Exploring the Best Short Manga Beyond Anime

Introduction to Short Manga

Manga, a beloved form of Japanese comics, often comes with lengthy series spanning dozens of volumes. However, there are also wonderful short manga that can provide quick entertainment without the commitment. In this article, we explore some short manga that stand out beyond the typical anime adaptations, offering unique stories and diverse genres.

Short Manga Gems

Two short manga that I personally enjoy are Go For It Nakamura and Mikubon.

Go For It Nakamura

Go For It Nakamura is about a shy gay man trying to talk to his crush. Unlike many BL series, it steers clear of the uncomfortable and sexualized tropes that can make such stories difficult to read. Currently, it only has 11 chapters, but there is an ongoing sequel series with around seven chapters. This manga offers a refreshing and heartfelt story that respects the characters and their relationships.

Mikubon

Mikubon is adapted from the Vocaloid series and follows Hatsune Miku and a few other Vocaloids. This manga is around 22 chapters long, making it a relatively quick read. It combines music and adventure, offering a unique experience for fans of both manga and Vocaloid.

Other Short Manga Recommendations

For those looking for even shorter manga series, there are several options:

G Gundam

G Gundam is a classic short manga series at only two volumes long, making it a perfect choice for fans of old Gundam series. It provides a concise yet engaging storyline.

Akira

Akira is a legendary manga series, known for its deep plot and complex characters. At six volumes, it is a relatively short series that packs a punch.

Blade of Heaven

Blade of Heaven is a fantasy manga series at around eight to eleven volumes, but it ends in a cliffhanger, leaving fans wanting more. It offers a rich fantasy world and interesting characters, but the unfinished nature of the series can be a drawback.

Desert Coral

Desert Coral is an isekai manga that I read in middle school. It is five volumes long, providing a quick but engaging adventure in a different world.

One-Shot Manga

If you prefer complete, stand-alone stories, you might enjoy one-shot manga. Here are some notable one-shot manga:

5 Centimeters per Second

5 Centimeters per Second is a poignant one-shot manga that explores the essence of love and loss with a minimalistic approach.

Voices of a Distant Star

Voices of a Distant Star delves into the depths of human connection through its thoughtful narrative and emotional depth.

Source (Manga, All You Need is Kill)

Source (All You Need is Kill) is a one-shot manga that is a prequel to the novel series. It provides an insightful look into the world and characters of the story, offering a compelling read.

If you enjoy standalone stories, you might also enjoy Edge of Tomorrow, with its source manga being a one-shot that provides a complete narrative.

Related Creators and Series

If you're a fan of Death Note, you might also enjoy manga by the same creators. Some notable works include:

Hello Baby

Hello Baby, Hes Dictated to Roses, Doubt, Battle Club, Legal Drugs, Othello, Made in Heaven, and Reborn! are all manga series created by the same creators who brought us Death Note. These works offer a variety of genres and themes, providing a rich reading experience.

Spinoff Manga: MHA: Vigilante

For My Hero Academia fans, a great spinoff to explore is MHA: Vigilante. While it hasn't been adapted into anime, it has garnered a dedicated following. The series expands on the world of My Hero Academia and brings more stories to characters like Aizawa and Present Mic, offering a deep dive into the intricacies of the world and its characters.