Another year, another batch of new manga releases. Here are the ones (as well as some older manga returning to print) that I'm most excited for in 2022!
The story centers around Kaboku, a studious high schooler who feels trapped by his parent’s expectations. However, one night, he sees a fellow schoolmate dancing and becomes captivated. He asks to join her hip hop team.
He has a lot of work ahead and he’s not sure what the future holds. All he knows is that through dance, he finally feels free.
It looks like Coffee’s artwork wonderfully captures the kinetic energy and the beauty of self-expression within dance, so I’m really looking forward to this one.
Double Manga, Vol. 1 by Ayako Noda
Takara is a natural genius at acting, but he’s a bit scatterbrained and needs his acting double, Yuujin, to help him focus and memorize lines. However, when he’s scouted for a television role, jealousy threatens to tear their relationship apart.
The incredible covers for this series are what first caught my eye and I’m here for all the drama.
HIRAETH - The End of the Journey, Vol 1. by Yuhki Kamatani
Following the death of her best friend, Mika is desperate to join her. However, she is saved by a god and an immortal man who agree to journey with her into yomi (the mythical land of the dead).
This one looks like a introspective, bittersweet tear jerker that delves into heavy topics like grief and suicide, so make sure to bring a box of tissues.
Shonen Note: Boy Soprano, Vol. 1 by Yuhki Kamatani
The creator of Our Dreams at Dusk presents a coming-of-age story about a boy who sings soprano. However, as he grows older and his voice begins to change, he begins to reevaluate his identity.
Another Kamatani recently licensed by Kodansha!! They a wonderful job at capturing raw human emotional, so I expect no less from this series.
To Strip the Flesh by Oto Toda
The story centers around a trans boy struggling with his body and father’s terminal illness.
This manga looks like a poignant exploration of grief and takes a unique body horror approach for dysphoria.
Plus, since this manga is coming from a former assistant of Fugimoto, I have high hopes for this one.
Star Clock Liddell, Vol. 1 by Uchida Yoshimi
Hugh is a young socialite haunted by the same reoccurring dream. He keep seeing vivid visions of a mysterious Victorian mansion and a girl who asks him for help. He tries to get to the bottom of the house's mystery as his own friends become increasingly concerned about his mental well being.
This is a gorgeous gothic shoujo from the 80s and I'm so happy that Glacier Bay Books picked up this absolute gem of a series for English release.
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye, Vol. 1 by Koudon
It’s said that the Urashima Tunnel can grant you your heart’s desires if you walk through it… at the cost of shaving years off of your life
Tono Kaoru finds himself wishing that he could use the tunnel to bring his dead sister back to life and the new transfer student named Anzu offers to help him, but what’s in it for her?
An emotional sci-fi manga based off of a light novel and it also has a gorgeous looking anime in the works.
No Longer Human, Vol. 1 by Usamaru Furuya (adapted from Ozuma Dazai)
Set in modern-day Tokyo and narrated by Furuya himself, the story follows the life of a troubled young man who puts on a façade of being happy and normal while dealing with the trauma of past abuse.
This series has long been out of print and each volume has been reselling for over $200 a pop, so I’m so happy to see this masterpiece return to print without me having to empty my poor bank account.
Witches: the complete collection by Daisuke Igarashi
The mangaka of Children of the Sea introduces an anthology portraying different types of witches using a gorgeous and unique art style.
Fujimoto also recently cited this as one of his favorite manga of all time, so, naturally, I’m sold.
The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito
The Japanese master of horror returns with another collection of short stories. ‘Nuff said.
Death Note: short stories by Tsugumi Ohba (writer), Takeshi Obata (Illustrator)
This collection contains five one-shot chapters as well as one chapter of previously published gag comics set within the Death Note universe.
NOiSE by Tsutomu Nihei
Detective Musubi is investigating a series of child kidnappings when her own partner is gruesomely murdered and she finds herself face to face with his killer.
This manga is a short prequel/prototype to Nihei’s cyberpunk Blame! series. Originally published by Tokyo Pop in 2007, it returns to print once more.
SHWD, Vol. 1 by Sono.n
Koga is a determined rookie within the Special Hazardous Waste Disposal (SHWD) unit. Her job is to hunt down and safety dispose of mysterious biological relics that were left behind after a great war. Together with her mentor Sawada, she faces monstrosities beyond her wildest imagination.
This is a action-packed sci-fi yuri filled with buff, kick-butt ladies, so what's not to love?
Record of Ragnarok, Vol. 1 by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui (writers) and Ajichika (illustrator)
In a battle royale of epic proportions, human champions from history and legend square off against the gods to determine the fate of humanity.
I avoided the atrocious Netflix adaption, so I'm relieved to finally be able to see the fight scenes in their full glory.
Alright, there you have it! Those are my most anticipated manga for the upcoming year that I'm aware of. Let me know which one's your most excited for or if I missed any of your favorites!
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