki holding that very eraser and thinks Aoki has a crush on him!"
The more Aoki gets to know Ida, the more he understands why Hashimoto has a crush on him....
Perfect for the Shojo Comedy Fan looking for some more queer content!
Our Dreams At Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani (4 Volumes, complete)
"Not only is high schooler Tasuku Kaname the new kid in town, he’s also terrified that he’s been outed as gay. Just as he’s contemplating doing the unthinkable, Tasuku meets a mysterious woman who leads him to a group of people dealing with problems not so different from his own. In this realistic, heartfelt depiction of LGBT+ characters from different backgrounds finding their place in the world, a search for inner peace proves to be the most universal experience of all."
This is one of those MUST READ series, and I alway describe it as the definition of "It Gets Better". This is a series by us, for us.
CW: Suicidal Ideation, Homophobia, Transphobia
O Maidens In Your Savage Season by Mari Okada and Nao Emoto (8 Volumes, complete)
"As a teen, how do you start thinking about sex? This debut manga from anime legend Mari Okada (Maquia) follows five girls and their five moving, funny, and mortifying answers. Join their bittersweet (and a little spicy) journey from girlhood to … whatever comes next! One of Japan’s top female screenwriters, Okada hones her knack for aching drama and wry humor that became her trademark with anime like anohana and Maquia. Amid an explosion of graphic novels about girls’ teenage years, like Lumberjanes and That One Summer, O Maidens brings a diverse, fresh, and hilarious perspective on how it feels to leave childhood behind. Anime coming soon!
Kazusa’s first high school literature club meeting starts with five girls being asked, “What’s one thing you want to do before you die?” When one of them blurts out, “Sex,” it launches these new friends down a raucous, embarrassing, all-too-relatable path."
CW: Sexual Assault, Child Grooming, Negative Depiction of a sexually inappropriate Student & Teacher relationship
Princess Knight by Osamu Tezuka, One Omnibus Volume, complete
From his heavenly perch, God distributes girl and boy hearts to babies about to be born. But a prank by the mischievous angel Tink leaves Princess Sapphire of Silverland with both a male and female heart! Due to an old-fashioned law preventing a woman from ruling, Sapphire must disguise herself as a prince to prevent the scheming Duke Duralumin from coming to power. The plan goes fairly well until a fencing tournament goes awry and the girl is stripped of her royal title. Now, in order to get her old life back, Sapphire must escape from jail, battle dragons, and even get transformed into a swan! Can the girl brawl and charm her way to true happiness? CW: Misogyny, death, written in the 1950s without the intention of writing a Non-Binary Character, that just happened and it's neat!
My Senpai is an Otokonoko by Pomu (100 chapter webtoon, complete)
Can true love really overcome any obstacles? Saki, a high school student, confesses her feelings to Makoto. Taken aback, Makoto reveals his secret, but the sudden discovery doesn’t seem to bother Saki who is already head over heels for him. After being rejected, Saki asks Ryuji, Makoto’s childhood friend, for some advice on how to win his heart. A love triangle unfolds when Ryuji realizes that he might also have some feelings for his old friend. CW: Transphobia, Homophobia, Queerphobia, Parental Neglect
Silkscreen by Isaki Uta, 0neshot
A girl falls in love and devotes herself to them, but they don't conform to her expectations, perhaps because she looks at them through a blurry curtain. CW: Transphobia
The Gay Who Turned Kaiju by Kazuki Minamoto (One Volume Complete)
"Bullied for being gay, teenager Takashi Arashiro wishes he could just be somebody else—but who could predict he’d morph into a giant-headed sci-fi creature?! Takashi’s tumultuous emotions become the catalyst for personal and social exploration of the LGBTQ experience in this quirky, profound manga from prolific BL author Kazuki Minamoto."
CW: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Colourism (all treated as negative), Verbal and Physical Bullying, Suicidal Ideation, Sexual Assault as a means of revenge that is later regretted.
To Strip the Flesh by Oto Toda, One Shot
Chiaki Ogawa has never doubted who he is, although the rest of the world hasn’t been as kind. Bound by his mother’s dying wish, Chiaki tries to be a good daughter to his ailing father. But when the burden becomes too great, Chiaki sets out to remake himself in his own image and discovers more than just personal freedom in his transition—he finds understanding from the people who matter most. CW: Transphobia, misogyny
