Let's start this ranking with our beautiful captain and his funny vice! Their story is very peculiar; in fact, we could almost say that Hachiouji actually courted Sekizan. Yes, because when he first met Sekizan, Hachiouji saw his potential as a rugby player right away. So he tried to have him join the rugby team, but it turned out to be a hard task. Hachiouji stuck to Sekizan like glue and went as far as to leave a love letter in his locker. Aside from the past these two share, their mutual trust and understanding is before everyone's eyes. Hachiouji believed in Sekizan from the beginning, and in time he became his best friend. So much so that he frequently apologizes in the stead of Sekizan, when Sekizan acts too brute for the other teammates to understand. Their relationship is steady and strong, and it took just one look at how fond of each other they are, for the fandom to see a BL subplot between them. Multishippers around the world would love to see the unfazed Sekizan under Hachiouji's grasp.

Let's go on with another “innocent” couple in All Out! As we said, Takuya Sekizan is the muscled captain of the team. He appears to be strict, and he wants the first years to be respectful toward their seniors. It's not rare for him to scold Gion, who keeps forgetting his good manners. On the other side, there's Toshinosuke Matsuo, the “big brother” type of character. Matsuo is the supportive, caring and loving third year who keeps supporting everyone. But he has a dark side to him, and it will pop up eventually. Matsuo and Sekizan's relationship is easy to figure; they have feelings of mutual trust, and they believe in each other's skills. The fandom likes to see a gap in this couple: while bossy on the field, Sekizan would be the uke of the couple, turning all shy and whiny between the strong arms of Matsuo. Of course, while brotherly loving toward his teammates on the field, Matsuo would turn into a proud seme who could dominate Sekizan. Their bromance is rather subtle, but we can't deny that Sekizan shows some kind of shyness sometimes; Matsuo, on the other hand, is way darker than he seems. These peculiar traits in both sparked the multishippers' imagination, and that's how this couple was born!

Let's go on with our protagonist and his right-hand man. Kenji Gion and Sumiaki Iwashimizu's friendship is really something else. The sympathy for each other was clear from the moment they first met, and the fandom was there to notice it! We have two characters on the polar opposites: Gion is a hot-tempered shorty with a complex about his height. Je os very confident and passionate about what he does, and is a ticking time bomb. Iwashimizu, on the other side, is tall, timid, and quiet, and he lacks confidence whatever he does. In spite his being very tiny, these premises allowed the fandom to imagine Gion as the seme, and Iwashimizu as the uke. Iwashimizu is always there to take Gion out of trouble, while Gion is always there to try to feed Iwashimizu with self-confidence. For as bizarre as it may seem, this couple works and it's dearly loved by the multishippers who like to see a non-conventional seme who prevails on a bigger, whiny uke like Iwashimizu suggests being!

Our third position needed to be this “drama” couple, which looked evident from the first episode, in spite the fact that the two of them don't meet or interact frequently. What allowed the fandom to see a subtle BL between Iwashimizu and Miyuki, though, is the fact that they share a past together. A past that, in the end, scarred both. Miyuki was the cause for Iwashimizu to start playing rugby, as he invited his friend to join the middle school team. During practice, Iwashimizu broke Miyuki's shoulder and that event turned him into a fearful boy unable to play rugby lightheartedly. The regret he kept feeling because of that accident, made him distance himself from Miyuki. What Iwashimizu didn't know, though, was that Miyuki was offended only because Iwashimizu stopped playing rugby and stopped talking to him. Miyuki held no grudge against him, he just wanted his friend to keep playing rugby! These premises and the hardships these two went through, made the multishippers see a subtle love story, where Iwashimizu turned into the seme of the couple, finally putting aside his whiny behavior.

Talking about “drama couples”, here we are with two former delinquents who used to hang out together! Masaru Ebumi and Natsuki Ise share a past as rascals, but in spite being both former delinquents, their personalities are totally different. Ebumi is rough, and he may be rude sometimes, but he is serious about rugby and doesn't like those who don't practice diligently. Ise is shy and comes from a broken home where he was raised by a brusque brother who dislikes rugby and wants Ise to quit. In more than one occasion, Ebumi shows that he really cares about Ise. He is very fond of him and does all he can to encourage Ise to stay in the rugby team, in spite his older brother. Ebumi went as far as to pay Ise's weekly wages, so that Ise's brother would finally pipe down. At the same time, Ise's gratitude toward Ebumi is clear as water. Their mutual understanding and their being so fond of each other, of course, led to a possible BL between the two. Easy to figure how Ebumi would be the loving seme, while Ise would be the compliant uke... this couple rocks!

