The 12 Best Manga And Manhwa Releases Of 2024

Every year, with another manga list, we are reminded of the medium’s staying power and ability to bring fresh and exciting new ideas while honing what came before it to create instantly nostalgic series’. Yet, if 2024 was defined by anything in the space, it would be optimism, kindness, and authenticity. While we certainly enjoyed a few sensational titles this year, there is always room for zombies and dark fantasy; the majority of this year’s best titles explored fundamental truths about human nature or explored realistic struggles under unforeseen circumstances. Here are 12 of the best, in random order.

1. A Smart and Courageous Child (2020) by Miki Yamamoto

Such stylistic choice contributes to making “A Smart and Courageous Child” a heartwarming reading, where mutual trust and care are presented as a potential solution to the issue of a world saturated with bad news and skepticism. As a consequence, it is a manga that proves cross-generational in its appeal, as it provides a non-stereotypical depiction of Gen Z parents that is universally relatable in its concern for the future. And, perhaps even more valuable that, it points out that trying to always be in control – which is somehow a given of overcompetitive societies such as the Japanese – will only makes us dissatisfied with the unpredictable course of existence.

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2. Your Letter (2024) by Hyeon A Cho

Focused on youths going through a story of self-discovery as they navigate their school through a series of letters left by another student, “Your Letter” offers up deeply engaging drama that is as picturesque as it is sincere in capturing adolescent struggles. The release does this by melding elements of light fantasy with a relatable story about difficulties fitting in due to a determination that goes against normalcy; in this case, standing up to bullies on behalf of others to personal prosecution. While this angle has become somewhat cliche in comics, Hyeon A Cho masterfully navigates the familiar tropes with precision and clarity, which reminds the reader why such a set-up has become a staple of storytelling in the medium.

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3. My Oh My, Atami-Kun Vol. 1 (2024) by Asa Tanuma

The writing of “My Oh My, Atami-Kun” is infectious, but not in the titular character’s many attempted romantic trysts that would typically draw one to the BL genre. Instead, the friendships he builds around the awkward confessions become its most endearing element. This partly comes from Atami-kun being a blank slate, as even within the text-heavy volume, readers will be left with little substance to determine who Atami-kun is as a person. In some series, this could be a deterrent. However, Atami-kun’s persistent support draws out the best of the shy boy and offers a positive reflection on male friendships. This subject of boyhood comradery is seldom approached with such nuance and sincerity as in this case.

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4. Sister and Giant Vol. 1 (2024) by Be-Con

While this is an introductory volume, there is still plenty of content packed in here to gauge how the story may progress. Hinako is one of the more fascinating characters to grace the genre. Notably, she opts out of taking the ‘cheat’ offered to everyone who meets with Truck-kun, and her search for a fellow ‘otherworlder’ is marred by a complex and violent relationship. Hinako’s relationship with her larger sister, Ellis, adds a wholesomeness that gives some needed optimism in an otherwise bleak world. There is much to be unraveled in later volumes, yet Con-Be sets a convincing groundwork to instill trust that the series will improve with each entry.

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5. The AWL Vol. 1 (2024) by Gyu-seok Choi

There is a surprising curiosity in learning about the history of labor laws in South Korea, but how the subject matter is approached makes “The AWL” deeply engrossing. This is partly due to the polarizing view of Unions, with some seeing them as a corrupt system that favors those at the top. Conversely, their existence has led to the elimination of such concepts as the 7-day workweek and child labor in many countries. “The AWL” addresses this conflict perfectly through ‘Director Gu,’ a man pushing for labor rights in the county who is presented as both a hero and an opportunist. His introduction, getting a man’s unpaid salary under threat, may seem admirable, but as the story progresses, the complexity of his role becomes more apparent. Struggling manager Yi Su-in offers conflicting views on unions to the general public. His interactions with Director Gu have much deeper implications in exploring labor laws than the single issue that brought the two together.

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6. Friday at the Atelier Vol. 1 (2024) Sakura Hamada

There is an undeniable allure for readers looking for adult relationships in manga, and Sakura Hamada certainly understands the inherent complexities that can come with that. Emiko and Shunshi struggle through an awkward courting, but instead of being inspired by childhood innocence, it feels grounded in past hang-ups yet to occur. Aspects like Shunshi’s over-protectiveness point to the possibility of having lost someone or made a past mistake he regrets, teasing that the already awkward relationship the two are building has more kinks to work out before getting to that point, a welcome prospect to explore an adult romance.

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