Top 5 Must-Read Romance Manga to Discover in 2024
Welcome to NightNovels: your gateway to a world of manga adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned manga enthusiast or just beginning your manga journey, this article has something special in store for you. Dive in as we introduce five new manga in the manga world that you won’t want to miss. We guarantee you’ll find a story that captivates and resonates.
In the vast world of manga, some titles bask in the limelight, becoming household names even beyond the realm of otaku culture. However, tucked away from these giants are lesser-known masterpieces waiting for discerning eyes to discover and cherish them. From the artful hands of both emerging and seasoned mangaka, we’ve curated a list of five new manga that deserve a place on your reading list. Prepare yourself for a journey of unparalleled narratives, breathtaking artistry, and pure manga magic.
Horimiya
Hori-san to Miyamura-kun,” better known as “Horimiya,” is a heartwarming manga series by Hiroki Adachi (Hero). It started as a webcomic on Hero’s website in 2007 before being published in print by Square Enix. The story follows Kyouko Hori, a popular high school student, and Izumi Miyamura, her seemingly nerdy classmate, who lead secret lives beyond school. Adapted into anime, live-action, and more, “Horimiya” is a touching tale of friendship and self-discovery.
The plot revolves around Hori, a diligent student who hides her homebody side, and Miyamura, a boy with piercings and tattoos living a secret life outside school. When they discover each other’s true selves, they form a pact to protect their secret lives. As their relationship deepens, they uncover commonalities and create a strong bond. “Horimiya” is a heartfelt story of friendship and self-discovery that has touched readers and viewers worldwide.
Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)
“Ao Haru Ride,” or “Blue Spring Ride,” by Io Sakisaka, is a Japanese manga series that captivated readers during its run from 2011 to 2015. It received numerous adaptations, including an anime series, live-action film, and upcoming television drama. The story revolves around Futaba Yoshioka, a high school student who suppressed her femininity due to past experiences. Her life takes a turn when she reunites with her first love, Kou Tanaka, who has changed drastically. As they navigate high school alongside their friends, they form unique bonds, leading to personal growth, rekindled feelings, and complex relationships. The series offers a heartwarming journey of love, friendship, and embracing change, ultimately leading Futaba and Kou to confess their love and embark on new paths.
In the end, as Futaba, Kou, and their friends move forward, the series emphasizes the beauty of new beginnings and opportunities. “Ao Haru Ride” is a touching tale of self-discovery and relationships that resonated with readers in Japan and beyond, earning its place among the best series of 2014.
ReLIFE
“ReLIFE” by Yayoiso is a captivating Japanese manga series presented in webtoon format. It was serialized on the Comico website from October 12, 2013, to March 16, 2018, and compiled into 15 tankōbon volumes. The series also received an anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment, premiering in 2016, and a live-action film released in 2017. The manga’s appeal extended beyond Japan, earning it the Mangawa Award in France in 2017.
The story centers around Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old who has been unemployed for several years and even lied about having a job. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s offered a chance to participate in the ReLife experiment by Ryō Yoake. This experiment makes him appear a decade younger, sending him back to high school. The experiment aims to give its subjects a second chance at youth and an opportunity to address the issues in their lives. “ReLIFE” offers a unique exploration of second chances, personal growth, and the complexities of youth, making it a compelling and thought-provoking series for readers and viewers alike.
Orange
“Orange” is a captivating manga series that explores the intriguing concept of time travel and the impact of one’s choices on the future. The story begins when Naho Takamiya receives a mysterious letter from her future self, revealing a series of events set to happen that day. At first, Naho dismisses it as a prank, but when the predictions in the letter start coming true, including the arrival of a new transfer student named Kakeru Naruse, she’s forced to confront its authenticity.
As Naho delves further into the letter, she discovers that her future self has numerous regrets related to Kakeru. Faced with the knowledge that Kakeru won’t be a part of her life in the future, Naho grapples with the burden of making the right choices to alter what seems like fate. “Orange” is a thought-provoking exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of changing destiny, making it a must-read for fans of drama, romance, and sci-fi genres.
With seven volumes and 38 chapters, “Orange” offers a complete and engaging story. Its unique blend of themes, including time travel and love polygons, set against a school backdrop, captivates readers and has garnered widespread acclaim. The series has also inspired a live-action film adaptation and found its place in international readers’ hearts with English and digital publications.”
Nisekoi
“Nisekoi” is a delightful manga series filled with comedy and romance. The story revolves around Raku Ichijou, a high school student who made a promise to marry his childhood friend when they reunited. However, his memory of her has faded, leaving only a locked pendant as a memento, with his friend holding the key. In the present, Raku aspires to live a normal life and pursue his crush, Kosaki Onodera. Unfortunately, he’s the reluctant heir to a yakuza family and gets embroiled in a turf war with the American Bee Hive gang.
To broker peace, Raku must engage in a fake romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the Bee Hive leader’s daughter, despite their initial animosity. Their challenge is to pretend to be deeply in love while juggling their feuding families. Raku’s quest to find the key to his pendant becomes even more complicated as more girls linked to the pendant enter his life. “Nisekoi” offers a delightful blend of humor, romance, and the complexities of balancing a fake relationship with the pursuit of true love, all set against the backdrop of school life.
With 25 volumes and 229 chapters, “Nisekoi” is a captivating and completed series, perfect for fans of comedy, romance, and harem themes. Its popularity has also led to its publication in several languages, making it a beloved series among international readers.”
In wrapping up our guide to 2024’s must-read manga, each series presents a unique journey into diverse realms of emotion, self-discovery, and connection. From “Horimiya’s” explorations of hidden identities to the poignant time-travel dilemmas in “Orange,” these stories are set to captivate manga enthusiasts and new readers alike. Dive into these pages and discover not just compelling narratives but also the resonant themes that connect us all. Happy reading, and may these mangas inspire and entertain you through the year!
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