As we approach the end of 2024 and enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the best mangas that have left us with a great taste in our mouths. In this article, we have joined several manga enthusiasts to share our favorite titles and those reads that have surprised, captivated, and excited us.
Here you will find all kinds of Japanese comics that are worth remembering and making known to those who want some good reading or to give as a gift to that person who enjoys this art. Works that have begun in 2024 and others that have finished before the arrival of the new year.
So, without further ado, here are the best mangas of 2024 and 2025 according to my humble opinion. We hope you enjoy our recommendations as much as I have enjoyed these amazing mangas!
Adabana
Adabana is a seinen manga that follows the story of Mizuki Aikawa, a high school student who pleads guilty to the murder of her friend and classmate, Mako Igarashi. As the police investigate, it is discovered that her story doesn’t add up and that there is more to the death. As the plot progresses, dark details about Mizuki’s life and her relationship with Mako are revealed, including themes of abuse and violence.
This manga stands out for its disturbing and powerful story that keeps us hooked on each of its pages. Adabana is not suitable for all audiences due to its dark themes and the explicitness of some situations, but for those who enjoy hard psychological thrillers, it is a must-read. The plot is full of unexpected twists that will keep you interested until the end.
Smiley
Smiley is a manga that combines elements of mystery and horror and takes us into the dark and murky world of cults in Japan and the power they have. The story follows a protagonist who seeks to find out the truth about his wife’s disappearance and to do so infiltrates a mysterious cult that has a way of life of always being smiling. As the plot progresses, he discovers dark secrets and dangers that put his life at risk.
With Smiley, we also have a social critique of the Japanese way of life, of that addiction to being the best at everything and leading a life ‘for show’ that is all facade and hides many psychological problems.
This manga stands out for its atmosphere of intrigue and tension and its ability to maintain suspense and develop a plot that is revealed to be very complex. It is a story that progresses very slowly, but without taking a step back or stopping. The series promises an exciting ending, and each new volume adds more depth to the plot.
Assassin’s Creed: Dynasty
I admit that there is a trick here, as this is not a manga—it is a manhua—but I liked it so much that it had to be on the list no matter what. Assassin’s Creed: Dynasty transports us to the video game franchise created by Ubisoft and to a minimally exploited setting: ancient China.
Here we will follow the adventures of Li E, a young assassin who joins the Creed with the idea of changing the course of history. The plot takes place at a crucial time for the empire, with betrayals and conflicts that seem to lead to a civil war and a change of government.
The most interesting thing about this manhua is that there are such interesting, powerful, and charismatic people that you don’t miss the scarce appearance of ‘the hidden ones.’
Assassin’s Creed: Dynasty is a building block that helps build the exciting Ubisoft universe and has enough good writing to shine on its own and not seem like a mere appendix. The historical setting is well done, and the characters are very well developed. Fans of the franchise will love the references and the faithfulness to the original material, while new readers will find a plot full of action and intrigue that does not require prior knowledge of this video game saga. The narration is attractive and the drawings are impressive, capturing the reality of the time and the internal conflicts of the characters.
Corpse Hunters
Corpse Hunters is a youth suspense manga that follows the story of Isshin and his friends, who decide to investigate the disappearance of a classmate that occurred several years ago. The only clue they have is a photo of someone wearing a tengu mask and an electricity tower. As they advance on their way to that tower, they will discover that the case is related to a series of child kidnappings that have occurred in the area.
Although it may seem like a plot in the purest Goonies style, this is not a manga for children. Corpse Hunters is a journey in an atmosphere of mystery and tension, with young people facing dangers while searching for the truth.
This manga can combine elements of adventure and thriller with a touch of nostalgia. As I mentioned, it reminds us of classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me, but with a more modern and dark approach. Housui Yamazaki’s drawing is spectacular and manages to capture both the innocence of the protagonists and the darkness of the plot.
Corpse Hunters is an addictive read from the first volume to the last, with unexpected twists and a powerful story.
The series has now been published in its entirety in Spain, with a duration of 4 volumes.
If I’ve already cheated with Assassin’s Creed: Dynasty, with Nicola’s Travels Through the Demonic World I’m already showing my true colors. This manga was released in Spain in December 2023, but I liked it so much that I couldn’t leave it in oblivion.
This comic follows the adventures of Nicola, a human girl who finds herself trapped in a world filled with demons and supernatural creatures. Throughout her journey, Nicola must face various challenges and dangers as she searches for a way to return home. What may seem like a horror premise turns out to be a manga with a lot of heart, filled with exciting moments and unique characters that help Nicola on her journey.
You can’t help but love this sweet, innocent girl and how her way of being affects the world around her.
The drawings are impressive, with an artistic style that perfectly captures the dark and magical atmosphere of the demonic world and that tone of fable and story that takes us back to our childhood. Nicola is a loving and brave character, and her development throughout the story is one of the strong points of the manga. Nicola’s Travels Through the Demonic World won me over and made me fall in love from its first page, and that’s why it’s here in the best of 2024, even though it began to be published the previous year.