The world of manga is vast and ever-growing, with new series emerging and capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. Manga, the Japanese comic art form, has become a global phenomenon, with diverse genres, art styles, and storytelling techniques captivating audiences of all ages. In the vast sea of manga, some series shine brighter than others, offering captivating narratives, intricate character development, and stunning artwork. Let’s explore some of the best and worst ongoing manga series, as debated by enthusiasts on r/Piratefolk, a Subreddit dedicated to manga piracy and sharing.
One of the most acclaimed ongoing manga series is ‘Chainsaw Man’ by Tatsuki Fujimoto. This dark and gruesome series centers on Denji, a young man who, after merging with a dog-like devil, gains the ability to transform his body into a chainsaw. Denji joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters and embarks on a journey of action and horror. ‘Chainsaw Man’ has garnered praise for its unique blend of comedy and ultraviolence, as well as its exploration of existential themes and the complexities of human nature.
In contrast, one of the most controversial and criticized ongoing manga series is ‘Tokio Kushu’ (‘Tokyo Goul’). This series, created by Sui Ishida, revolves around Ken Kaneki, a student who survives an encounter with a ghoul, only to undergo a transformative surgery that turns him into a half-ghoul. ‘Tokyo Goul’ has attracted criticism for its excessive violence, sexualization of female characters, and confusing narrative choices. Some readers have expressed disappointment in the story’s direction and the handling of sensitive themes.
Moving away from dark and gruesome themes, ‘Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru’ (‘My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected’), often referred to as ‘Oregairu’, offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. This manga, adapted from a light novel series, follows Hachiman Hikigaya, a cynical and lon er high school student, as he joins the Service Club and interacts with two intriguing girls, Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama. ‘Oregairu’ has garnered praise for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and thoughtful exploration of youth psychology and social issues.
Another fan-favorite ongoing manga is ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ by Gege Akutami. This supernatural thriller follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who gains supernatural powers and joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight against cursed spirits and dark magic. ‘Jujutsu Kaisensen’ has captivated readers with its intense fight scenes, imaginative monsters, and well-crafted characters, offering a fresh take on the shonen genre.
In the world of sports manga, ‘Act-Age’ stood out as a promising new series until it was abruptly canceled due to the arrest of its writer, Tatsuya Matsuki, on allegations of indecent behavior. ‘Act-Age’ followed the aspiring actress Kei Yonagi and her journey toward stardom, exploring the cutthroat world of acting and the challenges she faces. The stunning artwork and intricate character development had garnered a dedicated fan base, making the cancellation all the more devastating.
While ‘Black Clover’ by Yūki Tabata has its fans, it has also been criticized as one of the worst ongoing manga series. This fantasy adventure manga follows Asta, a young boy born without magic powers in a world where magic is everything. While the series has been praised for its energetic fight scenes and vibrant artwork, it has also been criticized for its generic plot, unlikable protagonist, and excessive fan service. Some readers have expressed fatigue with the repetitive nature of the story and the lack of character development beyond the core group.
‘The Quintessential Quintuplets’, or ‘5-toubun no Hanayome’ in Japanese, offers a heartwarming and comedic take on the harem romance genre. This manga follows the life of Futaro Uesugi, a high school student who begins tutoring five quintuplet sisters, and the romantic entanglements that ensue. What sets this series apart is its focus on the unique personalities and relationships between the sisters, as well as the mystery surrounding Futaro’s eventual bride. ‘The Quintessential Quintuplets’ has garnered a dedicated fan base for its charming characters and engaging storytelling.
‘One Piece’, the epic pirate adventure manga by Eiichiro Oda, continues to reign as one of the most beloved ongoing series. With over 100 volumes and counting, ‘One Piece’ has captivated readers worldwide with its dynamic characters, imaginative world-building, and thrilling adventures. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew of pirates as they sail the seas in search of the ultimate treasure known as “One Piece.” The ongoing success of ‘One Piece’ lies in its ability to blend humor, action, and emotional storytelling, creating a vast universe that readers eagerly continue to explore.
