Top 10 Manga of 2021: A Deep Dive

In 2021, several manga series gained significant popularity and acclaim. This article highlights ten of the top manga from that year based on sales, critical reception, and cultural impact. These titles reflect a mix of ongoing series and some that concluded with strong fanbases and significant influence on the manga and anime landscape.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Overview

By Gege Akutami, Jujutsu Kaisen is a fictitious urban environment series set in over a modern world, where Jujutsu (mysticism) is at the center of human life. The story follows a protagonist named Anya Shimura.

Personal Opinion

Chainsaw Man, by Tatsuki Fujimoto, is another title worth mentioning. It has received a lot of recognition, in part due to the addictive storyline and the main character Denji's transformation into a Devil-Human hybrid after saving a Devil dog named Pochita.

Chainsaw Man

Plot and Character Development

The story begins when Denji, whose father passed away leaving him with a huge debt, is saved by a Devil dog named Pochita. Thanks to Pochita, Denji can survive by doing odd jobs and killing Devils for the Yakuza. Pochita's chainsaw powers come in handy against these powerful demons. However, when the Yakuza betray Denji, he is killed by a Zombie Devil, and Pochita sacrifices himself to save Denji.

After their sacrifice, Denji is reborn as a Devil-Human hybrid known as Chainsaw Man. He is recruited by Makima into the Public Safety Devil Hunters, a group under threat of extermination due to Denji's newfound status as a Devil. The story explores Denji's struggles to form meaningful relationships, determine his dreams, and kill Devils, all while living comfortably for the first time in his life.

Blue Lock

Story and Characters

By Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, Blue Lock is a story centered around a diverse group of characters, all with unique skills and backgrounds. The narrative focuses on how they work together to achieve greatness in a competitive world.

Blue Period

Plot and Significance

“Blue Period” by Yuta Sato is a fascinating read, as it explores the life of a second-year high school student named Yatora Yaguchi. Yaguchi is bored with his normal life, despite his well-structured routine. After discovering the joy of drawing, Yaguchi faces numerous obstacles such as his hesitant parents, experienced peers, and the complexity of the art subject itself.

The Impact of These Manga on the Industry

These titles reflect the diversity and depth of the manga industry in 2021, ranging from urban fantasy to realistic coming-of-age stories. They showcase the range of themes and styles that appeal to a wide range of readers, from action and adventure to emotional and introspective narratives.

Conclusion

2021 was a year of remarkable achievements in the manga industry, and these top ten titles represent the pinnacle of creative storytelling. Whether you are a long-time fan or just discovering the world of manga, these series offer rich, engaging stories that will captivate your attention.