Overview of 2024’s Noteworthy Manga
- In 2024, Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon became standout titles among manga enthusiasts.
- A wave of new shojo manga made impressive debuts, captivating readers with their innovative themes.
- Series such as Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite and Magical Girl Dandelion brought fresh perspectives to established genres.
This year has proven fruitful for both manga and anime, especially for the titles of Frieren and Delicious in Dungeon. The former achieved impressive sales, placing just behind Jujutsu Kaisen‘s highly anticipated conclusion, while the latter enjoyed a successful anime adaptation that quickly became one of the year’s top shows.
Additionally, 2024 marked the exciting arrival of numerous new shojo manga, capturing the interest of both long-time fans and newcomers. Whether fans engaged with these titles through scanslations or purchased them in bookstores, it’s clear that these new works made significant impressions this year.
Volume 10 : Control
MyAnimeList Score: 6.60
- Creator: Junji Ito
- 1 Chapter
- Fan Translations only
Can Junji Ito create shojo manga? Surprisingly, he can! The roots of modern horror manga lie in the shojo magazines of the past. Fans can delve into early horror tales via major releases like Kazuo ‘Umezz’ Umezu’s My Name is Shingo, which received its first English translation this year from Viz Media.
For those seeking contemporary horror, Ito introduced a new chapter in his cult classic Tomie with Tomie: Control. This standalone story reintroduces the ageless succubus in a chilling narrative influenced by the infamous cordyceps fungus, causing chaos among friends.
9 The Twilight Princess And The Amorous Raven
MyAnimeList Score: 6.95
- Creator: Akira Osora
- 1 Chapter
- Fan Translations only
Known in Japan as Kurahime to Koikurasu, this captivating one-shot gained traction in 2024. Despite its single-chapter format, it offers substantial lore and a compelling narrative. The story centers on Asaki, the ‘twilight princess’ of the Hibana clan, known for her supernatural powers yet isolated due to her unique abilities.
To abandon her duties as an exorcist, she must capture her clan’s arch-enemy, the Yatagarasu. When her classmate Amabara Ten claims to be that enemy and offers assistance, a journey of unexpected friendship and courage unfolds.
8 Uesugi-Kun Wants To Quit Being A Girl
MyAnimeList Score: 7.00
- Creator: Yuu Yabuchi
- 1+ Volume, 12+ Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Uesugi-kun Wants to Quit Being a Girl introduces Keisuke Uesugi, trapped in a challenging predicament. Eager to bond with his childhood friend Noel, he faces an identity crisis exacerbated by feelings of inferiority compared to male peers.
In a moment of desperation, he wishes at a shrine to become a girl, only to have that wish granted. Now, he must navigate life as a girl, discovering new dynamics within friendships and uncovering truths about himself.
7 Magical Girl Dandelion
MyAnimeList Score: 7.24
- Creator: Kaeru Mizuho
- 1+ Volume, 6+ Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media
In the realm of magical girl stories, Magical Girl Dandelion sets itself apart by weaving a compelling domestic drama within the magical genre. It follows Tanpopo, a girl raised by Shade, a protective phantom spirit, who faces a critical decision at 16 when offered a chance to join the magical girl order Butterfly.
This decision comes with a heartbreaking choice: to destroy Shade and other phantoms like him, or find a way for coexistence, adding depth and emotional weight to the narrative.
6 Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite
MyAnimeList Score: 7.39
- Creator: Julietta Suzuki
- 6+ Volumes, 28+ Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media
Initially making waves in 2022, Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite captured more readers this year as Viz Media launched its official English translations in October. The narrative revolves around Hina Alucard, a reclusive vampire who prefers blood bags over humans.
Introduced to anime by her father, Hina travels to Japan in pursuit of her ‘otaku dream’ alongside Kyuta, a human who resembles her favorite anime hero but has a noticeably prickly personality. Their evolving relationship promises plenty of comedic and heartwarming moments.
5 Belladonna’s Lover
MyAnimeList Score: 7.47
- Creator: Ruu1mm
- 1 Chapter
- Fan Translations only
Among the myriad soft and sparkly offerings of the shojo genre, Belladonna’s Lover stands out with a poignant girls’ love story filled with challenges beyond prejudices. Bella bears a cursed poison, making her touch lethal; the only means of breaking the curse lies in true love.
Forced into seclusion, she acquires the dark title of ‘Poisonous Witch,’ until a chance encounter with Anna, a lost painter who is undeterred by Bella’s curse, offers a glimmer of hope and companionship that could blossom into love.
4. The tale of Koi no Iroha wo Shiete
Anime-Planet Score: 3.77/5 Stars
- Creator: Tsumugi Suou
- 1 Volume, 4 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Koi no Iroha wo Oshiete serves up a classic romantic narrative, spotlighting Rin, who faces heartache after being dumped by her boyfriend of one week for being too reserved. Seeking solace, she befriends Matsukaze, a popular senior.
Matsukaze offers to be her ‘practice partner’ in love, guiding her through the ins and outs of relationships, and providing both comedic and heartwarming moments as Rin learns to navigate romance.
3 The Young Lady Of House Finlanz
Anime-Planet Score: 3.85/5 Stars
- Creators: Puni-chan (story), Aoi Peki (art)
- 1+ Volume, 12+ Chapters
- Fan Translations only
With a saturation of reincarnation titles in manga, The Young Lady of House Finlanz carves its niche through its unique lead, Lizbeth Finlanz. Born into nobility and forced into an ailing marriage with Crown Prince Reinhardt, a betrayal leads to her demise in prison.
Reborn as a child in her former home, Lizbeth wields her memories to strategically navigate her new life and develop relationships, promising a captivating journey of redemption.
2 Kimi ni Todoke: From Me To You – Soulmate
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
- Creator: Chinese Car
- 3 Volumes, 13 Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media
After a long wait for an official release, the beloved series has reemerged as Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You – Soulmate, launched by Viz Media in April 2024. This sequel to the original story continues with Kurumi, a character transitioning from an antagonist to a friend, who enters the search for love.
As she connects with her cousin, Eiji, whom she initially dismisses, Kurumi discovers profound feelings of affection, reflecting the growth and transformative power of relationships.
1 My Love Story With Yamada-kun At Lv999
MyAnimeList Score: 8.16
- Creator: Mashiro
- 10+ Volumes, 108+ Chapters
- Available in English via Penguin Random House
Readers seeking a blend of geeky charm reminiscent of Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku have found a delightful alternative in My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999. This manga has been ongoing since 2019, recently releasing physical volumes through Penguin Random House starting in May 2024.
The narrative revolves around Akane, who channels her hurt over a cheating boyfriend into gaming, only to connect with Yamada, an accomplished player lacking in romantic skills. Their bond develops as they help each other, promising a heartwarming tale of love and friendship in the gaming world.
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