Modern shonen jump into the action faster, cutting back on long training arcs and often edging into seinen territory with more mature storylines, like Chainsaw Man and Dandadan bringing a gritty yet quirky style that’s impossible to ignore. Recent shonen creators, such as Tatsuki Fujimoto and Gege Akutami, are pushing the genre in exciting new directions with their fresh takes.
The origins of modern shonen start around 2010 and continue to the present day. Some creators take influence from more mature manga like seinen, while others draw inspiration from classic creators whose works still feel fresh and relevant today, like Atsushi Ohkubo (Soul Eater), Tite Kubo (Bleach), and Takeshi Obata with Tsugumi Ohba (Death Note).
Some new shonen series dive deeper into darker, more explicit territory that borders on seinen, pushing boundaries in both story and content. Meanwhile, others—like My Hero Academia—stay more closely rooted to shonen’s classic themes, paying clear homage to the genre’s origins, similar to Naruto.
While classic shonen remain timeless and unforgettable, modern shonen are distinct, stylish, and refreshing, challenging the classics as some of the best manga available today. For a deeper dive into shonen and all-time favorites, check out the full master list of the best shonen manga. That said, here are the best new shonen recommendations you need to read this year.
Phantom Busters
Phantom Busters stands out with its unique premise—why fight ghosts when you can just eat them? The story follows Eugene, a top student who doesn’t believe in ghosts, and Mogari, an unorthodox exorcist who swallows spirits whole.
Together with their classmates, they form a school exorcist club, leading to a high school life that’s anything but ordinary. The series shares a similar vibe to SKET Dance with its club dynamics and quirky humor, and carries a bit of the same energy as Dandadan—though Dandadan is definitely wilder. For fans of offbeat, supernatural school stories, Phantom Busters is a must-read.
Kagurabachi
Kagurabachi follows Chihiro, who trains alongside his renowned swordsmith father, dreaming of becoming a master sword-maker. Their peaceful life takes a sudden turn after a devastating tragedy, thrusting Chihiro into a dark world fueled by vengeance.
Armed with his sword, Chihiro sets out on a relentless quest filled with battles and challenges. With an intriguing power system and a gripping revenge-driven storyline, Kagurabachi is a darker shonen debut worth reading for fans who are drawn to intense, mature themes or stories like Demon Slayer.
Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta follows Rudo, an orphan living with his adoptive parent in the slums. Gifted with unique abilities, he becomes a target and is framed for a murder he didn’t commit, landing him in a place known as “the abyss.”
Rather than perish, Rudo awakens in a strange world filled with trash-made monsters. There, he meets Engine, a Janitor who fights these creatures using special weapons. Rudo trains to become a Janitor himself, determined to fight his way out of the abyss and seek revenge.
This series comes highly recommended by Atsushi Ohkubo, creator of Soul Eater, who called it a passing of the baton to Kei Urana, his former assistant. Gachiakuta’s style, character designs, and world-building are exceptional, with vibes similar to Deadman Wonderland and Fire Force. On top of all that, it’s gritty and emotional and has amazing art.
Gokurakugai
Gokurakugai is one of the top shonen series of 2024. Following the momentum set by series like Chainsaw Man, Dandadan, and Sakamoto Days, this series quickly grabbed attention after its one-shot evolved into a full serialization with Viz.
Set in the gritty, lawless district of Gokurakugai, troubleshooters Alma and Tao serve as beacons of justice, tackling a range of cases involving monstrous threats and human villains alike. Driven by both justice and profit, they navigate a city where chaos reigns and danger lurks around every corner. The series features a striking art style and compelling characters, with dynamic panels that would translate beautifully into an anime adaptation. Gokurakugai’s vivid storytelling makes it a must-read for fans of gritty, action-packed shonen.
Kindergarten Wars
Kindergarten Wars throws you right into the chaos with an assassin targeting kindergartners—setting the tone for a series that’s as wild as it is surprisingly heartfelt.
The story follows Rita, aka Convict 999, a former assassin now charged with protecting the children of world leaders, elites, and criminals at a high-security kindergarten. Rita’s tough and unfiltered, but hopeless around attractive men, which adds humor to the fast-paced action. The mix of quirky assassins, lovable kids, and a strong supporting cast makes this a standout. Fans of Sakamoto Days and Assassination Classroom should definitely give this one a read.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku by Yuji Kaku delivers a bold, graphic story that blends shonen and seinen elements more so than most. The series follows Gabimaru the Hollow, a ruthless assassin whose cold exterior slowly warms as he seeks a second chance with his wife. Set on the deadly island of Shinsenkyo, criminals are sent to search for an elixir of immortality, facing horrifying monsters and brutal challenges along the way.
