The 10 Best Japanese Comics I Enjoyed in 2025 (Which Are Mostly Unknown).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it's increasingly difficult to discover every noteworthy release. As always, the most popular series dominate conversations, yet a treasure trove exists of overlooked works waiting to be discovered.

One of the greatest joys for a dedicated reader is unearthing a mostly obscure series amidst the weekly releases and recommending it to friends. This list highlights of the best lesser-known manga I've discovered recently, along with motivations for they're worth checking out ahead of the curve.

Some of these series lack a broad readership, especially as they are without anime adaptations. Some could be less accessible due to where they're available. Sharing any of these provides some serious bragging rights.

10. An Unassuming Salaryman Revealed as a Hero

• Writing Team: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
• Released by: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

I know, it's an unusual starting point, but hear me out. Comics are often fun, and there's nothing wrong with that. I confess that fantasy escapism is my comfort read. While the title isn't strictly an isekai, it uses similar story beats, including an unbeatable hero and a game-influenced setting. The appeal, however, stems from the protagonist. Keita Sato is a standard overburdened office worker who vents his stress by exploring strange labyrinths that emerged suddenly, armed only with a baseball bat, to pummel creatures. He's indifferent to treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to hide his pastime, protect his family, and clock out punctually for a change.

There might be better isekai series, but this is one of the few published by a major house, and thus readily accessible to international audiences on a digital platform. For easy reading, this publisher remains a leader, and if you're in need of a brief, enjoyable diversion, the series is highly recommended.

9. The Exorcists of Nito

• Creator: Iromi Ichikawa
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

Typically, the word "exorcist" in a manga title makes me hesitant due to the saturated market, but my opinion was altered this year. The Nito Exorcists reminds me of the best parts of a popular supernatural battle manga, with its ominous tone, stylized art, and shocking ferocity. A random click got me hooked and got hooked instantly.

Gotsuji is a skilled spirit hunter who kills evil spirits in the hope of finding the one that murdered his mentor. He's joined by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is focused on his safety than fueling his retribution. The premise sounds simple, but the character development is subtle and refined, and the visual contrast between the comedic design of foes and the gory combat is a nice extra touch. This is a series with great promise to become a hit — should it get the chance.

8. Gokurakugai

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

If breathtaking art is your priority, then this is it. Yuto Sano's work on the series is stunning, meticulous, and distinctive. The story doesn't stray far to traditional battle manga tropes, with superpowered people fighting evil spirits (though they're avoiding that specific term), but the protagonists are distinctly odd and the world is fascinating. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, resolving disputes in a working-class district where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are born from human or animal corpses. In the former case, the Maga possesses abilities connected to the way the human died: a suicide by hanging can strangle others, one who died from self-harm causes blood loss, and so on. It's a macabre yet fascinating twist that adds depth to these antagonists. Gokurakugai could be the next big hit, but it's constrained by its monthly schedule. From the beginning, only a limited number of chapters have been released, which makes it hard to stay invested.

7. Bugle Call: War's Melody

• Authors: Mozuku Sora, Higoro Toumori
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Viz

This bleak fantasy manga approaches the common conflict theme from a new viewpoint for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it presents large-scale medieval warfare. 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, employing his instrument and background in a brutal fighter company to become a powerful tactician, fighting dreaming of a life beyond war.

The backdrop is a little plain, and the inclusion of futuristic tech feels forced at times, but The Bugle Call still surprised me with bleak developments and surprising narrative shifts. It's a grown-up battle manga with a collection of odd personalities, an interesting power system, and an interesting combination of strategy and horror.

6. Taro Miyao: Unexpected Feline Guardian

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

A emotionally distant main character who idolizes Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and advocates for ruthless pragmatism becomes the owner of a cute cat named Nicolo—allegedly because a massage from its little feet is the only thing that relieves his stiff shoulders. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you