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Shoujo Manga worth reading
21
items Shoujo refers to a genre targeted towards teenagers and young adults. It focuses on themes of romance, relationships, and personal growth, and often has a visual style with expressive characters and detailed backgrounds. Linked are the first volume o...
Sections
5
Entertainment Industry (Idols, singers and more)
Historical Fantasy
Magical Girl
Not your average Teenage Experience
Young Love
Entertainment Industry (Idols, singers and more)
Shoujo manga that centers on characters in the entertainment industry from idols to singers and more.
Skip Beat is a long-running series (since 2002!). It follows the story of yoko Mogami enters the entertainment industry seeking revenge on her childhood crush, Sho Fuwa, who used and discarded her after becoming a pop star. As she discovers her own t...
As mentioned, this is a long-running series and at the time of this writing has 51 volumes. These have been collected into 3:1 volumes and singles by Viz.
As mentioned, this is a long-running series and at the time of this writing has 51 volumes. These have been collected into 3:1 volumes and singles by Viz.
Skip Beat! - Yoshiki Nakamura
Full Moon (Full Moon O Sagashite) follows Mitsuki Koyama, a 12-year-old girl with a terminal illness who dreams of becoming a singer to fulfill a promise to her childhood love, Eichi. When two Shinigami, Takuto and Meroko, grant her the ability to tr...
Full Moon was compiled into seven volumes. The physical version is out of print (though relatively cheap) but it is also available on kindle unlimited and the Viz app.
Full Moon was compiled into seven volumes. The physical version is out of print (though relatively cheap) but it is also available on kindle unlimited and the Viz app.
Full Moon - Arina Tanemura
Idol Dreams follows Chikage Deguchi, a 31-year-old office worker who feels unfulfilled in life and takes a mysterious potion that transforms her into her 15-year-old self. As she enters the idol world under the name “Akari,” Chikage gets a second cha...
Idol Dreams is an ongoing manga and seven volumes have been released so far.
Idol Dreams is an ongoing manga and seven volumes have been released so far.
Idol Dreams - Arina Tanemura
Historical Fantasy
Shoujo manga that takes place in either a historical or fantasy setting.
Often hailed as one of the great shojo manga, it is also one of the best time travel manga out there. It is a blend of well-researched history, great characters and story, Red River is a must-read.
Chie is a normal 15-year old girl who just began dating a long time crush. Fate has other plans and the evil Queen Nakia uses magic to draw her into the very distant past in order to complete a spell that will sacrifice her to put her young son on th...
Red River is notorious for having been out of print (and very expensive) in English for a long time. After much begging, Viz began reprinting the series in omnibus form (3-1 volumes). This is currently underway with 3 omnibus' in the 28 volume run cu...
Chie is a normal 15-year old girl who just began dating a long time crush. Fate has other plans and the evil Queen Nakia uses magic to draw her into the very distant past in order to complete a spell that will sacrifice her to put her young son on th...
Red River is notorious for having been out of print (and very expensive) in English for a long time. After much begging, Viz began reprinting the series in omnibus form (3-1 volumes). This is currently underway with 3 omnibus' in the 28 volume run cu...
Red River - Chie Shinohara
Colette Decides to Die follows Colette, an overworked court pharmacist who, overwhelmed by her duties, dives into a well hoping for escape—only to find herself in the underworld, where she begins treating the sick and weary dead. As she becomes entan...
Colette Decides to Die is completed and compiled into 20 volumes. Viz in North America is currently releasing 3:1 omnibus books.
Colette Decides to Die is completed and compiled into 20 volumes. Viz in North America is currently releasing 3:1 omnibus books.
Colette Decides to Die - Alto Yukimura
Dawn of the Arcana follows Princess Nakaba, a red-haired noble from a conquered kingdom, who is forced into a political marriage with Prince Caesar of a rival nation. As tensions rise between their countries, Nakaba grapples with her forbidden Arcana...
It was compiled into 13 volumes which have all been released by Viz in North America. The complete series is also available on the Viz app.
It was compiled into 13 volumes which have all been released by Viz in North America. The complete series is also available on the Viz app.
Dawn of the Arcana - Rie Toma
King’s Beast follows Rangetsu, a girl from a persecuted beast-people race who disguises herself as a man to become a palace attendant and avenge her twin brother’s death. As she serves Prince Tenyou, she uncovers court conspiracies and unexpected kin...
