Top 10 Shonen Manga Must-Reads

Hooked on the adrenaline-rush of shonen manga, but looking for some new thrills? Take a chance on of the most action-packed, hilarious and addictive Japanese comics for boys with our top 10 list of current and classic shonen manga titles.

1. Naruto
Author & Artist: Masashi Kishimoto

Misfit ninja-in-training Naruto just can’t seem to do anything right — he’s at the bottom of his class at the Ninja Academy and everyone in town treats him like dirt. But Naruto has a secret: His body houses the powerful spirit of a nine-tailed fox demon that almost destroyed his village 15-years ago. As Naruto grows into his power, he meets other ninjas, both friends and foes, who help him on his path to becoming the next Hokage, the most powerful ninja in his village.

2. Bleach
Author & Artist: Tite Kubo

Average teen Ichigo already had a not-so-average life: His father acts like an overgrown child, his younger sisters practically run the house and oh yeah — he can see ghosts. As if that wasn’t enough, Ichigo meets a “soul reaper,” a metaphysical warrior who battles demons and helps the deceased find their way to their final reward. By accident, Ichigo acquires the powers and responsibilities of a soul reaper. Now he not only sees ghosts, he has to battle the undead “Hollows” and eventually, face “real” Soul Reapers who don’t take kindly to his newfound powers.

3. Death Note
Author: Tsugumi Ohba

Light Yagami has got it all: Good grades, good looks and a good family. Trouble is, he’s bored out of his mind. After he finds a notebook that gives him the power to kill anyone just by writing their name, Light faces the ultimate test of wits: Can he use his power to rid the world of criminals before the police, the FBI and the shinigami grim reapers catch up with him? Death Note is a brilliantly-written supernatural suspense story that hooks readers in and won’t let go until the surprising climax in Volume 12.

4. Full Metal Alchemist
Writer / Artist: Hiromu Arakawa

Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric tried to ressurect their deceased mother. Their attempts failed, but by violating one of the most sacred laws of alchemy, they were punished severely: Edward lost his arm and a leg, and Alphonse lost his body. Now armed with metal prosthetics and a robot body, the two brothers roam a quasi-European steampunk world as they try to right wrongs and find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.

5. Initial D
Writer / Artist: Shuichi Shigeno

For easy-going high school student Takumi Fujiwara, life is like coasting in neutral. He lives in a small town, goes to school, works at the gas station and helps his dad deiver tofu in his trusty ‘86 Trueno. But everything changes when he discovers his hidden talent: An almost unnaturally-natural knack for the extremely dangerous sport of high-speed drift racing.

6. One Piece
Writer / Artist: Eiichiro Oda

Yo ho ho and a bottle of pop! Monkey D. Luffy dreams of being a legendary pirate — but after taking a bite of the gum-gum fruit, he’s able to stretch his limbs like Stretch Armstrong, but now he’ll sink like a stone if he ever falls into water. Monkey and his misfit crew of pirates sail the seven seas in search of treasure and adventure, and find both in spades.

7. Gon
Writer / Artist: Masashi Tanaka

Pint-sized dinosaur Gon may be tiny, but he manages to make a monster-sized impact wherever he goes. Tanaka’s impeccably-drawn, detailed artwork describes Gon’s misadventures without dialogue — and not a word is needed for readers to marvel and laugh at this tiny reptile’s hilarious exploits.

8. Slam Dunk
Writer / Artist: Takehiko Inoue

Would-be juvenile delinquent Sakuragi wants to be big man on campus, but somehow always falls short. Then one day, in an effort to impress a girl, he joins the high school basketball team. After a shaky start, helps turn his team into a force to be reckoned with on the courts. Beautifully drawn with action and drama, Slam Dunk is a powerful sports manga that captures the adrenaline-fueled energy of basketball.

9. Ranma 1/2
Writer / Artist: Rumiko Takahashi

Ranma Saotome has got the strength and the moves to be one of the best martial artists ever. His only problem? Thanks to a Chinese curse, he’s turns into a curvaceous girl whenever he gets splashed with water. A wacky mix of slapstick humor and kung-fu action, Ranma 1/2 is a fun read for teens and up.

10. Air Gear
Writer / Artist: Oh! Great

Baby-face Itsuki has always been able to hold his own in a fight, but once he gets his hands on Air Trecks motorized inline skates, he not only finds new friends and enemies, he discovers the joy of flying. Oh! Great revs up Air Gear with lots of dazzling action scenes, cute girls and a heaping helping of fan service (a.k.a. cheeky nudity).

Possibly related posts:

Introduction to Shonen Manga
April Monthly Manga News