7 Must-Read Shojo Manga Series Before Their Finale
Discover these captivating shojo manga series that every fan should dive into before they reach their conclusion. Explore the world of romance, drama, and fantasy within these compelling stories.
A great Shojo manga needs to have three key qualities to truly stand out amidst a vast sea of options: well-crafted romance, adorable moments, and occasional heart-wrenching angst. Too much sweetness without any sadness can overwhelm readers with a sugar rush, while too much drama without any light-heartedness can leave everyone feeling drained. It's the careful balance of these elements that turns a Shojo manga into a masterpiece, and authors who achieve this balance are truly brilliant.
Shojo fans have faced challenges with the recent rise in popularity of shounen manga, which has somewhat overshadowed Shojo in the mainstream. The previous era of Shojo, known for iconic titles like Maid Sama!, Kamisama Kiss, and Ouran Highschool Host Club, has gradually faded. Despite this shift in mainstream preferences, the new era offers some incredibly captivating gems waiting to be discovered.
Honey Lemon Soda
MyAnimeList Score: 7.67/10
Main characters of Honey Lemon Soda - MyAnimeList Score: 7.67/10
Author(s) | Murata Mayu |
|---|---|
Other Names | N/A |
Year | 2015 |
Honey Lemon Soda is a heartwarming slow-burn romance perfect for a light and easy read. The story revolves around a high school romance filled with sweet moments and frustrating misunderstandings. The main female lead, Uka Ishimori, struggles with social anxiety, which leads to some funny yet heartwarming moments in the story.
Uka Ishimori is a quiet and shy girl who has been a target of bullying due to her difficulty in socializing. She has never had real friends and is used to being alone. Determined to leave her past behind, she sets out to make friends and be more social in high school. However, things take an unexpected turn when she not only makes friends in her new class but also falls for the school's popular "bad boy."
A Condition Called Love
MyAnimeList Score: 7.78/10
main characters of A Condition CAlled Love - MyAnimeList Score: 7.78/10 - A Condition Called Love
Author(s) | Morino Megumi |
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Other Names | Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai |
Year | 2017 |
A Condition Called Love is a slow-burn romance that has gained popularity for its upcoming anime adaptation set to premiere in April. It follows a classic love-at-first-sight storyline, utilizing its traditional elements effectively. The female lead's skepticism towards love and the male protagonist's persistent efforts to win her over result in heartwarming and charming moments.
Hotaru Hinase is a high school student who holds a firm belief that love is not for her. She enjoys her independence and values her relationships with friends and family above all else. However, fate takes a surprising turn when Hotaru finds herself assisting the most attractive boy in her school, unknowingly capturing his heart in the process.
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.01/10
main female lead of In the Clear Moonlit Dusk - MyAnimeList Score: 8.01/10
Author(s) | Yamamori Mika |
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Other Names | Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki |
Year | 2020 |
In the manga Clear Moonlit Dusk, the classic tropes are executed perfectly. Unlike other series with the same "handsome" female lead concept, this one blurs the line between reality and fiction, leaving readers swooning. Plus, the artwork is top-notch.
The story follows Yoi Takiguchi, a cool and aloof girl adored by her female classmates. Known as the school's "prince" for her personality and looks, she attracts unwanted attention. This causes her to become more mysterious and reserved. One day, she meets Kohaku Ichimura, the school's other "prince," who charms her by simply calling her beautiful.
Loving Yamada at Lv999
MyAnimeList Score: 8.16/10
Yamada and female lead from Loving Yamada at Lv999 - MyAnimeList Score: 8.16/10
Author(s) | Mashiro |
|---|---|
Other Names | Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru |
Year | 2019 |
Shojo manga are known for their beautiful artwork, deep emotions, and heartwarming romances that can make single people feel even more single. However, one thing they are not known for is quickly resolving misunderstandings. They often use prolonged and unnecessary scenarios to create tension and keep fans engaged. In contrast, Loving Yamada at Lv999 is a rare shojo manga that doesn't play games with its readers' hearts too much.
Akane Kinoshita is devastated and angry after being cheated on and dumped by her long-term boyfriend. To cope with her emotions, she turns to her favorite RPG game and shares her story with a random guy from her guild. Little does she know, this random guy is actually Yamada Akito, a famous and charming pro gamer.
