While Shōnen Jump has produced some of the best manga out there, like Hunter X Hunter and Chainsaw Man, there are other magazines with a better and more prestigious catalog that bless fans with some of the best recommendations ever. Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon, in particular, has garnered a reputation for publishing nothing but excellence, with a manga collection so unbelievably good that audiences wouldn’t see elsewhere.

Monthly Afternoon is one of Kodansha's seinen anthologies, launching its first issue on January 25, 1986, and originally created as a sister magazine to Weekly Morning. Monthly Afternoon published works that were not selected for Weekly Morning, yet, interestingly enough, the magazine would end up producing many beloved and arguably better pieces. Many of its manga have been nominated and won various awards, both in Japan and around the world, proving that its excellence has been recognized globally. While there are many amazing manga to choose from, here are a few stand-outs in this highly competitive magazine.

5 Blade of the Immortal

Written and Illustrated by Hiroaki Samura

With an anime adaptation commonly ranked among the best samurai anime of all time, Blade of the Immortal is one of the best-kept secrets out there, and it is such a shame it doesn't have the attention it deserves. If the series did get more recognition, it could easily be considered one of the great Seinen manga right alongside Vagabond, Berserk, and Vinland Saga.

The series follows Manji, an immortal samurai who has killed 100 people. To atone, he vows to slay 1000 evil men, and this is where the young and distressed Rin comes in. With her parents brutally murdered and violated in front of her by the radical new samurai house, the Itto-Ryu, she is determined to get revenge. Hiring Manji as her bodyguard, the two traverse Japan to take down Anotsu and his violent swordsmen in what is considered one of the most brutal manga out there.

Blade of the Immortal won the 2000 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition for Foreign Material. These awards are the most prestigious in the comic book world.

Together with the supremely ethereal artwork that utilizes the rare practice of pencil illustrations and the amazing use of ing mixed with careful choreography that brings its fight scenes to the next level, Blade of the Immortal tackles complex themes in a very mature and deep way.

Discussing the topics of revenge, honor among samurai, the cycle of violence, and redemption, the series features a lot of depth and nuance that does justice to the subject matter. With incredible dialogue, well-written characters, and an extensive depiction of the ways of the samurai and feudal Japan, Blade of the Immortal is a hidden gem that promises to be one of the best manga experiences for anyone.

4 Mushishi

Written and Illustrated by Yuki Urushibara

This mesmerizing supernatural manga didn't begin publishing in Monthly Afternoon but transferred in December 2002 until its conclusion in 2008. Mushishi revolves around Ginko, a wandering "Mushi Master" who delves into the enigmatic realm of mushi—otherworldly, supernatural beings that exist alongside humans but are frequently overlooked by the naked eye. As Ginko travels through countryside scenes, he aids individuals impacted by mushi, revealing the fragile equilibrium between nature, human existence, and the invisible forces at play.

While the anime adaptation was as perfect as can be, fans would be doing themselves a disservice to miss out on Urushibara's surreal artstyle that enchants at every page turn. Each episode and storyline is a rich and beautiful tale about the importance of harmony between man and nature, as well as how interconnected all life is. These themes combine with traditional Japanese folklore to create a dream-like experience that never fails to keep readers entranced.

Mushishi is a truly unforgettable series that will keep readers hooked with every new story. While each storyline might seem separate, they all work beautifully together in a rich way that results in one of the best mangas out there.

3 Land of the Lustrous (Houseki No Kuni)

Written and Illustrated by Haruko Ichikawa

Set in a distant future where Earth has been destroyed by meteors and humanity has been wiped out, a new form of immortal life known as the Lustrous emerges, delicate beings replicated after gemstones. Phos is one of the weakest Lustrous and has been assigned the task of creating a history encyclopedia. In this desolate world, the Lustrous face constant attacks from the Lunarians, who seek their gemstones, Houseki no Kuni tells the story of Phos and the other Lustrous as they struggle for survival.

Land of the Lustrous' anime adaptation comes from Studio Orange, the same studio responsible for Beastars and Trigun: Stampede.

The series has some of the most unique and vibrant art styles, with Ichikawa using the heavy contrast between black and white very well. While it can be hard to tell what is going on at times, readers who give the series a chance are massively rewarded with some excellent presentation with the themes represented in even the most commonplace of s. The philosophical exploration of identity and purpose in life is as profound as it can get, and one would be hard-pressed to finish Houseki No Kuni without falling head over heels for Phos and their journey.

Post-apocalypses are a common setting for manga, as seen with greats like Blame!, Akira, and Fist of the North Star. Given how common the genre is, it is all the more exceptional that Land of the Lustrous is so unique. There's no other manga quite like Land of the Lustrous, and that alone makes it more than a solid recommendation.

2 Vinland Saga

Written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura

The series that has jumped to the mainstream stage for its amazing and beautiful storyline, Vinland Saga, has gotten the praise it deserves due to the hit anime. It is a fictionalized retelling of real events, following the young Thorfinn Karlsefni, who is thrust into the Nordic war after vowing to get revenge for his murdered father. The story focuses on a young boy's life as he navigates the brutal life of a soldier and eventually finds a new home in a far-off land known as Vinland.

This series is the entire package: it has stunning art, incredible characters, heart-breaking conflicts, and more. However, what really elevates this series to even greater heights is the beautifully written protagonist of the story. His journey from a blood-lust hateful boy to one who loses meaning in life and later finds purpose is one of the most profound journeys in the medium. The themes of atonement, purpose, and comion are all encomed so beautifully in Thorfinn, making him one of manga's best main characters.

Makoto Yukimura was surprised by the popularity of Thorfinn's 'I have no enemies' speech.

Seinen manga is famous for its meditations on violence. This can most famously be seen with massive manga series like Berserk and Vagabond. With Vinland Saga, Makoto Yukimura similarly explores the life of someone trying to make amends for an early life of violence. Thorfinn's journey isn't an easy one, but that's ultimately part of what makes his eventual turn toward a more peaceful existence all the more compelling.

1 Blue Period

Written and Illustrated by Tsubasa Yamaguchi

This series is one of the most inspirational and hopeful renditions of an artist's struggles, and its beautiful messages land it much praise. It follows Yatora Yaguchi, a hard-working high school student who is at the top of his class. However, he feels empty inside and doesn't have something he truly enjoys. One day, he sees a painting that piques his interest and ropes him into the world of art, something that gives him joy. That is when he decides to become a skilled artist and gain ission to a reputable art school before graduating.

This tale of finding what one loves and enjoys is sure to resonate with anyone of all ages, as it is something very relatable. However, Blue Period, while being hopeful in the pursuit of ion, maintains realism and shows the difficulties and struggles that come with venturing into a new field late. Far from a rosey depiction of someone with a natural skill coasting by on talent, Blue Period is all about the hard work and determination that goes into being an artist.

Yatora's insecurities of failure and how others are much more skilled truly hit hard in the feels, and this emotional roller coaster of a series never shies away from giving it to the reader straight. However, above all, Blue Period is still a heartwarming and realistic story that will inspire readers to find their true selves and try out new interests.

Monthly Afternoon has more amazing manga of all genres, such as Parasyte, Blame!, Knights of Sidonia, Medalist, Skip to Loafer, Heavenly Delusion, Historie, Bakkuon Retou, and many more that cater to every possible readers' choice. Shōnen Jump might be amazing, but manga fans should strive to venture out into other magazines from other publishers, and they might find even more amazing series they like in Kodansha.