Monthly Manga Highlights: May 2018

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May is here, and with it comes finally, some warm weather. Whether you’re indoors by a window or outside under a tree, there’s no better time to enjoy manga in the sunshine. There’s quite a selection this month, including some old classics that are finally available in English. Here are our top picks for manga released for May 2018!

It’s finally here—after two spinoffs and a delay, the original Devilman is at last available in English. This is the first of two volumes that will cover the series, but it’s something we’ve all been waiting for. Following the release of Devilman Crybaby in January, a boom of interest in Go Nagai’s works reached a new peak, so this. There are quite a few differences between this original and Crybaby, and now we can finally get our hands on it officially to see for ourselves.
The Bride is a Boy is a standalone title, but don’t be confused by the cover- it has a lot to say. Similar to Kabi Nagata’s work, this is an autobiographical manga about Chii, a trans woman. It details her experiences with romance, and her interactions with her husband is a cute and tender way. Most importantly, it sheds some light on LGBT experiences in Japan. Seven Seas has been doing a great job of releasing LGBT titles, and this is definitely one to pick up for the collection.
It’s been a long time since the last release of Ajin, but that’s a small price to pay on Gamon Sakurai’s monthly release schedule and incredibly detailed artwork. Sato is as much of a threat as ever, with him constantly teetering between seriousness and his own urges for destruction. The story is as high-paced and merciless as ever, and you definitely don’t want to miss this volume.
Baron Yoshimoto’s work hasn’t been published much overseas, but now we have a collection of some of his best stories in Troublemakers. Yoshimoto is a classic manga artist, most well-known for heading the interest in manga in the 60s. His stories aren’t aimed for children and tackle more mature themes, which means this one is bound to be shrinkwrapped. Still, his work had a lot of impact, and now we can all see for ourselves what he brought to the table.
Okinawa is a far more political title, but one that shouldn’t be ignored. Susumu Higa is from Okinawa, and his piece grapples with the island’s troublesome history. A majority of this focuses on the current occupation by the United States and how that has changed the island’s dynamics, but it doesn’t shy away from how this was established, with World War II and the Battle of Okinawa. It’s a more poignant piece, one that takes a hard look at the horrors of war and its lasting effects.
Delicious In Dungeon releases its fifth volume, and things are as crazy as ever. Farin may have been rescued and the Red Dragon may have fallen, but the adventure is far from over. Things are not what they seem, and the group faces the possibility of betrayal from within.
The anime of The Ancient Magus’ Bride concluded last season, and it was truly an experience. The manga has a particular kind of quiet charm that makes it unique. Coupled with an engaging story makes it a series we highly recommend. Coming out this month is the guidebook for the world of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Mermkal. Yamazaki has truly spun a unique and lovely take on English mythology, and now readers have a guidebook that details it all.
I am a Hero has returned with its sixth volume. The zombie apocalypse continues, but the threat has changed from just being zombies. Now Hideo has to worry about the eerie influence the bites seem to have on people. Of course, his biggest fear is whether he’s being consumed by it as well. An old coworker described the series as The Walking Dead but even more extreme, and she was absolutely correct.
Plenty of good titles for the month. As always, let us know if you enjoyed any of our suggestions!