The 10 Best Manga I Enjoyed in 2025 (Flying Under the Radar).

As the manga industry continues its relentless expansion, staying on top to track every significant new series. As always, the most popular series get all the attention, but there's a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

One of the greatest joys for a dedicated reader is stumbling upon a largely unknown series amidst the weekly releases and recommending it to friends. I present of the finest under-the-radar manga I've enjoyed this past year, along with explanations for why they're deserving of your time prior to a potential boom.

A few of these titles lack a mainstream following, especially as they are without anime adaptations. Others may be less accessible due to digital exclusivity. But recommending any of these provides some impressive fan credentials.

10. The Plain Salary Man Turned Out to Be a Hero

• Authors: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

I know, it's an unusual starting point, but hear me out. Comics are often fun, and that's perfectly fine. I'll acknowledge that fantasy escapism is my comfort read. While The Plain Salary Man diverges from the template, it embraces familiar conventions, including an overpowered main character and a game-influenced setting. The unique hook, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is your typical overworked Japanese corporate man who unwinds by exploring strange labyrinths that materialized globally, armed only with a baseball bat, to pummel creatures. He has no interest in treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to hide his pastime, protect his family, and leave the office on time for a change.

More polished fantasies are out there, but this is an accessible title from a top company, and thus conveniently readable to international audiences through a popular app. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher sets the standard, and if you're looking for a brief, enjoyable diversion, this manga is a great choice.

9. The Exorcists of Nito

• Artist: Iromi Ichikawa
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

Ordinarily, the word "exorcist" in a manga title is enough to deter me due to the abundance of similar stories, but two series changed my mind this year. The Nito Exorcists reminds me of the strongest aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its eerie vibe, stylized art, and unexpected brutality. A random click got me hooked and became engrossed at once.

Gotsuji is a powerful exorcist who eliminates cursed beings in the hope of discovering his master's killer. He's paired with his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is focused on his safety than aiding his quest for revenge. The plot may seem basic, but the portrayal of the cast is thoughtfully executed, and the stylistic juxtaposition between the absurd look of the enemies and the bloody fights is a nice extra touch. This is a series with real potential to run for a long time — provided it survives.

8. Gokurakugai

• Creator: Yuto Sano
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus; Viz

For readers who value visual splendor, then search no more. Yuto Sano's work on the series is breathtaking, detailed, and unique. The plot remains within to traditional battle manga tropes, with individuals with abilities combating monsters (though they're not labeled as exorcists), but the protagonists are distinctly odd and the world is fascinating. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, solving problems in a working-class district where humans and beast-men coexist.

The villains, called Maga, are born from human or animal corpses. In the former case, the Maga wields magic reflecting the circumstances of their end: a hanging victim has the power to choke people, one who perished by suicide causes blood loss, and so on. It's a macabre yet fascinating twist that gives weight to these antagonists. It could be the next big hit, but it's constrained by its infrequent release pace. Since its debut, only a limited number of chapters have been released, which can test a reader's patience.

7. The Call of War: A Bugle's Song

• Creators: Mozuku Sora, Higoro Toumori
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it on: Viz

This grim fantasy manga tackles the ever-present fight narrative from a new viewpoint for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it showcases large-scale medieval warfare. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—individuals possessing a unique special power. Luca's ability allows him to manifest sound as light, which lets him guide troops on the battlefield, using his trumpet and upbringing in a brutal fighter company to become a powerful tactician, fighting to eventually earn his freedom.

The backdrop is a little plain, and the addition of advanced concepts feels forced at times, but it still surprised me with grim twists and shocking story pivots. 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

• Author: Sho Yamazaki
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

A cold-hearted main character who idolizes Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and subscribes to ends-justify-the-means becomes the owner of a cute cat named Nicolo—allegedly because a massage from its tiny paws is a unique cure for his aches. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you