Our Top 5 Featured Titles for 2024!

2024 is coming to a close and we’ve featured a plethora of titles in our boxes throughout this year. To wrap things up, we wanted to present you with the Top 5 Titles featured in our boxes. 

Let’s Do It Already

Don’t let the ecchi title sway you off, this is quite a wholesome manga. The story centers on two high schoolers, Keiichiro and Yuuri, who are madly in love and navigating the often awkward yet endearing journey of young romance. Taking a dive into the couple's desire to take their relationship to the next level—we’re given both hilarious moments and genuinely touching scenes. 

What sets this manga apart from its counterparts is how it honestly portrays teenage emotions and the awkwardness of growing up. This would obviously include insecurities, excitement, and the clumsiness that comes with intimacy, making it an unfortunate but relatable read. If you’re looking for a sweet and funny manga, or your Rom-Com bone is itching, we’d recommend this title for you.

Gokurakugai

A shounen that kind of flew under people’s radar this year, but a well deserved spot on our list. Set in a bustling city where the supernatural hides in plain sight, the story follows Tao, a quick-witted fixer, and Alma, her powerhouse partner, as they take on dangerous jobs to protect the innocent and clean up the messes left behind by otherworldly threats. 

The action is fast paced, the stakes are high, and the characters are compelling. It’s gritty but heartfelt, leaving you with a well-rounded story to get behind. We’d consider this part of the new era of Shounen Jump and if you’re a shounen fan, definitely check this title out. 

After God

A truly bizarre entry yet beautifully written and drawn. It's thought-provoking, taking you on a deep dive through the complexities of faith, humanity, and survival. Set in a world where the gods have abandoned humanity, society is left to grapple with the consequences of divine absence. The story follows Waka, a determined young woman, and Tokinaga, a highly skilled anti-god researcher, as they navigate this post-divine world filled with danger, intrigue, and people corrupted by these godlike remnants.

This manga is captivating, drawing you in with its beautiful art, gripping action, and suspense while trapping you with its explorations of belief, morality, and the meaning of power. Truly a dark horse title for this year but nonetheless a must-read for those who enjoy the philosophical coupled with beautiful artwork. 

Hirayasumi

A manga that really makes you appreciate the small everyday things. The story follows Hiroto, a former actor trying to start fresh after inheriting a home from an elderly woman who took him in. Joining him in this new chapter is his spirited cousin, Natsumi, an art school student with her own struggles and dreams. Hiroto learns to appreciate the slower pace of life while Natsumi juggles the chaos of school life and personal growth. Together, they navigate their new lives in a small, peaceful neighborhood filled with quirky yet lovable residents.

The contrast between peace and chaos are beautifully illustrated in the different lifestyles of Hiroto and Natsumi. The storytelling is gentle but does well in highlighting meaningful connections, something we often take for granted. It’s a comforting slice of life with great characters, lighthearted humor, and life lessons we can learn from. A great read to enjoy some calming entertainment with a dash of tenderness.

 

Kagurabachi

Our number 1 pick needs no introductions, since you’ve probably seen the memes or the anime trailer. It’s definitely still in its infancy and too early to take on the helm of replacing the big three, but we enjoyed it either way. The story centers on Chihiro, the son of a master swordsmith who lived a quiet life crafting legendary blades alongside his father. However, everything changes when a mysterious organization targets his family, leaving his father dead and their most powerful swords stolen. Left with nothing but a cursed blade forged by his father, Chihiro sets out on a journey of vengeance, determined to track down those responsible and reclaim what was taken.

Like many shounen jump giants, Kagurabachi does well in mixing gripping action with rich world-building. The artwork is stunning, the fights are pretty hype, and there's plenty of complexity in the various characters you meet. It’s dark, action heavy, but leaves plenty of room for compelling plot and character development. All in all, a certified Honsama banger.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful 2025! - Honsama Team