Let's end this ranking with a bickering, seemingly unconvincing couple! Gion and Oharano never met a day when they didn't argue over something stupid. As we explained up above, Gion is short-tempered, and he gets mad right away, more over when someone talks about how sort he is. Oharano, on the other side, is a sassy boy. He's not that much taller than Gion, but he knows his own talent, and he puts his everything into it. While seemingly intolerant toward his teammates, Oharano actually hides some regrets involving his little brother, who initiated Oharano to rugby. Oharano is hurt by his own talent, and he almost blames it, because it shadowed his little brother and his skills at rugby. Gion tends to compete with Oharano, right because they're both shorties and Gion wants to prove to be the best! But the next step was a subtle BL between the two of them. Being Oharano very feminine, and Gion very passionate, it's easy to see how this two argue just for fun, but actually care for each other. It's enough to think how Oharano opened up a little with Gion and managed to blend with the entire team, eventually. This couple works, and the fandom embraced it figuring Gion as the seme of the couple, and Oharano as the uke with a gap: while cheeky and spiteful in front of the others, he would turn into a meek and docile uke, at the mercy of the hurricane called Gion!

Kevin Yamagata has become famous for his Japanese-American comic book series called Billy Bat. Kevin’s work follows Billy Bat as he solves different cases within a supernatural world. However, Kevin has begun to feel bad for creating Billy Bat from an image he saw during the war and has decided to finally get permission from the original creator. Kevin heads back to Japan but his kind action gets him involved in some rather horrible event of which stems from Billy Bat. What happens now will be a story no creator could think of and what’s worse is this story is real… Here at Honey’s Anime when we create a list, we always want to start off the strongest foot possible. That’s why when we thought of 6 Manga Like Monster we immediately went towards mangaka Urasawa and Nagasaki’s more recent work Billy Bat. While main protagonist Kevin may not be a doctor like Tenma from Monster, they both share a similar dilemma of being trapped in a dark conspiracy which coincides with their work. Billy Bat at first may seem like an odd manga with an almost overly cartoonish theme, but once you pass beyond that you will see this manga has a dark plot and some excellent art. If you loved Monster then you need to try out Billy Bat for yet another masterpiece by Urasawa.

As we said before, doctors have it rough. They control lives and can be seen by some as human-like gods. However, what happens when a doctor allows their power to corrupt their soul? Simple, you activate the E.D.D whose job is to take down doctors who stray from their correct path. Dr. Kasahara has just become a new member of E.D.D when his hospital let him go, but now he can save lives in a different way. E.D.D: Eliminate Dangerous Doctors is an odd story of vigilante doctors taking down other doctors. Though that may sound ridiculous at first, trust us as E.D.D: Eliminate Dangerous Doctors is nothing but awesome. With great action and some interesting use of the seinen genre, E.D.D: Eliminate Dangerous Doctors reminds us of when Monster goes towards it’s more action-packed moments. We don’t hear many people mention E.D.D: Eliminate Dangerous Doctors and that’s a shame as this story will really be a fun read for those into the themes of Monster but want less of the mystery element and more action/drama. You almost have to wonder if a group like E.D.D could exist in the real world.

Back in the 1950s, a terrible event happened. An elderly woman was killed by her adopted daughter. What was worse is the adopted daughter took the woman’s body and murdered her on the clock tower’s face for all to see. Years later, a NEET by the name of Amano Taichi finds himself on the tower’s face to meet a similar demise. Luckily for Amano, he is saved by a man named Tetsuo. Grateful for Tetsuo’s interference and with nothing more in his life besides NEET related themes—poverty and pornography to name a few—Amano decides to help Tetsuo find an apparent treasure that is related to the clock tower. However, Amano and Tetsuo will now be dealing with dangers and Amano may come to regret his decision of not just going back home... Mystery, treasure and murder—These are themes manga can do so well, just look at Monster. However, if you’ve already enjoyed Monster and want something new to read then why not check out Yuureitou? This 9-volume work by mangaka Nogizaka Tarou is filled with gorgeous art, an impressive narrative of mystery and horror and just a bit of romance to add in for good measure. Yuureitou might not be a clone of Monster, but it does mirror what we love about it nevertheless. Plus who doesn’t love treasure surrounded by ghostly stories, that just sounds exciting!

