Top 10 Ongoing Manga You Should Be Reading
Hey manga lovers! Are you on the hunt for your next obsession? We've all been there, finishing a fantastic series and wondering what epic adventure to dive into next. Well, guys, I've got your back! We're diving deep into the world of ongoing manga, and I've curated a list of the top 10 ongoing manga that are absolutely killing it right now. These aren't just good; they're the kind of stories that will keep you glued to your screen, eagerly awaiting every new chapter. We're talking about mind-bending plots, unforgettable characters, and art that'll blow you away. So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let's explore some of the best manga series that are still unfolding their epic tales. Whether you're into action-packed shonen, gripping seinen, or heartwarming slice-of-life, there's something here for everyone. Get ready to add some serious titles to your must-read list!
1. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Sousou no Frieren)
Alright, first up, we have a series that's already captured the hearts of so many – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Now, this isn't your typical fantasy adventure. It starts after the hero has defeated the Demon King. Frieren, the powerful elven mage, returns home and realizes that time moves differently for her. She watches her former companions grow old and pass away, leaving her with a profound sense of regret and a desire to truly understand human connection and emotions. This manga explores themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time in a way that's incredibly moving and introspective. The pacing is deliberate, allowing you to really soak in Frieren's journey as she revisits the places she traveled with her hero party and learns more about the people she met along the way. The art is absolutely beautiful, with stunning landscapes and expressive character designs that perfectly capture the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the story. It’s a slow burn, but trust me, the emotional payoff is immense. If you're looking for a manga that will make you feel deeply and reflect on life, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an absolute must-read. It’s a masterpiece in the making, guys, and it’s definitely one of the most unique and compelling ongoing series out there. The way it handles grief and connection is just chef’s kiss. It really makes you think about what it means to truly live and cherish the moments you have, even after the grand adventure is over. This series is a gentle reminder that the journey itself, and the bonds we form, are often more important than the destination.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen
Next on our list, we've got a titan of modern shonen: Jujutsu Kaisen! If you're looking for high-octane action, intricate power systems, and a cast of characters you'll instantly fall in love with (or fear!), this is your jam. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a seemingly ordinary high school student who gets entangled in the world of Curses – monstrous beings born from negative human emotions – after swallowing a cursed object. He becomes the vessel for a powerful Curse, Ryomen Sukuna, and joins the Jujutsu High School to learn how to control his newfound powers and fight other Curses. What makes Jujutsu Kaisen stand out is its incredible blend of dark fantasy, thrilling fight choreography, and surprisingly heartwarming character dynamics. The "cursed energy" system is super creative and leads to some of the most visually stunning and strategically complex battles you'll see in manga. Gege Akutami, the author, is a genius at building suspense and delivering shocking twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, the supporting cast is just chef’s kiss – Gojo Satoru is iconic, and characters like Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki are equally compelling. The Shibuya Incident arc was absolutely insane and pushed the story to new heights of intensity. It’s a series that constantly evolves, never afraid to take risks, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish. Seriously, if you haven't jumped on the Jujutsu Kaisen train yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a shonen masterpiece that’s redefining the genre, guys!
3. Chainsaw Man
Let's talk about Chainsaw Man, another absolute banger that’s taken the manga world by storm. This series is pure, unadulterated chaos in the best way possible. We follow Denji, a poverty-stricken young man who works as a Devil Hunter with his chainsaw devil companion, Pochita. After a brutal betrayal, Denji merges with Pochita and becomes Chainsaw Man, a hybrid capable of transforming parts of his body into chainsaws. He's recruited by a government agency to hunt down more dangerous devils. What's so captivating about Chainsaw Man is its sheer originality and its dark, often absurd, sense of humor. Tatsuki Fujimoto throws you into a world where devils are born from human fears, and the stakes are constantly sky-high. The action sequences are incredibly visceral and creative, with Denji’s chainsaw abilities leading to some truly wild and gory battles. But beyond the blood and guts, there’s a surprisingly emotional core. Denji’s simple desires for a better life, food, and companionship are incredibly relatable, even amidst the mayhem. The supporting characters, like the enigmatic Power and the stoic Aki Hayakawa, are equally memorable and complex. This manga doesn't shy away from dark themes, violence, and shocking plot twists, making it a truly unforgettable reading experience. It’s unpredictable, brutal, and hilarious all at once. If you're looking for something that completely breaks the mold and offers a fresh, gritty take on the action genre, Chainsaw Man is an absolute must-read. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and a testament to the power of unique storytelling, guys!
