Bleach’s Final Arc Is Getting a New Ending—But Should It Rewrite the Past?
Joseph is the founder of Otaku Odyssey, blending SEO strategy with anime critique. He writes to spark debate and challenge conventional fandom narratives.
2025 has already delivered a wave of fresh, emotionally rich, and genre-bending manga, but with so many titles dropping, it’s easy to miss the hidden gems. If you’ve been laser-focused on One Piece’s final arc or Jujutsu Kaisen’s explosive finale, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Here are seven standout manga releases from the first half of 2025 that deserve a spot on your shelf (or digital library). Let’s dive in!
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
Why You Should Read It:
This sweet and subtle romance explores gender expression and identity through the lens of a high school crush. The art is soft, expressive, and the story is refreshingly wholesome without being cliché.
Perfect for fans of: Horimiya, My Androgynous Boyfriend
📖 Read on BookWalker
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Sci-Fi
Why You Should Read It:
Imagine Danganronpa meets Black Mirror. A group of strangers wakes up in a digital death game where every choice affects reality. The pacing is tight, the twists are brutal, and the character designs are unforgettable.
Perfect for fans of: Tomodachi Game, Darwin’s Game
📖 Read on VIZ Media
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Literary Fiction
Why You Should Read It:
This cerebral manga follows a philosophy student unravelling a decades-old mystery tied to a lost manuscript. It’s introspective, poetic, and filled with literary references that elevate the storytelling.
Perfect for fans of: A Perfect Day for Love Letters, The Gods Lie
📖 Read on Yen Press
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
Why You Should Read It:
Set in a world ravaged by a crystallization disease, this manga follows a lone survivor searching for others like her. It’s haunting, beautifully drawn, and emotionally resonant.
Perfect for fans of: Girls’ Last Tour, Blame!
📖 Available via Yen Press
Genre: Drama, Romance
Why You Should Read It:
A deeply personal story about grief, caregiving, and rediscovering love. The protagonist’s journey is raw and relatable, and the romance is slow-burn perfection.
Perfect for fans of: A Silent Voice, Orange
📖 Read on VIZ Media
Genre: Action, Comedy
Why You Should Read It:
Convicted criminals turned kindergarten teachers? Yes, really. This action-comedy is chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Perfect for fans of: Assassination Classroom, Spy x Family
📖 Available via Yen Press
Genre: Sports, Psychological
Why You Should Read It:
Finally getting its long-awaited English release, The Climber is a gripping tale of obsession, solitude, and the brutal beauty of mountain climbing.
Perfect for fans of: Blue Period, Ping Pong
📖 Read on Anime Collective
These titles may not be dominating social media feeds (yet), but they’re quietly reshaping the manga landscape with bold storytelling and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re into romance, thrillers, or philosophical mysteries, early 2025 has something special waiting for you.
Which one are you picking up first? Let’s talk manga in the comments!
Joseph is the founder of Otaku Odyssey, blending SEO strategy with anime critique. He writes to spark debate and challenge conventional fandom narratives.
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