School is meant to be a place of learning and developing. Children and teens come and go to become better suited for the world outside and utilize what they learned in school. However, for Maki and his three friends who have specials gifts, they have never known the outside world as their private school has become a place of learning and a prison. Then one day a new transfer student, Kiriko, that Maki seems to recognize despite never meeting her, comes into the school. Kiriko then unleashes the truth about their existence which amounts to them being nothing but test subjects for neurological experiments. Now the friends must either try to escape or forever be trapped in this nightmarish place of learning. School already can be nightmarish for some. You’re forced to go and learn for hours in a small classroom and your freedom only arrives once the school bell rings dismissal. Though imagine if the school bell did ring and you were still forced to stay? That right there alone makes Hatsukanezumi no Jikan a horror story but in reality, this tale mirrors themes found in Monster. Get ready for a narrative of those with gifts trying to escape their realities before them in hopes of changing their lives for the better. Also let us mention, here at Honey’s Anime, we love school but even we wouldn’t want to be in school longer than necessary.

Fujimaru Takagi, at first glance, just seems like your normal young teenager. Though Fujimaru’s real persona comes out when he picks up his laptop and enters the net. Here, Fujimaru becomes the Falcon, a well-known warrior for those who threaten the world on the virtual landscape. However, the Falcon’s greatest threat will soon be upon him thanks to a deadly virus that has been created in Russia that could kill millions in just three hours after infection. The Public Security Intelligence Agency led by Fujimaru’s father will now need to rely on the Falcon to stop this virus from being given to those with evil intentions and dastardly plans. One of the things we loved most about Monster was the various mystery elements embedded in it’s narrative. That’s why if you love mystery as much as we do here at Honey’s Anime you’re missing out if you don’t try out Bloody Monday, by mangaka Kibayashi Shin and illustrator Megumi Kouji, Follows a story of conspiracy theories, various chemical warfare and tons of psychological themes such as betrayal and human livelihood. Bloody Monday will be a manga that you won’t be able to stop reading once you do begin and we apologize for that in advance. However, we won’t apologize from recommending you one of the best manga out there known as Bloody Monday.

Many know of the famous manga Atom—or better known as Astro Boy to the western world—but here we focus on a side story set in the Atom world. Europol detective Gesicht has been tasked with solving the mystery behind a slew of robot and human deaths. Detective Gesicht already is struggling to find a suspect but what makes matter worse is the idea that these deaths could be from a robot’s own hands. While it’s been almost a decade since the horrible oddity of a murder by a robot has occurred, maybe just maybe Gesicht has to expect that his search needs to include robots now. Join alongside the detective’s plight in Pluto by mangaka Urasawa Naoki as well as themes from Tezuka, Osamu. Sadly, our 6 Manga Like Monster list has to come to a close. However, we saved one of the best manga like Monster we could think of for last. That’s right once more we look at another work by Monster’s creator in the form of Pluto. This excellent sci-fi mystery tale will leave readers left stunned as they dive into a world of robots and murder alike. With amazing art—which should be expected by Urasawa—and a thrilling story, Pluto is one manga we can’t recommend enough to those who love Monster.

Making friends can be a challenge sometimes, something Jigokumeguri Haru is quite aware of. Due to Haru’s well to do background and bad attitude, most of her fellow classmates have kept their distance. This theme follows Haru no matter what school she transfers to making her life quite lonely at times. However, fate seems to intervene by having odd ball transfer student Kawayanagi Tsurezure join Haru’s class and somehow befriends her. Maybe this friendship will even develop into something more? Starting off our Top 10 4-koma Manga list is this quirky romantic comedy known as Ojojojo. Mangaka Cool Kyoushinsha—which is an awesome name, we might add—infused in this work a tale of being a loner but finding the one other person who somehow befriends you. As with most 4-koma manga, Ojojojo has simple 4 panel events that somehow make the reader laugh with only a few bits of dialogue. We really enjoyed Ojojojo thanks to its nice pacing and fun story. Hopefully, you will as well. Definitely check out Ojojojo if you need a romantic story that will make you laugh a lot despite it being only 4 volumes.

