Manga Like Slow Start

After three years of intense training, Saitama, once an ordinary man, has attained overwhelming power, able to defeat any enemy with a single punch. Driven by a desire to use his new strength, he sets out on a path as a hero, but soon grows disillusioned by how easily he wins and the absence of any worthy opponent to challenge him. The cyborg Genos, impressed by Saitama's incredible power, asks to become his apprentice. Saitama, however, realizes that because he is not registered with the Hero Association, he remains unknown and overlooked by the public. To gain more recognition, Saitama agrees to register alongside Genos, on the condition that Genos becomes his disciple. Together, they aim to climb the ranks of heroes, seek out powerful enemies, and earn the admiration and respect of others.

Codename "Twilight," a top spy from Westalis, carries out missions to maintain peace and prevent any incident that could spark a war between Westalis and its neighboring country, Ostania. His next assignment requires him to infiltrate the prestigious Eden Academy by posing as a family man, with the goal of gathering information on influential Ostanian politician Donovan Desmond. Adopting the alias "Loid Forger," Twilight takes in Anya, an orphaned girl who can read minds, to play the role of his six-year-old daughter. For his wife, he selects Yor Briar, an office worker pretending to be in a relationship to satisfy her social circle. Unbeknownst to Loid, Yor is actually the deadly assassin known as "Thorn Princess," and this union provides her with an ideal cover. Anya, unknown to both Loid and Yor, is an esper—the result of secret experiments that gave her telepathic powers. Despite learning the truth about her new parents, Anya is thrilled that they are both covert operatives. She keeps their secrets, ensuring their charade continues. As "The Forgers," Loid, Yor, and Anya must maintain their facade while pursuing their individual goals. Through their interactions, they come to understand that family can transcend biological connections.

At Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane, a nationally renowned genius and student council president, shares the stage with Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president who is both affluent and stunningly beautiful. Though they aren't in a relationship, students often view them as the ideal couple. Unbeknownst to most, their frequent interactions have sparked romantic feelings between them. Nevertheless, neither Miyuki nor Kaguya wishes to be the first to admit these feelings, as it would be perceived as a sign of vulnerability. Driven by their pride as top students, they engage in elaborate strategies aimed at making the other confess first, igniting a war of love and wits.

On her first day at the prestigious Itan Private High School, Shouko Komi captivates the entire student body with her striking appearance and graceful demeanor. Despite her instant fame, Shouko struggles deeply with social interactions. Hitohito Tadano, an unremarkable high schooler who prides himself on staying inconspicuous, finds himself sitting beside Shouko, earning him the wrath of his classmates. After accidentally fainting one day, Hitohito hears Shouko say "meow" upon waking. Pretending not to notice, he sees Shouko hurriedly leave, only to realize that she is unable to connect with others, having never made a single friend. Driven by this discovery, Hitohito commits to helping Shouko reach her goal of making 100 friends to combat her social anxiety.

Momo Ayase is in a bad mood after being rejected. While out, she sees a boy getting bullied and steps in to help. The boy is deeply into the occult and tries to talk to Ayase about supernatural topics, thinking they have something in common. But Ayase insists she believes in ghosts, and they argue over which is more real. To settle the debate, they each go separately to places tied to either the occult or ghosts—Ayase picks the occult, and the boy picks ghosts. When they reach their spots, they find out both the occult and ghosts are actually real. This discovery throws Ayase and the boy into a series of adventures where they deal with all the supernatural and occult events they come across, hoping to get back to a normal life.

In Death City, the Death Weapon Meister Academy, founded by Shinigami the Grim Reaper, serves as a bastion of order. The academy trains Meisters and Demon Weapons—humans who can transform into weapons—to defend humanity from evil forces. The ultimate goal for a Meister is to forge a "Death Scythe" fit for Shinigami, which requires their weapon partner to consume the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch. Maka Albarn and her weapon partner, Soul Eater "Soul" Evans, are students at the academy striving to achieve this. Their journey includes the loud Black☆Star and his flexible partner, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, along with the precise Death the Kid—known simply as Kid—and his twin partners, Patricia "Patty" and Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson. Each team aims to be the best Meister and Demon Weapon pair, facing various missions, challenges, and academic trials along the way. Despite their goals, the group becomes entangled in numerous mysteries. As new enemies emerge and hidden secrets are uncovered, Maka, Soul, and their friends must confront threats far greater than ordinary human foes, fighting to protect both the academy and the world.

As a child, Raku Ichijou made a promise to a girl he met long ago that they would marry if they ever met again. Over time, he forgot her face, but still holds onto a locked pendant that only she can open with a key. He hopes to one day find her, even though he cannot recall her appearance. Now a first-year student at Bonyari High, Raku wants a peaceful school life and dreams of dating his crush, Kosaki Onodera. But as the son of a yakuza boss, his life is far from normal. When the American Bee Hive gang attacks his family's territory, a truce is forced between the two rival organizations. To maintain peace, Raku must pretend to be in a romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of the Bee Hive's leader. Despite their mutual dislike, they have to act like a loving couple to keep the gangs from clashing. Meanwhile, the search for the key to his pendant grows more complicated as other girls appear, each somehow connected to the lock. Raku must navigate his fake romance, preserve the fragile peace between the warring factions, and find out which girl holds the key to both his pendant and his heart.

