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Hey manga friends,
After Annika treated you to some amazing Pride reads in June, I’m back to ramble about manga, sweat through this German heatwave, and emotionally spiral over fictional characters again. So... business as usual.
Are you a summer person? Well, I’m not. The last heatwave had me melting in my roof-level room at 35°C, and honestly, I’m still recovering.
And while trying not to turn into a puddle, I’ve also been mentally preparing for something much more painful than the weather: the end of Vinland Saga. Yes, it’s happening. The final chapter drops in Japan this July, and Thorfinn’s journey - from broken boy to warrior of peace - is coming to a close.🥲
It’s been one of the most meaningful, complex, and beautifully told stories I’ve ever read. And yes, someone on Instagram already spoiled the recent Chapter to me. In a story. Without warning. Please don’t be that person.😮💨
By the way: Did you know Vinland Saga only became huge in the West after the anime dropped? So that got me thinking... how many other manga are about to blow up this summer because of their anime adaptations? Exactly. That’s why this month’s theme is: Must-Read Manga for the Anime Summer Season 2025!
My Picks: The Slightly-Under-the-Radar Edition
You know me by now. I love highlighting the titles you might not already have on your radar, the ones hiding between the popular kids (or… next to them, awkwardly sipping tea).
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity 1
€10,49
€13,99
Two rival schools stand next door to each other: one for elite ladies, one for good-for-nothing boys. But one of those boys might just be a naturally chivalrous diamond in the rough, and one of those girls might be a… read more
Okay, maybe this one isn’t under the radar, but it’s still worth highlighting. This romance manga by Saka Mikami is everything I didn’t know I needed: calm, sincere, a little dramatic, and full of quiet, emotional moments that sneak into your heart.
It follows Rintarō, a sweet and somewhat intimidating student from Chidori High, a school known for its rowdy, “delinquent” boys. He spends most of his time helping out in his family’s bakery. One day, he serves Kaoruko, a soft-spoken girl from Kikyo Private Academy, the pristine, prestigious girls’ school next door. Their encounter is simple, but meaningful, and it doesn’t stop there. When Rintarō later steps in to protect her from some creeps, their relationship slowly begins to bloom.
The manga explores their bond as it grows across social expectations, school reputations, and their own internal doubts. It’s romantic, yes, but not in a loud, cliché way. The tension is low-key, and that’s what makes it feel so real. It’s a story about noticing someone for who they are, not who the world thinks they’re supposed to be.
Night Of Living Cat GN Vol 01
€10,50
€13,99
A new horror/comedy about adorable threats in a post-apocalyptic world!A virus spreads across the world, transforming all humankind into wild, slavering, furry beasts: cats, to be precise. Those few survivors who remain human take refuge in the dark corners of… read more
You want weird? I’ve got weird. This is a post-apocalyptic comedy where humans are being turned into cats. Not zombies. Not monsters. Just very, very fluffy cats.
It all starts when a strange virus begins spreading across the globe. One lick, one cuddle, one innocent brush of the tail and boom, you’re infected. You become an adorable cat. (But it’s not as cute as it sounds. Okay, maybe it is, but still.) Most of humanity has already fallen. The few survivors are living in hiding, trying not to give in to the cuteness that surrounds them.
Our protagonist, Kunagi, is kind of a problem. Because… he loves cats. Like, really loves them. He might be humanity’s last hope, but he’s also one tail-flick away from hugging a furry overlord and becoming one himself.
This manga is hilarious, surprisingly well-drawn, and 100% ridiculous in the best way. It knows exactly what it is: a parody, a satire, and a love letter to cat lovers everywhere. If you’ve ever tried to work from home while your cat sits on your keyboard, this is your manga. Also, my cat 100% approves of this recommendation.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
April Showers Bring May Flowers Vol. 1
€14,67
Pessimistic high school student Hana Tabata doesn't believe her life could ever be like that of a heroine from the shoujo manga she reads-she's convinced she's ugly, and she's always alone. Still, she can't help but imagine herself as a… read more
Let’s talk RomComs again. Our heroine, Hana Tabata, is… not your typical flower of youth. Despite what her name might suggest, she doesn’t look like a shojo manga protagonist. Her eyes are small, her features plain, and she’s been told she’s “ugly” one too many times. Still, every morning, she quietly tends to the flower beds at school, a peaceful routine where she can daydream about fairy-tale love without anyone watching.
Until someone does. Enter Ueno: handsome, sweet, and pretty much everyone’s favourite classmate. When he randomly starts talking to her, Hana is confused, flustered, and completely sure it’s some kind of cosmic mistake. Surely someone like him wouldn’t really be interested in… well, her?
But here’s the thing that makes this manga so good: there’s no villain, no mean girl sabotaging things, no drama from outside. The only real conflict is the one inside Hana’s mind. Her doubts, her insecurities, and her slow, hesitant journey toward believing she might actually deserve kindness and love. It’s sweet, funny, a little awkward in the best way, and a beautiful reminder that romance doesn’t belong only to the “pretty people”.
Want even more Must-Read Manga for the Anime Summer Season? Then don’t miss Daniel’s blog entry over in the Beyond the Panels section!
What I’ve Been Reading Lately
The past few weeks have been… busy. Work, chasing out-of-print series, and - of course - falling down the rabbit hole of new manga gems. You know, the usual.
Despite the chaos, I still managed to check out a few fresh titles and revisit some that have been sitting on my list forever. A friend recently recommended You Can't Live All On Your Own! and said it starts incredibly strong. So if you're looking for a deep, emotional josei story, go grab it while it's still fresh.
Oh, and BIG news: The Climber is in stock. If you’re into breathtaking art and a gripping, high-stakes journey through the mountains, this is your sign. And if you're curious what else just landed on our shelves, you can check out all current arrivals here.
Preorder Pick of the Month?
Definitely Lone Wolf and Cub – Deluxe Edition. If you’re into historical manga with weight, drama, and razor-sharp storytelling, this one’s a classic. I read the first volume of the German deluxe version last year and have been slowly collecting the rest since. I’m super hyped to see how the English edition will look.
And if you're in the mood to plan ahead: you’ll find all our open pre-orders neatly gathered here.
Alright, that’s it from me for now!
Whether you’re hiding from the heat with a good manga, binge-watching your favourite anime, or just trying not to melt like I am. I hope you have a fun, cozy, and story-filled summer.
Stay hydrated, don’t trust Instagram with spoilers, and maybe treat yourself to a new volume (or five). You deserve it.
Until next time,
Kerstin