Otonashi Io and Miniwa Tsumiki are two friends who clearly like each other more than they let on. This fact is known by their other friends Mayoi, Hime and Sakaki who occasionally make fun of the duo for their lack of romantic charges. Nevertheless, these 5 friends enjoy each other’s company and find each day to be filled with some sort of fun thing to do. Why not join these 5 very eccentric friends in Acchi Kocchi? Who knows, maybe you’ll find a romance here somewhere. Acchi Kocchi is a romantic 4-koma at times but usually, it aims towards doing one thing: Bringing an extreme amount of random comedy right to your eyes. Seriously, while most 4-koma romance tales focus on just couple, Acchi Kocchi revolves around all our main characters as well as other friends and a very aloof teacher. The comedy is random—just like the story—but that same randomness is what keeps the reader glued to the pages. We hope Acchi Kocchi continues—it hasn’t released for a little while—but till then, we know you’ll be occasionally rereading it like we do at times.

There’s an old saying that love is blind. That indeed explains how Tanaka Manabu and Ryuuzaki Reina fell for each other. These two simply bumped into each other heading to school and it was immediately love at first sight for the two of them. Can these two very different characters really control their love life, especially seeing how Reina is a literal delinquent and Manabu is a nerd through and through? Find out in this 4-koma comedy romance called Yandere Kanojo. Love and comedy seem to fit well into the 4-koma format though one of our personal favorites has to be Yandere Kanojo by mangaka Shinobi. This silly romance story will make you laugh and go aww in equal measure as you reach each volume. We know we aren’t the only ones who love Yandere Kanojo as the internet rates it quite high. Thus, it’s pretty easy to see why Yandere Kanojo is on our Top 10 4-koma Manga recommendation list.

16-year-old Souta Takanashi has just applied to a family restaurant as a part time employee. Though Souta is about to realize his new work place isn’t exactly normal. With fellow employees like Popura who is older than Souta but looks ten times younger and Kyoko who is supposed to be the manager but does nothing at all, Souta is looking at an interesting working experience. Though there is one thing Souta is about to learn: Working at this restaurant will never be a dull moment. Working is a 4-koma that appeals to those who have worked in strange places before. However, that’s what makes Working so funny and satisfying. This is a story that blends together seinen elements as well as comedy making it perfect for readers who want some more mature content in their 4-koma work. We especially love the cast of characters who we could swear are based on real people thanks to their attitudes when it comes to work. We give Working a solid two thumbs up and thus why it was an easy choice for our 7th spot on our Top 10 4-koma Manga list.

At an early age, Aoba Suzukaze found inspiration from character designs in video games. Now, Aoba is about to start her life of being a character designer herself working for game developer, Eagle Jump. Thanks to Aoba’s short height and appearance, immediately she is seen not as a new employee but a middle schooler by her fellow peers. However, soon Aoba will meet the other odd game creators of Eagle Jump and will find her place among them. That is if Aoba can survive the randomness that sometimes goes on in a gaming studio. The life of a new employee can be tough. You go to work and you’re the new guy/girl now having to show your work aptitude and skill. However, New Game makes this concept a comedic tale of working for not just any ordinary company but for a game company. New Game has some impressive art and is quite often hilarious using simple humor and quirky moments to spice up the normal mood it has at times. If you haven’t checked out New Game, we say you probably should change that.

Tomo Aizawa has always wished to confess her love to Juunichirou Kubota since they met in middle school. Finally, Tomo somehow finds the courage and confesses her feelings to Kubota. Unfortunately, Tomo is denied by Kubota seeing as how he just finds her a good friend. Added to that, Kubota mistook Tomo for a boy for quite some time which shocks Tomo. While most would become heartbroken, Tomo doesn’t falter and wishes to show Kubota what he means to her! Our hearts go out to you Tomo. We know the pain of being rejected by the one you care about here at Honey’s Anime. Though for Tomo, we think her rejection might be worse since she was mistaken as a boy by her love. However, we won’t lie, Tomo’s pain and attempts at trying to make Kubota hers and the odd events surrounding them is hilarious. If you are in dire need of a comedy romance 4-koma centered on school, then you can’t go wrong with Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko.

Konata Izumi is what you would consider a prodigy. Konata has the athletic skills and smarts to be one her school’s best students. However, thanks to her love for anime and games, Konata is actually a terrible student with abysmal grades. Though Lucky Star doesn’t just follow Konata’s story. It also follows her friends lives as they deal with school and life in general. Get ready for some humor mixed in with some pure randomness in Lucky Star. Lucky Star is another one of those manga/anime that needs little introduction. There are few places on the internet that you can go to without seeing a gif or images of Konata flashing a thumb at you or the girls dancing as they do in the opening of the anime series. However, as much love as the anime gets, we rarely see anyone discuss the excellence found in the manga by mangaka Yoshimizu Kagami. With cute art and a silly tale of random slice of life events, Lucky Star is an awesome 4-koma manga and is one that should be read by all. Though let Konata’s life be a lesson for all, games and anime are great but studying isn’t a bad thing either.

