5 Must-Read Manga to Kickstart Your 2025 Reading Journey
Still not reading manga in 2025? Here are five must-read picks to dive into now

This month, VMAN Southeast Asia’s digital cover draws inspiration from the Lunar New Year and the rich tradition of Asian art—a celebration of vivid imagery, intricate storytelling, and the creative power of illustration.
Manga, a cornerstone of modern Asian art, exemplifies this brilliance with its stunning visuals and deeply compelling narratives.
From action-packed adventures to heartfelt dramas, the art of manga continues to captivate global audiences, break cultural boundaries, and immerse readers in imaginative worlds.
If you’re ready to dive into this vibrant storytelling medium, here are five manga recommendations to kickstart (or reignite) your journey into Japan’s finest literary art form.
Each one offers a unique experience, filled with unforgettable characters and gripping plots that will keep you hooked.
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1. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Why You Should Read It:
A timeless masterpiece, One Piece is the ultimate adventure manga that has shaped the genre for decades.
Follow Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of misfit pirates as they journey through the Grand Line in search of the One Piece, the world’s greatest treasure. Brimming with imaginative islands, heart-pounding battles, and emotional depth, this series proves why it’s a global classic.
If you haven’t yet set sail with the Straw Hat Pirates, now’s the perfect time to start.
2. Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Comedy
Why You Should Read It:
Chainsaw Man is chaotic, unhinged, and deeply human. Denji, a debt-ridden young man, gains the power to transform into a chainsaw-wielding devil after merging with his pet devil, Pochita.
What follows is an exhilarating tale of survival, dark humor, and unexpected heartache. With its bold storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals, Chainsaw Man is a manga you won’t forget.
3. Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura

Genre: Sports, Psychological
Why You Should Read It:
Soccer becomes a battlefield in Blue Lock, a thrilling reinvention of the sports genre.
After Japan’s World Cup loss, a controversial training program is launched to create the ultimate ego-driven striker. Yoichi Isagi joins this high-stakes competition, where teamwork takes a backseat to raw ambition.
4. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku by Yuji Kaki

Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Psychological
Why You Should Read It:
Set in a deadly, mysterious realm, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku follows Gabimaru, a hardened ninja sentenced to death, who’s offered a chance at freedom if he retrieves the Elixir of Life from an uncharted island.
However, this paradise is teeming with deadly monsters and secrets.
Combining hauntingly beautiful artwork with intricate character development, this dark fantasy explores themes of survival, redemption, and human resolve.
5. Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Monster
Why You Should Read It:
In a world under constant threat from kaiju monsters, Kafka Hibino accidentally transforms into one.
Instead of succumbing to his monstrous instincts, he uses his newfound power to fight alongside the Defense Force, protecting the very people who fear him. Kaiju No. 8 is a fresh take on the monster genre, with thrilling action, heartfelt moments, and a touch of humor to create a must-read story.
Just like this month’s cover celebrates Asian art’s transformative power, these mangas highlight why the medium continues to resonate worldwide.
From the swashbuckling escapades of One Piece to the high-stakes drama of Blue Lock, there’s a story here for everyone. Ready to embark on your next great adventure? Start with these captivating picks and let the journey begin.
Photos courtesy Hiroshi Ataka and Amazon