Unveiling the Hottest Manga Releases of 2023: Must-Read English Translated Titles

Numerous new official English translations of manga are released each year, and 2023 is no different. Respected publishers like Shonen Jump, Shueisha, Kadokawa, and Square Enix consistently produce translations alongside their Japanese releases. Simulpubs have become commonplace in the industry, providing official access to non-Japanese readers and helping combat piracy.

With the abundance of English manga and manhwa releases in 2023, selecting what to read can be challenging. Thankfully, there are captivating and unique titles to look out for in various genres. Many publishers also offer their translations online, and if not, their online stores conveniently indicate which titles have official English versions available.

COMEDY: Handsome Must Die

Yuri is deeply obsessed with his idol, Ryo Kirigirisu. He has gone to great lengths to emulate his appearance and actions in order to feel a sense of connection with him and to be ready for his highly anticipated concert at Tokyo Dome. However, an unexpected twist of fate leads Yuri to assume Ryo's identity, unwittingly becoming the key to unraveling a long-standing conspiracy.

The new comedy manga shares similarities with the works of Devilman Mangaka Go Nagai beyond just its art style. It fearlessly embraces gore and eccentric, slapstick humor. Its exaggerated approach also enables it to satirize the idol industry, with clear references to Johnny & Associates and longstanding industry practices.

Other titles: Stan for Salvation, Makabe-sensei's Perfect Plan, The Pension Life Vampire, Sachi’s Records, History’s Mentalist, Tsuruko Returns the Favor

DRAMA: Beat & Motion

Tatsuhiko, once disheartened by his early experiences in drawing, abandons his passion and aimlessly navigates through life. However, everything changes when an inebriated woman snaps him out of his stagnant state. Following the unexpected success of a viral animated video, Tatsuhiko finds himself involved in a collaboration with his beloved artist and the mysterious, drunken Nico Kashiwagi.

Naoki Fujita's work on pursuing dreams is powerful and resonates deeply with his own life experiences. His dedication and effort have paid off, as evidenced by the success of his manga, Beat & Motion, which earned the opportunity to be published through Shonen Jump+'s web series Million Tag. In addition to its serialization, this manga will also be adapted into an anime by Netflix in the coming year.

Other titles: Null, Shojo

Untranslated: Lost in the Farthest Ends, The Absolution of Maria

ACTION: STAR: Strike It Rich

Comikey

At 27, Nozomi Tenma is feeling worn out. Due to a detached retina, her professional career was abruptly ended, and her fighting style is deemed too methodical for unauthorized matches. However, unwilling to give up on fighting, she takes matters into her own hands and establishes an underground female fighting circuit alongside her closest allies – a corrupt police officer and a penniless yakuza. The only obstacle they face is their prize fighter, Hongou Hina, an unstoppable beast with an obsession for battling against Nozomi. Additionally, Hina possesses vital information about the whereabouts of chemical weapons that were almost used by a cult to wage war against the Japanese government.

Mangaka Yabako Sandrovich, famous for Kengan Ashura, once again delivers a thrilling and meticulously choreographed series of intense fights. Similar to his previous fighting series, Strike it Rich features a diverse cast with varying appearances and body types, including irresistibly cute schoolgirls and formidable fighters reminiscent of Baki. None of the characters can be deemed "virtuous," perfectly aligning with the comically unconventional plot.

Other titles:

HORROR: DRCL Midnight Children

Viz Media

Redheaded Mina Murray excels in catch-as-catch-can wrestling and is a scholarly individual. However, her experiences at Whitby School, where she is the only girl, involve daily bullying. When a beast terrorizes her sole friend, Mina and her tormentors are confronted with unimaginable horrors. Shin-ichi Sakamoto's adaptation of Dracula is hauntingly beautiful. Sakamoto's art, reminiscent of black-and-white prints from the era, captures the textures with intricate detail, bringing 19th-century London to life with a blend of despair and exquisite allure. This setting allows for a stark juxtaposition between the innocence of the children and the monstrous influence of Dracula.

DRCL Midnight Children was initially published in 2021 and acquired for translation rights in February 2023. The first volume in English is scheduled for release on September 19, 2023.