Sakura Chiyo is finally able to confess her love to Nozaki, Umetarou. However, when Chiyo finally tells Nozaki how she feels, he mistakes it for her just being another fan of his work. Chiyo’s second attempt seems to get her closer at first glance as Nozaki invites her to his home. Though once they arrive, Chiyo’s confession is seen as an attempt to help him with his manga as she then learns Nozaki is a famous shojo mangaka. Can Chiyo get closer to Nozaki through his work? Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun gets into our top 3 spot thanks to its just downright laughable romance plot. Here we have a girl trying to confess her love to a guy she is infatuated with only to end up as his personal assistant. With a premise like that, you should realize how amazing Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun is going to be. While there is an anime out for Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun we feel the manga needs to be recognized as it is a truly good 4-koma.

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Imagine a world that is represented by individuals but by the country itself. Hetalia- Axis Powers has each major country of the world being not just a landmass but as an actual person. Take America for example; America loves fast food and heroes in equal measure. Meanwhile France is one who wishes to show the power of love and what it can do. These countries may not be at war with each other but that doesn’t stop them from bickering and arguing like old married couples. Hetalia- Axis Powers is less about the real world themes of how countries act and more about what our perception of these countries would be if they could talk and walk. Hetalia - Axis Powers takes our number 2 spot on our list of the Top 10 4-Koma Manga for a reason. Constantly ridiculous, never serious and always making the reader laugh this is what Hetalia- Axis Powers does best. That alone is the exact personification of what a 4-koma needs to do and why we love Hetalia- Axis Powers so much. If you haven’t checked out this weirdly world orientated 4-koma then we definitely hope you change that soon, then let us know in the comments who your favorite country is and why. We won’t pick a favorite here at Honey’s Anime but we will say all of the countries have something we love and adore and you’ll understand once you get to reading Hetalia- Axis Powers.

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Are you ready for comedy? Are you ready for complete randomness? Are you ready for the girls of Azumanga Daioh? Follow 6 girls—Sakaki, Kagura, Chiyo, Tomo, Yomi and Osaka—and their teachers as they deal with school, odd conspiracy theories, dog parents and a whole slew of randomness. School life has never been more insane than in Azumanga Daioh. That’s right folks, we hope you guessed Azumanga Daioh would be our number 1 spot of our Top 10 4-koma Manga list. Released back in 1999, Azumanga Daioh really was one of the shining examples of how random a 4-koma could be all while having some real-life themes embedded within. Even now, there are very few manga readers—and even anime watchers—who haven’t at least heard of the great randomness and comedic stories found in Azumanga Daioh. If you want what many consider the best of the best, then you need to go and read Azumanga Daioh as soon as you finish reading this line!

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Youji Itami is a 33 year old soldier who also happens to be an otaku. Spending his hard-earned money on anime and all things otaku is the only thing Youji knows. However, Youji is about to put his otaku knowledge to appropriate use when a strange portal opens in Tokyo. Strange monsters begin to spew in and while the JGSDF—Youji’s soldier unit—is able to fight them back, they know that exploring the gate’s origins is the most appropriate course of action. Luckily for them, they have Youji who seems to be the perfect man for a job such as exploring a new fantasy world. Fantasy stories can, at times, be unoriginal. Sure there is magic and action to be found but that isn’t always enough to grab a reader’s attention. Thankfully Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri exists to change up the fantasy seinen world. Filled with just the right amount of otaku themes to make anyone smile, Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri is a fun story that will hook anyone who loves a good seinen right away from the first chapter. Maybe one day, we here at Honey’s Anime can show our skills to the world via some weird incident like in Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri to happen but for now we’ll stick to writing articles.

While most students try to live their lives to the fullest, this doesn’t seem to apply to Oreki Houtarou. Oreki would rather do whatever it takes to keep his energy from being wasted. That’s why Oreki has avoided joining any school club as long as he could. That is until Oreki gets a letter from his sister forcing him to join a dying club known as the Classics Club. Now Oreki must help out Chitanda Eru—one of the club members—whose love for mystery and adventure is second to none. Oreki’s peaceful life is about to become a lot busier. We completely understand Oreki. Sometimes we here at Honey’s Anime like our days to be peaceful and uneventful. Though solving mysteries and going on adventures isn’t a terrible thing once in awhile. That’s why we love the Koten-bu Series as it reminds us of what it means to have a mind that wants to find a journey in even the simplest things. With a beautiful story by author Yonezawa Honobu, you’ll find yourself captivated by different mysteries and some rather fun adventures. Though the Koten-bu Series makes us wish we had a club like this in our schools, we’d be there every day.