While ‘Blue Lock’ is a controversial ongoing manga that divides readers’ opinions, it has gained significant popularity. This intense soccer-themed manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yūsuke Nomura revolves around Japan’s poor performance in the World Cup and the establishment of the Blue Lock, a prison-like training facility aimed at creating the world’s greatest striker. ‘Blue Lock’ has garnered attention for its over-the-top action and passionate portrayal of Japan’s soccer scene, but it has also been criticized for its excessive fan service and unrealistic portrayal of the sport.
In the realm of fantasy manga, ‘The Promised Neverland’ stands out as a critically acclaimed series. This suspenseful story, created by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu, centers on a group of the brightest orphans who uncover the dark secret behind their seemingly perfect orphanage. ‘The Promised Neverland’ has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and suspenseful narrative that blends elements of horror and science fiction. The manga has received several prestigious awards and has been adapted into a successful anime series.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, ‘Red Blond Dragon’ is often cited as one of the worst ongoing manga series. This fantasy manga, created by Toshiki Inoue and illustrated by Kei Sambayashi, is set in a world where dragons and humans coexist and follows the adventures of a red-haired boy, Veed, who possesses the power of a dragon. Critics have panned the series for its generic and predictable plot, unlikeable characters, and awkward dialogue. Many have expressed disappointment in the wasted potential of its intriguing premise.
‘Attack on Titan’ (Shingeki no Kyojin), created by Hajime Isayama, is a manga phenomenon that has captivated readers worldwide. Set in a world where humanity lives within walled cities to protect themselves from gigantic man-eating humanoids known as Titans, the story follows Eren Jaeger and his companions as they fight for survival and uncover the dark secrets behind the Titans’ existence. ‘Attack on Titan’ has received widespread acclaim for its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and stunning artwork, offering a gripping blend of action, horror, and political intrigue.
‘Spy × Family’, a relatively new ongoing manga by Tatsuya Endo, has quickly risen to popularity and critical acclaim. This comedy-spy thriller follows the story of Twilight, an elite spy on a top-secret mission, who forms a fake family with an unsuspecting assassin wife and an adopted telepathic daughter to infiltrate an elite private school. ‘Spy × Family’ has charmed readers with its adorable art style, hilarious scenarios, and heartwarming family dynamics, offering a unique blend of espionage and slice-of-life storytelling. The series has gained a dedicated following and has been praised for its masterful execution of genre fusion.
‘Kaguya-sama: Love is War’ is a romantic comedy manga that has taken the world by storm. Created by Aka Akasaka, the story follows the student council president, Kaguya Shinomiya, and the vice-president, Miyuki Shirogane, who are considered the perfect couple by their peers. However, neither wants to confess their love, and thus begins their hilarious battles of wit and scheming to make the other confess first. ‘Kaguya-sama’ has been praised for its clever writing, engaging characters, and beautiful artwork, offering a fresh and entertaining take on the romance genre.
Lastly, ‘We Never Learn’ (Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai), created by Taishi Tsutsui, is an ongoing romantic comedy manga that has garnered a dedicated fan base. The story centers on Nariyuki Yuiga, a high school student tutoring three genius girls, Fumino Furuhashi, Rizu Ogata, and Uruka Takemoto, in their weakest subjects. However, each girl happens to be a master in one particular field, and Nariyuki’s challenge is to help them get into their desired colleges. ‘We Never Learn’ has been praised for its hilarious scenarios, charming characters, and ability to blend comedy with heartfelt moments, offering a delightful take on the harem romance genre.
With so many ongoing manga series to choose from, it’s clear that the art form continues to thrive and evolve, offering something for every taste and preference. Whether it’s action-packed adventures, heartwarming romances, or thought-provoking dramas, manga has the power to transport readers to new worlds and inspire their imaginations. As the debates on r/Piratefolk suggest, the manga community is passionate and engaged, always seeking the next great series to captivate their hearts and minds.