If you’re a busy manga lover who’s always on the go, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some amazing short manga series that will still deliver a powerful punch in just a few volumes (or even just one). Whether you’re into sci-fi, horror, drama, romance, slice-of-life, or psychological manga, there’s something on this list for you. So without further ado, here are 20 of the best short manga series that will leave you craving for more.

20. Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams (Naoki Urasawa, 2017 – 2018)

Kamoda, a business owner, decides to take a risk and mess with his taxes to make some extra cash. His plan is to use the money to take his wife on a luxury cruise. However, things take a turn for the worse when he gets caught and faces substantial losses. His wife leaves him and goes on the cruise with someone else.

Devastated, Kamoda’s life seems to be in ruins until he meets a mysterious man who claims to have the power to change his life. Intrigued, Kamoda agrees to work with him, but will this man really be able to turn things around for him? Find out in “Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams,” a manga filled with mystery, dark humor, and psychological drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

19. Stargazing Dog (Takashi Murakami, 2008 – 2009)

If you’re a dog lover, get ready to have your heartstrings tugged in “Stargazing Dog.” Happie, a stray dog, is found and adopted by a young girl named Miku. Happie’s life seems perfect as Miku plays with him, her parents provide him with delicious food, and her father takes him on walks.

But as time goes by, Miku moves away, her parents divorce, and Happie is left with only his memories of a happy family. Join Happie on an unforgettable journey with his daddy as they face tragedy and learn the true meaning of love and loyalty.

18. Clover (Clamp, 1997 – 1999)

Step into a futuristic world where magical powers exist in “Clover.” Sue is a special child with four-leaf clover magical abilities. Classified by the government for national security, she is kept imprisoned with no human contact. Her only wish is to visit the fairy garden, and a man named Kazuhiko is chosen to be her guide.

Little do Sue and Kazuhiko know that their destinies are entwined in ways they could never have imagined. Discover the secrets behind their connection and the true power of the clover leaves in this stunning shoujo manga with steampunk elements.

17. She and Her Cat (Tsubasa Yamaguchi, 2016 – 2016)

Prepare for a heartwarming and relatable slice-of-life manga in “She and Her Cat.” Miyu, a working woman, adopts a stray cat named Chobi on a rainy day. As Miyu and Chobi navigate their everyday lives, they form a deep bond filled with love, understanding, and companionship.

Through the eyes of Chobi, experience the simple yet beautiful moments shared between Miyu and her cat. This one-shot manga is a must-read for all the cat lovers out there.

16. In This Corner of the World (Fumiyo Kōno, 2007 – 2009)

Travel back in time to 1940s Japan and witness the life of Suzu, an innocent young girl living in Hiroshima. When Suzu receives a marriage proposal from a man in a city under threat of war, she embarks on a journey as a newlywed housewife.

As World War II unfolds and Japan faces the harsh realities of war, Suzu must navigate through difficult times while worrying about her family’s safety. Experience a realistic and heartfelt depiction of Japan during this tumultuous period in history.

15. I Had the Same Dream Again (Yoru Sumino, 2017 – 2018)

Join Nanoka, a brilliant yet socially awkward elementary student, on a journey of self-discovery in “I Had the Same Dream Again.” When Nanoka is tasked with finding the meaning of happiness, she encounters Minami, a high school girl who is hurting herself.

Curiosity drives Nanoka to befriend Minami, hoping to learn more about her and unravel the mysteries of happiness. Dive into this heart-touching manga and explore the power of friendship, self-reflection, and the pursuit of happiness.

14. A Distant Neighborhood (Jiro Taniguchi, 1998 – 1999)

Hiroshi Nakahara, a 48-year-old salaryman, finds himself transported back in time to his adolescence in “A Distant Neighborhood.” As he relives his past, Hiroshi gains a newfound understanding of the events that shaped his life and the reasons behind his father’s sudden abandonment.

Experience the nostalgia, growth, and reconciliation that come with revisiting one’s past in this captivating manga by Jiro Taniguchi.

13. Voices of a Distant Star (Makoto Shinkai, 2004 – 2005)

Embark on a bittersweet journey of love and distance in “Voices of a Distant Star.” Mikako, a young recruit in the UN Space Army, is sent off to fight against a group of aliens threatening Earth. As she ventures deeper into space, the time it takes for her messages to reach her loved ones on Earth increases, testing the limits of their love.

Experience the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance relationships, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in this sweet and tragic manga.

12. Astra Lost in Space (Kenta Shinohara, 2016 – 2017)

In the year 2063, a group of young students embarks on a journey to the planet McPa. However, they are thrown into outer space by a mysterious force, leaving them stranded light-years away from home in “Astra Lost in Space.”

With minimal resources and an old spaceship as their only hope, the students must unravel the dark secrets behind their predicament and find their way back home. Get ready for a thrilling sci-fi adventure filled with plot twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

11. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (Yoru Sumino, 2016 – 2017)

Discover the touching story of an unlikely friendship in “I Want To Eat Your Pancreas.” When a popular classmate, Sakura, reveals her illness to an unnamed protagonist, they embark on a journey to fulfill her bucket list and create beautiful memories together.