Arslan has lived his life happily in Pars as the prince for many years. Finally, Arslan reaches the age of 14 and can participate in battle. Arslan hopes this battle will allow him to show his skills to his father and kingdom thus proving he has the qualities to be king one day. However, during a battle, Arslan finds his world shattered as his soldiers die around him and his once proud Parsian Kingdom goes up in flames. Now Arslan must go forth and try to reclaim his kingdom with what little experience he has. As we grow up in the world we face many challenges along the way. These challenges in turn help us grow as humans and as individuals. That’s why while Arslan Senki may be very heavily focused in a fantasy world filled with swords and battle, there’s a story here of facing adversity and proving what you can do along the way. That right there makes it a must recommend for anyone who likes seinen stories. While it may finally be reaching its conclusion—a rumor we’ve heard floating online—after nearly 30 years of being published, we can honestly say we will miss Arslan Senki. That’s why before it ends you need to go and check out Arslan Senki to see a seinen work that truly deserves to be on our Top 10 Seinen Light Novel recommendations.

Kamiya Kyousuke is a guy who usually lets his fist do the talking when he’s in a jam. Despite that, Kamiya isn’t someone who would kill anyone. However, try convincing the police as Kamiya has found himself being wrongfully convicted of killing several delinquents. While he should be facing prison time, Kamiya is sent to Purgatorium School of Rehabilitation with students who have actually killed people! Can Kamiya survive this nightmare inducing school with girls who may look attractive but are quick to show they shouldn’t be messed with? Are you tired of the typical harem stories? Why not try Psycome then? This odd comedy and romance light novel series is filled with everything you love about the genre but with some rather interesting twists that make Psycome a good seinen story. Let us know in the comments section down below who your favorite girl of Psycome is. Though we don’t blame you if you choose none of them seeing as how they are all apparent killers.

Every school has things it would like to hide from the world. However, no school will ever be as bad as Yomiyama Middle School. 26 years ago, one class lost a bright and well-loved student and ever since then the class has been cursed to have students die every several years. Unfortunately for Sakaibara Kouichi he will be transferring Yomiyama Middle School in a year where the curse is active. Now Kouichi alongside several others will have to try to solve how to end the curse all while keeping themselves alive. We here at Honey’s Anime know about the usual school rumors of cursed rooms or hallways. However, haven’t you ever wondered what a true school curse would look like? Well wonder no more and read Another by Ayatsuji Yukito. This short 2 volume light novel series will send chills down your spine with some gruesome deaths and creepy events that befall those who exist in Another. Just don’t feel bad if you begin to wonder if those school horror stories you hear about might actually be true…

Sometime in the future, a deadly virus spreads across the world. Regardless if a person or an animal is infected, the virus mutates the host and creates something monstrous. Titled the Gastrea, this virus decimates the world’s landscape and humanity now lives in constant fear of extinction. Rentaro a young man living near Tokyo happens to be one of the few chosen to fight against the Gastrea menace alongside his partner Enju who just so happens to be infected but can use the virus to enhance her skills. Together these two must try to save what’s left of humanity all while surviving this nightmarish landscape. Black Bullet is one of those sci-fi stories that hits all the right notes. Created by Kanzaki Shiden, Black Bullet is a seinen light novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a mixture of action, mystery and sometimes even horror. Follow Rentaro’s quest at keeping those he loves safe all while keeping his mind intact from the various threats he deals with. We hope Black Bullet continues again soon—it seems to be in a hiatus at the moment—but for now, the seven volumes that are out will be plenty enough to enjoy. We knew going in that Black Bullet was something we needed to recommend for our Top 10 Seinen Light Novels list, that’s how much we know you’re going to like it as well.

Traveling and selling supplies is Kraft Lawrence’s life. While Kraft dreams of his own store to put his traveling life to an end, for now this is the only means of accomplishing his dream. One day Kraft’s journey brings him to a small village where a wolf ceremony is being held. It is here that Kraft will meet the wise wolf Holo and have his life entwined with hers going forth. Where will this simple salesman and ancient wolf god end up next? Find out in Ookami to Koushinryou. Ookami to Koushinryou is a series many know all too well. Filled with a great fantasy adventure and some cute romance, we also believe many forget this can also be an all too interesting seinen light novel series. There are plenty of mature and interesting moments that occur during Kraft and Holo’s journey. What are these grand events you may be wondering? Well, go and read Ookami to Koushinryou to find out, you don’t need to thank us later either as we know you’re going to love it.

