Best Manga Of 2022: Our Top 10 Picks!
Hey manga lovers! Ready to dive into the amazing world of manga from 2022? We've compiled a list of the absolute best manga that came out that year, guaranteed to keep you hooked. Whether you're a seasoned manga reader or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. Let's get started!
1. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man absolutely dominated the manga scene in 2022, and for good reason. This series, created by the brilliant Tatsuki Fujimoto, is a wild ride from start to finish. It blends dark humor, intense action, and surprisingly poignant moments into a narrative that’s both shocking and deeply engaging. If you're even remotely into manga, you've probably heard of it, but if you haven't, seriously, where have you been? The story follows Denji, a young man burdened with his father’s massive debt. He works as a Devil Hunter to try and scrape together enough money to survive. His life takes a drastic turn when he merges with his devil-dog Pochita, gaining the powers of the Chainsaw Man. From there, it’s a whirlwind of battling increasingly bizarre and powerful devils while navigating the complex world of Public Safety Devil Hunters. What makes Chainsaw Man so compelling is its unpredictable nature. Fujimoto isn't afraid to kill off characters you've grown attached to or introduce completely outlandish scenarios. The action sequences are incredibly dynamic and visually stunning, capturing the sheer chaos and brutality of the devil battles. But beneath the surface-level violence, there are themes of found family, the search for meaning, and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of overwhelming darkness. The characters are all flawed and relatable in their own ways, making their triumphs and tragedies all the more impactful. Denji, in particular, is a fascinating protagonist. He's driven by simple desires – food, a comfortable bed, maybe a girlfriend – which makes him incredibly human despite his extraordinary circumstances. His journey from a desperate, debt-ridden teenager to a powerful devil hunter is filled with moments of growth, heartbreak, and unexpected humor. Chainsaw Man’s art style is also worth mentioning. Fujimoto’s paneling is dynamic and creative, perfectly capturing the fast-paced action and the emotional weight of the story. The character designs are unique and memorable, and the devils themselves are often terrifyingly imaginative. Overall, Chainsaw Man is a must-read for any manga fan. Its blend of action, humor, and emotional depth makes it a truly unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of series that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading, prompting you to reflect on its themes and characters. So, if you haven't already, pick up the first volume and prepare to be blown away! Guys, trust us, you won't regret it! This manga is a masterpiece, plain and simple. The hype is real, and it deserves all the praise it gets. Get ready for a wild ride!
2. Spy x Family
Spy x Family is the feel-good manga that everyone needed in 2022. Tatsuya Endo's creation brings a unique blend of espionage, comedy, and heartwarming family moments that's simply irresistible. This series took the manga world by storm with its charming characters and clever plot. The story revolves around Loid Forger, a master spy who must build a fake family to carry out a mission. He adopts Anya, a telepathic orphan, and marries Yor, a skilled assassin, neither of whom are aware of each other’s true identities (except Anya, who knows everything and hilariously tries to keep their secrets safe). What makes Spy x Family so appealing is its perfect balance of genres. The espionage elements are thrilling and suspenseful, with Loid constantly navigating dangerous situations and outsmarting his enemies. The comedy is lighthearted and often stems from the characters' misunderstandings and hidden identities. And the family dynamic is genuinely heartwarming, as Loid, Yor, and Anya gradually form a real bond despite the artificial circumstances of their arrangement. Anya is undoubtedly the star of the show. Her telepathic abilities allow her to know everyone's thoughts, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and situations. She's also incredibly endearing, with her innocent nature and desire to help her parents, even if she often makes things more complicated. Loid and Yor are equally compelling characters. Loid is a brilliant spy who struggles with the emotional aspects of being a father and husband. Yor is a deadly assassin who longs for a normal life and finds herself unexpectedly enjoying her role as a mother and wife. Their interactions are both funny and touching, as they try to navigate their double lives while also building a genuine family. The art style of Spy x Family is clean and expressive, perfectly capturing the characters' emotions and the series' lighthearted tone. Endo's paneling is dynamic and easy to follow, making the manga a joy to read. The character designs are also distinct and memorable, adding to the series' overall charm. Overall, Spy x Family is a delightful manga that's perfect for readers of all ages. Its blend of espionage, comedy, and heartwarming family moments makes it a truly unique and enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of series that will leave you feeling good and eager for more. So, if you're looking for a manga that will make you laugh, cry, and root for its characters, Spy x Family is the perfect choice. Trust us, guys, you'll fall in love with the Forger family! This manga is a breath of fresh air in the world of action and adventure, offering a wholesome and entertaining story that will brighten your day. Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious adventure!
