Top 10 Ongoing Shonen Manga Outside Weekly Shonen Jump, Ranked by Length

In the vibrant landscape of anime and manga, several Shonen series have managed to resonate deeply with fans through their captivating narratives and dynamic characters. While Weekly Shonen Jump is often regarded as the primary hub for blockbuster titles, there exists a plethora of noteworthy ongoing Shonen manga outside of its catalog.

This article brings to light ten of the most outstanding ongoing Shonen manga not featured in Weekly Shonen Jump, organized by the number of volumes from least to most. Spanning heartwarming friendships, thrilling dark fantasies, and intense sports dramas, these series epitomize the rich diversity that characterizes the Shonen genre.

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1) Centuria (2 volumes)

Centuria, a dark fantasy Shonen narrative crafted by Tohru Kuramori, began its serialization in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ in April 2024. The plot centers on Julian, a former slave who acquires tremendous abilities from an eldritch sea creature after a tragic event on a slave ship.

Driven by the desire to safeguard Diana, the infant daughter of another slave, Julian embarks on a challenging quest to nurture her, notwithstanding a prophecy that hints at disaster. The manga is lauded for its intricate character development, including Angvall, the shrouded knight, and Arkos, the king’s cynical son, with many praising its compelling storyline.

2) You and I Are Polar Opposites (7 volumes)

You and I Are Polar Opposites (Image via Shueisha)

Crafted by Kocha Agasawa, You and I Are Polar Opposites is a charming shonen romantic comedy that portrays the high school lives of the vivacious Miyu Suzuki and the introverted, truthful Yusuke Tani. The story humorously navigates their developing relationship as Suzuki finds it challenging to convey her feelings for Tani.

Since its inception in May 2022 in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+, the manga has gained acclaim for its relatable characters and emotional resonance, drawing comparisons to My Dress-Up Darling. Its combination of humor and heartfelt moments skillfully illustrates the idea of opposites attracting.

3) Wistoria: Wand and Sword (10 volumes)

Wistoria: Wand and Sword (Image via Kodansha)

Wistoria: Wand and Sword is a fantasy-adventure series penned by Fujino Omori and illustrated by Toshi Aoi, serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shonen Magazine since December 2020. It follows Will Serfort, a student at the Rigarden Magical Academy who, while unable to perform magic, excels in sword fighting.

Will strives to honor a promise made to his friend Elfaria, challenging a society that prioritizes magic over martial skills. The narrative, rich with themes of tenacity and personal growth, has led to nominations for the 2021 Next Manga Awards and gained further popularity with an anime adaptation released in July 2024.

4) Gachiakuta (12 volumes)

With art by Hideyoshi Andou, Gachiakuta is an action-packed work from Kei Urana, serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since February 2022. The story follows Rudo, a boy banished from his floating slum into a monstrous abyss created from waste. To survive and seek revenge, he aligns himself with the Cleaners, who battle these dreadful entities.

Delving into social inequities, environmental challenges, and individual redemption, the series features a gritty art style inspired by graffiti. An anime adaptation by Studio Bones is slated for release in 2025.

5) Sousou no Frieren (13 volumes)

Sousou no Frieren (Image via Shogakukan)

Sousou no Frieren is a noteworthy Shonen manga created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, being serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday since April 2020. The narrative revolves around Frieren, a long-lived elf mage who confronts the mortality of her comrades after their victory over the Demon King.

Faced with her internal conflict and coming to terms with loss, Frieren embarks on a journey to revisit places of personal significance. The series beautifully explores profound themes such as death, reflection, and personal growth, achieving critical acclaim and receiving an anime adaptation in 2023.

6) Yotsuba &! (15 volumes)

Yotsuba &! (Image via ASCII Media Works)

Yotsuba &! is a beloved slice-of-life Shonen manga by Kiyohiko Azuma, running in Dengeki Daily since January 2003. The tale features Yotsuba Koiwai, an enthusiastic five-year-old with green hair, who embarks on quirky adventures with her adoptive father, Yousuke Koiwai, exploring her new surroundings.

With characters like Koiwai’s friend Jumbo and the Ayase family complementing her journey, each chapter offers a humorous and touching snapshot of the joy found in everyday life. The vibrant illustrations and cultural elements have attracted a diverse readership, making it a cherished series with a cheerful narrative tone.

7) Boruto (23 volumes)

Initiated in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2016 and later transitioning to V Jump in 2019, Boruto centers on Boruto, the son of Naruto, as he navigates the challenging world of ninja life, his father’s legacy, and his personal dilemmas.

Key story arcs include the Chunin Exams and conflicts against the Otsutsuki clan. The sequel, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, dives into Boruto’s internal battles, emerging threats, and teamwork challenges, receiving acclaim for its storytelling and depth, adding to the expansive Naruto universe crafted by Shueisha and Viz Media.

8) Blue Lock (30 volumes)

Blue Lock is an intense Shonen series created by Muneyuki Kaneshiro, with art by Yusuke Nomura. It first appeared in the Weekly Shonen Magazine in August 2018 and follows Yoichi Isagi, a high school athlete as he strives to become Japan’s top striker by entering the prestigious Blue Lock training program.

As of October 2024, the manga has released thirty volumes. Alongside this, a side story, Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, began serialization in 2022. The English translation is provided by Kodansha USA, and the manga’s adaptation into an anime series has significantly contributed to its popularity.

9) Kono Oto Tomare! (30 volumes)

Kono Oto Tomare!, published in Jump Square by Shueisha, follows Takezo Kurata, a high school student striving to rejuvenate his koto club amidst numerous adversities.

The arrival of Chika Kudo, who possesses a troubled history, alongside the exceptionally skilled koto musician Satowa Hozuki, transforms the club’s trajectory towards reaching the Koto Nationals. The manga delves into themes of collaboration, self-improvement, and a love for music, distinguished by its profound character development. Its adaptation into a 26-episode anime in 2019 was well-received for its emotional storytelling and artistic merit.

10) Hajime no Ippo (141 volumes)

Hajime no Ippo, a renowned Shonen series by George Morikawa, has been a staple in Weekly Shonen Magazine since 1989, accumulating over 140 volumes published by Kodansha. It introduces Ippo, an introverted high schooler who discovers a passion for boxing, evolving into a courageous and skilled athlete through training at the Kamogawa Boxing Gym.

The series is celebrated for its themes of determination and self-discovery, earning high praise from critics. It has inspired multiple anime adaptations by Madhouse Studio, solidifying its status as a classic in the realm of sports manga.

Conclusion

The ten ongoing Shonen titles discussed here exemplify a rich tapestry of narratives and unique themes, ranging from the dark tones of Centuria to the heartfelt vibes of Yotsuba &!. Each series presents intriguing characters and plots, illustrating that exceptional Shonen tales transcend the confines of Weekly Shonen Jump.

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