Other titles: Takopi's Original Sin, Shibatarian, Jinrui-Shoku, The Summer Hikaru Died (licensed English release)

Untranslated: Strange Tales of Kisaragi, Animal Human, Oni Otoshi

REINCARNATION/ISEKAI: Surviving The Game As A Barbarian

Webtoons

Manhwa and Manhua compete with manga in terms of the vast number of reincarnation and isekai titles released in each market annually. Surviving the Game as a Barbarian serves as a prominent example, capturing attention as a notable title in the genre.

Gamer Hansu Lee spent nine years immersed in the roguelike Dungeon and Stone before battling the final boss. However, his victory takes an unexpected turn as he is unexpectedly transported into the game and transformed into his own character. In this new reality, those like Hansu who have been reincarnated are treated as malevolent entities and swiftly disposed of upon discovery. Armed with his extensive knowledge of the game and newfound strength, Hansu must navigate a treacherous world. With a compelling twist, Hansu's understandable trepidation, quick wit, and unwavering determination promise an intriguing journey ahead.

Other manhwa titles: Baby Tyrant, The Lady's Guide to Dieting, My Villainous Dad, The Babysitter for Obsessive Villains, My Untrustworthy Sister, Possessor of the Tyrant's Heart

ROMANCE: Mikane And The Sea Woman

Shonen Jump+/Manga PLUS by Shueisha presents:

Mikane, upon realizing that his mother's new boyfriend does not wish to have him around, makes the decision to return to the countryside and live with his father. During his summer vacation by the sea, Mikane comes to the aid of a woman who has injured her foot, only to uncover that she is a remarkable creature - a sea slug or, more specifically, a purple nudibranch mermaid.

The appeal of Mikane and The Sea Woman lies in its exploration of existential dread, the challenges of coming-of-age, and its unique incorporation of Japanese mythology. Set in a middle school, Mikane and his friends each carry their own burdens, with the unforgiving sea serving as a metaphor for their pain and loneliness. Although only a few chapters have been released, the bittersweet nature of this title leaves readers with numerous unanswered questions.

Other notable titles by the same author include Insomniacs After School, March Comes In Like a Lion (officially translated in English), Couple Breaker, Heroine's Shares for Sale, My Girlfriend Gives Me Goosebumps!, Yumeochi, Blooming Love, and I Spy a Married Life.

BOY'S LOVE: I’m Kinda Chubby And I’m Your Hero

Seven Seas Entertainment presents:

Meet Honjirou, a theater actor known for his charming nickname, Ponjirou, or Clumsy Honjirou. Despite his pleasantly plump physique, Honjirou has always been confident in his own skin. However, his true worries lie in his acting ability and his suitability for a starring role. While he diligently exercises for his well-being, it is the fear of stumbling over his lines and failing to connect with the audience that consumes his mind. But suddenly, a mysterious admirer surprises him with an unexpected gift.

I'm Kinda Chubby and I'm Your Hero is a heartwarming and relatable love story. The protagonist, Honjirou, also known as Ponjirou or Clumsy Honjirou, and his love interest Inari, find inspiration in each other's determination and unwavering pursuit of their dreams. As their friendship naturally blossoms, it has the potential to evolve into a deeper and more meaningful connection.

Other titles: Mr. Sakurada's Transformation (November), An Unlikely Father and a Caring Educator, Unexpected Love

Untranslated: Ore ni wa Zenbu Kikoeteru!, Ao to Midori

GIRL'S LOVE: I Don't Know Which Is Love

Yen Press

College freshman Soraike Mei, who had been heartbroken after her high school crush chose another man, had vowed to find a girlfriend. However, to her surprise, without even trying, she becomes the object of desire for five women during her college debut.

What sets Mei apart is her hilarious and honest nature, as well as her ability to connect with her own desires and inner thoughts. Her love interests are drawn to her not only because of her personality, but also because she unconsciously fulfills their unique needs. Riri craves physical touch, Maria delights in observing others, Minato has a voice fetish, Karin's adventurous tongue seeks satisfaction, and Kaoru is drawn to Mei's intoxicating scent. With so many possibilities, Mei finds herself at a loss as to whom she should fall in love with.

"I Don't Know Which Is Love" was originally published last year, but its English translation was only released recently. Kadokawa's YouTube channel features a voiced version of the first chapter, offering fans a chance to delve into this captivating story.

Other titles: Various Complications, My Marriage to a Female Friend (December)

Untranslated: The Person She Liked Wasn't Actually a Man, Love Doesn't Come True by Wishing on a Star, If That's Love, End It.