Top Manga 2022: Must-Read Japanese Comics

Hey manga lovers! Ready to dive into the best manga that 2022 had to offer? I've compiled a list of the absolute must-read manga from that year. Trust me; if you missed these, you're in for a treat. Let's get started!

What Makes a Manga "Top Tier?"

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly talk about what makes a manga truly stand out. It's not just about cool fight scenes or cute characters, guys. A top-tier manga usually has:

• Compelling Story: A plot that hooks you from the start and keeps you guessing.
• Great Characters: Characters you care about, with their own flaws and strengths.
• Amazing Art: Artwork that enhances the story and brings the world to life.
• Emotional Impact: The ability to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.

So, with that in mind, let’s explore some titles. Remember, ranking manga is super subjective, so this list blends popularity, critical acclaim, and personal favorites. If your top choice isn’t here, don’t worry; tell me about it in the comments! I'm always open to discovering new gems!

Our Top Picks for Manga in 2022

1. Chainsaw Man

When talking about the best manga, we absolutely have to start with Chainsaw Man. Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto, this manga took the world by storm! The story follows Denji, a young man who makes a contract that fuses his body with that of a chainsaw devil, giving him the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws. Sounds wild, right? It is!

Chainsaw Man is praised for its incredibly unique and dark storyline. The themes it explores are deep, often dealing with poverty, trauma, and the search for meaning in a messed-up world. Denji's character development is a rollercoaster, evolving from a simple-minded kid just trying to survive into someone grappling with much bigger questions. What makes it so captivating is the unpredictable nature of the narrative. You genuinely never know what's coming next, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every chapter. Fujimoto's storytelling style blends action, horror, and humor seamlessly, creating a cocktail of emotions that grips you from beginning to end. The manga doesn't shy away from portraying brutal scenes and morally ambiguous characters, adding to its realistic and gritty feel. This complexity makes it not just an action-packed adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, making it a standout title in recent years. The art style is another highlight; it's gritty and raw, perfectly matching the tone of the story. The action sequences are dynamic and easy to follow, which is crucial for a manga with so much fighting. The character designs are also memorable, each with their own distinct look and personality. Honestly, if you haven't read Chainsaw Man yet, drop everything and start now. You won't regret it!

2. Spy × Family

Next up, we have Spy × Family by Tatsuya Endo. This one’s a bit lighter than Chainsaw Man, but no less amazing. It's a delightful blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming family moments. The story revolves around Twilight, a spy who must build a fake family to execute a mission. He adopts a child, Anya, who is secretly a telepath, and marries Yor, who is secretly an assassin. None of them know each other's secrets, leading to hilarious and heartwarming situations.

Spy × Family is one of the best manga because of its perfect balance. The humor is spot-on, the action is thrilling, and the family interactions are genuinely touching. The characters are incredibly likeable, especially Anya, whose telepathic abilities lead to some of the funniest moments in the series. The success of Spy × Family lies in its masterful blend of genres and its charming, well-developed characters. Each member of the Forger family brings a unique dynamic to the group, creating a narrative that is both hilarious and heartwarming. The juxtaposition of Twilight's serious spy persona with Anya's innocent mischief and Yor's deadly skills forms the backbone of the series' appeal. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, maintaining a sense of tension while seamlessly integrating comedic elements. What truly elevates Spy × Family is its emotional depth. Despite the farcical premise, the series explores themes of belonging, trust, and the true meaning of family. As the characters navigate their complicated lives and hidden identities, they forge genuine connections, giving the story a heartfelt core that resonates with readers. This combination of humor, action, and emotion makes Spy × Family a consistently engaging and enjoyable read, solidifying its status as a top manga. The artwork is clean and expressive, perfectly capturing the emotions of the characters. It's a feel-good manga that will leave you smiling after every chapter. Plus, who can resist Anya's adorable expressions? Seriously, this manga is pure joy!

3. Kaiju No. 8

For those who love kaiju battles, Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto is an absolute blast. Set in a world where Japan is constantly under attack by kaiju, the story follows Kafka Hibino, who dreams of joining the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. After a bizarre incident, he gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. Now, he has to balance his desire to protect people with the danger of being discovered.

