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My Most Anticpated Manga Reads of 2021


2020 is coming to close, but a whole new year of manga releases is upon us! Get ready to gear up because here's a list of which titles I'm most excited for. 


My Dearest Self with Malice Aforethought by Shoto Ito

This manga is a cerebral psychological thriller about a shy, awkward college student. However, he has gaps in his memory where it's like he's a completely different person. He wakes up with a girlfriend he can't recall getting, he apparently punched another student, and ... he might even be committing murder. 

If you enjoy cerebral psychological thrillers like Memento or enjoy the concept of the "dark passenger" from Dexter, this one just might be right up your alley too. 

Shino Can't Say Her Name by Shuzo Oshimi

Shino can't say her name or words that start with vowels. This makes it difficult for her to communicate with others. However, her freshman year of high school, she finally befriends a tone-deaf girl who loves music, and together they try and start a band.

I'm a huge fan of Oshimi's previous works like Flowers of Evil, Blood on the Tracks, and Happiness due to his incredible ability to capture human psychology, and this newest work looks like no exception. Apparently, this manga is inspired from his own personal experience, and as someone who also grew up with a speech disorder, this seems like a really emotionally-driven story that I personally resonate with. 

Captivated, By You by Yama Wayama

Captivated, By You is an award-winning collection of short stories navigating the lives and relationships of unusual high schoolers. 

I don't know too much about the plot for this one to be honest, but something about the art style looks realistic, raw, and dare I say ... captivating? 

  

Dai Dark by Q Hayashida

The story follows a teenager whose bones have the ability to grant any wish, so of course, the whole universe wants a piece of him. But he’s not ready to die yet , so he’s prepared to fight them all off as he tries to find the person who cursed him.

It’s got space necromancy and looks every bit as whacky and zany and as filled with dark humor as its predecessor Dorohedoro, so if you're looking for something to fill the Hole-shaped hole in your heart, you might just be in luck. 

Harem Marriage by Non

OK, the next one is a rather spicy and unusual romance.

It follows a woman who's down on her luck with romance. Her father is in the hospital, her family's restaurant is going under, and she just wants to help keep her family afloat. However, one day, a mysterious and eccentric philanthropist sweeps in and offers to pay off her debt. 

At first, she's reluctant before she finally caves in and accepts his offer.

However, the catch is ... he already has 2 other wives!! 

You can imagine how complicated and messy a marriage between 2 people. Now multiply that between 4. 

Depicted with phenomenal artwork, this manga presents a more realistic take on a polygamous marriage--navigating all the awkwardness, heartache, and joy that comes along with it. 

Alright, those are all the releases I'm aware of and interested in for next year. Which upcoming series do you plan on reading? Let me know down below!



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