My Top 10 Comics I Discovered Recently (That You've Probably Never Heard Of).
With the world of manga growing more vast by the day, staying on top to keep up with every noteworthy new series. Predictably, the most popular series dominate conversations, yet a treasure trove exists of hidden gems ripe for exploration.
One of the greatest joys for a dedicated reader is stumbling upon a largely unknown series buried in publication schedules and spreading the word to friends. This list highlights of the top obscure manga I've enjoyed this past year, along with explanations for why they're deserving of your time before they gain widespread popularity.
Several entries here are still awaiting a mainstream following, especially as they haven't received anime adaptations. A few are less accessible due to where they're available. Sharing any of these grants you some notable geek cred.
10. An Unassuming Salaryman Revealed as a Hero
- Creators: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Find it on: Manga Plus
This may seem like a strange choice, but hear me out. The medium embraces absurdity, and that's perfectly fine. I confess that isekai is my guilty pleasure. While the title isn't strictly an isekai, it uses similar story beats, including an incredibly strong protagonist and a video-game-inspired fantasy framework. The appeal, however, lies in the protagonist. Keita Sato is a standard overburdened office worker who vents his stress by sneaking into mysterious dungeons that emerged suddenly, armed only with a baseball bat, to pummel creatures. He doesn't care about treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to keep his hobby secret, protect his family, and finish work early for a change.
There might be better isekai series, but this is one of the few released by a leading publisher, and thus conveniently readable to international audiences through a popular app. Regarding online access, this publisher is still dominant, and if you're looking for a brief, enjoyable diversion, the series is highly recommended.
9. The Exorcists of Nito
- Creator: Iromi Ichikawa
- Released by: Shueisha
- Available on: Manga Plus
Ordinarily, the word "exorcist" in a manga title makes me hesitant due to the genre's overpopularity, but a pair of titles shifted my perspective this year. The Nito Exorcists reminds me of the strongest aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its eerie vibe, stylized art, and shocking ferocity. I stumbled upon it accidentally and became engrossed at once.
Gotsuji is a formidable practitioner who eliminates cursed beings in the hope of finding the one that murdered his mentor. He's paired with his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is more interested in protecting Gotsuji than supporting his vengeance. The plot may seem basic, but the character development is as delicate as the art, and the visual contrast between the silly appearance of the spirits and the violent battles is a compelling layer. This is a series with real potential to become a hit — should it get the chance.
8. Gokurakugai
- Creator: Yuto Sano
- Released by: Shueisha
- Find it on: Manga Plus; Viz
When artistic excellence matters most, then this is it. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is spectacular, meticulous, and unique. The narrative hews close from classic shonen conventions, with heroes clashing with demons (though they're not labeled as exorcists), but the characters are all quirky and the backdrop is compelling. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, handling issues in a poor neighborhood where two species live side-by-side.
The villains, called Maga, are born from human or animal corpses. For those from people, the Maga has powers relating to the manner of death: a suicide by hanging can strangle others, one who died from self-harm can make people bleed out, and so on. It's a disturbing but creative twist that gives weight to these antagonists. Gokurakugai might become a major title, but it's constrained by its monthly schedule. From the beginning, only a limited number of chapters have been released, which can test a reader's patience.
7. Bugle Call: War's Melody
- Authors: Mozuku Sora, Higoro Toumori
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Available on: Viz
This bleak fantasy manga approaches the ubiquitous battle trope from a fresh perspective for shonen. Instead of centering on individual duels, it depicts epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—those granted singular talents. Luca's ability allows him to manifest sound as light, which allows him to direct soldiers on the battlefield, leveraging his musical skill and past in a cruel mercenary band to become a formidable commander, fighting with the hope of one day stepping away.
The world feels a bit standard, and the insertion of sci-fi elements occasionally doesn't fit, but this series still provided dark turns and unexpected plot twists. It's a mature shonen with a collection of odd personalities, an interesting power system, and an enjoyable mix of strategy and horror.
6. Taro Miyao: Unexpected Feline Guardian
- Artist: Sho Yamazaki
- Released by: Shueisha
- Find it on: Manga Plus
A emotionally distant main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and believes in using any means necessary takes in a cute cat named Nicolo—reportedly for the reason that a massage from its tiny paws is his sole relief from tension. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you
