A Curated List of 10 Japanese Comics I Enjoyed in 2025 (That You've Probably Never Heard Of).

As the manga industry continues its relentless expansion, it's increasingly difficult to discover every worthwhile new series. Predictably, the mainstream series get all the attention, yet a treasure trove exists of undiscovered treasures ripe for exploration.

A particular delight for a dedicated reader is stumbling upon a mostly obscure series buried in publication schedules and recommending it to friends. I present of the best lesser-known manga I've discovered recently, along with motivations for they're worthy of attention prior to a potential boom.

Several entries here have not yet reached a mainstream following, partly due to they haven't received anime adaptations. A few are trickier to read due to where they're available. However, suggesting any of these grants you some impressive fan credentials.

10. An Unassuming Salaryman Revealed as a Hero

• Writing Team: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

I know, it's an unusual starting point, but bear with me. Comics are often fun, and that's perfectly fine. I confess that fantasy escapism is my comfort read. While this series doesn't fully fit the genre, it uses similar story beats, including an unbeatable hero and a video-game-inspired fantasy framework. The unique hook, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is your typical overworked Japanese corporate man who relieves pressure by sneaking into mysterious dungeons that materialized globally, armed only with a baseball bat, to pummel creatures. He's indifferent to treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to maintain his double life, protect his family, and leave the office on time for a change.

More polished fantasies are out there, but this is one of the few from a top company, and thus conveniently readable to international audiences via a free service. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher remains a leader, and if you're in need of a short, lighthearted escape, this manga is an excellent option.

9. Nito's Exorcists

• Artist: Iromi Ichikawa
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

Usually, the word "exorcist" in a manga title is enough to deter me due to the saturated market, but my opinion was altered this year. This series evokes the strongest aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its ominous tone, distinctive artwork, and sudden violence. I started reading it by chance and became engrossed at once.

Gotsuji is a skilled spirit hunter who purges ghosts in the hope of discovering his master's killer. He's joined by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is focused on his safety than supporting his vengeance. The premise sounds simple, but the portrayal of the cast is subtle and refined, and the artistic dichotomy between the silly appearance of the spirits and the gory combat is an effective bonus. This is a series with real potential to go the distance — should it get the chance.

8. Gokurakugai

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

If breathtaking art is your priority, then look no further. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is breathtaking, intricate, and unique. The narrative hews close from classic shonen conventions, with individuals with abilities combating monsters (though they're not labeled as exorcists), but the characters are all quirky and the world is fascinating. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, handling issues 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 has powers relating to the way the human died: a suicide by hanging can strangle others, one who ended their own life can make people bleed out, 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 held back by its infrequent release pace. From the beginning, only five volumes have been released, which makes it hard to stay invested.

7. The Bugle Call: Song of War

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

This dark fantasy manga tackles the ubiquitous battle trope from a novel angle for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it showcases epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—those granted singular talents. Luca's ability allows him to manifest sound as light, which helps him command armies on the battlefield, using his trumpet and upbringing in a ruthless soldier group to become a formidable commander, fighting dreaming of a life beyond war.

The setting is somewhat generic, and the insertion of sci-fi elements can seem jarring, but this series still surprised me with dark turns and unexpected plot twists. It's a sophisticated series with a cast of quirky characters, an interesting power system, and an pleasing blend of military themes and dark fantasy.

6. The Cat Parent Adventures of Taro Miyao

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

A cold-hearted main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and subscribes to ends-justify-the-means takes in a cute cat named Nicolo—reportedly for the reason that a massage from its small claws is his sole relief from tension. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you