As manga continues to gain popularity in the United States (160% increase in sales from 2020-2021), publishers have been scrambling to draw from a deep well of beloved Japanese classics to appease ravenous readers. Audiences may be familiar with heavy hitters such as Rumiko Takahashi’s Inuyasha, Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon, or Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, but as the market expands, the publishing industry is reissuing lesser-known gems that have been out of print in English for many years or have never received an English release at all! Thankfully, this boom has allowed the works of underrepresented groups such as those produced by the famous Year 24 Group women to be discovered by audiences abroad. Below, and in no particular order, are several titles that have recently been released in English and are available on Timberland’s shelves.
Cat’s Eye by Tsukasa Hojo
My current obsession. Cool sisters, daring heists, wistful love, slapstick humor, 80s vibes—what more can I ask for? Originally released in the 1980s, it is one of Weekly Shōnen Jumps best-selling mangas. This series has been given a recent anime adaptation, but I would encourage you to watch the original series, or at the very least check out the original opening theme which includes a montage of the characters doing a workout backed by energetic synth music.
Red River by Chie Shinohara
My second current obsession. A forerunner of the now immensely popular isekai genre (a story where a character from the real world is transported to a fantasy realm or different era), this story follows a Japanese woman who is magically drawn into the ancient Hittite Empire. If you liked the smart and brave heroines from Inuyasha or Yona of the Dawn, you might enjoy watching Yuri as she leads armies into battle while battling an increasing attraction to a powerful and handsome prince. This series has also recently been given an anime adaption.
The Rose of Versailles by Riyoko Ikeda
A classic shōjo title originally released in the 1970s, this historical drama set during the French Revolution experimented with gender norms and was a forerunner for many famous aesthetic and thematic tropes of the genre.
My Picture Diary by Maki Fujiwara
Maki Fujiwara’s autobiographical manga shares the intimate details of her daily life as the wife of one of Japan’s most famous manga artists, Tsuge Yoshiharu. An author and performer in her own right, Fujiwara’s voice has gone largely unheard until now. Written in the 1980s, this story details her experiences running a household with a toddler and mercurial husband in tow.
Pet Shop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino
Deceptively gory, this series follows a mysterious pet shop owner whose wares are linked to murder and mayhem in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Originally published in the 1990s, it is now regaining acclaim with horror afficionados.
Maison Ikkoku by Rumiko Takahashi
You’ve probably heard of Rumiko Takahashi’s more famous works for kids (or cool people who aren't bound by reading restrictions) such as Ranma ½ or Inuyasha, but have you heard of Maison Ikkoku? Originally written in the 1980s, this slice of life romantic comedy follows the foibles of college student Yusaku Godai as he navigates studying for exams and falling in love while living in a boarding house with an eccentric cast of tenants. Even though the wicker furniture the characters sit on hasn't endured, the slapstick humor and themes of yearning featured on the pages are timeless.
Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara
Understated but delightful, this quiet fantasy series follows Ginko, a traveling doctor who helps his patients find relief from ailments caused by supernatural creatures. The single issue volumes have been out of print for ages, but fans have finally been gifted with a hardcover Collector's Edition re-release which features Urushibara's dream-like watercolor illustrations on the covers.
The Poe Clan by Moto Hagio
A mysterious and atmospheric sci-fi fantasy manga with beautiful illustrations. Hagio is a member of the Year 24 Group, a cadre of Japanese women who re-defined the shōjo manga industry in ways we still see today. She is a proponent of the "beautiful vampire," as is seen by her interpretation of "vampirnellas" who feel the loneliness of immortality.