In the year 1711, something very amazing happened on the ship Advenna Avis. Here, several alchemists used a spell to summon a powerful demonic being. They wished for immortality and gain it through an elixir though they are warned that only being devoured by one another will grant them death if they should ever wish for it. After an argument breaks out about who should and shouldn’t have the power, the alchemists find one of their members devouring another as they sleep. The remaining alchemists scatter across the world to avoid being hunted. Over 200 hundred years later a very interesting meetup is going to happen aboard the train called The Flying Pussyfoot. Being immortal does intrigue most people. However, as you’ll discover in Baccano, there are some rather large drawbacks to being able to last so long. With some remarkable storytelling and unique themes, Baccano really is one of those stories that you could read forever. Seriously, 22 volumes in and we just can’t wait for the next one to be released! Why not read this tale of magic, mystery and action alongside with us?

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Rock—though his original name was Okajima Rokuro—was once a normal Japanese Businessman. However, during an odd hostage situation Rock was taken in by the Lagoon Company. Alongside Revy, Benny and Dutch, Rock has lived a life of corruption and darkness in Roanapur. Though our story takes place after all this has happened and as Rock and Revy return from their eventful Japan trip. It all starts with a soldier and an interesting reunion. The Black Lagoon light novel is a must for not only fans of seinen but also of Black Lagoon. Within this 2 volume light novel series, we see a cool story unfold. We won’t spoil too much of it—as we do want you all to read it—but trust us, it contains all that you loved about Black Lagoon and more. Plus, since we’re all still waiting on more manga volumes to be released, the Black Lagoon light novel acts as a good way to pass the time before then. Gun, dark pasts and action…doesn’t that just sound like a good seinen work?

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Yggdrasil, a MMORPG enjoyed by many, is finally shutting its servers down for good. Momonga and his proud guild of monster-like members decide to stay on as long as they can to witness the game’s end. However, since most of the members have jobs and lives outside Yggdrasil, they sign off leaving Momonga by himself. As the clock hits 12 signifying the end of the game, something odd happens. Momonga finds himself inside the game world and the NPCs seem to become more advanced. What happened and what will Momonga do now?! It shouldn’t be a surprise why Overlord is first on our Top 10 Seinen Light Novels list. Action, fantasy, supernatural concepts and an isekai theme? That should be more than enough to convince you all to go read it now. While Overlord isn’t done yet—only 11 volumes so far released—we can only say that when this series ends, we will miss it fiercely. If you want to feel like Momonga, then let yourself be lost in each page as you witness one of the coolest isekai seinen we’ve ever gotten to enjoy. Let us not forget pay close attention to the art after each chapter as it is just incredible to say the least.

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Let's start with Sunadokei! It revolves around Anna Uekusa, whose parents divorced and that resulted in Anna and her mother moving from the chaotic Tokyo, to a rural area – Shimane – where her mother grew up. Anna is not used to people talking to her, being kind to her, or warming up to her. She's from Tokyo, and she just wants to be left alone. Yet, a terrible tragedy strikes in Anna's life, and she will finally understand to what extent people's kindness can help her. With Sunadokei and Bokura ga Ita we are in front of shoujo manga characterized by a tragedy which affects the main characters' lives. Anna from Sunadokei, and Yano from Bokura ga Ita face a terrible loss, and they're almost losing their faith, when someone lends a helping hand and both of them fall in love. It's almost as if both the couples in these two shoujo manga face the same hardships, with the same premises. This is so true that, toward the end, both these manga deal with the long-distance relationship's theme. If you liked Bokura ga Ita, it's time you start reading Sunadokei!

Let's go on with yet another shoujo manga able to touch the readers' hearts! Naho Takamiya is your typical high school girl, who sees her life change before her eyes when she receives a letter from herself 10 years in the future. Although comprehensibly skeptic in the beginning, she is forced to accept the truth of that letter, as it unfolds together with what happens day after day. That letter is a request of help from Naho, to Naho, to change the past in order to save Kakeru Naruse, the new transfer student. All the regrets written in that letter are connected to Kakeru who will no longer be with them in the future. Will Naho manage, together with her friends, to save Kakeru? Orange and Bokura ga Ita are two shoujo manga on the same wavelength. While it's true that Orange wields a supernatural element that in Bokura ga Ita lacks, it's also true that the characters share almost the same experiences. Naho and Nanami find themselves in a situation where they have to help and save their beloved boys. Both Kakeru and Yano faced a tragedy which scarred them deeply, leaving them unable to react, or open up to other people. These two series have the same vibes: both are full of melancholy moments, and sometimes there are sparks of hope. We think you're gonna love Orange if you liked Bokura ga Ita!