4. Spy x Family
Moving on to something a bit lighter, but no less brilliant, we have Spy x Family. This series is the perfect blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming family dynamics, and honestly, it’s just pure joy to read. The premise is ingenious: a master spy, codenamed "Twilight," needs to create a fake family to infiltrate an elite school and get close to his target. Unbeknownst to him, the "wife" he hires is actually an assassin, and the "daughter" he adopts is a telepath! Thus, the Forger family is born, each member hiding their true identities from each other. The comedy comes from their hilariously awkward attempts to maintain their charade while navigating school events, social gatherings, and the occasional spy mission. But what truly makes Spy x Family special is the genuine affection that grows between Loid (Twilight), Yor (the assassin), and Anya (the telepath). Anya, in particular, is an absolute scene-stealer with her adorable antics and her secret knowledge of everyone’s thoughts. The art style is clean and expressive, perfectly capturing both the comedic moments and the subtle emotional beats. It’s a feel-good manga that manages to be exciting, funny, and incredibly endearing all at once. Whether you’re a seasoned manga reader or just dipping your toes in, Spy x Family offers a delightful escape and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s a testament to how found families can be just as strong, if not stronger, than biological ones, and it does it with so much charm and humor, guys!
5. One Piece
Now, we can't talk about ongoing manga without mentioning the king itself: One Piece! This legendary series has been running for decades, and it still manages to captivate and amaze us with its incredible world-building, unforgettable characters, and epic adventures. For the uninitiated, One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young man whose body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. He sails the Grand Line with his diverse crew of pirates, the Straw Hats, in search of the ultimate treasure known as the "One Piece" to become the next Pirate King. What makes Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece so enduring is its sheer scope and imagination. The world is vast and filled with unique islands, fascinating cultures, and a deeply intricate political landscape. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own compelling backstories and motivations. The themes of friendship, freedom, and chasing your dreams are woven throughout the narrative, making it incredibly inspiring. Even after hundreds of chapters, the story continues to deliver breathtaking arcs, shocking reveals, and emotional moments that resonate deeply with fans. The Wano Country arc was a monumental achievement, and the current saga is shaping up to be even more epic. If you're looking for a long-term commitment to a story that offers endless adventure, profound themes, and a world you can truly get lost in, One Piece is the ultimate ongoing manga. It’s a cultural phenomenon for a reason, guys, and its legacy is still being written!
6. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Let's talk about a shonen staple that’s been thrilling us for years: My Hero Academia! This series offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, set in a world where approximately 80% of the population possesses superpowers known as "Quirks." The story centers on Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero just like his idol, All Might. Through a twist of fate, he inherits a powerful Quirk and enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. My Hero Academia excels at blending classic superhero tropes with compelling character development and intense action. The variety of Quirks is incredibly imaginative, leading to diverse and exciting battles. Deku's journey from a powerless fanboy to a capable hero is inspiring, and the supporting cast, including characters like Katsuki Bakugo and Shoto Todoroki, are equally well-realized with their own complex struggles and growth. The series explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, the nature of power, and the societal impact of superpowers. The recent arcs have delved into darker territory, exploring the consequences of hero society and the escalating threats from villains like Tomura Shigaraki and All For One. It’s a story that’s constantly evolving, raising the stakes, and making you question what it truly means to be a hero. If you're a fan of superheroes and compelling character arcs, My Hero Academia is a must-read ongoing manga that continues to deliver exciting action and emotional depth, guys!
7. Kaiju No. 8
Alright, time for some giant monster action with Kaiju No. 8! This series has been making serious waves, and for good reason. It’s a fantastic blend of kaiju destruction, intense action, and a surprisingly relatable protagonist. The story is set in Japan, where monstrous Kaiju regularly appear and are fought by the Defense Force. Kafka Hibino, a former member of the Defense Force, now works in cleaning up Kaiju carcasses. His life takes an unexpected turn when he's infected by a small Kaiju, transforming him into a powerful, red-skinned hybrid capable of wielding immense strength. He takes on the moniker "Kaiju No. 8" and must now fight against his own kind while hiding his identity from the very Defense Force he once aspired to rejoin. What makes Kaiju No. 8 so gripping is its high-octane action sequences, which are beautifully rendered with incredible detail. The sheer scale of the Kaiju battles is awe-inspiring, and Kafka's transformation adds a unique twist to the genre. Beyond the spectacle, Kafka is a really likable and down-to-earth protagonist. His struggles, desires, and determination to protect humanity make him incredibly compelling. The series balances thrilling monster fights with moments of character development and humor, making it a well-rounded and addictive read. If you love giant monster movies and high-stakes action, Kaiju No. 8 is definitely one of the hottest ongoing manga you should be checking out. It’s a fresh take on the Kaiju genre, delivering epic battles and a protagonist you’ll root for, guys!
