Welcome to Toniko’s Hidden Gem Mine! (really it’s all in the name so do I have to explain what it is?)
Basically, it’s all the great manga/manhwa you’d need to search for to find! Well instead I’m doing the mining for you. Just imagine—every Sunday—a great recommendation awaits you!
What’s a hidden gem? It’s totally subjective. I roughly guesstimate how little people know it through social media platforms and manga/manwha tracking websites. And of course, I read it to a degree where I can say “this shit is banging”.
And really, I'm searching for stories that can warm your heart, make you think about them for hours and then they linger on in your mind until you can't wait to share them anymore. I want to stop reading just to read anymore, but instead to finally discover the stories below the surface.
By the way, series posted here are either completed or have been ongoing for at least 20-30 chapters. So just bite right in!
Update Schedule: Every Sunday is a more lighthearted/hopeful work. Every Wednesday is a more dread-filling work or strong drama.
reading the goofiest manga ever bc it’s queerbaiting… n then it reveals the two of them are brothers
…
except i read ahead in the raw and they ARENT. one of them is PROJECTING onto his friend from childhood that they’re biological siblings 😭 so this shit is SIBLING BAITING
it’s also so funny to read ALL of the comments freak out about the pseudo-fake incest (they don’t know it’s not incest yet) cause we all thought they were gay as hell (they are, author just loves fucking around
So. I had a very serious rant about the English Webtoon platform and what gets adapted from Line Webtoon. However. They just started translating Potion Witch (WHICH is the ONLY work of Jayu out of like, 5, that has gotten an official translation and their latest work). And in checking the app again, I saw them start translating "My Comeback as the Youngest Member"..... (I'm blog owner that is currently addicted to reading idol kr webnovels) so I'm letting it go this time TT
(now just translate my darling Longing and Lies and I will absolve that shitty platform of all of its sins)
In death, we gain a new understanding in someone's story. How someone dies, the last words they leave for others are all telling things about the person. However, the death of an animal (at this time) is only a story we can uncover for them...through veterinary forensics! A chance meeting Kenshou Touma has with his classmate Barato Sousuke and a strange case with crows sets him on a journey to uncover the mysteries behind animal deaths.
Last Karte by Asayama Wakabi
Last Karte - Houjuuigakusha Touma Kenshou no Kioku //ラストカルテ-法獣医学者 当麻健匠の記憶-
TYPE: Manga
TAGS: Mystery, Slice-of-Life, Drama, Medical
DEMOGRAPHIC: Shounen
STATUS: Completed* (95 chapters)
Perhaps this is why this story would be to your liking:
This manga follows a case by case structure, with each mystery spanning a couple of chapters. The mystery is not so much a gripping detective story or anything, but leaves you aching to know how the animal's death came to be (in a very educational manner of course). There is no overarching plot per say, but time is always passing. Also call it personal bias, but I think this kind of story telling structure is a good way of focusing on those interesting parts of the characters' lives but also letting them grow older in their ever moving lives.
In understanding death, we can understand life. Animals die in this manga. It's a fact of being alive, but this manga balances both an emotional and scientific approach to death. Sometimes, the animals that pass are wild animals, sometimes they're zoo animals and sometimes they're pets but regardless it is somber to think about how one lived as it did and eventually reached the end of that life. There are many cases so there are bound to be a few that tickle your eyes into tears.
Animal facts galore! This mangaka knows animals alright. Ever detailed art of animals, the diverse amount of animals and the most unique element is those facts used in tandem with forensics. Exploring the relationship between animals and humans, this manga opens many unique perspectives on how we live day to day with these creatures. After all, why do we study animals? I think its because we can learn more about ourselves through learning about animals. Yes, this manga embodies that idea as well.
Well! I’m off to read some more!
ENGLISH FAN TRANSLATION:
Kenshou Touma is a ordinary high schooler with worries and dreams about his future, just like everyone else. One day, he comes across a larg
*Chapter 94 just released today, with an author announcement that next week is the final chapter! (I was there, at 5 in the morning, don't talk to me about it). Call this my personal last karte for this manga (should I have done this post the week after ?!). In celebration, I will recommend something quite similar to fill the void next week! Honestly, I can't believe its ending already... we can honestly continue for 20 more cases right?
