For the function of this post, I’m utilizing a extremely idiosyncratic meaning of “best”, based mainly on what I looked ahead to as well as enjoyed re-reading. I have a few subcategories, under which I’ve placed a maximum of five titles, with #1 being best. links take you to evaluations of the titles.
Best new Manga
Pluto — just astounding, a meditation on the nature of what it means to be human in a time of fantastic crisis, told with a gripping robot murder mystery.
Ooku: The inner Chambers — Fumi Yoshinaga hits new heights of accomplishment as well as insight with this story of a male harem in historical Japan. lovely as well as heart-breaking.
20th Century boys — The second Naoki Urasawa work on the listing (Pluto being the first), which is quite amazing. likewise amazing is exactly how simple it is to suggest over which is better, with answers diverse based on which chapter of which series has most just recently come out as well as exactly how impressed the visitor is. This series can be more wide-ranging than the other, with a weirder cast of characters.
Oishinbo a la Carte — Pure fun as well as exoticism. discover crazy details about Japanese food as well as culture while salivating over exactly how great all the dishes sound.
A Drifting Life — Flawed, however impressive in its huge scope. Its power as well as effect can’t be denied.
This was absolutely Viz’s year, with outstanding releases from their signature line, especially. Manga for adults (not porn, just mature material) seems to have discovered an audience, thanks to their support. This would likewise be my finest general list, which I discover a positive sign, that so much great stuff began this year.
Best continuing Manga
This listing is extremely similar to last year’s. Which is nice, that series I liked continued being good. Yotsuba&! wasn’t on last year’s only since no volumes were released in 2008.
Nana — always my best. Volumes 14-19 came out this year, checking out young women discovering themselves in one of the most vibrant cities of the world. Plus, it captures on paper the power of like as well as rock’n’roll.
Yotsuba&! — As mentioned above, it came back this year from a new publisher, with volumes 6 as well as 7 coming out from Yen Press, together with reissues of the very first five. charming view of the world from a child’s perspective, full of creativity as well as wonder.
Aria — one more one that came back from uncertainty, which thrilled me. There was only one volume this year; I hope for more in the next. reading this lovely, pastoral series about female gondoliers on one more world is a relaxing, transporting experience.
Hikaru no Go — I have been complying with this series since 2004, as well as I’m still enjoying it. That’s quite impressive. Volumes 14-17, out this year, caught a transformative moment in the lead character’s life, as he passed from a kid to man.
Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei — introduced this year, however I put it right here to make the numbers work. I enjoy it since of its consistent satire of culture as well as human nature. So much is specific to Japan, however there’s plenty more that’s universal. as well as I like the flat, design-y look, different from so much else, however still recognizably manga.
Best completed Manga
Not many titles I suggest ended this year. perhaps I’m getting luckier. The very first one on this list, though, will be sorely missed.
Emma — This was on the exact same listing last year, as I believed volume 7 ended the series. However, this year saw three move books, collecting short stories about the characters. This final volume (for genuine this time) went out on the very best note possible: a glorious wedding.
The color of Earth, Water, as well as heaven — A bit as well sanctimonious at times, however I liked it for doing something different. as well as kudos to graphic book publisher very first second for explanding their line in this way.
Honorable mention: Kat & mouse — I believed this kids’ secret series was doomed to stay unresolved, however here, two years after the previous volume, visitors were provided the tying-up of loose ends, thankfully. Not truly a manga, by some definitions, although published by Tokyopop, I’m still sorry to see it go.
Guilty Pleasures as well as Griping
Last year, this classification was “Most Disappointing”, however that seemed as well negative. This year, it’s a catch-all for other things I wished to mention. other series I’m enjoying include:
Inubaka: crazy for Dogs — I still like this “doggie book”, although I cringe at the every-so-often panty shot. The rest of it, though, is adorable as well as heart-warming. The release frequency keeps decreasing (only three volumes this year, 12-14), which concerns me, however there’s at least one more volume arranged for March.
The Lizard prince — Not my usual type of story, however enjoyable in its comedy fantasy romance.
Otomen — Wildly unequal hownull