A Curated List of 10 Japanese Comics I Read This Year (That You've Probably Never Heard Of).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it becomes a challenge to discover every worthwhile release. Inevitably, the biggest series capture the spotlight, yet a treasure trove exists of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

A particular delight for a dedicated reader is stumbling upon a mostly obscure series buried in publication schedules and then sharing it to friends. I present of the top obscure manga I've enjoyed this past year, along with explanations for why they're deserving of your time ahead of the curve.

Some of these series are still awaiting a broad readership, especially as they all lack anime adaptations. Others may be less accessible due to where they're available. Sharing any of these will earn you 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
• Find it on: Manga Plus

This may seem like a strange choice, but let me explain. Comics are often fun, and that's perfectly fine. I'll acknowledge that fantasy escapism is my comfort read. While The Plain Salary Man isn't strictly an isekai, it follows many of the same tropes, including an incredibly strong protagonist and a game-influenced setting. The unique hook, however, lies in the protagonist. Keita Sato is a standard overburdened office worker who unwinds by sneaking into mysterious dungeons that emerged suddenly, 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 clock out punctually for a change.

Superior genre examples exist, but this is an accessible title from a top company, and thus easily available to international audiences via a free service. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher sets the standard, and if you're seeking a brief, enjoyable diversion, this manga is highly recommended.

9. The Exorcists of Nito

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

Ordinarily, the word "exorcist" in a manga title makes me hesitant due to the saturated market, but two series changed my mind this year. The Nito Exorcists reminds me of the finest elements of a popular supernatural battle manga, with its ominous tone, stylized art, and shocking ferocity. I started reading it by chance and got hooked instantly.

Gotsuji is a skilled spirit hunter who kills evil spirits in the hope of discovering his master's killer. He's joined by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is concerned with his well-being than aiding his quest for revenge. The plot may seem basic, but the treatment of the characters is thoughtfully executed, and the visual contrast between the absurd look of the enemies and the gory combat is a compelling layer. This is a series with real potential to go the distance — if it's allowed to continue.

8. Gokurakugai

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

When artistic excellence matters most, then search no more. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is stunning, detailed, and one-of-a-kind. The narrative hews close of typical hero's journey beats, with superpowered people fighting evil spirits (though they're not officially called "exorcists"), but the cast is wonderfully eccentric and the backdrop is compelling. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, solving problems in a poor neighborhood where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are formed from human or animal corpses. For those from people, the Maga wields magic reflecting the circumstances of their end: someone who hanged themselves has the power to choke people, one who ended their own life can make people bleed out, and so on. It's a macabre yet fascinating twist that gives weight to these antagonists. This series has potential for massive popularity, but it's limited due to its slower publication rate. Starting in 2022, only a limited number of chapters have been released, which challenges ongoing engagement.

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

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

This grim fantasy manga examines the ever-present fight narrative from a fresh perspective for shonen. In place of highlighting individual duels, it showcases massive army conflicts. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—people with distinct abilities. Luca's ability lets him transform noise into illumination, which allows him to direct soldiers on the battlefield, employing his instrument and background in a brutal fighter company to become a skilled strategist, fighting dreaming of a life beyond war.

The backdrop is a little plain, and the insertion of sci-fi elements occasionally doesn't fit, but this series still delivered bleak developments and surprising narrative shifts. It's a mature shonen with a group of eccentric individuals, an interesting power system, and an enjoyable mix of strategy and horror.

6. The Cat Parent Adventures of Taro Miyao

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

A cold-hearted main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and believes in using any means necessary takes in a cute cat named Nicolo—supposedly since a massage from its small claws 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