A hilarious manga about the college life of Iori Kitahara and the ventures of the Grand Blue scuba shop & co.
©Kenji Inoue & Kimitake Yoshioka
Arguably one of the funniest manga series to have reached our lovely eyes, Grand Blue has that wacky random humor we all want after a long day of endless responsibilities. With a subtle storyline and a touch of ecchi, it’s the perfect wind-down, crack a cold one, type of manga to get behind. Here’s a quick synopsis:
“Among the seaside town of Izu's ocean waves and rays of shining sun, Iori Kitahara is just beginning his freshman year at Izu University. As he moves into his uncle's scuba diving shop, Grand Blue, he eagerly anticipates his dream college life, filled with beautiful girls and good friends.
But things don't exactly go according to plan. Upon entering the shop, he encounters a group of rowdy, naked upperclassmen, who immediately coerce him into participating in their alcoholic activities. Though unwilling at first, Iori quickly gives in and becomes the heart and soul of the party. Unfortunately, this earns him the scorn of his cousin, Chisa Kotegawa, who walks in at precisely the wrong time. Undeterred, Iori still vows to realize his ideal college life, but will things go according to plan this time, or will his situation take yet another dive?” [MyAnimeList]
But what happens when you’re all caught up? We’re here to help, here’s 5 manga like Grand Blue.
©Hideaki Sorachi
Gintama
Publication: (2003 - 2019)
Chapters: 709 (COMPLETED)
MAL Score: 8.63
The manga GOAT of wacky random humor, it would be hard to find any funny manga recommendations list without it. There’s something about that 2000’s era of episodic humor that never takes itself too seriously. Here’s a quick synopsis:
“During the Edo period, Japan is suddenly invaded by alien creatures known as the "Amanto." Despite the samurai's attempts to combat the extraterrestrial menace, the Shogun soon realizes that their efforts are futile and decides to surrender. This marks the beginning of an uneasy agreement between the Shogunate and Amanto, one that results in a countrywide sword ban and the disappearance of the samurai spirit.
However, there exists one eccentric individual who wields a wooden sword and refuses to let his samurai status die. Now that his kind are no longer needed, Gintoki Sakata performs various odd jobs around town in order to make ends meet. Joined by his self-proclaimed disciple Shinpachi Shimura, the fearsome alien Kagura, and a giant dog named Sadaharu, they run the business known as Yorozuya, often getting caught up in all sorts of crazy and hilarious shenanigans.” [MyAnimeList]
The legacy Gintama left behind could be put up in the list of the greats, sitting next to titles like Naruto, Dragon Ball, Bleach, One Piece, you get the gist. Unfortunately, we English readers only get the first 23 volumes (like 23 volumes is some small feat…) but it’s still a manga you should pick up.
©Tomoya Haruno
D-Frag!
Publication: (2008 - ?)
Chapters: ONGOING
MAL Score: 8.01
The manga all about misunderstandings, this one is a personal favorite. I remember picking this manga up some years ago after watching the anime and it has become one of my favorites. The basis of its humor is all about misunderstandings and how that can completely change plot points and characters perspectives. Here’s a synopsis:
“Kenji Kazama—the leader of an eponymous three-man gang—plans to take over Fujou High and make his legend known to all. However, when his first act of delinquency misfires, he finds himself coerced into the Game Development Club. There, he meets four eccentric girls: tyrannical student council president Chitose Karasuyama, listless club advisor Minami Oosawa, bubbly first-year Sakura Mizukami, and the petite club president and not-so-secret school terror Roka Shibasaki—all of whom are fully intent of keeping him there lest their club be disbanded due to lack of members.
Though Kenji would love nothing more than to escape, his attempts to do so not only further entangle him in the club’s affairs but with their enemies as well, who are just as peculiar as his clubmates, if not more so. Yet as the club's shenanigans continue, Kenji seems to be unaware of one thing: he may actually be enjoying himself.” [MyAnimeList]
The manga is reflective of the Japanese stand-up comedy routine manzai, an act consisting of a straight man and a funny man, who go back and forth between misunderstandings, gags, and puns. Once you read the manga, you’ll understand. Pick. It. Up!!!