The fan-translation is still set to continue for some time, so its not time for me to mourn yet. Maybe this is the equivalent of reading an autopsy report after the manga's death? I'll shut up now.
In death, we gain a new understanding in someone's story. How someone dies, the last words they leave for others are all telling things about the person. However, the death of an animal (at this time) is only a story we can uncover for them...through veterinary forensics! A chance meeting Kenshou Touma has with his classmate Barato Sousuke and a strange case with crows sets him on a journey to uncover the mysteries behind animal deaths.
Last Karte by Asayama Wakabi
Last Karte - Houjuuigakusha Touma Kenshou no Kioku //ラストカルテ-法獣医学者 当麻健匠の記憶-
TYPE: Manga
TAGS: Mystery, Slice-of-Life, Drama, Medical
DEMOGRAPHIC: Shounen
STATUS: Completed* (95 chapters)
Perhaps this is why this story would be to your liking:
This manga follows a case by case structure, with each mystery spanning a couple of chapters. The mystery is not so much a gripping detective story or anything, but leaves you aching to know how the animal's death came to be (in a very educational manner of course). There is no overarching plot per say, but time is always passing. Also call it personal bias, but I think this kind of story telling structure is a good way of focusing on those interesting parts of the characters' lives but also letting them grow older in their ever moving lives.
In understanding death, we can understand life. Animals die in this manga. It's a fact of being alive, but this manga balances both an emotional and scientific approach to death. Sometimes, the animals that pass are wild animals, sometimes they're zoo animals and sometimes they're pets but regardless it is somber to think about how one lived as it did and eventually reached the end of that life. There are many cases so there are bound to be a few that tickle your eyes into tears.
Animal facts galore! This mangaka knows animals alright. Ever detailed art of animals, the diverse amount of animals and the most unique element is those facts used in tandem with forensics. Exploring the relationship between animals and humans, this manga opens many unique perspectives on how we live day to day with these creatures. After all, why do we study animals? I think its because we can learn more about ourselves through learning about animals. Yes, this manga embodies that idea as well.
Well! I’m off to read some more!
ENGLISH FAN TRANSLATION:
Kenshou Touma is a ordinary high schooler with worries and dreams about his future, just like everyone else. One day, he comes across a larg
*Chapter 94 just released today, with an author announcement that next week is the final chapter! (I was there, at 5 in the morning, don't talk to me about it). Call this my personal last karte for this manga (should I have done this post the week after ?!). In celebration, I will recommend something quite similar to fill the void next week! Honestly, I can't believe its ending already... we can honestly continue for 20 more cases right?
The fan-translation is still set to continue for some time, so its not time for me to mourn yet. Maybe this is the equivalent of reading an autopsy report after the manga's death? I'll shut up now.
A nightmare apocalyptic scenario happens upon humanity in the form of what seems to be upper beings—gods even—settle in major human population zones. A gripping story between the new fucked up people molded from this disaster, the 'gods' themselves and how these humans plan to take back their cities and exterminate the invasive species of surreal monsters. And there may be no one else more involved in all of this than Kamikura Waka and the strange man she runs into when she tried to meet the gods.
After God by Eno Sumi
アフターゴッド
TYPE: Manga
TAGS: Drama, Psychological, Action, Fantasy (Urban), Supernatural (?), Thriller (?)
DEMOGRAPHIC: N/A
STATUS: Ongoing
RATING: Mature. Its about everything short of sexual violence and assault, really it isn't insensitive or anything, just nuts. themes of suicide. pseudo cannibalism.
Perhaps this is why this story would be to your liking:
This is some real ass blocks of text philosophy. Though it is usually delivered through the mouths of outsider creatures so in a way I think it is lot more interesting and despite their supposed alienness from humans, their interpretations might not be too off.
(Strangely enough, this manga is quite funny if your sense of humor is a little off like mine. The dialogue has some crazy spunk. Yeah the characters are pretty hot too. If you ask me, the subtext also looks pretty queer sometimes.)
Also take this as just my interpretation, I really think this manga is about unorthodox expressions of love. Deeply engrossing is the interpersonal relationships that are abnormal, and these people's plea for their existence. To me, reading this manga means we have to bear witness to humans who can no longer live normally.