King's Beast also takes place in the same universe as Dawn of Arcana (so some familiar faces from it may make an appearance!)
It was completed fairly recently (as of this writing) in fifteen volumes.
King's Beast also takes place in the same universe as Dawn of Arcana (so some familiar faces from it may make an appearance!)
It was completed fairly recently (as of this writing) in fifteen volumes.
The King's Beast - Rie Toma
Magical Girl
Shoujo manga that takes on a more magical-girl focus.
One of the most well-known shoujo manga, Card Captor Sakura is also done by Clamp (manga group).
Card Captor Sakura follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, who lives with her father, an archeology professor and older brother. One day, she accidentally releases a set of magical Clow Cards and is tasked with recapturing them to prevent chaos in the ...
The manga was most recently released in nine collectors editions. It has a very popular (and well-done) anime, two movies and a sequel series (Clear Card) with its own anime series.
Card Captor Sakura follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, who lives with her father, an archeology professor and older brother. One day, she accidentally releases a set of magical Clow Cards and is tasked with recapturing them to prevent chaos in the ...
The manga was most recently released in nine collectors editions. It has a very popular (and well-done) anime, two movies and a sequel series (Clear Card) with its own anime series.
Cardcaptor Sakura - Clamp
Shugo Chara! follows Amu Hinamori, a cool and guarded girl who secretly wishes to be her true self, and one day discovers three mysterious eggs that hatch into Guardian Characters representing different facets of her ideal personality. As she joins t...
Shugo Chara was collected into 12 volumes. Sadly, it is out of print in North America but most of the volumes are free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased for kindle. It also has an anime adaptation (never licensed) and a spin-off series called S...
Shugo Chara was collected into 12 volumes. Sadly, it is out of print in North America but most of the volumes are free on Kindle Unlimited or can be purchased for kindle. It also has an anime adaptation (never licensed) and a spin-off series called S...
Shugo Chara! - Peach-Pit
Sailor Moon is one of the most well-known anime and a goliath in the Shoujo genre.
Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy but kind-hearted teen who discovers she's the magical warrior Sailor Moon, destined to protect Earth from dark forces. As she gathers her fellow Sailor Guardians and uncovers her past as the Moon Princess, ...
Sailor Moon was compiled into 18 volumes. It also spanned a very popular anime series, sequel series, movies, merchandise, has its own shop in Japan…suffice to say it is very popular!
Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy but kind-hearted teen who discovers she's the magical warrior Sailor Moon, destined to protect Earth from dark forces. As she gathers her fellow Sailor Guardians and uncovers her past as the Moon Princess, ...
Sailor Moon was compiled into 18 volumes. It also spanned a very popular anime series, sequel series, movies, merchandise, has its own shop in Japan…suffice to say it is very popular!
Sailor Moon - Naoko Takeuchi
Pretear follows Himeno Awayuki, a high school girl who becomes the "Pretear," a magical warrior destined to unite with seven Leafe Knights to protect the world from the evil Princess of Disaster. As Himeno struggles with her new powers and complicate...
Pretear was compiled and released in four volumes and spanned an anime. Unfortunately the manga is out of print in North America and a digital version has never been released so its a series you have to read anyway you can.
Pretear was compiled and released in four volumes and spanned an anime. Unfortunately the manga is out of print in North America and a digital version has never been released so its a series you have to read anyway you can.
Pretear - Kaori Naruse
Not your average Teenage Experience
Stories where the main character(s) are teenagers or young adults and have a bit of magic or magical realism.
Fruits Basket is one of the most well-known Shoujo manga and for good reason. It features a memorable cast, deep focus on relationships and has an emotional story.
Fruits Basket follows the story of high schooler Tohru Honda who lost her mom recently (at the start of the series) and comes to live with the Sohmas. She discovers their secret (they are cursed to transform into the 12 animals + cat from the Chinese...
It was completed in 23 volumes (which are now available in collector edition omnibuses), sparked two anime shows, a prequel movie, and a sequel series called “Fruits Baket: Another”.
Fruits Basket follows the story of high schooler Tohru Honda who lost her mom recently (at the start of the series) and comes to live with the Sohmas. She discovers their secret (they are cursed to transform into the 12 animals + cat from the Chinese...
It was completed in 23 volumes (which are now available in collector edition omnibuses), sparked two anime shows, a prequel movie, and a sequel series called “Fruits Baket: Another”.
