Being a versatile reader means there’s always something new and interesting coming out every month. This is a combination post for my love of manga and their anime adaptations! As the old adage goes: variety is the spice of life (from William Cowper’s poem, “The Task“). So, I’ve made sure to try to make an inclusive list of anime updates and the manga that goes with it.

I love a good reason to promote some of my favorite Manga and there isn’t one better than this!

New Releases

Solo Leveling

Starting off this list is Solo Leveling by Chuchong! I read this entire series in two days in 2022 and I’ve been in love ever since. I still went ahead and purchased volume one it was that good. This Manhwa follows Sung Jimwoo as he goes from underdog to overpowered MC within this RPG type world of Hunters. Hunters have magical abilities and battle deadly monsters to protect the human race from annihilation through dungeon clearing. Its action packed, slightly emotional and extremely addictive. This is a Crunchyroll exclusive, so it can only be viewed on their website. If you’re looking for manga similar to this I’d recommend Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Another completed work Hell’s Paradise by Yuji Kaku is getting a new adaptation as well. This is a thirteen volume manga that’s set in the Edo period of Japan. It follows the Ninja Gabimaru and the executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri as they search for the elixir of Immortality. I haven’t read this one yet but it is on my list due to the similarity of gore that it has to Attack On Titan! It’s classified as a Shonen and apparently has a toe in true bloody history, which is pretty cool to me! Can be viewed on Netflix or Crunchyroll! This art style also is a little reminiscent of Berserk (another I haven’t read!).

2nd Season Releases

Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami is one of my favorites of the ‘new gen’ anime out lately. This series is still on going! This manga follows Yuji Itadori and other Jujutsu Sorcerers as they fight curses (which are shown as gruesome monsters). I feel obligated to mention that you cannot go into this series with rose colored glasses, it’s not going to end the way you want. That’s not a spoiler, that’s a reminder! It reminds me of Demon Slayer because of that. I haven’t read the manga to this yet but have already watched season one and seen the movie (based off JJK 0 where we met Yuta). JJK has me in a chokehold much like Solo Leveling, but it has its own fair share of heartbreak and disappointment. Season two can be viewed on Netflix or Crunchyroll!

Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura is a historical manga that’s been beautifully animated. It should be no surprise that I’m absolutely excited for season two of this Norse themed coming of age story of a slave turned warrior. Its gory, full of violence, trauma, anger and growth. The desperation and single-minded focus felt by the main character, Thorfinn, reminds me a lot of Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan; not to mention the extensive world building is very similar! I was hoping to get my hands on a few volumes before the anime airs in 2023, but that didn’t happen. It will be released on Netflix (where you can also watch season one).

Tokyo Revengers

Tokyo Revengers by Ken Wakui is by far the weirdest one on this list for me. Weird doesn’t mean bad but the premise of this manga is time travel in order to save the life of Takemichi Hanagaki’s ex-girlfriend Hinata Tachibana. Takemichi learns he can go back to his middle school years and subsequently change the future by changing his past actions. It’s definitely violent and hard to wrap your mind around the fact that it’s middle school kids committing a lot of these crimes. I’ve only read the first two volumes and watched the first season of the anime, but I can confidently say they have some real cool characters. Season two can be viewed on Disney+ (urg, like WHY?).

Honorable Mentions

I’ve heard a lot of great things about a few more anime that are getting second seasons and wanted to highlight them here. I haven’t personally done much digging into them BUT I do plan on checking them out after I cut down my reading list.

Classroom of the Elite by Shogo Kinugasa, which reminds me a little of Assassination Classroom just from looks and my limited knowledge. Along with Edens Zero by Hiro Mashima. I loved Fairy Tail and Hiro Mashima’s art style so I’ll most likely be looking more into this one myself!

Season 3, 4, or Finale’s

One Punch Man

One Punch Man by One is the perfect satirical anime that’s been around since 2009. While it currently has 27 volumes out, it’s been a slow process to animate it and I’m excited to finally get a season three! This manga series follows Saitama, whose a superhero that can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Due to the lack of competition Saitama grows bored and seems almost lazy. The art style is super stylistic but I think it gives it it’s charm! The manga is just as fun and entertaining as the anime (duh) and if you want a little more of the same you should check out Mob Psycho 100 by One! You can watch One Punch Man on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge is another personal favorite of mine! This manga has a special place in my heart. I binge read all 23 volumes in a day, because I have no impulse control! It’s a beautiful story about family ties, ridding the world of evil and unique swordsmanship. Our main character, Tanjiro Kamado is a cinnamon roll that can still kill you. If I could pick anything to read again for the first time, I’d pick this no questions asked. I’m ready for season three which I believe will be available to watch on Hulu and Crunchyroll!

Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs by Kafka Asagiri is essentially a supernatural detective agency with an orphan as the lead. I’m going to be honest here and admit that I’ve never seen the anime but I do currently have volume one of the manga. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it from my Anime obsessed friend and look forward to exploring the series more in depth. From what I understand without spoiling anything, it has a lot of interesting mystery arcs and developments that keep the show entertaining. Season four will be released on Crunchyroll.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama is dark, action packed and overstaying its animated welcome! Season 4, final part 3 has me crossing my fingers that this will be the final FINAL part of the animated series. There’s only so much of the questioning of ethics and morality I can take, especially in terms of decimating an entire demographic of people. This series is so good because of its parallels to marginalized people’s struggles. It has a total of 34 volumes and I own two of them! It’s definitely worth the read/watch if you aren’t Squamish and can handle gore. Part three of the finale can be watched on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Honorable Mentions

Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate instead of getting a season five is getting a two part movie titled Haikyu!! Final. While I am slightly bummed about this I’m also just excited to get more of that warm and fuzzy volleyball anime. I won’t be picky, I’ll get it however I can. I’ve missed seeing those boys in action, crushing goals and achieving their dreams. I’m currently working my way through the manga (i definitely recommend). Black Clover by Yuki Tabata is also getting a movie but it won’t air until march of 2023 from what I’m understanding! I haven’t ever watched Black Clover but I understand it has a cult following.

With the New Year fast approaching, lets take any and every opportunity to ingest more of what we like in all entertainment forms! I hope you found this article informational and plan to add a few of these Manga to your TBR piles or at the very least watch the Anime. May 2023 keep you curious and adventurous!