Do you need a manga for a quick read?
We've got you covered! Here's our top 5 list of single volumes mangas that are perfect to read in a single sitting. And yes, I admit: I am cheating. Some of these titles are published in omnibus editions and actually are longer than one volume in Japan. But don't tell anyone.
1 Nude Models and Other Stories by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
Let's start with a recently published volume. In the short story collection "Nude Model and Other Stories" by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the mangaka explores a new facet of her work. The collection consists of three dark, twisted and sometimes erotic stories aimed at a more mature audience. This collection shows a different side of the mangaka's skills, offering thought-provoking stories that tackle challenging themes.
You can read a full review of Nudel Models and Other Stories HERE.
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2 A Distant Neighboorhood by Jiro Taniguchi
I am currently rediscovering Jiro Taniguchi. So, I have included one of his most famous titles in this list. "A Distant Neighbourhood" by Jiro Taniguchi is about Hiroshi Nakahara, who is suddenly transported back to his 14-year-old past. In his old hometown, he has the chance to take a fresh look at his life. The manga explores themes of identity, responsibility and the paths we choose in life. With its intriguing time-travelling premise and sensitive portrayal of the human experience, this story will captivate you.
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3 No Longer Human by Junji Ito or Usamaru Furuya
“No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai has two adaptations that I would like to recommend to you. Depending on which style you prefer, you can choose between Junji Ito and Usamaru Furuya. They tell the story of Yozo Oba, a young man who feels lost in society and tries to escape his inner emptiness. The manga explores psychological themes such as identity and loneliness in a haunting way. I have read both adaptations and can only say: What a read!
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4 Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto
I debated for a long time which Fujimoto single volume to add. Between you and me: “Look Back” is also great. In Goodbye, Eri, young filmmaker Yuta contemplates suicide after the death of his mother, but a chance meeting with a mysterious girl changes his life in explosive ways. Fujimoto's “Goodbye, Eri” is a heartbreaking tale of love, loss and the search for identity, and one of my favourite single-volume manga of all time.
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5 The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki
This one-volume coming-of-age story is told from the perspective of Natsuru Nanao, who remembers the summer of his childhood when he met Rio Suzumura. What begins as a seemingly innocent friendship soon takes a dark turn. Kaori Ozaki's empathetic narrative style and emotional illustrations capture the complexity of human emotions and allow readers to immerse themselves in the world of her characters. "The Gods Lie" is as moving for its plot as it is for its profound message about love, loss and the importance of forgiveness.
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