Fruits Basket - Natsuki Takaya
Created by Marmalade Boy creator Wataru Yoshizumi, it follows the story of Ayu Tateishi, a popular middle school girl. She befriends the quirky new transfer student, Nina Sakura—who turns out to be a trainee witch from the magical world. As Nina uses...
This manga is five volumes long.
This manga is five volumes long.
Ultra Maniac - Wataru Yoshizumi
Ouran High School Host Club follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at an elite academy, who accidentally breaks an expensive vase and ends up working for the school’s all-male host club to repay the debt—while disguising herself as a boy. Amid...
Ouran High School Host Club was collected into 18 volumes (Viz also released a boxset containing all 18) and an anime (which I highly recommend as well).
Ouran High School Host Club was collected into 18 volumes (Viz also released a boxset containing all 18) and an anime (which I highly recommend as well).
Ouran High School Host Club - Bisco Hatori
Kamisama Kiss follows Nanami Momozono, a high school girl who becomes homeless and unexpectedly inherits the role of a local land god after helping a mysterious man. Thrust into the world of spirits and gods, Nanami navigates her new divine duties wh...
Kamisama Kiss was compiled into 25 volumes and has been completed. It was also adapted into an anime series.
Kamisama Kiss was compiled into 25 volumes and has been completed. It was also adapted into an anime series.
Kamisama Kiss - Julietta Suzuki
By the acclaimed creator of Nana, Last Quarter tells the story of Mizuki, a young woman who dies tragically and becomes a wandering spirit, clinging to memories of a mysterious love. When a group of children—led by a girl who looks just like Mizuki—u...
Last quarter was released in North America in two collections.
Last quarter was released in North America in two collections.
Last Quarter - Ai Yazawa
Orange is an Eisner-nominated series that is carefully blends the impact of regret, friendship, and romance. It is a beautiful, moving series that is a must-read for fans of time travel.
The morning Naho begins 11th grade, a letter from herself ten years in the future arrives in her mailbox. At first, she writes it off as a prank. However, as more and more of the letter’s predictions come true Naho realizes that the letter might be r...
Orange is compiled into two omnibuses, along with two spin-offs: “To You my Dear One” and "Future". A boxset was also released recently.
The morning Naho begins 11th grade, a letter from herself ten years in the future arrives in her mailbox. At first, she writes it off as a prank. However, as more and more of the letter’s predictions come true Naho realizes that the letter might be r...
Orange is compiled into two omnibuses, along with two spin-offs: “To You my Dear One” and "Future". A boxset was also released recently.
Orange - Ichigo Takano
Young Love
Stories that focus on love without all the frills of magic, curses and time travel
Marmalade Boy centers on Miki Koishikawa, a high school girl whose life is turned upside down when her parents divorce and swap partners with another couple—who also have a son, the aloof and charming Yuu. As Miki and Yuu adjust to their unconvention...
This has been re-released in five collectors volumes.
This has been re-released in five collectors volumes.
Marmalade Boy - Wataru Yoshizumi
Mars follows Kira Aso, a shy and artistic high school girl, and Rei Kashino, a rebellious motorcycle racer with a troubled past, as they form an unlikely and intense romance. As their bond deepens, both must confront painful traumas and secrets that ...
Mars is 15 volumes long and includes an additional volume with a prequel story and one shots by the author titled “Horse with No Name”. Sadly the series is very out of print physically but available on Kindle Unlimited for free.
Mars is 15 volumes long and includes an additional volume with a prequel story and one shots by the author titled “Horse with No Name”. Sadly the series is very out of print physically but available on Kindle Unlimited for free.
MARS - Fuyumi Soryo
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Paradise Kiss follows Yukari Hayasaka, a straight-laced high school student who gets drawn into the world of fashion after meeting a group of eccentric design students seeking a model for their brand. As she navigates the glamorous yet harsh world of...
Paradise Kiss has been released in North America in one large omnibus. It also has an anime series.
Paradise Kiss has been released in North America in one large omnibus. It also has an anime series.
Paradise Kiss - Ai Yazawa
I Want to End This Love Game centers on classmates Saki and Kiriyama, who are locked in a playful "love game" where the first to confess loses. As their teasing escalates and genuine feelings begin to surface, both struggle to keep up the act while f...
I want to End This Love game is still ongoing and six volumes have been released so far. It is also available on the Viz app.
I want to End This Love game is still ongoing and six volumes have been released so far. It is also available on the Viz app.
I Want to End This Love Game - Yuki Domoto