Mika Tahara is the protagonist of this sad love story. Mika is a normal high school girl, who just wants to enjoy her school life, by making new friends and, possibly, fall in love. After three months since the beginning of school, she meets Hiro, and it feels like destiny. The two of them start to warm up and open up to each other, until the day Mika discovers the truth. Hiro is an infamous delinquent, and what's worse, she's already in love with him. Their love will face many hardships, but will they manage to stay together? Do these premises ring a bell? Well, yes, Koizora and Bokura ga Ita share the same premises and a school setting. Mika and Nanami fall in love with their counterparts way before realizing that under the surface, there's a reality they wouldn't have thought of. Hiro and Yano are very similar in the way they deal with the end of a relationship, and they both weigh themselves with responsibilities. Koizora has darker side to it, it's true, but the feeling you'll have while reading it, is the same you had while reading Bokura ga Ita. Because what doesn't change in both these stories is that they are full of love!

Let's go on with Ao Haru Ride and its decent amount of drama! During junior high, Futaba Yoshioka was ostracized by her female classmates because she was too cute. Now in high school, she wants a brand-new start, by resetting her image and acting like a real tomboy. One day, while walking back to her classroom full of junk food, she meets Tanaka, the boy she liked during junior high. Because of some circumstances, Futaba hadn't been able to convey her feelings to him, only to hear Tanaka say that he liked her back then, but after three years things can't be the same anymore. How will Futaba react to that confession, all the more when she still likes Tanaka? Ao Haru Ride and Bokura ga Ita share the same vibes. They both seem cliched shoujo manga, while they actually wield some traits that make them very peculiar. The two couples of these series go through the same kind of experience, and you grow attached to each of them while they grow, chapter after chapter. The male protagonists are very similar. Kou and Yano faced tragedies that left them broken: they both feel the guilt, and are unable to trust or love again. While Futaba and Nanami are left there hurting, confused, but unable to give their love up. If you want to drown into an ocean of emotion, catch Ao Haru Ride up. It won't fail you!

Koishitagari no Blue revolves around Ao Mizushima, who is about to start her high school life. It's the entrance ceremony, when a guy named Riku pops up and asks Ao to become her girlfriend out of the blue. Ao is skeptic, as they just met and that's not what she would have expected. But after Riku explains to her that he only needs Ao as a fake girlfriend, she agrees. Their fake love story begins, but what are the consequences? Koishitagari no Blue and Bokura ga Ita are shoujo series, with a school setting, both involving a love square. Ao and Nanami are very similar in their interactions: they both cling to their love for their counterpart, never letting go. At the same time, Riku and Yano share some similarities, too. They appear easygoing, cheerful and smiling, but both hide behind that facade. Even though the chemistry between the two main characters is strong, the hardships will test the depth of their feeling. If you like tormented love stories, full of trouble and misunderstanding, Koishigatari no Blue will suit your tastes!

Ryouko Sakura is a very weird 16-year-old girl. Or at least, that's what everyone thinks. She is madly in love with Ryuunosuke Fuji, her classmates. He sits next to her, and he is very quiet, silent and – of course – handsome. One day, Ryouko discovers the flip side of Fuji: he works in a host club, where women pay to spend time with men. A big range of emotions turns Ryouko over after discovering the truth, so much so that she doesn't know what to do anymore. Is her love for Fuji doomed, or is it just the beginning? Once again, like in Bokura ga Ita, we deal with a shoujo manga with a school setting. As the premises may differ, B.O.D.Y. shares a lot with Bokura ga Ita. For starters, the development of the love story between the main characters is marked by troubles and hardships; when something seems to be going the right way, problems arise one after another. Ryouko and Fuji build their relationship bit by bit, chatting, spending time together and warming up to each other, exactly like Nanami and Yano. These two couples are characterized by sweet interaction and tender moments. All in all, if you feel like reading something similar to Bokura ga Ita, but with a more lighthearted atmosphere, B.O.D.Y. is the right choice!