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Today, we have access to an enormous collection of manga with tens of thousands of titles and billions of volumes. The manga industry is highly competitive and diverse, with creators continuously striving to produce the next big hit like Demon Slayer or One Piece. Within this thrilling world, there are countless talented and skillful creators, some of whom become industry icons with legions of fans, while others remain in the underground manga scene. However, lesser-known manga is often just as exciting and incredible as their popular counterparts, and sometimes even more so. These hidden gems are some of the most unconventional, visually compelling, and enthralling works that a manga fan can discover.
Despite the abundance of great titles, many of them can be overshadowed by more mainstream options. Finding a high-quality but lesser-known manga can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why I’ve gathered a list of such titles here, with just two criteria: they must be truly excellent, and they must not be widely popular.
1. đ˘MâNSâ ERđ˘
Illustrated by: Naoki Urasawa
Original Run: December 5, 1994 â December 20, 2001
Number of Volumes: 18
Total Chapters: 162
Storyline: In Monster, Kenzou Tenma, a highly respected Japanese neurosurgeon working in post-war Germany, must make a difficult choice between operating on Johan Liebert, a critically ill orphan boy, or the mayor of DĂźsseldorf. Against the wishes of his superiors, Tenma chooses to save Johan’s life, resulting in disastrous consequences for his career and personal life. Stripped of his position and abandoned by his fiancĂŠe, Tenma’s life takes a drastic turn when the hospital director is mysteriously killed, leading him to become entangled in a series of gruesome murders that have taken place throughout Germany. As the head of the surgical department, Tenma finds himself face-to-face with a monsterâthe very same one he saved years ago.
2. Vinland Saga
Illustrated by: Makoto Yukimura
Original Run: 2005 onwards
Number of Volumes: 26
Total Chapters: 198
Storyline: Vinland Saga is an epic manga set in 11th-century Europe, featuring Thorfinn, the son of a legendary Viking warrior. Thorfinn is a skilled fighter and a member of a group of mercenaries led by the cunning Askeladd. However, Thorfinn is not with the group for the riches they seek, but rather to seek revenge against Askeladd for a past tragedy that befell his family. As Thorfinn trains and fights alongside the mercenary crew, he finds himself caught in a world of violence and madness, where killing is just another part of life.When the group learns that a Danish prince has been taken hostage, Askeladd devises an ambitious plot that will determine the next King of England and have a profound impact on the lives of Thorfinn, the prince, and himself. With its vivid depiction of a brutal era, Vinland Saga offers a tale of bloody battles and gripping drama that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
3. Grand Blue (Grand Blue Dreaming)
Illustrated by: Kimitake Yoshioka
Original Run: 2014 – Present
Number of Volumes: 19
Total Chapters: 80
Storyline: Grand Blue is a comedic manga set in the seaside town of Izu, following the adventures of Iori Kitahara as he begins his freshman year at Izu University. After moving into his uncle’s scuba diving shop, Grand Blue, Iori eagerly looks forward to his dream college life, filled with beautiful girls and good friends. However, his plans are quickly derailed when he encounters a group of wild, naked upperclassmen who drag him into their boozy activities. Despite his initial reluctance, Iori soon becomes the life of the party, much to the dismay of his cousin Chisa Kotegawa, who catches him in the act. But Iori is undeterred and remains determined to have the time of his life at college, even if it means navigating through all kinds of hilariously absurd situations.
4. Vagabond
Illustrated by: Takehiko Inoue
Original Run: September 3, 1998 to May 21, 2015
Number of Volumes: 37
Total Chapters: 327
Storyline: Vagabond manga takes place in 16th-century Japan, following the story of Shinmen Takezou, a wild and aggressive young man who seeks a grander life beyond his provincial village with his friend, Matahachi Honiden. They join the Toyotomi army, but after a crushing defeat, Shinmen returns home to notify Matahachi’s family of his survival, only to be framed for his friend’s murder and left to die. Rescued by a monk, he takes on a new name, Musashi Miyamoto, and embarks on a journey to become the “Invincible Under the Heavens.” Vagabond is a retelling of Miyamoto’s life, from a swordsman focused only on his own glory to an enlightened warrior who learns the importance of friendship and self-reflection.
5. Oyasumi Punpun (Goodnight Punpun)
Illustrated by: Inio Asano
Original Run: March 15, 2007 to November 2, 2013
Number of Volumes: 13
Total Chapters: 147
Storyline: Oyasumi Punpun follows the life of Punpun Onodera, an ordinary 11-year-old boy living in Japan. He is idealistic and romantic, and his world is forever changed when he meets Aiko Tanaka, a new girl in his class. As he navigates the complexities of maintaining a relationship, Punpun also begins to confront the harsh realities of adulthood, particularly when he witnesses his father’s assault on his mother.