Kaiju No. 8 is a best manga because it blends action-packed monster fights with relatable character drama. Kafka is a compelling protagonist, and his struggle to control his powers while pursuing his dream is genuinely engaging. What makes Kaiju No. 8 stand out is its unique blend of high-octane action, compelling character development, and a fresh take on the kaiju genre. The story follows Kafka Hibino, whose dream of joining the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force takes an unexpected turn when he gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. This twist not only introduces thrilling battle sequences but also adds depth to Kafka's internal conflict as he grapples with his new identity. Matsumoto's artwork brings the massive kaiju battles to life with dynamic panels and intricate designs, making each fight a visual spectacle. Beyond the action, the manga explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and the importance of self-acceptance. Kafka's journey is relatable, as he faces setbacks and challenges while striving to achieve his goals. The supporting characters, each with their own unique skills and personalities, add layers to the narrative and create a sense of camaraderie within the Defense Force. The series also delves into the psychological impact of living in a world constantly threatened by kaiju, adding a layer of realism to the fantastical elements. This combination of exhilarating battles, emotional depth, and relatable characters makes Kaiju No. 8 a captivating and unique manga that keeps readers eagerly awaiting each new chapter. The supporting cast is also great, adding depth and humor to the story. The kaiju designs are creative and terrifying, making the battles all the more exciting. If you're a fan of action manga with a unique twist, Kaiju No. 8 is definitely worth checking out!

4. My Hero Academia

Alright, My Hero Academia is not a new manga, but 2022 was a big year for it! This superhero manga by Kohei Horikoshi continues to be a powerhouse in the industry. Set in a world where most people have superpowers (called "Quirks"), the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. After a chance encounter with the world's greatest hero, All Might, Izuku inherits his Quirk and enrolls in a high school for aspiring heroes.

My Hero Academia remains a best manga because of its compelling characters, exciting action, and inspiring themes. The series continues to deliver thrilling arcs and explore the complexities of a superhero society. Horikoshi's artwork is dynamic and expressive, perfectly capturing the energy of the battles and the emotions of the characters. My Hero Academia is a standout manga because of its expertly crafted blend of action, character development, and thematic depth, making it a continuing favorite in the superhero genre. The series follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who inherits the power of One For All from the legendary hero All Might, setting him on a path to become the world's greatest hero. What sets My Hero Academia apart is its focus on the challenges and responsibilities that come with having extraordinary abilities. The characters are not just defined by their Quirks but also by their personal struggles, motivations, and relationships with one another. Horikoshi's dynamic artwork brings the intense battles to life, with each character's unique abilities showcased in visually stunning ways. Beyond the action, the series explores themes of heroism, justice, and the importance of teamwork. The students of U.A. High School learn not only how to control their powers but also how to use them to protect others and make the world a better place. The emotional depth of the story resonates with readers, as they become invested in the journeys of Izuku and his classmates. The series consistently delivers high-stakes conflicts and heartwarming moments, keeping fans engaged and eager for more. This combination of thrilling action, compelling characters, and meaningful themes solidifies My Hero Academia's status as a top-tier manga. If you're not already reading it, now is the perfect time to jump in!

5. One-Punch Man

Speaking of superheroes, One-Punch Man by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata is another must-read. This series is a parody of the superhero genre, following Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Despite his incredible strength, Saitama is bored and longs for a worthy challenge.

One-Punch Man is a best manga because it's hilarious, action-packed, and surprisingly thought-provoking. The series subverts superhero tropes while still delivering epic battles and memorable characters. What makes One-Punch Man a standout is its unique blend of comedic satire and exhilarating action, making it a favorite among manga enthusiasts. The series follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, leading to a life of boredom and a quest to find a worthy challenge. The humor is derived from the juxtaposition of Saitama's overwhelming power with his mundane everyday life, as he struggles to find meaning in a world where nothing can truly test him. Murata's artwork is incredibly detailed and dynamic, bringing the over-the-top battles to life with stunning visual flair. The character designs are also memorable, ranging from the ridiculously powerful Saitama to the eccentric and often absurd villains he faces. Beyond the comedy, One-Punch Man explores themes of existentialism and the search for purpose. Saitama's journey is not just about defeating monsters but also about finding fulfillment and connection in a world where he is fundamentally unmatched. The series balances its humorous tone with moments of genuine introspection, making it a surprisingly thought-provoking read. This combination of laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular action, and subtle thematic depth makes One-Punch Man a consistently engaging and entertaining manga. The art is absolutely stunning, especially during the fight scenes. It's a must-read for anyone who loves superhero stories with a comedic twist.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are tons of other amazing manga out there! Here are a few honorable mentions that deserve your attention:

• Berserk by Kentaro Miura (continued by Kouji Mori)
• Oshi no Ko by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari
• Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my list of the top manga of 2022! I hope you found some new series to check out. Remember, this is just my opinion, and there are countless other amazing manga out there. Happy reading, and let me know your favorite manga in the comments below!