And of course, this art is no joke! Aside from the stunning spreads and a complex monstrosity designs, I always love art that can convey discomfort. It's so beautiful and ill-inducing, their expressions and being. It feels a touch away from horror, if only because the art isn't there to scare you, but to itch at your gut. Yes... this is the kind of manga that gnaws you from your innards with anticipation, thrill and maybe like a secret third thing.
Well! I’m off to read some more!
ENGLISH LICENSE (though if you 🏴☠️ I'm not against you):
Once you regain consciousness, you and your friends will learn to fear me and obey me
This is also a new development with the official English, an unannounced hiatus all of a sudden. While it is behind by a manageable 2 chapters, we're still awaiting news on if the English publication is continuing.
The author also has a non-negligible amount of untranslated works under her belt, so I am sure to look into that.
The hardest manga to recommend are the ones that have like, 10 chapters translated and are ongoing. Like I’ve been thinking about Black Night Parade Vol.2 cliffhanger for a week straight. I wait to read 2 chapters a day for Crescent Moon Marching. Potion Witch just got official.
Freaky Friday wasn't enough for you? How about a one-of-a-kind bodyswap with no confidence of when or if you'll swap back. This story answers the question no one was curious about; what if you bodyswapped and had to go through puberty in another body? With the opposite gender at that. It's a tale about a unique body dysphoria, growing up and lots of teenage angst.
Shishunki Bitter Change by Masayoshi
Puberty Bitter Change // 思春期ビターチェンジ
TYPE: Manga
TAGS: Drama, Coming of Age, (Light) Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural (?), Tragedy*
DEMOGRAPHIC: Shoujo
STATUS: Completed (65 Chapters)
Perhaps this is why this story would be to your liking:
A novel twist on a usually comedic trope. It is a genuine, actualized body swap that deals with the characters having to just... live someone else's life. From elementary school on as well! This author knows well how to write children growing up and all the pains that come along with it.
There are two main characters, Yuuta (Male) and Yui (Female), who while they aren't the craziest personalities, it is enough to root for them to get back to their original bodies. But since they're stuck with each other, they must do their best together to make it through each other's adolescence.
Puberty is one hell of a thing to experience in another body. This isn't all that much of a spoiler, but these kids will be growing up which means we get to witness all throughout their teenage years. I personally believe there isn't enough stories that span across a longer period of time.
A small warning: Usually a gem is a gem for its writing value as well, but I do think all of this story is stellar apart from its endings. Yes, endings. In my opinion, both endings are rather weak, but the core of the story is interesting so its a shame.
*Oh, but before I go. Two endings! Originally a web publication, there is a manga ending (that is more accepted universally as the ending) and a web publication exclusive ending. The web publication brings a grim, damn near miserable seeming ending while the manga brings the fairytale happy ending. It's the web ending alone that makes you wonder if this entire story was building up to a tragedy after all.
Well! I’m off to read some more!
ENGLISH FAN TRANSLATION:
Yuuta and Yui had their body swapped when Yuuta fell down from a tree.
How will they co-operate in dealing with this as they grow up?
Well the me from Highschool who read this was really touched. Honestly. But that is only one opinion, which is mine. Equally you can read this and think its not accurate to adolescence at all. Isn't that what's interesting about growing up? Everyone grows up differently.
By the way, I did not know Kim Carnby could write bad psychological thriller but it does exist in the form of Gorgon. (By the way, author of Bastard, Sweet Home, Shotgun Boy etc).
Because I love the premise of Gorgon the most out of his works but it ends up being the most half-baked 25 chapters of a psychological thriller. No that’s precisely the issue, that it’s lacking with only 25 chs and a breakneck pace that relies on the viewer pretending there’s enough weight and development on the events unfolding.
The concept of someone being able to kill with mutual eye contact (on purpose or by accident), his act of feigning blindness, the subsequent consequences of doing that or being the way he is—a Gorgon indeed. Someone steal the concept to make a better story out of it.
This is all to say I thought “wow a Kim Carnby work no one is talking about?” intending in my Wednesday pick. But sometimes there’s a reason why people don’t talk about some stories I suppose.
