Welcome to the world of shoujo manga, where stories of romance, personal growth, and coming-of-age are brought to life! If you're a fan of this genre, then you know that there are countless series out there to choose from. But what about the hidden gems? The ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve?
Well, fear not, because we're here to introduce you to 13 underrated shoujo manga series that deserve more attention in 2023! Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the genre, these series offer something special for everyone. From heartwarming romances to relatable characters, these hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by you.
So join us on this journey as we explore these overlooked shoujo manga series that are sure to captivate and entertain you. Get ready to add some new favorites to your reading list, and let's dive into the world of shoujo manga together!
1. "Akatsuki no Yona" (Yona of the Dawn)
This manga follows the story of Yona, a sheltered princess who is forced to flee her kingdom after her father is killed. She embarks on a journey to gather powerful warriors and take back her throne, while discovering the truth about her country's history and her own destiny. With a well-written plot, dynamic characters, and beautiful artwork, this series is a must-read for any shoujo manga fan.
2. "Natsume Yuujinchou" (Natsume's Book of Friends)
This manga follows the story of Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits and inherits a notebook from his grandmother that contains the names of the spirits she had enslaved. With the help of his bodyguard spirit, Nyanko-sensei, Natsume sets out to return the names to the spirits and gain their trust. This heartwarming series explores themes of friendship, trust, and compassion.
3. "Reimei no Arcana" (Dawn of the Arcana)
This manga takes place in a fantasy world where a race of people with red hair have the power to control time, and another race with black hair have the power to control the elements. When Princess Nakaba is forced to marry Prince Caesar, who is of the black-haired race, she must navigate political intrigue and prejudice while trying to find a way to coexist with her new husband. This series has a well-developed world, strong characters, and a compelling story.
4. "Skip Beat!"
This manga follows the story of Kyoko Mogami, a girl who moves to Tokyo to support her childhood friend's dream of becoming a famous singer. When her friend betrays her, Kyoko decides to enter the entertainment industry herself and get revenge. This series explores the cutthroat world of showbiz, while also delving into themes of self-discovery and self-improvement.
5. "Kamisama Hajimemashita" (Kamisama Kiss)
This manga follows the story of Nanami Momozono, a girl who becomes the god of a shrine after the previous god abandons it. She must navigate the challenges of being a god while dealing with the antics of her familiar, Tomoe. With a unique premise, likable characters, and a touch of romance, this series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and shoujo manga.
6. "Honey and Clover"
This manga follows the story of a group of art students as they navigate their relationships, careers, and personal struggles. With a focus on character development and introspection, this series explores themes of creativity, friendship, and love in a realistic and relatable way.
7. "Kimi ni Todoke" (From Me to You)
This manga follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a girl who is feared and misunderstood by her classmates due to her resemblance to the horror movie character Sadako. When she befriends the popular and friendly Shota Kazehaya, she begins to break out of her shell and make more friends. With a sweet romance and likable characters, this series is a heartwarming and uplifting read.
8. "Strobe Edge"
This manga follows the story of Ninako Kinoshita, a high school girl who falls in love with the popular and handsome Ren Ichinose. Despite the challenges of unrequited love, social pressure, and misunderstandings, Ninako persists in her pursuit of Ren. With realistic and relatable characters and a well-written plot, this series is a must-read for any shoujo manga fan.
9. "Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun" (My Little Monster)
This manga follows the story of Shizuku Mizutani, a studious and socially awkward high school girl who is tasked with delivering class notes to the school delinquent, Haru Yoshida. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two form an unlikely friendship and eventually fall in love. This series explores themes of personal growth, friendship, and romance in a lighthearted and endearing way.
10. "Chihayafuru"
This manga follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, a girl who becomes obsessed with the traditional Japanese card game, karuta, after meeting a boy named Arata. She forms a karuta club with her childhood friend, Taichi, and together they work towards becoming national champions. With a unique premise, well-developed characters, and intense competition, this series is a must-read for fans of sports manga and shoujo manga.
11. "Kiss Him, Not Me"
This manga follows the story of Kae Serinuma, a high school girl who is obsessed with yaoi (male-male romance) manga and anime. After losing weight due to a sudden illness, she gains the attention of several attractive boys who are interested in her, but she is more interested in seeing them fall in love with each other. With a hilarious premise, likable characters, and a unique perspective on romance, this series is a refreshing and entertaining read.
12. "Kare Kano" (His and Her Circumstances)
This manga follows the story of Yukino Miyazawa, a high school girl who is popular and successful but hides her true personality from others. When she meets the aloof and intelligent Soichiro Arima, she begins to open up and reveal her true self. With a focus on character development, themes of self-acceptance and honesty, and a touch of romance, this series is a classic of the shoujo manga genre.
13. "Fruits Basket"
This manga follows the story of Tohru Honda, a girl who is homeless and living in a tent when she is taken in by the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that members of the Sohma family are possessed by the spirits of the Chinese zodiac animals, and that they turn into the animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. With a mix of humor, drama, and romance, this series explores themes of family, trauma, and acceptance. A new anime adaptation of the series has recently been released, making it a great time to read or re-read the manga.
These 13 shoujo manga are just a few examples of the many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by fans of the genre. Each series offers a unique perspective on themes such as romance, friendship, personal growth, and societal expectations, and will leave readers with a sense of warmth and satisfaction. If you're looking for a break from the typical shoujo manga tropes and want to explore new and exciting stories, give these series a try. With their compelling characters, well-written plots, and beautiful artwork, they are sure to capture your heart and leave you wanting more.