As Punpun’s problems mount, he withdraws from the world around him, becoming increasingly reclusive. However, this only intensifies his internal conflicts and sends him down a dark path towards maturity in this poignant coming-of-age tale.
6. GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
Illustrated by: Tohru Fujisawa
Original Run: December 11, 1996 to January 30, 2002
Number of Volumes: 25
Total Chapters: 208
Storyline: The story follows the life of 22-year-old Eikichi Onizuka, a perverted former gang member who becomes a teacher at a high school. He faces numerous challenges, including a cunning Class 3-4 that is determined to have him removed from the school, the frustrated balding vice-principal, Hiroshi Uchiyamada, old enemies from his biker days, and his own unorthodox teaching methods. However, Eikichi remains determined to help his students, win over his love interest, fellow teacher Azusa Fuyutsuki, and earn his self-proclaimed title as the “Great Teacher Onizuka.” The series is known for its humor, social commentary, and heartwarming moments.
7. Dorohedoro
Illustrated by: Q Hayashida
Original Run: November 30, 2000, to September 12, 2018
Number of Volumes: 23
Total Chapters: 190
Storyline: The story takes place in Hole, a dark and chaotic district where the strong prey on the weak and death is an everyday occurrence. The area is a testing ground for the magic users who dominate it, and they see the powerless Hole dwellers as nothing more than insects. Murdered, mutilated, and experimented on without a second thought, the powerless residents of Hole are left to suffer. Despite the magic users’ indomitable authority, Caiman, a man with a reptilian appearance, hunts them down on a quest for answers with only a pair of bayonets and his immunity to magic. He is cursed by his appearance and tormented by nightmares, and magic users are his only clue to restoring his life to normal. His companion, Nikaidou, runs the restaurant Hungry Bug and is his greatest ally.
“Dorohedoro” is set in a gritty and hellish world, with a unique blend of comedy and lightheartedness that contrasts with the death and carnage that pervades the story. The plot takes many twists and turns while following the lives of Hole’s residents, weaving a world of unearthly origin and dreary appearance that is not for the faint of heart or easily disturbed.
8. Kokou no Hito (The Climber)
Illustrated by: Shinichi Sakamoto
Original Run: November 1, 2007 to October 27, 2011
Number of Volumes: 17
Total Chapters: 170
Storyline: The story follows Mori Buntarou, a lonesome and solitary high school student who discovers his passion for rock climbing after scaling his school building without a harness.
After reaching the top, Mori sees another peak in the distance, which inspires him to pursue rock climbing as a serious sport. He becomes dedicated to the arduous and demanding practice, enduring pain, and hardship as he climbs to the top of some of the world’s highest and most treacherous mountains. Through his journey, Mori faces numerous challenges and meets a cast of unique and compelling characters, including fellow climbers who become his friends, rivals, and mentors.
“Kokou no Hito” explores the themes of passion, determination, and the pursuit of greatness, as Mori strives to reach the top of the world and find his place in life.
9. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren)
Illustrated by: Kanehito Yamada
Original Run: 2020 Onwards
Number of Volumes: 9
Total Chapters: 105
Storyline: After the defeat of the demon king, mage Frieren and her hero party members reminisce about their journey before parting ways. However, due to the elven lifespan, Frieren witnesses her companions pass away one by one. Before his death, priest Heiter leaves a young human apprentice, Fern, in Frieren’s care. Together, they embark on a journey to collect magic spells and revisit the places their former companions had been. As they travel, Frieren comes to terms with her regrets and missed opportunities to deepen her bonds with her now deceased comrades.
10. Witch Hat Atelier Mang (Tongari Boushi no Atelier)
Illustrated by: Kamome Shirahama
Original Run: 2017 Onwards
Number of Volumes: 10
Total Chapters: 58
Storyline: In the magical world of Witch Hat Atelier, Coco dreams of becoming a witch and learning the secrets of magic. When she accidentally discovers a magical book and starts experimenting with spells, she causes a disaster that puts her in danger. Fortunately, the skilled witch Qifrey saves her and takes her under his wing as his apprentice. Coco soon learns that there are strict rules governing the use of magic, and that not all witches are as kind as Qifrey. As she improves her skills, she must also navigate the treacherous politics of the magical world, including the dangerous Brimmed Caps, who seek to use forbidden magic to alter the human body.
Through it all, Coco remains determined to master magic and become a true witch. With the help of Qifrey and her fellow apprentices, she embarks on a journey of discovery and self-improvement, learning valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of magic.
đ§ Click here to view the whole post……Xbox Series S is $149.99 via Verizon Up offer.
