A Curated List of 10 Manga I Enjoyed in 2025 (Flying Under the Radar).

Given the ever-expanding scope of the manga market, it becomes a challenge to discover every noteworthy release. Predictably, the biggest series capture the spotlight, however, countless gems of undiscovered treasures ripe for exploration.

A particular delight for any manga enthusiast is unearthing a hidden series buried in publication schedules and then sharing it to friends. I present of the top obscure manga I've discovered recently, along with motivations for they're deserving of your time before they gain widespread popularity.

A few of these titles are still awaiting a mainstream following, notably because they are without anime adaptations. A few are less accessible due to digital exclusivity. Sharing any of these will earn you some impressive fan credentials.

10. The Ordinary Office Worker Who Was a Hero

• Creators: Ghost Mikawa, Yuki Imano, Akira Yuki, Raika Mizuiro
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it 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 follows many of the same tropes, including an overpowered main character and a video-game-inspired fantasy framework. The appeal, however, is found in the protagonist. Keita Sato is a standard overburdened office worker who unwinds by exploring strange labyrinths that emerged suddenly, 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 clock out punctually for a change.

Superior genre examples exist, but this is a rare example published by a major house, and thus readily accessible to international audiences on a digital platform. Regarding online access, this publisher remains a leader, and if you're looking for a short, lighthearted escape, The Plain Salary Man is an excellent option.

9. The Nito Exorcists

• Creator: Iromi Ichikawa
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

Typically, the word "exorcist" in a manga title is enough to deter me due to the abundance of similar stories, but two series changed my mind this year. This series recalls the best parts of Jujutsu Kaisen, with its creepy atmosphere, stylized art, and sudden violence. I started reading it by chance and got hooked instantly.

Gotsuji is a powerful exorcist who kills evil spirits in the hope of discovering his master's killer. He's accompanied by his mentor's sister, Uruka, who is more interested in protecting Gotsuji than aiding his quest for revenge. The storyline appears straightforward, but the character development is subtle and refined, and the artistic dichotomy between the absurd look of the enemies and the gory combat is an effective bonus. This is a series with real potential to become a hit — if it's allowed to continue.

8. Gokurakugai

• Artist: Yuto Sano
• Publisher: Shueisha
• Available on: Manga Plus; Viz

When artistic excellence matters most, then search no more. Yuto Sano's work on the series is spectacular, intricate, and one-of-a-kind. The narrative hews close to traditional battle manga tropes, with individuals with abilities combating monsters (though they're not labeled as exorcists), but the characters are all quirky and the backdrop is compelling. The protagonists, Alma and Tao Saotome, manage the Gokurakugai Troubleshooter agency, resolving disputes in a low-income area where two species live side-by-side.

The villains, called Maga, are created from human or animal corpses. In the former case, the Maga possesses abilities connected to the way the human died: a hanging victim can strangle others, one who ended their own life can make people bleed out, and so on. It's a disturbing but creative twist that gives weight to these antagonists. This series has potential for massive popularity, but it's held back by its slower publication rate. Since its debut, only five volumes have been released, which challenges ongoing engagement.

7. The Bugle Call: Song of War

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

This grim fantasy manga tackles the common conflict theme from a new viewpoint for shonen. Rather than focusing on individual duels, it depicts epic historical battles. The protagonist, Luca, is one of the Branched—people with distinct abilities. Luca's ability lets him transform noise into illumination, which lets him guide troops on the battlefield, using his trumpet and upbringing in a brutal fighter company 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 it still delivered bleak developments and unexpected plot twists. It's a mature shonen with a group of eccentric individuals, an interesting power system, and an pleasing blend of military themes and dark fantasy.

6. Taro Miyao: Unexpected Feline Guardian

• Artist: Sho Yamazaki
• Released by: Shueisha
• Find it on: Manga Plus

A cold-hearted main character who reveres Renaissance thinker Niccolò Machiavelli and advocates for ruthless pragmatism takes in a cute cat named Nicolo—allegedly because a massage from its little feet is the only thing that relieves his stiff shoulders. {If that premise isn't enough|Should that not convince you|If the setup doesn't grab you