3. One Piece
Ah, One Piece, the undisputed king of long-running manga series, continued its epic saga in 2022, and it remained as captivating as ever. Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece is a testament to the power of world-building, character development, and sheer storytelling brilliance. If you're not already on the One Piece train, now is the perfect time to hop on! The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure, One Piece. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, battle powerful enemies, and uncover the secrets of the world. What makes One Piece so enduring is its incredible depth and complexity. Oda has created a vast and intricate world with its own history, cultures, and political systems. The characters are all richly developed, with their own motivations, backstories, and dreams. And the overarching plot is filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations. The action sequences in One Piece are legendary. Oda's dynamic art style and creative use of paneling make the battles incredibly exciting and visually stunning. Each character has their own unique fighting style and abilities, leading to a diverse range of combat scenarios. But One Piece is more than just action and adventure. It also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, justice, and the importance of following your dreams. The Straw Hat Pirates are a found family who support and protect each other through thick and thin. Their unwavering bond is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series. In 2022, One Piece continued to deliver epic battles, emotional moments, and shocking revelations. The Wano Country arc reached its climax, with Luffy and his allies finally confronting the tyrannical shogun Orochi and the powerful Emperor Kaido. The battles were intense, the stakes were high, and the emotional payoff was immense. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, One Piece is a must-read for any manga enthusiast. Its epic scope, memorable characters, and timeless themes make it a true masterpiece of the genre. So, grab a copy and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure! Trust us, guys, you won't be disappointed! This manga is a legend for a reason, and it continues to impress with each new chapter. Get ready to set sail for the Grand Line!
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen maintained its status as one of the hottest shonen manga series in 2022. Gege Akutami's creation is a dark and thrilling ride filled with cursed spirits, powerful sorcerers, and intense battles. If you're a fan of supernatural action, this is the manga for you. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed talisman to protect his friends. He becomes the vessel for Ryomen Sukuna, a powerful cursed spirit, and is forced to attend Jujutsu High to learn how to control his powers and exorcise cursed spirits. What makes Jujutsu Kaisen so compelling is its blend of action, horror, and humor. The battles are fast-paced and visually stunning, with each character possessing unique cursed techniques. The horror elements are genuinely creepy, with terrifying cursed spirits and unsettling imagery. And the humor is often dark and self-deprecating, providing a welcome contrast to the series' darker themes. The characters in Jujutsu Kaisen are all well-developed and relatable. Yuji is a likable protagonist who struggles with the responsibility of being Sukuna's vessel. Megumi Fushiguro is a stoic and powerful sorcerer with a tragic past. And Nobara Kugisaki is a fierce and independent sorcerer who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Their interactions are both funny and touching, as they learn to work together and support each other in the face of danger. The art style of Jujutsu Kaisen is dynamic and expressive, perfectly capturing the series' intense action and unsettling atmosphere. Akutami's paneling is creative and easy to follow, making the manga a joy to read. The character designs are also distinct and memorable, adding to the series' overall appeal. Overall, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-read for any fan of shonen manga. Its blend of action, horror, and humor makes it a truly unique and enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of series that will keep you on the edge of your seat and eager for more. So, if you're looking for a manga that will thrill, scare, and entertain you, Jujutsu Kaisen is the perfect choice. Trust us, guys, you'll be hooked from the first chapter! This manga is a masterclass in supernatural action, offering a dark and thrilling story that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to enter the world of cursed spirits and jujutsu sorcerers!
5. Blue Lock
Blue Lock revolutionized the sports manga genre in 2022 with its unique and intense approach to soccer. Muneyuki Kaneshiro's creation is a thrilling and psychologically gripping series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of sports manga, this is a must-read. The story follows Yoichi Isagi, a high school soccer player who is invited to join Blue Lock, a training program designed to create the world's best striker. The program pits 300 of Japan's most promising young strikers against each other in a series of challenges, forcing them to evolve and become the ultimate egoists. What makes Blue Lock so unique is its focus on individual skill and ego. The program emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the willingness to do whatever it takes to win. The characters are constantly pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally, as they compete for the chance to become the world's best striker. The action sequences in Blue Lock are intense and dynamic. Yusuke Nomura's art style perfectly captures the speed and energy of the sport. The characters' emotions are also vividly portrayed, adding to the series' overall drama. But Blue Lock is more than just a sports manga. It also explores themes of ambition, competition, and the pursuit of excellence. The characters are all driven by their desire to be the best, and they are willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. Their struggles and triumphs are both inspiring and relatable. Overall, Blue Lock is a must-read for any fan of sports manga. Its unique concept, intense action, and compelling characters make it a truly unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of series that will make you question what it truly means to be the best. So, if you're looking for a manga that will thrill, inspire, and challenge you, Blue Lock is the perfect choice. Trust us, guys, you'll be cheering for these strikers every step of the way! This manga is a game-changer in the world of sports, offering a fresh and exciting take on the genre. Get ready to witness the birth of the world's best striker!
6 - 10: Honorable Mentions
- Komi Can't Communicate: For its heartwarming and humorous take on social anxiety.
- My Dress-Up Darling: For its charming characters and celebration of cosplay.
- Don't Call It Mystery: For its intriguing mysteries and compelling protagonist.
- Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun: For its unique blend of supernatural and school life.
- A Couple of Cuckoos: For its hilarious and romantic comedy premise.
So there you have it, manga fans! Our top picks for the best manga of 2022. Did your favorites make the list? Let us know in the comments below. Happy reading!