Welcome to my 2024 manga diary! This year, I’ve delved into ten new manga series, and I’m here to share my thoughts—both the hits and the misses. If you’re looking for new manga recommendations or simply want mangas are worth your time, you’re in the right place.
Mangas that made the list (skip to a manga via the title):
- It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love
- Chihiro-kun Only Has Eyes For Me
- Yona of the Dawn
- Defying Kurosaki-kun
- Daifuku-chan and the Prince
- I Fell in Love After School
- The Wedding of the Shadow Princess
- Ran the Peerless Beauty
- GAME: Between the Suits
- Devil’s Wish
Disclaimer: The release dates and status provided are based on the English-online released versions as of 7th August 2024.
Overall thoughts on mangas
Hear my overall thoughts and explanations of each manga via my YouTube video! If you’d like to know the summary, continue reading.
1. It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love (Kaodake ja Suki ni Narimasen)
Genre: Comedy, Romance, School Life
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo
Author and Artist: Karin Anzai
Status: Released 2020 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 11. | View next manga >
I’m absolutely loving this manga! It follows Sana and Ugo, with Sana being obsessed with pretty faces, especially Ugo’s. Ugo, the face of the school’s Instagram account, needs help to reach a follower milestone or face exclusion. As they work together, their relationship evolves beyond superficial appearances. Ugo’s serious demeanour hides a soft side, and Sana starts to see beyond just looks.
This manga is shaping up to be a favourite of the year for me. I need more Ugo hype on socials pleaseee because he is the best shoujo ml out there.
2. Chihiro-kun Only Has Eyes For Me (Chihiro-kun wa, Atashi Holic)
Genre: Romance, School Life, Slice of Life, Fashion.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo
Author and Artist: Sato Itou
Status: Released 2019 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 10. | View next manga >
This one follows Michi and Chihiro. Chihiro, a designer, immediately falls for Michi, whom he sees as his muse. Though Michi finds Chihiro’s initial approach odd, she grows into her new role and gains confidence. Despite my initial reservations about the “instant love” trope, the story has won me over. It’s a delightful read and has exceeded my expectations.
3. Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona)
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure, Romance, Royalty Politics.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo.
Author and Artist: Mizuho Kusanagi.
Status: Released 2009 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 40. | View next manga >
Yona of the Dawn was been highly recommended by my YouTube subscribers, and it lives up to the hype. Following Princess Yona’s journey from sheltered royalty to a warrior on the run, this manga combines action, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural. The world-building and character development are deep, making it a compelling read that goes beyond typical shoujo fare.
A highlight of this manga is the found family aspect, each character will pull at your heartstrings but NO ONE comes close to Hak. I delve into each character, comparing the manga and anime in a vlog! Check it out if you’ve read the first 8 vols & watched the anime.
I’ve heard the story is coming to an end and it’s in it’s final arch. So if you want to read the last vols with all the long-time fans (like me), I recommend you start reading asap.
4. Defying Kurosaki-kun (Kurosaki-kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai)
Genre: Drama, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo.
Author and Artist: Makino.
Status: Released 2014 – 2021.
Latest: Volume 19. | View next manga >
This manga explores the dynamic between Yu, Shirakawa, and Kurosaki. Yu’s attempt to gain popularity and her interactions with the contrasting characters Kurosaki and Shirakawa create a complex narrative. Yu likes the popular prince Shirakawa but ends up on the wrong side of his friend Kurosaki when she cuts gum out of his hair… to make things more heated the three of them start living in the same boarding house together.
However, Kurosaki’s possessive and often aggressive behaviour has been troubling. I’m on the fence about continuing, as it hasn’t completely won me over yet.
5. Shared House Kitten Blue / Daifuku-chan and the Prince (Daifuku-chan to Ouji-sama)
Genre: College Life, Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo
Author and Artist: Kozue Chiba.
Status: Released 2021 – Ongoing
Latest: Volume 7. | View next manga >
Daifuku-chan and the Prince follows Kinari and Towa, who navigate life in a shared dorm. Kinari’s transition from a small town to Tokyo and her encounters with Towa provide a blend of humour and romance. Despite some early troubling scenes, like Towa’s inappropriate behaviour, the story has a quirky charm and I love Towa’s obsession with cats! It’s a bit hit or miss, the characters don’t have much depth and they get on my nerves every other chapter but it has its moments.
