6 Modern Shonen Manga That Still Don’t Have Anime Adaptations

Shonen manga is responsible for some of the most popular and well-known anime series ever created. Titles like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach have achieved worldwide success, a level of recognition that’s been difficult for other types of manga to match.

Several popular anime series based on shonen manga are heading towards their endings, including the very popular One Piece. With My Hero Academia‘s anime recently finishing, many fans are now searching for newer shonen manga that haven’t been adapted into anime yet. The hope is that these manga will eventually receive full anime adaptations in the future.

This list only includes modern shonen manga with no upcoming anime adaptations.

Gokurakugai

Release Date: July 4, 2022
Number of Chapters: 30+ (ongoing)

Like the Yorozuya in Gintama, Gokurakugai features a problem-solving agency that takes on jobs of all sizes – for a price. The agency is mainly run by Tao Saotome and Alma, who work together to handle requests from their clients.

Tao and Alma appear to be regular employees, but they secretly work as skilled assassins who hunt down terrifying creatures called Magas – monsters formed from the remains of humans and animals. The manga Gokurakugai is set in a vibrant and dangerous world overrun by these monsters, ranging from lively markets to dark city alleys. Alma and Tao dedicate themselves to helping those affected by the Magas, especially people whose lives have been ruined. The series is a shonen manga with stunningly detailed artwork by Yuto Sano, and six volumes are currently available.

Choujin X

Release Date: May 10, 2021
Number of Chapters: 100+ (ongoing)

Sui Ishida, the author of the popular manga Tokyo Ghoul, has created Choujin X, a new action-packed and supernatural series. As of today, over 100 chapters have been released and are available to read.

The shonen manga Choujin X follows best friends Azuma and Tokio, who become superpowered after receiving an injection of the Choujin serum. ‘Choujin’ are humans with supernatural abilities, often used for malicious purposes. Though it might seem like a typical superhero story, Choujin X stands out with its intense gore, violence, and disturbing imagery. From the creator of Tokyo Ghoul, it’s a dark and captivating story about the conflict between good and evil superpowered individuals.

Nue’s Exorcist

Release Date: May 15, 2023
Number of Chapters: 130+ (ongoing)

I was at AnimeJapan last year and it was clear fans were really excited about Nue’s Exorcist. It actually won a fan vote with almost 160,000 votes, making it the most requested manga for an anime adaptation. That kind of support almost guarantees we’ll hear some news about an anime version soon! The story follows a young boy, Yajima Gakuro, who wants to become strong enough to protect everyone – a classic shonen manga setup. But what makes Nue’s Exorcist different is that Gakuro gains his power from a sealed spirit called Nue, who fights alongside him against other powerful spirits.

Gakuro begins training with Nue, hoping to become a top warrior, wielding a strong sword as he does so. The pair are currently a popular duo in shonen manga, known for their great connection both during fights and in general.

Phantom Busters

Release Date: August 4, 2023
Number of Chapters: 30+ (ongoing)

Similar to Nue’s Exorcist, Phantom Busters is a highly-rated manga that many fans believe would make a great anime. Published in 2023, it’s become popular for its supernatural themes, funny moments, and story about growing up. If you enjoy shonen anime like Dan Da Dan and Jujutsu Kaisen, this manga is a fantastic choice.

Phantom Busters follows the unlikely partnership of two boys with opposing beliefs. Eugene, haunted by a broken promise from his grandmother, doesn’t believe in ghosts, while Mogari comes from a family dedicated to communicating with and banishing spirits. Together, they tackle supernatural occurrences as members of the Phantom Busters Club.

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Centuria

Release Date: April 4, 2024
Number of Chapters: 80+ (ongoing)

Next up is Centuria, a dark fantasy manga aimed at young men, with a former slave as the main character. Julian’s journey is similar to Thorfinn’s in Vinland Saga; both are motivated by surviving and getting back what was taken from them. After facing terrible hardship, loss, and the harshness of reality, Julian decides to live a new life with a strong sense of purpose – one that’s about more than just staying alive.

In Centuria, Julian gains power from a ritual involving the sacrifice of 100 slaves to a mysterious sea creature. Along with this power, he receives 100 ‘lives’ – echoes of the unfulfilled dreams of those who died on the ship. Among the slaves was Mira, who had a daughter that Julian later adopted and promised to protect.

Hero Organization

Release Date: September 15, 2024
Number of Chapters: 50+ chapters (ongoing)

Kafka Hibino from Kaiju No. 8 isn’t alone in pursuing his heroic dreams later in life – Ryu Tyler from Hero Organization shares a similar story. He’s an older hero who always wanted to fight colossal space monsters called Star Beasts using a high-tech combat robot. These Star Beasts, like the titans from Attack on Titan, are massive – thousands of times larger than humans – and cause widespread destruction.

Hero Organization is an exciting space adventure that mixes mecha action with humor. The story focuses on a father striving to become a hero and set a good example for his incredibly talented son, all while they work to protect Earth from a major threat. It’s a refreshing take on the superhero genre, focusing on relatable characters and their struggles rather than just superpowers.

2026-04-05 03:06