Ever since the pandemic, I have been slowly but surely getting back into reading and collecting manga. (And yes, I do consider the two topics to be separate, mostly because I’m still behind reading what I’ve collected, haha.)
2025 was a great year for reading manga for me. Even though I haven’t read everything I’ve bought (thanks to reading for book clubs and challenges and the like), I’ve had a blast with reading what I got to, and with a few I wasn’t 100% of a fan of. Here’s just a few that I read and enjoyed this year.
Otherside Picnic
It is well known within my family and friends that I avoid horror with all my heart. And yet… Otherside Picnic has been one of my favorite reads for the past year or so. Technically, it isn’t classified as horror, but there is enough references to internet creepypasta and urban legends that are just enough to give me nightmares.
That being said, the story is interesting, building from something simple to tense and complicated, with romance in the background. It’s just great.
Captive Hearts of OZ
While this four volume series has been out for a while, I happened upon it on Kindle Unlimited and blasted through it one night. It’s another Wizard of Oz series with a twist, which somewhat works (and somewhat doesn’t). But it was a cute little read one night.
Assassination Classroom
I missed this series when it was first releasing in 2014-2018. I knew about it, but I wasn’t reading manga at the time. I ended up picking it up over the course of 2024 and finally reading and finishing it in early 2025.
For a series with such a simple concept, it’s amazing in writing and art style. Worth spending probably $100 over a couple months to grab the entire series.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror
I have a great run with this property. I first saw the animated film in theaters, then I read the translated novel (also worth it), and now I’ve read the manga and loved it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it when I started it, which was the same feeling I had during the film, but it ended up working well.
And then…
Whoever Steals This Book
True confession, I enjoyed the first two volumes of this three volume series. But the third… I was not a fan. Read the first two and make up your own ending, it’s the only way that you don’t get plot dumped on your head.
Corpse Blade
I took a risk with this series. I shouldn’t have. Good concept, fumbled the middle and ending.
And finally…
My Hero Academia
So. One of the current major manga series that just came to an end last year (October 2025 for those in English speaking countries). I only just collected the last volume, so I haven’t techecially finished reading this just yet.
I’m planning a read through during January 2026, from Volume 1 all the way to Volume 42. If you like superhero stories where things get complicated, it’s probably worth a read.
All in all, a pretty great year! Of course, there were other series and singles I read, some that will get a discussion in the future, others… that won’t. But that’s okay, that’s the nature of reading.
Happy trails!