6. I Fell in Love After School (Houkago, Koishita)
Genre: School Life, Sports, Romance.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo
Author and Artist: Haruka Mitsui.
Status: Released 2017 – 2020.
Latest: Volume 8. | View next manga >
This manga revolves around Kao, Kuze, and Kiryuu in a school setting with a focus on volleyball. While the premise is engaging, the execution has been somewhat frustrating. The love triangle dynamics are not entirely compelling, and the main character’s indecision makes the story drag. I’m still hopeful it will improve as I progress through the volumes. I just know Kao isn’t going to end up with the guy I prefer *cry*.
7. The Wedding of the Shadow Princess (Kagehime no Konrei)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Royal Politics.
Demographic: I think shoujo/shojo. I can’t find much information about this manga online so please correct me if I’m wrong!
Author and Artist: Hisa Kyoumachi.
Status: Released 2017 – 2018.
Latest: Volume 3. | View next manga >
This manga features Izuna, who takes the place of a dying princess to marry Prince Seda. Izuna is in danger of being assassinated as people aren’t happy with the arranged marriage and she must try and keep her true identity hidden.
The plot has potential, but the romance feels rushed. With only three volumes, it’s a quick read, but the pacing and character development leave something to be desired. I’ve only read the first Vol… and I don’t feel motivated to pick up the 2nd one any time soon.
8. Ran the Peerless Beauty (Takane no Ran-san)
Genre: School Life, Slice of Life, Romance.
Demographic: Shoujo/shojo
Author and Artist: Ammitsu
Status: Released 2017 – 2020.
Latest: Volume 10. | View next manga >
Ran the Peerless Beauty tells the story of Ran and Akira, whose interactions revolve around flowers (Ran looks after the school garden and Akira works in his parent’s flower shop). Despite its promising start, the manga has become monotonous. The misunderstandings between the characters are tedious, and the story hasn’t captivated me as much as I hoped. It’s a bit of a letdown given its initial appeal.
The story reminds me so much of Kimi ni Todoke. I adore that manga, so I had high expectations for Ran the Peerless Beauty. In comparison, this manga story falls flat purely because there are no side characters with depth!
9. GAME: Between the Suits (Suit no Sukima)
Genre: Office Romance, Slice of Life, Romance, Drama.
Demographic: Josei
Author and Artist: Mai Nishikat.
Status: Released 2015 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 5. | View next manga >
Set in an office environment, this manga features a career-driven woman who has failed relationships due to her focus on work. Sayo ends up in a friends-with-benefits situation with a new colleague Ryouichi. The story has a smutty edge and focuses on their complex relationship. It’s engaging but hasn’t blown me away. If you’re into office romances, it might be worth checking out.
10. Devil's Wish
Genre: Ecchi, Demons, College Life, Romance, Drama, Supernatural, 18+.
Type: Manhwa, not manga! I thought I’d include it as it’s a new read but I’m aware manhwa and mangas are different.
Author and Artist: Team Ddakkong, Zigozi9 Mune Ki.
Status: Released 2023 – Ongoing.
Latest: chapter 41.
Devil’s Wish, a manhwa rather than a traditional manga, involves a demon and a college student. Seo has a strange dream about a woman, then on that same day, he meets So Won, who is a freshman at his school. Unlike Doyah’s heart, his body reacts strangely when he interacts with her. It combines supernatural elements with romance and drama. The humour and colourful art have been highlights, and I’m enjoying it so far because it has an actual plot/story and isn’t just about the sexual relationship. It also includes a good amount of comedy, I’d recommend this to people who like Manhwa that’s not too spicy & supernatural storylines.
Closing thoughts
While I’ve found some gems, others haven’t quite lived up to expectations. I’m excited to dive into more recommendations from you all and explore new series. For tracking my manga reads and updates, I’ve found Anilist to be incredibly helpful—check it out if you’re looking for a great way to manage your manga and anime list!
Feel free to share your thoughts on these series or any recommendations you might have in the comments below. Happy reading!
Read my blogs about the mangas I love and recommend!!
Happy reading!
In the mean time, check out my Youtube channel, Instagram and Pinterest boards for funny memes more book recommendations and reviews!