Snow White with the Red Hair
MyAnimeList Score: 8.23/10
Shirayuki from Snow White with the Red Hair - MyAnimeList Score: 8.23/10
Author(s) | Akizuki Sorata |
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Other Names | Akagami no Shirayuki-hime |
Year | 2006 |
Snow White with the Red Hair offers a refreshing change of pace from the slice-of-life romance genre. This anime combines mystery and action elements to create an engaging storyline with beautiful artwork. Despite being based on the classic Snow White tale, the series takes a unique approach to storytelling that keeps viewers hooked.
In the fictional country of Tanbarun, Shirayuki stands out as a talented herbalist and pharmacist. Her skills are unmatched, and she dreams of pushing her craft to new heights. However, her striking red hair attracts unwanted attention, particularly from the prince who tries to make her his concubine. Determined to escape his clutches, Shirayuki flees to a neighboring country where she crosses paths with Zen, a young man in urgent need of medical help after consuming a poisoned apple.
Gakuen Babysitters
MyAnimeList Score: 8.28/10
Gakuen Babysitters main cast - MyAnimeList Score: 8.28/10
Author(s) | Tokeino Hari |
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Other Names | N/A |
Year | 2009 |
Gakuen Babyitters is a unique shojo manga that stands out for its lack of focus on romance in its slice-of-life storyline. While romance is often a prominent feature in shojo manga, a well-crafted non-romantic story like this can offer a refreshing break from the usual lovey-dovey themes. Surprisingly, even without a traditional boy-meets-girl plot, Gakuen Babyitters manages to be one of the sweetest and most charming manga on the shelves.
The story revolves around two brothers, Ryuuichi and Kotaro Kashima, who are adjusting to life after the loss of their parents. Despite their age difference, Ryuuichi, a middle-schooler, takes on the responsibility of caring for his baby brother. When they are taken in by the chairwoman of a prestigious school, Ryuuichi is offered admission in exchange for working at the school's daycare center.
A Sign of Affection
MyAnimeList Score: 8.49/10
main characters of A Sign of Affection - MyAnimeList Score: 8.49/10
Author(s) | Morishita Suu |
|---|---|
Other Names | Yubisaki to Renren |
Year | 2019 |
Looking for a romance manga that delves into deep themes beyond just casual love stories? A Sign of Affection is the series you're looking for. This manga stands out from the typical romances with its unique storyline that avoids clichés. Thanks to its anime adaptation, it's gaining recognition for its beautiful art and charming main characters.
The story follows Yuki Itose, a college student leading a normal life except for her hearing impairment. One day, she meets a mysterious silver-haired guy on the train, and she becomes captivated by him. Itsuomi Nagi is different from others in Yuki's life - he treats her just like anyone else. Despite already knowing 3 languages, he is eager to learn ASL to connect with her even more.
Yona of the Dawn
MyAnimeList Score: 8.82/10
Princess Yona from Yona of the Dawn - MyAnimeList Score: 8.82/10
Author(s) | Kusanagi Mizuho |
|---|---|
Other Names | Akatsuki no Yona |
Year | 2009 |
Yona of the Dawn is officially classified as a shojo manga, but it offers much more than just romance. The series stands out for its complex characters, political intrigue, and a strong female lead. While there is a romantic element, the main focus is on Yona's transformation from a pampered princess to a determined leader who is willing to make sacrifices for her people and kingdom.
Princess Yona used to be a pampered princess in the kingdom of Kouka, preoccupied with her crush on Su-won and her distinctive red hair. Her life was filled with joyful moments with her father, The King, and her childhood friend and guard Hak. However, everything changed dramatically when a coup led to her father's death and her banishment from the palace. Now, as an exiled princess, Yona is determined to reclaim her rightful place on the throne and protect her people.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive guide to the essential qualities of captivating Shojo manga, emphasizing the delicate balance between romance, adorable moments, and heart-wrenching angst. It highlights the challenges faced by the genre due to the rise of shounen manga but also showcases a selection of exceptional new titles that are redefining the genre.
The article's recommendations offer a diverse range of Shojo manga, each with its own unique strengths and themes. From the heartwarming slow-burn romance of "Honey Lemon Soda" to the introspective and thought-provoking "A Sign of Affection," there is something for every reader to enjoy. The inclusion of series like "Yona of the Dawn," which transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre, demonstrates the versatility and depth that Shojo manga can offer. Overall, the article serves as a valuable resource for fans of the genre, providing insights into the key elements of a great Shojo manga and introducing readers to some of the most captivating titles available.
