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Let’s Kick Off 2025 with Some Great Reads!
Happy New Year, manga lovers! The holiday chaos is finally behind us, and what better way to kick off the year than with some fresh reads? Over the past few days, I’ve dived into a few inspiring manga that, of course, fly under the radar but are definitely worth the attention.
We all know the scenario - New Year's resolutions to tidy up, organise and read more "serious" books. I had the same plan... for about a day. Let's face it, I've already bought more manga than I care to admit (and maybe sold a few), and I've barely touched the series I swore I'd "finish" last year. But hey, that's the beauty of being a manga fan, isn't it? No matter how many we buy, we can't stop collecting and reading. So here's to more manga (and maybe a little less organising).
Now, let’s get to the good stuff — the manga I’ve been loving so far in 2025!
Cinderella Closet
Haruka, a small-town girl, moves to Tokyo for college, only to find that her peers are miles ahead of her in terms of style. Everything changes when her crush, Kurotaki, asks her out to dinner. In a panic, Haruka starts learning about make-up and fashion, which leads her to meet Hikaru, a stunning student who helps her on her fashion journey.
I'll be honest, it took me two tries to fall in love with this series. The first volume didn't really grab me, but months later, encouraged by a friend, I gave it another go. Now I'm totally hooked. The themes of love, self-discovery, friendship, self-confidence and personal growth are so well done and feel real (to an extent). The way Haruka and Hikaru support each other, face challenges and grow together has made the series really satisfying.
Sheltering Eaves
With Sheltering Eaves, Rie Aruga once again demonstrates her talent for tackling sensitive and emotional subjects. After exploring themes of physical disabilities and prejudice in Perfect World, she now delves into the lives of children in foster care, confronting the scars left by abuse and neglect.
The story follows Yoru, a girl who enters a foster home after being abused by her mother, and Tenjaku, a boy with a similar painful past. Their friendship becomes a source of strength for both, but as time goes on, it grows more complicated, especially as their uncertain futures loom when they are about to leave the home. Aruga approaches themes of dependency, fear of abandonment, and the search for belonging with great sensitivity. Yoru’s thoughts constantly revolve around whether Tenjaku needs her as much as she needs him and if their feelings for each other are truly romantic, or if they are simply born from their shared hardship.
Sheltering Eaves is a must-read for those who crave deeper, more emotional stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the scars that shape us.
Run on Your New Legs
This series is wrapped up in just five volumes, and while it’s an incredibly satisfying read, I can’t help but feel there was more room for growth. The story left me wanting to spend more time with Kikuzato, watching him grow and face new challenges. I suspect the series was cut short for marketing reasons, possibly linked to the Tokyo Paralympics.
What stands out about Run on Your New Legs is its focus on friendship, determination and resilience. It's not just a sports story, but a powerful journey of personal growth and pushing boundaries. If you're looking for a shorter, powerful sports manga that highlights parasports and human connection, this is a must-read.
Don't miss out: Attack on Titan 35: FLY Collector's Box Set
The ultimate Attack on Titan collector’s edition is finally available in the USA! The FLY Collector's Box Set, previously released in limited quantities only in Japan, has now made its way stateside — and it’s absolutely worth the wait. Inside this beautiful slipcase, you’ll find the final Attack on Titan art book, a massive 216-page treasure trove featuring every single color illustration from the series (yes, every single one!).
But that’s not all, this box set also comes with incredible bonus items that fans will love. You’ll receive a full-sized replica of the manuscript pages from the last chapter, the mysterious padlock and key that unlock the secrets of Eren’s family basement, and even the iconic scarf Eren gave to Mikasa.
And the pièce de résistance: Volume 35, an exclusive new chapter that focuses on fan-favorite Levi! This special manga, along with rough layouts of the final chapter, is presented for the first time ever in English. Pre-order now for just €169.00 (by the way, the regular price is €250.00) — an incredible deal for this rare collector’s edition!
The ultimate Attack on Titan collector’s edition is part of this month's Manga Pre-Order Deals. Just like the Vagabond Definitive Edition HC Vol 02 that just dropped! Check them all out.
New Manga
So, what’s on the horizon for this year? Well, like many of you, I’m aiming to read more — but, let’s be honest, I’ll probably end up buying even more manga. I’ll just keep adding to my ever-growing collection of manga that fuels my love for storytelling. Now, let’s take a look at what’s new in the warehouse!
If you're in the mood for some deep drama, Sheltering Eaves Vol. 2 will take you on an emotional ride.
For Blue Lock: Episode Nagi fans, the second volume of the spin-off is here! Plus, we've got massive restocks of Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, Yokai Girls, and more fantasy and ghostly adventures.
If you're in the mood for a lighter Shojo romance, we’ve got Glasses With a Chance of Delinquent Vol. 1, Anyway, I’m Falling In Love With You Vol. 5, and Tiger and Dragon Vol. 2. And for those just looking to enjoy some beautiful art, Aidairo Illustrations: Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun Vol. 2 is a visual treat.
Finally, for all Cinderella Closet fans, or those looking to dive into a series they’ve been waiting to discover, the last volume is now in stock and ready for you to enjoy!
As always, this is just a small selection of what’s new — feel free to explore the full range of new arrivals here!
I hope this year brings you incredible stories to enjoy. Here’s to more manga adventures, great reads, and unforgettable moments in 2025! Happy reading, and see you next month!