— Wario64 (@Wario64) March 1, 2023
Offer: https://t.co/id8CN3i5r1
Xbox Series S at Verizon: https://t.co/GSWFJHOwbp pic.twitter.com/5LzNUBU70v
Verizon subscribers can now get their hands on an Xbox Series S for just $150, albeit for a limited time only. Though not the most powerful console, the Series S is perfect for playing most Game Pass bangers and Xbox exclusives. Even though the Series X is more powerful, the Series S is still a great console for a comfy couch setup in your living room, bedroom, or even bathroom. Simply login to your Verizon account, head over to the companyâs store and youâll be given an offer to buy the Xbox for $150. But keep in mind, this might not work for Fios-only members. If you decide to purchase the Series S, check out our list of the best Xbox Game Pass games for inspiration on what to play first.
Blizzard has released the minimum and recommended PC specifications for the upcoming Diablo IV open beta in a recent live stream. Note that these are beta requirements and are subject to change when the full game launches.
Diablo IV is designed to run on hardware below the minimum specifications, but with lower performance. The minimum requirements for the open beta include a 64-bit Windows 10 operating system, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 280 graphics card, Intel Core i5-2500L or AMD FX-8100 processor, 8 GB RAM, DirectX Version 12, and an SSD with 45 GB of available space, as well as a broadband internet connection.
The recommended requirements for the open beta include a 64-bit Windows 10 operating system, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 370 graphics card, Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD R3-1300X processor, 16 GB RAM, DirectX Version 12, an SSD with 45 GB of available space, and a broadband internet connection.
The Diablo IV open beta will start on March 17, with early access for pre-order customers on console and PC. The fully public open beta will run from March 24 to March 26, featuring the game’s prologue and Act 1, up to a maximum character level of 25. Exclusive rewards, such as titles and a backpack that includes a snoozing puppy, will be given to players who reach certain milestones in the open beta.
Diablo IV is set to launch on June 6 for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer believes that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a positive force in video games, as AI has always been a part of video game development. Spencer acknowledges that AI is an important factor in game development, from physics simulations to rendering and audio technology. He also points out that when game creators are given new tools to work with, it takes some time to find the rhythm of how everything fits in.
Spencer is optimistic about AI’s potential as an “additive, positive force” in the games they are building, and says that the company’s creators are currently working with AI engineers to explore its possibilities. Microsoft recently partnered with OpenAI for a reported $10 billion deal, indicating the company’s investment in AI technology.
EA has been working on AI technology for several years through its Project Atlas initiative, which involves 1,000 people working on AI and neural networks to change how games are made. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has also acknowledged AI’s potential in video game development, although he cautions that it won’t necessarily make creating a true GTA competitor any easier.
Netflix has unveiled a preview for its documentary titled “Money Shot,” which delves into the controversial porn site, Pornhub. The documentary features interviews with former employees, activists, and performers, and explores the scandals and triumphs that have arisen during the platform’s 16 years of existence.
The trailer indicates that the film will investigate allegations of sexual exploitation and non-consensual pornography on Pornhub, as well as the site’s alleged monetization of child pornography, which has led to a lawsuit against owner MindGeek. In 2020, the platform removed all content uploaded by unverified users.
Money Shot appears to go beyond Pornhub to examine other aspects of the sex industry, including the censorship of sex workers and performers on social media platforms. According to one interviewee, critics aren’t only attacking porn, but also the right to self-expression.
The documentary promises a comprehensive exploration of Pornhub and the wider adult entertainment industry. Viewers can decide for themselves how carefully and sensitively the documentary addresses these issues when it debuts on Netflix on March 15th.
Jack Dorsey’s alternative to Twitter, Bluesky, has entered the closed beta phase and is now available on the App Store, according to reports. The app, which is currently invite-only, could potentially compete with several other Twitter alternatives, including Mastodon.
Those interested in joining the waitlist can submit their email addresses. Bluesky’s interface is said to resemble Twitter’s, with minor differences such as “What’s up?” instead of “What’s happening?” and a simpler process for creating a post with the plus button that can also include photos. Users can also follow and search for other users and view their posts on a Home timeline.
Bluesky was initially started as a Twitter-funded side project in 2019, with Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, believing it would be a more open alternative to the increasingly centralized Twitter. The project spun off as its own company in 2021, with Dorsey expressing the belief that social media should be free from corporate or government control and that only authors should be able to remove their content. While he supported Twitter’s decision to ban Donald Trump, he expressed concern about the precedent it set for limiting the free and open global internet.
It remains to be seen whether Twitter users will flock to Bluesky or other platforms in significant numbers. Still, given the current CEO/owner Elon Musk’s controversial embrace of far-right figures and ideology, it may be unlikely to expect users to turn to someone who holds reservations about banning anyone for any reason.