Yuji Kaku’s art is both beautiful and haunting, vividly portraying the island’s horrors and the characters’ struggles. The contrast between hell and paradise, blessings and curses, drives the story forward and it’s full of tension and intrigue. With a completed 13-volume run, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a concise, must-read shonen manga that stands out for its mature themes and stunning panels.
Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8 is set in a Japan plagued by frequent kaiju attacks, where the Japan Defense Force battles these deadly monsters. Kafka Hibino works cleaning up kaiju remains but has always dreamed of joining the force. After an unexpected transformation, Kafka faces a new challenge—he’s become a kaiju himself.
Determined to fulfill a pact with his childhood friend Mina, a Defense Force captain, Kafka tries out for the squad again. The twist? He’s now a target on the Defense Force’s neutralization list under the name Kaiju No. 8. Kafka is one of the most relatable heroes in recent shonen, and the story blends action and comedy, with strong character development. If you are looking for a series that has the perfect balance of laughs and thrills, this is it.
Call of the Night
Call of the Night is a modern take on a classic vampire romance manga and one of the best new shonen series. Ko Yamori is a middle school boy who’s grown bored with his life and developed insomnia. To cope, he roams the streets at night. One night, he meets Nazuna, a vampire girl he’s determined to fall in love with.
To his surprise, Nazuna bites him, and before long, he’s immersed in the vampire world. His goal becomes to become a vampire himself so he can enjoy the quiet of the night and escape the boredom of everyday life. But in this story, vampires aren’t simply created by a bite—they’re born out of love.
What makes Call of the Night unique is how it draws from multiple genres and uses them well. It has enough mystery to keep you guessing, with hints of romance and touches of horror throughout. Kotoyama’s depiction of night—the dark yet vibrant skylines, glowing street lamps, empty streets, and quiet playgrounds—is compelling. Watching Ko and Nazuna grow closer during these nights, and their dynamic, makes the story both endearing and fun to read.
Though romance and vampire manga have long been linked, Call of the Night stands out with strong world-building and captivating characters.
Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, once the greatest hitman feared by criminals and respected by assassins alike. Now retired, married, and running a quiet neighborhood store, Sakamoto’s peaceful life is shattered when someone from his past forces him back into the deadly world he left behind.
Though out of practice and a bit out of shape, Sakamoto brings a new energy to the story alongside a quirky cast of assassins with their own motivations. The manga delivers intense action scenes and also shows the softer side of Sakamoto through his family and how he treats those around him. The character designs are fresh, and the story hits emotional beats that make this series well worth reading.
The Bugle Call: Song of War
The Bugle Call: Song of War is one of the best new shonen manga in recent years. Set in Arboral Year 1294, it centers on fierce conflicts over nine ancient towers called the Spires—massive relics filled with lost secrets. From the first chapter, the series captivates with intense battles, smart strategy, and a power system that feels truly unique.
The story follows Luca, a bugler in a mercenary band who dreams of becoming a musician but is marked as one of the Branch-hexed—individuals with strange abilities like literally seeing sound. This rare gift drags him into war’s depths. After being left for dead, Luca is rescued by the mysterious Pontiff, who is assembling a team of Branch-hexed to shift the tide of battle. The manga features strong character development and an emotionally gripping start that pulls readers into this harsh world while rooting for Luca.
Dandadan
Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu is a wild ride, gaining attention thanks to endorsements from creators like Tatsuki Fujimoto (Chainsaw Man, Fire Punch) and Yuji Kaku (Hell’s Paradise, Ayashimon). Tatsu was even their assistant, which explains the hype.
The story begins when Momo Ayase, a kindhearted but impulsive girl, saves Ken Takakura from bullies. Ken tries to connect by sharing his belief in the occult, but they clash—she believes in ghosts but not aliens, he believes the opposite. Their debate leads to a challenge: each visits a local hotspot to prove their point. Both discover ghosts and aliens exist, kicking off a chaotic journey filled with supernatural and sci-fi elements.
Dandadan is quirky, absurd, and packed with unexpected humor. Its mix of ghosts and aliens gives it a distinct vibe that stands apart in modern shonen manga.
Spy x Family
Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo is an action comedy manga that balances thrilling moments with humor. It follows an unusual family: Loid (aka Twilight), a spy; Yor, an assassin; and Anya, a telepath. Brought together by necessity for a mission, this mismatched trio navigates everyday life while keeping their secrets hidden.
The characters are a highlight—Loid and Yor bring depth and charm, but Anya steals the show with her hilarious expressions and witty remarks. The family’s secret lives and Anya’s awareness of them adds comedy and warmth. Spy x Family is not only funny but heartwarming, making it one of the best new manga to read now. For more, check out our full best comedy manga list.
Blue Lock
Blue Lock has earned serious hype—and for good reason. It’s not just a fresh take on football (soccer) manga but also a standout in shonen sports manga. The story follows 300 of Japan’s top strikers competing in the Blue Lock program, a high-pressure, survival-of-the-fittest challenge designed to create the ultimate striker who can lead Japan to World Cup glory. Fierce rivalries and intense challenges push the characters to their limits, fueling growth and competition.
The manga’s art captures the energy and motion of the players, making each match thrilling and visually dynamic. Beyond the adrenaline, Blue Lock explores deep themes of ambition, teamwork, and personal drive. For fans of shonen sports manga and competitive survival stories, Blue Lock is a must-read. Check out our list of the best manga like Blue Lock for more top soccer and sports manga recommendations.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami, quickly gained popularity thanks to its interesting premise and a cast of memorable characters like Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, Yuta Okkotsu, and Satoru Gojo. The series leans heavily into horror influences without being edgy just for the sake of it, making it one of the darkest shonen manga alongside Chainsaw Man.
This manga doesn’t hold back, showing the real dangers the characters face—a rare and refreshing approach in shonen. Despite its supernatural elements, the story feels grounded and believable, showcasing Akutami’s skillful storytelling.
Takopi’s Original Sin
Takopi’s Original Sin is a drama and sci-fi manga by Taizan 5 that’s been gaining serious attention lately—and for good reason. It’s one of the most emotionally powerful new manga releases in recent years. While Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano is known as a tough read, Takopi’s Original Sin delivers a similarly hard-hitting experience, but in a more compact form over just two volumes.
The story follows Takopi, an octopus-like alien from Happy Planet, a place where kindness and cheerfulness reign. When he meets a girl named Shizuka on Earth, he quickly realizes that human emotions like sadness, anger, and regret are far more complex. Through their time together, Takopi learns the meaning of caring and loss. This manga blends heavy drama with sci-fi elements and emotional storytelling, so it’s a must-read for fans of modern, impactful manga.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is an ongoing shonen manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, also known for Fire Punch. With its gripping story, unforgettable characters, and darker tone, Chainsaw Man has quickly become one of the best shonen manga to hit the scene in recent years.
The hunters come from diverse backgrounds—some driven by loss caused by devils, others motivated by money, and some forced into the fight. This variety creates a compelling cast that, despite clashing personalities, bands together for a shared mission. The tension between Aki Hayakawa and Denji, fueled by their opposing views on devils, drives much of the manga’s sharp dialogue and character development.
Chainsaw Man challenges typical shonen boundaries by blending dark themes with high-octane action and deep emotional moments. Denji’s unique take on morality, where devils can be both good and bad, adds complexity to the story. This combination of intense battles, moral depth, and wild storytelling makes Chainsaw Man one of the best in modern shonen manga and a must-read for fans of action-packed, dark shonen series.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End tells the emotional journey of Frieren, an elf mage setting out to fulfill the last wishes of her fallen friends. After their group defeated the Demon King and brought peace, Frieren looks back on the time they spent together and the human moments she’s only now starting to understand, living a near-immortal life.
What makes this series special is how it handles fantasy in a way that feels real and thoughtful. It doesn’t lean on clichés but instead dives into themes like loss, connection, and memory in a way that hits close to home. The art perfectly captures the characters’ emotions and the way past and present blend together, making Frieren one of the most moving new shonen manga around.
These modern series are shaking up shonen with their fresh energy and style, making it more exciting to jump into than ever. With so many great manga dropping in 2025, there’s never been a better time to start reading.
