A Curated List of 10 Japanese Comics I Read This Year (Which Are Mostly Unknown).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it becomes a challenge to discover every worthwhile new series. Predictably, the biggest series get all the attention, however, countless gems of undiscovered treasures waiting to be discovered.

A particular delight for any manga enthusiast is stumbling upon a mostly obscure series buried in publication schedules and spreading the word to friends. Here are some of the top obscure manga I've read in 2025, along with explanations for why they're worthy of attention ahead of the curve.

Some of these series lack a large audience, notably because they haven't received anime adaptations. A few are trickier to read 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
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

Admittedly, this is a weird pick, but let me explain. The medium embraces absurdity, and that's perfectly fine. I confess that transported-to-another-world stories relax me. While this series isn't strictly an isekai, it uses similar story beats, including an unbeatable hero and a video-game-inspired fantasy framework. The appeal, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is your typical overworked Japanese corporate man who vents his stress by exploring strange labyrinths that appeared in the world, armed only with a baseball bat, to smash monsters. He has no interest in treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to hide his pastime, protect his family, and finish work early for a change.

There might be better isekai series, but this is an accessible title from a top company, and thus easily available to international audiences on a digital platform. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher sets the standard, and if you're looking for a few minutes of silly fun, The Plain Salary Man is an excellent option.

9. The Nito Exorcists

• Author: Iromi Ichikawa
• Released by: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

Typically, the word "exorcist" in a manga title turns me away due to the abundance of similar stories, but two series changed my mind this year. It recalls the strongest aspects of a popular supernatural battle manga, with its creepy atmosphere, distinctive artwork, and unexpected brutality. I stumbled upon it accidentally and got hooked instantly.

Gotsuji is a skilled spirit hunter who kills evil spirits in the hope of finding the one that murdered his mentor. He's accompanied by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is more interested in protecting Gotsuji than fueling his retribution. The storyline appears straightforward, but the character development is as delicate as the art, and the stylistic juxtaposition between the comedic design of foes and the violent battles is a nice extra touch. This is a series with great promise to become a hit — should it get the chance.

8. Gokurakugai

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

If breathtaking art is your priority, then this is it. Yuto Sano's work on this manga is stunning, intricate, and distinctive. The plot remains within from classic shonen conventions, 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, operate the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, resolving disputes in a poor neighborhood where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are formed from human or animal corpses. For those from people, the Maga has powers relating to the manner of death: someone who hanged themselves has the power to choke people, one who perished by suicide can make people bleed out, and so on. It's a gruesome but interesting twist that provides substance to these antagonists. Gokurakugai has potential for massive popularity, but it's constrained by its infrequent release pace. Since its debut, only a handful of volumes have been released, which can test a reader's patience.

7. Bugle Call: War's Melody

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

This grim fantasy manga tackles the ever-present fight narrative from a novel angle for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it showcases epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—people with distinct abilities. Luca's ability allows him to manifest sound as light, which allows him to direct soldiers on the battlefield, leveraging his musical skill and past in a cruel mercenary band to become a powerful tactician, fighting dreaming of a life beyond war.

The setting is somewhat generic, and the inclusion of futuristic tech can seem jarring, but this series still surprised me with dark turns and unexpected plot twists. It's a sophisticated series with a collection of odd personalities, an compelling ability ruleset, and an interesting combination of warfare and grim fantasy.

6. The Cat Parent Adventures of Taro Miyao

• Creator: Sho Yamazaki
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

A cold-hearted main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and believes in using any means necessary becomes the owner of a cute cat named Nicolo—reportedly for the reason that a massage from its tiny paws is a unique cure for his aches. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you