If you’re caught up on Dandadan or Sakamoto Days and want another manga for your reading list, Isaiah Colbert’s February 7, 2025, Gizmodo roundup offers 11 options across fantasy, supernatural action, comedy, romance, and slice-of-life drama. Its “must-read” framing is an editorial recommendation, not a consensus ranking; the comparison titles below are taste cues, not claims that the series are interchangeable.
For performance drama and character growth
Akane-banashi
Akane Osaki sets out to become a professional rakugo performer after her father is humiliated and barred from the art. The series turns a traditional storytelling performance into dramatic manga through stage scenes and tournament-style challenges. Colbert points to Act-Age as a useful comparison for readers drawn to ambition and performance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Dandadan, Vol. 19 | $9.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dandadan, Vol. 1 | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dandadan, Vol. 2 | $9.28 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dandadan, Vol. 18 | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dandadan Manga Set Vol. 1-16 complete set paperback (16 Books) english & Juliet Music Bookmark | Buy on Amazon |
For dark fantasy and supernatural danger
Centuria
Julian, a formerly enslaved boy, gains supernatural power and is entrusted with protecting Mira’s daughter. Colbert places it near Berserk, Vinland Saga, and Chainsaw Man for readers seeking dark fantasy with a harsh world and high stakes.
Gokurakugai
Demon-killers Alma and Ms. Tao take jobs around town in this yokai-focused supernatural story. The Gizmodo article compared it with Dandadan and Tokyo Ghoul. It described the manga as monthly in February 2025; that is a historical cadence note, not confirmation of its schedule today.
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#1 Best Overall
For inventive fantasy and magic
Ichi the Witch
A wild-child boy becomes the first male witch in a fantasy built around comedy and a distinctive magic system. Colbert’s comparison set—Witch Hat Atelier, Hunter x Hunter, Dragon Ball, and Cardcaptor Sakura—signals a blend of imaginative magic and energetic adventure rather than a single close match.
Steel of the Celestial Shadows
Ryudo Konosuke is a samurai whose fear of blades manifests as a curse that makes metal bend away from him. Colbert recommends it to readers looking for seinen fantasy and offers Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End as a point of comparison.
Rank #2
For revenge-driven action and gritty survival
Kagurabachi
Chihiro, the son of a master swordsmith, pursues revenge after sorcerers kill his father and steal his swords. The roundup situates it alongside Demon Slayer, Vagabond, and Jujutsu Kaisen for readers interested in sword-focused action and supernatural conflict.
MAD
In this post-apocalyptic survival story, the remnants of humanity face an invasive humanoid alien species. Colbert highlights its gritty visual style and compares its appeal with Alien and Chainsaw Man, making it the pick for readers who want horror and survival tension.
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Rank #3
For genre mash-ups, romance, and comedy
Magilumiere Co. LTD.
College student Kana Sakuragi joins a start-up as a magical girl, mixing magical-girl conventions with workplace culture. Colbert compares it with My Hero Academia and Sailor Moon. The article mentioned an anime on Prime Video when it was published; it does not establish current streaming availability.
Marriage Toxin
Gero, a hitman from a poison-using clan, tries to find a partner with help from Kinosaki, a matchmaker who may also become a love interest. Its hook is the collision of action, romance, and relationship comedy. Colbert’s touchstones are Naruto and Sakamoto Days.
Rank #4
Shinobi Undercover
Socially awkward ninja Yodaka goes undercover at a high school to protect Aoi from assassins. The story combines comedy and action with a developing romantic thread. Colbert compares its mix of undercover antics and action with Spy x Family and Sakamoto Days.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For a gentler supernatural coming-of-age story
Ruri Dragon
High-school student Ruri Aoki discovers she is part human and part dragon. Rather than making the premise a battle-first adventure, the roundup emphasizes a gentle slice-of-life approach to coming of age. Its comparison is Machikado Mazoku.
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- Epic Adventure Unfolds: Embark on an extraordinary journey with Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they navigate the perilous seas of the East Blue, encountering powerful foes and forging unbreakable bonds.
- Intricate World-Building: Dive into the intricately crafted world of One Piece, where captivating islands, mysterious powers, and legendary treasures await. Eiichiro Oda's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a rich tapestry of characters and lore.
- Thrilling Battles and Powers: Brace yourself for intense battles and jaw-dropping powers as Luffy and his crew face off against formidable adversaries from the notorious Baroque Works organization. Each volume is a rollercoaster of action, strategy, and unexpected twists.
- Character Development Galore: Watch as characters evolve and grow, overcoming personal challenges and discovering their true potential. Oda's masterful character development adds depth and emotion to the story, creating a connection with readers that lasts beyond the pages.
- Collectible Edition: This set of Volumes 1-23 is a must-have for any One Piece enthusiast or manga collector. Immerse yourself in the early arcs of this groundbreaking series, beautifully presented in this comprehensive collection that captures the essence of Oda's masterpiece.
How to choose your next series
- Choose Akane-banashi for performance and personal ambition, or Ruri Dragon for a quieter coming-of-age story.
- Try Centuria, Gokurakugai, or MAD for supernatural threats, with MAD leaning into post-apocalyptic survival horror.
- Pick Kagurabachi for sword-centered revenge action, Ichi the Witch for playful fantasy, or Steel of the Celestial Shadows for a samurai curse premise.
- Go with Magilumiere Co. LTD. for magical-girl workplace comedy, or Marriage Toxin and Shinobi Undercover for action mixed with romance and comedy.
These 11 recommendations come from Colbert’s Gizmodo article of February 7, 2025. The article establishes its own premises and comparisons, but does not verify current release schedules, English-language editions, retail availability, or streaming catalogs.
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