©Kimitake Yoshioka
Tenpuru: No One Can Live on Loneliness
Publication: (2018 - ?)
Chapters: ONGOING
MAL Score: 7.55
A newer entry made but was plenty surprised by how it gave me that Love Hina or To-Love Ru vibes. Considering my comparison, you probably already know it is on the ecchi side. (No shame in that I tell you!) Made by the same author, it's in the same frame of episodic humor with an underlying storyline, this newcomer is coming with some heat! Here’s a quick synopsis:
“Born into a family of notorious womanizers, Akemitsu Akagami has been shunned from a young age and lumped in with his lineage as a skirt-chaser. As a result, he despises the Akagami way of life and vows to rescind the infamy of his family by staying celibate. But as fate would have it, Akemitsu falls in love at first sight on his way home from work one day. Unable to erase his feelings that are spiraling out of control, he resorts to his final measure—to practice as a monk and seal away his worldly desires.
Hoping to put his past behind him, Akemitsu travels to the nearest temple in order to receive Buddhist training. But fate tempts him once again: greeting him at the door is the girl he had fallen madly in love with, who lives in the very temple he wishes to train in.” [MyAnimeList]
After reading that synopsis, how does it not scream Love Hina? Living in the same place as many different girls? Check. All with their own quirks and personalities? Check. Harem? 7 Checks! If you’re a fan of the older comedic harem stories, you’ll love this one!
©Tadahiro Miura
Yuuna & the Haunted Hot Springs
Publication: (2016 – 2020)
Chapters: 214 (COMPLETED)
MAL Score: 7.23
This manga is in the similar vein to Temple (Tenpuru): No One Can Live on Loneliness in the sense that MC has to stay somewhere with many different women. Except, in this case, the main heroine is a ghost? Here’s a quick synopsis:
“Kogarashi Fuyuzora has been haunted by the supernatural since birth, which possesses him at every opportunity. This eventually led to him being thrown out of his apartment and starting a vagrant life as an exorcist. One day, he discovers the Yuragi Manor, a boarding house with suspiciously cheap rent. Formerly a hot springs inn, legend has it that a student's body was found there, which has haunted it ever since. Eager to have a roof to live under and exorcise ghosts in the meantime, Kogarashi begins his stay at the manor.
While relaxing in the hot springs, Kogarashi happens to encounter this rumored ghost. However, as he prepares to exorcise it, the malevolent ghost turns out to be a charming silver-haired girl! Having no intention to harm her, Kogarashi decides to help the ghost—who he learns is called Yuuna—discover her regrets so she can move on to the afterlife before she turns into an evil spirit.
Thus begins Kogarashi's life in Yuragi Manor. Accompanied by its peculiar residents and a beautiful ghost, he endeavors to help Yuuna find peace before it is too late.” [MyAnimeList]
This harem comedy is more “cute” in execution, but nonetheless, a funny manga to pick up. Though the synopsis covers the main plot point of moving Yuuna to the afterlife, there’s more meat to it. There is that underlying plot but it covers more of all the different girls falling for Kogarashi. If you’re looking for humor and harem, you’ll definitely like this one. I forgot to mention this, but I’m putting a definite [ecchi] tag on this one. Be warned!
©Eiji Masuda
“Actually I am…”
Publication: (2013 – 2017)
Chapters: 196 (COMPLETED)
MAL Score: 7.99
Last but not least in our list, this manga is definitely absurd. There’s a vampire, an alien, a werewolf, a demon, an angel. But the manga does a good execution of putting all of these monsters together in a sweet and funny package. Here’s a quick synopsis:
“Meet Kuromine Asahi, "the man who can't lie." On the way home, he learns an important secret. His crush, Shiragami Youko, is actually a vampire! Can Asahi actually keep her secret?
It's a fun, clumsy, one-of-a kind vampire romantic comedy!” [MyAnimeList]
Pretty short synopsis aye? Well it leaves more to the imagination. This manga follows a simple yet entertaining plot of just trying to graduate high school. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity though, this manga will definitely make you both laugh and cry. The beginning seems like it's just getting its footing but once you hold on to the later chapters, you’re in for a hell of a time!
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[All publications, chapters, and score are according to publication date: 5/12/24]
