WhileShōnen Jumphas produced some of the best manga out there, likeHunter X HunterandChainsaw Man, there are other magazines with a better and more prestigious catalog that bless fans with some of the best recommendations ever. Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon, in particular, has garnered a reputation for publishing nothing but excellence, with a manga collection so unbelievably good that audiences wouldn’t see elsewhere.
Monthly Afternoon is one of Kodansha’s seinen anthologies, launching its first issue on Jun 10, 2025, and originally created as a sister magazine to Weekly Morning. Monthly Afternoon published works that were not selected for Weekly Morning, yet, interestingly enough, the magazine would end up producing many beloved and arguably better pieces. Many of its manga have been nominated and won various awards, both in Japan and around the world, proving that its excellence has been recognized globally. While there are many amazing manga to choose from, here area few stand-outs in this highly competitive magazine.
5Blade of the Immortal
Written and Illustrated by Hiroaki Samura
With an anime adaptation commonly rankedamong the best samurai anime of all time,Blade of the Immortalis one of the best-kept secrets out there, and it is such a shame it doesn’t have the attention it deserves. If the series did get more recognition, it could easily be considered one of the great Seinen manga right alongsideVagabond,Berserk, andVinland Saga.
The series follows Manji, an immortal samurai who has killed 100 people. To atone, he vows to slay 1000 evil men, and this is where the young and distressed Rin comes in. With her parents brutally murdered and violated in front of her by the radical new samurai house, the Itto-Ryu, she is determined to get revenge. Hiring Manji as her bodyguard, the two traverse Japan to take down Anotsu and his violent swordsmen in what is considered one of the most brutal manga out there.
Blade of the Immortalwon the 2000 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition for Foreign Material. These awards are the most prestigious in the comic book world.
Together with the supremely ethereal artwork that utilizes the rare practice of pencil illustrations and the amazing use of paneling mixed with careful choreography that brings its fight scenes to the next level,Blade of the Immortaltackles complex themes in a very mature and deep way.
Discussing the topics of revenge, honor among samurai, the cycle of violence, and redemption, the series features a lot of depth and nuance that does justice to the subject matter. With incredible dialogue, well-written characters, and an extensive depiction of the ways of the samurai and feudal Japan,Blade of the Immortalis a hidden gem that promises to be one of the best manga experiences for anyone.
4Mushishi
Written and Illustrated by Yuki Urushibara
This mesmerizing supernatural manga didn’t begin publishing in Monthly Afternoon but transferred in December 2002 until its conclusion in 2008.Mushishirevolves around Ginko, a wandering “Mushi Master” who delves into the enigmatic realm of mushi—otherworldly, supernatural beings that exist alongside humans but are frequently overlooked by the naked eye. As Ginko travels through countryside scenes, he aids individuals impacted by mushi, revealing the fragile equilibrium between nature, human existence, and the invisible forces at play.
While the anime adaptation was as perfect as can be, fans would be doing themselves a disservice to miss out on Urushibara’s surreal artstyle that enchants at every page turn.Each episode and storyline is a rich and beautiful tale about the importance of harmony between man and nature, as well as how interconnected all life is. These themes combine with traditional Japanese folklore to create a dream-like experience that never fails to keep readers entranced.
Mushishiis a truly unforgettable series that will keep readers hooked with every new story. While each storyline might seem separate, they all work beautifully together in a rich way that results inone of the best mangas out there.
3Land of the Lustrous (Houseki No Kuni)
Written and Illustrated by Haruko Ichikawa
Set in a distant future where Earth has been destroyed by meteors and humanity has been wiped out, a new form of immortal life known as the Lustrous emerges, delicate beings replicated after gemstones. Phos is one of the weakest Lustrous and has been assigned the task of creating a history encyclopedia. In this desolate world, the Lustrous face constant attacks from the Lunarians, who seek their gemstones,Houseki no Kunitells the story of Phos and the other Lustrous as they struggle for survival.