Experience the joys and sorrows of life, the bonds that form between unlikely individuals, and the power of cherishing every moment in this heartwarming manga.

10. Paradise Kiss (Ai Yazawa, 1999 – 2003)

Immerse yourself in the world of fashion and self-discovery in “Paradise Kiss.” Yukari, a high school student focused on academics, is unexpectedly approached by a group of eccentric fashion university students who ask her to model for their brand.

Follow Yukari’s journey as she navigates the worlds of fashion, love, and self-expression, all while questioning societal expectations and discovering her true passions.

9. Another (Yukito Ayatsuji, 2010 – 2011)

Prepare for a chilling and suspenseful ride in “Another,” a horror and mystery manga that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Kōichi Sakakibara transfers to a class haunted by a mysterious curse, he must uncover the truth behind the deaths and save his classmates from a malevolent unseen force.

Explore the dark secrets lurking within the walls of Yomiyama North Middle School in this thrilling and spine-tingling manga.

8. The God’s Lie (Kaori Ozaki, 2013 – 2013)

Follow the story of Natsuru, a sixth-grader with dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, in “The God’s Lie.” When Natsuru discovers the harsh reality hidden behind the quiet façade of his classmate, Rio, his carefree childhood takes a dramatic turn.

Witness the struggles, secrets, and unexpected bonds that form as Natsuru uncovers the truth and learns important life lessons in this emotional and thought-provoking manga.

7. Our Happy Time (Mizu Sahara, Aka Sumomo Yumeka, 2008 – 2008)

Join Juri Mutō, a depressed adult, and Yu, a prisoner sentenced to death, in their journey towards happiness in “Our Happy Time.” As Juri visits Yu in prison, they begin to experience moments of joy and understanding that they never thought possible.

Delve into the complexities of life, human connection, and the pursuit of happiness in this thought-provoking and touching manga.

6. Solanin (Inio Asano, 2005 – 2006)

Enter the world of Meiko and Taneda in “Solanin,” a manga that explores the struggles and uncertainties of young adulthood. As Meiko yearns for a purpose beyond her mundane office job and Taneda puts his heart into his dream of becoming a successful illustrator, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of their true passions.

Get ready to be captivated by the relatable characters, realistic storytelling, and thought-provoking themes that make “Solanin” a must-read manga.

5. Uzumaki (Junji Ito, 1998 – 1999)

Prepare to be immersed in the twisted and macabre world of “Uzumaki.” Follow Kirie and Shuichi as they uncover the eerie happenings in their town, Kuzouru-cho, where spirals take on a life of their own and drive the residents to insanity.

Explore the horrors that await them as they desperately try to escape the curse of the spirals in this chilling horror manga by the master of the genre, Junji Ito.

4. Anohana (Mari Okada, 2012 – 2013)

Join six childhood friends as they struggle to overcome the ghosts of their past in “Anohana.” When Menma, one of their group members, suddenly dies, their lives are forever changed. Years later, Menma appears to Jintan, urging him to fulfill her final wish so that she can move on to the afterlife.

Witness the emotional journey of friendship, guilt, and redemption as the group reunites and confronts their unresolved feelings in this touching and heartfelt manga.

3. Onani Master Kurosawa (Ise Katsura, 2007 – 2008)

Dive into the complex world of adolescence and self-discovery in “Onani Master Kurosawa,” a manga that delves into the dark and often misunderstood aspects of teenage life. Follow Kakeru Kurosawa, a socially awkward middle schooler who finds solace in secret acts of self-gratification.

However, when Kurosawa is blackmailed into taking revenge on bullies, his life takes a twisted turn. Discover the consequences of his actions and the complexities of human nature in this mature and thought-provoking manga.

2. I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen Per Year (Shōichi Taguchi, 2016 – 2017)

Enter a world where the value of life is up for sale in “I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen Per Year.” Kusonoki, a struggling 19-year-old, sells the remaining 30 years of his life for a lump sum of money. With only three months left to live, he meets Miyagi, an observer assigned to accompany him during his final days.

As Kusonoki spends time with Miyagi, he begins to understand the true value of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. This thought-provoking manga will make you question the choices we make and the meaning we attach to our existence.

1. All You Need is Kill (Ryōsuke Takeuchi, 2014 – 2014)

Prepare for an action-packed sci-fi adventure in “All You Need is Kill.” When Earth is threatened by a formidable alien species, Keiji Kiriya finds himself caught in a time loop, repeating the same battle against the alien invaders over and over again.

As Keiji fights for survival, he must uncover the truth behind the time loop and find a way to change the course of events. Packed with thrilling action, gripping storytelling, and mind-bending twists, “All You Need is Kill” is a must-read for any manga fan.

Don’t let a lack of time stop you from enjoying captivating stories and engaging characters. Dive into these short manga series and discover a world of emotions, adventures, and unforgettable experiences. And remember, at Fecomic, we’re passionate about bringing you the best of manga and anime. Check out our website, Fecomic, for more amazing manga recommendations and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese storytelling.