8. Dandadan
Get ready for some supernatural insanity with Dandadan! This manga is an absolute blast, packed with bizarre humor, insane action, and a truly unique art style. Created by the same artist behind Fire Punch, this series is a wild ride from start to finish. The story kicks off with Momo Ayase, a high school girl who believes in ghosts, and Turbo-Grandpa (Ken Takarai), a boy who believes in aliens. After a bizarre encounter at a hospital rumored to be haunted, they discover that both ghosts and aliens are very real, and they find themselves caught in a supernatural conflict involving powerful entities and strange transformations. Dandadan shines with its incredibly dynamic and often grotesque art style, which perfectly complements its surreal and chaotic narrative. The action sequences are mind-bendingly creative, featuring everything from alien tentacles to ghostly powers and bizarre hybrids. The humor is dark, quirky, and often laugh-out-loud funny, stemming from the eccentric characters and their absurd situations. Ken Takarai’s transformation into a "Takashi" creature is a standout visual, and Momo’s growing powers are equally fascinating. It’s a series that constantly keeps you guessing, throwing curveballs and surreal moments at every turn. If you're looking for something completely off-the-wall, action-packed, and hilariously weird, Dandadan is an absolute must-read. It’s a breath of fresh, albeit bizarre, air in the manga world, guys!
9. Undead Unluck
Let's dive into another action-packed series with a unique twist: Undead Unluck! This manga is a brilliant mix of over-the-top action, clever concepts, and a surprisingly compelling narrative. The story revolves around Fuuko Izumo, a girl who possesses the Negator ability "Unluck," which causes misfortune to anyone she touches. She encounters Andy, an immortal man who is Negator "Undead," meaning he cannot die. Together, they join a secret organization that aims to unlock the mysteries of their abilities and fight against powerful beings called "Underworld" and "Union." The core appeal of Undead Unluck lies in its wildly creative Negator abilities and the insane battles that result from them. Each ability is based on a concept that defies luck or natural law, leading to incredibly strategic and unpredictable fights. Andy's quest for a worthy death and Fuuko's desire to experience good luck create a fascinating dynamic between the two protagonists. The story is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and manages to balance its wacky premise with genuinely emotional moments and high stakes. The world-building is intricate, and the introduction of various Negators and their unique powers keeps the action fresh and engaging. If you enjoy unique power systems, chaotic battles, and a story that constantly surprises you, Undead Unluck is a fantastic ongoing manga that’s definitely worth your time, guys!
10. Mashle: Magic and Muscles
Finally, rounding out our top 10 is Mashle: Magic and Muscles! This series offers a hilarious and surprisingly engaging take on the magic school genre. In a world where magic reigns supreme, Mascle Burnedead possesses no magical ability whatsoever. Instead, he compensates for his lack of magic with incredible physical strength and... well, muscles. He enrolls in Easton Magic Academy, where students are judged by their magical prowess, and he must hide his non-magical nature while trying to survive and protect his adopted brother. Mashle delivers a fantastic blend of comedy and action, often drawing parallels to One-Punch Man with its overpowered protagonist who solves problems through sheer brute force. The humor comes from Mash's deadpan delivery, his obliviousness to social norms, and the absurd reactions of those around him when his muscles effortlessly overcome any magical challenge. Despite its comedic premise, the manga also develops a compelling plot involving rivalries, conspiracies within the magic world, and Mash's own journey of self-discovery. The action sequences, while often one-sided due to Mash's strength, are still entertaining to watch unfold as he literally punches his way through magical obstacles. It’s a series that’s both silly and surprisingly heartfelt, offering a unique perspective on strength and belonging. If you’re looking for a manga that’s guaranteed to make you laugh while delivering some awesome action, Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a perfect pick to add to your ongoing list, guys!
So there you have it, my top 10 ongoing manga picks! This list is just the tip of the iceberg, of course, but these series offer incredible stories, fantastic art, and compelling characters that will keep you hooked. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the manga scene, I highly recommend diving into any of these. Happy reading, everyone!