In the grim and chaotic district known as Hole, where darkness and decay reign supreme and survival is a constant struggle, the powerful magic users hold absolute sway over a populace they regard as mere insects. The streets are rife with violence, and the hospitals overflow daily with the victims of murder, mutilation, and ruthless experimentation. Amidst this desolate landscape, a few dare to challenge the magic users' dominion. One such figure is Caiman, a creature more akin to a reptile than a human, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth. Equipped with two trusted bayonets and blessed—or cursed—with immunity to magic, he stalks through Hole, haunted by his own appearance and plagued by nightmares. His sole allies against these malevolent sorcerers are his insatiable appetite and Nikaidou, the proprietor of the diner Hungry Bug, who stands steadfast beside him. Dorohedoro unfolds in a nightmarishly designed world, blending dark humor and light-hearted moments with unflinching depictions of brutality and death. Through the tangled lives of Hole’s inhabitants, the series crafts a singular universe of eerie origin and bleak aesthetics, unsuitable for the faint of heart.

In the sun-drenched coastal town of Izu, Iori Kitahara starts his university life at Izu University. Moving into his uncle's dive shop, Grand Blue, Iori dreams of an ideal college experience filled with charming companions and close friendships. His plans are quickly derailed when he meets rowdy upperclassmen who strip down and pressure him into drinking games. Despite initial hesitation, Iori joins in and becomes the center of attention. His fortunes shift when his cousin, Chisa Kotegawa, walks in unexpectedly and gives him a disapproving look. Nevertheless, Iori remains determined to pursue his perfect college life—will he succeed, or will his situation take an unexpected turn?

Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old former gang member carrying a reputation as a pervert, unexpectedly secures a position as a teacher. The story follows Onizuka as he works to outsmart and earn the trust of his rebellious Class 3-4, a group determined to get him fired. Along the way, he must confront obstacles including the irritable, balding Vice Principal Hiroshi Uchiyamada, old enemies from his biker days, and his own unorthodox teaching methods. Despite these challenges, Onizuka perseveres, helping his students, pursuing the affections of teacher Azusa Futsuyuki, and striving to live up to his self-given title. This collection also includes the side story "GTO: Great Toroko Oppai♡" (Tomoko's Big Adventures).

In "Bakuman。", Moritaka Mashiro, a skilled middle school artist, feels uncertain about his future, expecting a dull life ahead. His outlook changes when Akito Takagi, an aspiring writer, finds one of Mashiro's drawings and suggests they team up to create a manga. Mashiro initially hesitates because his late uncle, a mangaka, died from overworking, but he is spurred on by his crush, Miho Azuki, who wants to become a seiyuu. Driven by a goal to craft a manga that could become an anime for Azuki to voice, Mashiro agrees. Azuki, who shares his feelings, promises to marry him once they both achieve their dreams. The story follows Mashiro and Takagi as they tackle the hurdles of getting their work published in Weekly Shounen Jump and striving to gain fame as mangakas. Their path balances between success and the risk of falling short like many other hopeful creators.

In a world that many consider ordinary, five-year-old Yotsuba Koiwai perceives everything with boundless enthusiasm and curiosity. After moving to a new town with her adoptive father, Yousuke, she takes it upon herself to explore her surroundings. Following some mishaps at the local park, the Koiwais meet their neighbors, the Ayase family: college student Asagi, who loves to tease; responsible high school student Fuuka; and kind elementary schooler Ena. Though Yotsuba's antics often amuse and sometimes frustrate them, the Ayase sisters gradually grow fond of her and join her in her adventures. Whether mastering a swing or trying to stop global warming by fiddling with air conditioners, Yotsuba's ability to find joy in the simplest things astonishes and entertains those around her. Along with Yousuke, the Ayases, and various other friends, she embarks on daily escapades that deepen her appreciation for life's basic pleasures.

Fuutarou Uesugi is a top student who excels in his studies, but his dedication has left him without friends and struggling with his family's financial burdens. His isolated life changes when he encounters a new student, Itsuki Nakano, who challenges him over their usual lunch spot. After a minor clash where Fuutarou bests Itsuki with a remark about her eating habits, he learns that a wealthy family has hired him to tutor their underperforming daughters. To his surprise, the students are Itsuki and her four identical sisters: the reserved Miku, the energetic Yotsuba, the cunning Nino, and the composed Ichika. Fuutarou soon discovers that teaching these quintuplets is far more difficult than anticipated, as they show little interest in academics. He must now navigate the challenges of guiding five unique and beautiful young women through their studies.

The difficulties of adulthood and the harsh realities of office work often make people wish they could go back to their younger years and choose differently. This feeling leads 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki to consider an unusual offer. After returning home from his part-time job, Arata is contacted by Ryou Yoake, a representative from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents an experimental program designed to improve his job prospects. The ReLife project plans to change Arata's appearance to that of a 17-year-old, allowing him to experience high school again for one year. After this trial ends, he will receive a job offer, something he has had trouble getting since leaving his previous job. Despite his doubts, Arata agrees to the strange arrangement. But his adult way of thinking and his lack of recent school experience make handling everyday life in high school harder than he expected.

