Must-Read Manga Titles from Kodansha and Shogakukan
Discover the exceptional manga titles from Kodansha and Shogakukan, including Detective Conan, Go! Go! Loser Ranger, Nanashi’s Don’t Mess With Me, Miss Nagatoro, Ultraman, Gachiakuta, Pluto, Shangri-La Frontier, Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt, Akabane’s Bodyguard, and Blue Lock.
Must-Read Manga Titles from Kodansha and Shogakukan
When it comes to the manga industry, Shonen Jump is often considered the dominant force. However, it’s important not to overlook the exceptional manga titles produced by other major publishers like Kodansha and Shogakukan. These publishers consistently deliver compelling stories that rival those from Shueisha. Let’s explore some must-read manga titles from Kodansha and Shogakukan.
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One standout series from Shogakukan is ‘Detective Conan’ by Gosho Aoyama, also known as ‘Case Closed’ in the U.S. This long-running manga follows the story of Shinichi Kudo, a high school student with a talent for solving crimes. After being poisoned by a secret organization, Shinichi’s body is transformed into that of a toddler. Determined to continue his investigative work, he assumes a new identity and solves crimes while searching for a way to reverse the effects of the mysterious drug. ‘Detective Conan’ offers solid storytelling, intriguing characters, and an ongoing mystery that keeps readers hooked.
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Kodansha’s ‘Go! Go! Loser Ranger’ by Negi Haruba takes a unique approach to the popular Sentai genre. Instead of focusing on a group of heroic teenagers, this manga follows a band of defeated villains who infiltrate the organization of their conquerors, the Dragon Keepers. Their goal? Total world domination. This refreshing twist on the genre plays off well-established Sentai tropes and offers a fresh perspective.
‘Nanashi’s Don’t Mess With Me, Miss Nagatoro’ from Kodansha tells the story of Naoto Hachioji, a shy student who is constantly bullied by his classmates. When a freshman named Hayase Nagatoro joins in the torment, Naoto expects more of the same. However, Nagatoro’s actions take a surprising turn as she becomes determined to help Naoto improve himself. This manga creatively combines elements of slice-of-life and romance to deliver an enjoyable coming-of-age story.
Exploring More Must-Read Manga Titles
Shogakukan’s ‘Ultraman’ by Eiichiro Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi offers a grittier and more serious take on the popular franchise. Set in the same universe as the original 1966 TV series, the story follows Shinjiro, the son of the first Ultraman’s alter ego, Shin Hayata. Equipped with superhuman abilities and a special power suit, Shinjiro is tasked with filling the void left by Ultraman’s departure. This manga delves into the complexities of heroism and the legacy of its iconic predecessor.
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Kodansha’s ‘Gachiakuta’ by Kei Urana introduces readers to Rudo, an orphan living in the slums beneath Heaven. Framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Rudo is banished to the Abyss, a dumping ground for Heaven’s refuse. In this dangerous place, Rudo becomes a Janitor, a group tasked with protecting the inhabitants from the monstrous creatures that have evolved from the discarded waste. Rudo seeks revenge against those who framed him, and the manga offers an intriguing story filled with twists and impressive world-building.
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‘Pluto’ by Naoki Urasawa, Osamu Tezuka, and Takashi Nagasaki is a reimagining of the beloved anime ‘Astro Boy’ as a gritty and compelling ‘whodunit’ tale. Set in a world of advanced robots, a robot police detective is assigned to investigate the mysterious deaths of the world’s greatest robots. However, he soon becomes a target himself. With its solid storytelling, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork, ‘Pluto’ is a must-read manga even without its sci-fi elements.
More Captivating Manga Titles to Explore
Kodansha’s ‘Shangri-La Frontier’ by Katarina and Ryosuke Fuji follows Rakuro Hizutome, a high school gamer who excels at playing ‘trash’ games – poorly made or glitch-filled VR video games. When he tries a new trash game, he realizes it’s the most challenging one he’s ever encountered, and his performance in the game has real-life consequences. This manga caters to the growing group of gaming manga enthusiasts, delivering an engaging series with thrilling gameplay.
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‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt’ by Yasuo Ohtagaki is an exceptional manga set in the iconic Gundam franchise. Set during the original Gundam television series, the story revolves around the conflict between the Principality of Zeon and the Earth Federation in the Thunderbolt region of space. The manga focuses on the intense rivalry between Zeon soldier Daryl Lorenz and Earth soldier Io Fleming. Fans of the Gundam franchise will find this manga a must-read.
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Kodansha’s ‘Akabane’s Bodyguard’ by Masamitsu Nigatsu tells the story of Ibuki Arakuni, a high school student tasked with protecting his friend Akabane Koneko, whose father is a mobster. As Akabane’s secret bodyguard, Ibuki faces danger and forms unexpected bonds. This manga seamlessly blends genres like gangster, romance, comedy, school, and action, resulting in a captivating story with compelling characters.
Lastly, we have Kodansha’s ‘Blue Lock’ by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura. Inspired by Japan’s real-life pursuit of soccer greatness, this manga follows Isagi Yoichi, a high school soccer player aiming to become the nation’s top forward. Isagi joins the Blue Lock program, a rigorous training initiative that pushes participants to their limits. The intense drama between the participants and the program management makes this manga a thrilling read. Its unique take on extreme sports adds a superhero-like element to the story.
In Conclusion
These must-read manga titles from Kodansha and Shogakukan offer a diverse range of genres and storytelling approaches. From the intriguing mysteries of ‘Detective Conan’ and the gritty exploration of heroism in ‘Ultraman’ to the captivating world-building of ‘Gachiakuta’ and the reimagined ‘whodunit’ tale of ‘Pluto,’ there is something for every manga enthusiast. Whether you’re a fan of gaming manga, mecha action, or unique blends of genres, titles like ‘Shangri-La Frontier,’ ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt,’ ‘Akabane’s Bodyguard,’ and ‘Blue Lock’ will keep you entertained and engaged.
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Don’t limit yourself to just one publisher or series. Kodansha and Shogakukan have proven themselves as powerhouses in the manga industry, consistently delivering exceptional stories that rival the offerings of Shonen Jump. So, venture beyond the familiar and discover the wealth of captivating content waiting for you in the pages of these must-read manga titles.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
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