Land of the Lustrous' anime adaptation comes from Studio Orange, the same studio responsible forBeastarsandTrigun: Stampede.
The series has some of the most unique and vibrant art styles, with Ichikawa using the heavy contrast between black and white very well. While it can be hard to tell what is going on at times, readers who give the series a chance are massively rewarded with some excellent presentation with the themes represented in even the most commonplace of panels. The philosophical exploration of identity and purpose in life is as profound as it can get, and one would be hard-pressed to finishHouseki No Kuniwithout falling head over heels for Phos and their journey.
Post-apocalypses are a common setting for manga, as seen with greats likeBlame!,Akira, andFist of the North Star. Given how common the genre is,it is all the more exceptional thatLand of the Lustrousis so unique. There’s no other manga quite likeLand of the Lustrous, and that alone makes it more than a solid recommendation.
2Vinland Saga
Written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura
The series that has jumped to the mainstream stage for its amazing and beautiful storyline,Vinland Saga, has gotten the praise it deserves due to the hit anime. It is a fictionalized retelling of real events, following the young Thorfinn Karlsefni, who is thrust into the Nordic war after vowing to get revenge for his murdered father. The story focuses on a young boy’s life as he navigates the brutal life of a soldier and eventually finds a new home in a far-off land known as Vinland.
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This series is the entire package: it has stunning art, incredible characters, heart-breaking conflicts, and more. However, what really elevates this series to even greater heights is the beautifully written protagonist of the story. His journey from a blood-lust hateful boy to one who loses meaning in life and later finds purpose is one of the most profound journeys in the medium. The themes of atonement, purpose, and compassion are all encompassed so beautifully in Thorfinn, making him one of manga’s best main characters.
Makoto Yukimura was surprised by the popularity of Thorfinn’s ‘I have no enemies’speech.
Seinen manga is famous for its meditations on violence. This can most famously be seen with massive manga series likeBerserkandVagabond. WithVinland Saga, Makoto Yukimura similarly explores the life of someone trying to make amends for an early life of violence. Thorfinn’s journey isn’t an easy one, but that’s ultimately part of what makes his eventual turn toward a more peaceful existence all the more compelling.
1Blue Period
Written and Illustrated by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
This series is one of the most inspirational and hopeful renditions of an artist’s struggles, and its beautiful messages land it much praise. It follows Yatora Yaguchi, a hard-working high school student who is at the top of his class. However, he feels empty inside and doesn’t have something he truly enjoys. One day, he sees a painting that piques his interest and ropes him into the world of art, something that gives him joy. That is when he decides to become a skilled artist and gain admission to a reputable art school before graduating.
This tale of finding what one loves and enjoys is sure to resonate with anyone of all ages, as it is something very relatable. However,Blue Period, while being hopeful in the pursuit of passion,maintains realism and shows the difficultiesand struggles that come with venturing into a new field late. Far from a rosey depiction of someone with a natural skill coasting by on talent,Blue Periodis all about the hard work and determination that goes into being an artist.
Yatora’s insecurities of failure and how others are much more skilled truly hit hard in the feels, and this emotional roller coaster of a series never shies away from giving it to the reader straight. However, above all,Blue Periodis still a heartwarming and realistic story that will inspire readers to find their true selves and try out new interests.
Monthly Afternoon has more amazing manga of all genres, such asParasyte,Blame!,Knights of Sidonia,Medalist,Skip to Loafer,Heavenly Delusion,Historie,Bakkuon Retou, and many more that cater to every possible readers’ choice.Shōnen Jumpmight be amazing, but manga fans should strive to venture out into other magazines from other publishers, and they might find even more amazing series they like in Kodansha.
Shonen Jump
Shonen Jumpis one of Japan’s most successful manga anthology franchises, published by Shueisha. Launched in 1968, it is the source of some of the most beloved and popular anime and manga series, such asOne Piece,Dragon Ball, andNaruto. The franchise has extended into multiple adaptations across various media, including anime, films, video games, and merchandise.