At Seika High School, a former all-boys school that recently became coeducational, Misaki Ayuzawa serves as the first female student council president. Earning the nickname "Demon President" for her Aikido skills and strict enforcement of rules, Misaki secretly works at a maid café to support her family financially. If this were discovered, it would destroy her reputation. Her secret is threatened when Takumi Usui, the most popular boy at school, finds out. The series Kaichou wa Maid-sama! follows their developing relationship and the discovery of each other's hidden sides. Also included is the one-shot "Toumei na Sekai" (Transparent World).

An enormous explosion reduces the moon to a permanent crescent, forever altering the night sky. A yellow, tentacled monster then appears before global leaders, claiming responsibility for the catastrophe and threatening to destroy Earth within a year. Traveling at Mach 20, the creature makes an unconventional demand: to teach at the esteemed Kunugigaoka Junior High School. To contain the threat, the government reluctantly agrees, placing the students of Class 3-E on an impossible quest—to assassinate the creature responsible for the lunar devastation. While bearing the burden of saving the world, the students also face personal struggles. Positioned at the bottom of Kunugigaoka’s rigid academic hierarchy, they suffer from the bias of teachers and classmates. Overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, they question their ability to achieve even basic life goals, let alone confront a being far more powerful than any human. As the enigmatic Koro-sensei imparts lessons in both murder and academics, however, the students slowly gain the courage to rise up against what may be the greatest adversary in history. One-Shot Included: Volume 21: Tokyo Department Sensou Taikenki (Tokyo Department Store War Chronicles)

Tarou Sakamoto was once the most feared hitman in the underworld. At the peak of his career, he chose to leave his criminal life behind after falling in love with a woman. Now, he lives a quiet life as a convenience store clerk. However, escaping his violent past proves harder than Sakamoto expected. His old enemies and acquaintances from the underworld refuse to accept his retirement and keep targeting him. Unable to use lethal force, Sakamoto comes up with creative ways to stop his attackers while protecting his family, his workplace, and the peaceful town he calls home.

In "The Breaker," Yi Shi-Woon, called Shioon, is bullied daily at Nine Dragons High School by Ho Chang and his gang. His life changes when a mysterious man named Han Chun Woo observes one of the attacks and criticizes Shioon for not defending himself. Shioon later discovers that Chun Woo is actually the new substitute English teacher at his school. Determined to end the bullying, Shioon enrolls in a martial arts academy. On his way there, he encounters Chun Woo again, this time being ambushed by a group of hostile men. Chun Woo handles the situation with his martial arts skills, and Shioon captures it on video. Using this evidence, Shioon forces Chun Woo to teach him self-defense. Despite initial reluctance, Chun Woo agrees and introduces Shioon to the hidden world of martial arts, known as Murim. However, Shioon remains unaware of Chun Woo’s dark past and the dangerous side of Murim. The story follows how Chun Woo will guide Shioon and protect him in this treacherous world.

In "Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku," Narumi Momose, a petite and kawaii young woman deeply passionate about idols, video games, and anime and manga, particularly boys' love genres, finds herself labeled as a hidden otaku and fujoshi. After a breakup over her hobbies, Narumi quits her job and begins working at a new company. There, only a few colleagues know about her secret: Hirotaka Nifuji, a blunt gaming enthusiast and her childhood friend; Hanako Koyanagi, a mature and composed woman; and Tarou Kabakura, a handsome man with a fierce demeanor who frequently clashes with Hanako. Over drinks, Hirotaka encourages Narumi to find someone who can embrace her interests. Despite her reservations—given that otakus are often perceived as odd and their kindred spirits are usually fellow otakus—Narumi wonders if a relationship between two otakus might indeed be possible. As Narumi and Hirotaka embark on a romantic journey, the series offers a heartwarming exploration of balancing career, love, and personal passions.

After being dumped by his girlfriend, heartbroken college student Kazuya Kinoshita tries to fill the emptiness inside him by renting a girlfriend via a mobile app. Initially, Chizuru Mizuhara appears perfect—gorgeous, sweet, and caring. But after their first date, Kazuya reads mixed reviews on her profile and, still haunted by his ex, assumes Chizuru is just toying with men's emotions. He gives her a low rating. Furious at being disrespected by a client, Chizuru drops her act and shows her real personality: sharp-tongued and hot-tempered—the exact opposite of his first impression. Just then, Kazuya learns his grandmother has collapsed and is forced to bring Chizuru along to the hospital. Though it turns out to be nothing serious, his grandmother is overjoyed that Kazuya finally has a serious girlfriend—something she always hoped for. Unable to admit the truth, Kazuya and Chizuru are pushed into a fake relationship, pretending to be genuinely in love.

In the prestigious Ouran High School, a haven for the children of the wealthy and influential, the Host Club stands as the most popular club on campus. Inside their lavish clubroom, six charming, disinterested young men spend their time entertaining equally attractive, bored young women. