The 10 Best Manga I Discovered Recently (Which Are Mostly Unknown).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it's increasingly difficult to keep up with every noteworthy title. Predictably, the most popular series dominate conversations, but there's a plethora of undiscovered treasures waiting to be discovered.

A key pleasure for any manga enthusiast is stumbling upon a hidden series amidst the weekly releases and then sharing it to friends. Here are some of the best lesser-known manga I've enjoyed this past year, along with explanations for why they're worth checking out ahead of the curve.

Some of these series lack a broad readership, especially as they haven't received anime adaptations. Some could be less accessible due to their publishing platforms. However, suggesting any of these will earn you 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 that's perfectly fine. I'll acknowledge that isekai is my guilty pleasure. While the title isn't strictly an isekai, it follows many of the same tropes, including an unbeatable hero and a RPG-like world structure. The unique hook, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is an archetypal exhausted salaryman who relieves pressure 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 keep his hobby secret, protect his family, and leave the office on time for a change.

There might be better isekai series, but this is a rare example published by a major house, and thus readily accessible to international audiences via a free service. Regarding online access, this publisher remains a leader, and if you're looking for a brief, enjoyable diversion, The Plain Salary Man is an excellent option.

9. Nito's Exorcists

• Author: Iromi Ichikawa
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

Typically, the word "exorcist" in a manga title turns me away due to the abundance of similar stories, but a pair of titles shifted my perspective this year. The Nito Exorcists recalls the strongest aspects of a popular supernatural battle manga, with its eerie vibe, stylized art, and unexpected brutality. A random click got me hooked and was immediately captivated.

Gotsuji is a skilled spirit hunter who eliminates cursed beings in the hope of finding the one that murdered his mentor. He's accompanied by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is concerned with his well-being than supporting his vengeance. The premise sounds simple, but the treatment of the characters is thoughtfully executed, and the stylistic juxtaposition between the silly appearance of the spirits and the gory combat is an effective bonus. This is a series with the capacity to become a hit — should it get the chance.

8. Gokurakugai

• Author: Yuto Sano
• Released by: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus; Viz

When artistic excellence matters most, then look no further. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is stunning, detailed, and distinctive. The story doesn't stray far to traditional battle manga tropes, with heroes clashing with demons (though they're not officially called "exorcists"), but the protagonists are distinctly odd and the backdrop is compelling. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, run the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, resolving disputes in a working-class district where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are created from human or animal corpses. For those from people, the Maga possesses abilities connected to the way the human died: someone who hanged themselves has the power to choke people, one who perished by suicide causes blood loss, and so on. It's a gruesome but interesting twist that gives weight to these antagonists. It has potential for massive popularity, but it's limited due to its slower publication rate. From the beginning, only a limited number of chapters have been released, which can test a reader's patience.

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

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

This grim fantasy manga approaches the ever-present fight narrative from a new viewpoint for shonen. Instead of centering on individual duels, it showcases large-scale medieval warfare. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—those granted singular talents. Luca's ability lets him transform noise into illumination, which lets him guide troops on the battlefield, using his trumpet and upbringing in a brutal fighter company to become a powerful tactician, fighting dreaming of a life beyond war.

The setting is somewhat generic, and the addition of advanced concepts occasionally doesn't fit, but it still provided dark turns and shocking story pivots. It's a mature shonen with a cast of quirky characters, an interesting power system, and an interesting combination of military themes and dark fantasy.

6. Taro Miyao Becomes a Cat Parent?!

• Artist: Sho Yamazaki
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it 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