The 10 Best Japanese Comics I Discovered Recently (That You've Probably Never Heard Of).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it's increasingly difficult to discover every worthwhile title. As always, the most popular series get all the attention, however, countless gems of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

One of the greatest joys for fans of the medium is stumbling upon a mostly obscure series amidst the weekly releases and spreading the word to friends. I present of the top obscure manga I've read in 2025, along with reasons why they're deserving of your time ahead of the curve.

A few of these titles lack a mainstream following, especially as they all lack anime adaptations. A few are less accessible due to digital exclusivity. However, suggesting any of these grants you some impressive fan credentials.

10. The Ordinary Office Worker Who Was a Hero

• Writing Team: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

I know, it's an unusual starting point, but let me explain. Manga can be silly, and it's part of the charm. I admit that isekai is my guilty pleasure. While the title diverges from the template, it uses similar story beats, including an incredibly strong protagonist and a RPG-like world structure. The appeal, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is your typical overworked Japanese corporate man who unwinds by entering fantastical portals that appeared in the world, armed only with a baseball bat, to smash monsters. He has no interest in treasures, power, or ranking; he only wants to keep his hobby secret, protect his family, and leave the office on time for a change.

There might be better isekai series, but this is a rare example from a top company, and thus readily accessible to international audiences through a popular app. When it comes to digital availability, this publisher remains a leader, and if you're in need of a short, lighthearted escape, the series is an excellent option.

9. The Nito Exorcists

• Creator: Iromi Ichikawa
• Released by: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

Usually, the word "exorcist" in a manga title is enough to deter me due to the saturated market, but a pair of titles shifted my perspective this year. The Nito Exorcists evokes the strongest aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its creepy atmosphere, distinctive artwork, and sudden violence. I stumbled upon it accidentally and got hooked instantly.

Gotsuji is a powerful exorcist who eliminates cursed beings in the hope of finding the one that murdered his mentor. He's joined by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is focused on his safety than fueling his retribution. The plot may seem basic, but the portrayal of the cast is thoughtfully executed, and the artistic dichotomy between the silly appearance of the spirits and the bloody fights is an effective bonus. This is a series with great promise to go the distance — provided it survives.

8. Gokurakugai

• Author: Yuto Sano
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus; Viz

When artistic excellence matters most, then look no further. Yuto Sano's work on Gokurakugai is breathtaking, intricate, and unique. The plot remains within from classic shonen conventions, with heroes clashing with demons (though they're not officially called "exorcists"), but the cast is wonderfully eccentric and the world is fascinating. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, run the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, handling issues in a low-income area where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are born from human or animal corpses. In the former case, the Maga possesses abilities connected to the circumstances of their end: a suicide by hanging can strangle others, one who died from self-harm induces hemorrhaging, and so on. It's a gruesome but interesting twist that provides substance to these antagonists. This series might become a major title, but it's held back by its slower publication rate. Since its debut, only a handful of volumes have been released, which makes it hard to stay invested.

7. The Bugle Call: Song of War

• Creators: Mozuku Sora, Higoro Toumori
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Find it on: Viz

This bleak fantasy manga approaches the ever-present fight narrative from a new viewpoint for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it showcases epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—individuals possessing a unique special power. Luca's ability lets him transform noise into illumination, which lets him guide troops on the battlefield, employing his instrument and background in a cruel mercenary band to become a skilled strategist, fighting with the hope of one day stepping away.

The backdrop is a little plain, and the inclusion of futuristic tech occasionally doesn't fit, but this series still surprised me with grim twists and unexpected plot twists. It's a grown-up battle manga with a cast of quirky characters, an compelling ability ruleset, and an pleasing blend of strategy and horror.

6. The Cat Parent Adventures of Taro Miyao

• Creator: Sho Yamazaki
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus

A emotionally distant main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and advocates for ruthless pragmatism adopts a cute cat named Nicolo—reportedly for the reason that a massage from its tiny paws is a unique cure for his aches. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you