The manga world continues to evolve, and 2026 has already delivered some incredible series that are capturing the hearts of readers everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned manga veteran or just getting started, these ten titles represent the best of what's available right now on platforms like Batoto.
1. Solo Leveling: Ragnarok
The follow-up to one of the most popular manhwa series of all time continues to dominate reading charts globally. Set years after the events of the original story, Ragnarok introduces a new generation of hunters facing threats that make the original gates look tame by comparison. The art quality remains jaw-dropping, with fight scenes that practically leap off the screen.
What makes this sequel special is how it respects the legacy of the original while carving its own identity. New readers can jump in without prior knowledge, though fans of the first series will catch countless satisfying callbacks.
2. Chainsaw Man – Part 2
Tatsuki Fujimoto's wildly unpredictable series continues its second arc with the same chaotic energy that made part one a phenomenon. The introduction of new characters alongside returning favorites keeps every chapter feeling fresh and dangerous — because in Chainsaw Man, nobody is truly safe.
The school setting adds a different flavor compared to part one's devil hunter focus, but the series hasn't lost any of its edge. Monthly chapters mean the wait between releases feels long, but every new installment delivers moments that dominate social media discussions for days.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen: Aftermath
Following the conclusion of its main storyline, the Jujutsu Kaisen universe expands into new territory. The power system remains one of the most creative in modern manga, and the stakes feel genuinely high as surviving characters navigate a world permanently changed by cursed energy.
Gege Akutami's storytelling has matured noticeably, balancing intense combat sequences with quieter character moments that give the ensemble cast room to breathe and develop.
4. Dandadan
Yukinobu Tatsu's mashup of aliens, ghosts, and teenage drama has become one of the most entertaining weekly reads available. The series blends genuinely scary supernatural encounters with laugh-out-loud comedy and surprisingly heartfelt romance in a way that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
The artwork deserves special mention — action sequences flow with cinematic intensity, while character expressions convey emotion with remarkable subtlety. It's the kind of manga that makes you feel every punch and every blush equally.
5. Blue Box
Sports romance done right. Blue Box balances competitive badminton and basketball storylines with one of the sweetest slow-burn romances in recent memory. The series avoids common romance manga traps by keeping its characters communicative and genuinely supportive of each other's athletic goals.
Each chapter manages to advance both the sports and relationship elements without either feeling neglected. The training montages are inspiring, the matches are tense, and the romantic developments feel earned rather than manufactured.
6. Sakamoto Days
A retired hitman running a convenience store gets pulled back into the world of assassins in this action-comedy that delivers some of the most creative fight choreography in manga today. The premise sounds simple, but the execution is anything but.
Yuto Suzuki's ability to stage complex multi-character action sequences while maintaining clarity is remarkable. Every arc introduces new assassins with unique abilities, keeping the combat fresh and unpredictable throughout.
7. Kaiju No. 8
The story of a man who gains the power to transform into a kaiju while working for the organization that fights them continues to deliver spectacular monster battles and genuine emotional weight. The series has found its groove, balancing large-scale kaiju encounters with intimate character-driven chapters.
What elevates Kaiju No. 8 above typical monster-fighting manga is its protagonist — an older main character whose motivation comes from years of failed attempts rather than youthful ambition. It's refreshing and relatable in ways most shonen protagonists aren't.
8. Wind Breaker
This delinquent manga takes the genre in a surprisingly wholesome direction. Instead of fighting for territory or dominance, the tough students of Furin High School protect their local town from outside threats. The result is an action series with genuine community heart.
Fight scenes are dynamic and well-paced, but the real strength lies in how each arc explores different aspects of what it means to protect something you care about. Character backstories hit hard emotionally without feeling manipulative.
9. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Legacy
The spin-off universe of My Hero Academia gets a fresh entry focusing on a new generation of unlicensed heroes operating in the margins of superhero society. The worldbuilding expands on established MHA lore while telling self-contained stories that work independently.
The grittier tone compared to the main series appeals to readers who wanted to see the darker implications of a superhero society explored more thoroughly. Underground hero culture, quirk black markets, and vigilante ethics provide rich storytelling material.
10. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
This fantasy manga continues its meditative exploration of time, memory, and connection through the eyes of an elf mage reflecting on her adventure party decades after their quest ended. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing moments of beauty and melancholy to resonate fully.
Frieren proves that manga doesn't need constant action to be compelling. The quiet conversations, scenic panels, and philosophical themes make it one of the most thoughtful series running today. It's the perfect palette cleanser between intense action reads.
Where to Read These Series
All of these titles and thousands more are available on Batoto (xbato.co.uk), where you can read with a clean interface, bookmark your favorites, and track your reading progress across devices. The platform updates daily with new chapters, so you'll always have something fresh waiting.
Ready to start reading? Visit xbato.co.uk to explore these titles and discover your next favorite manga series.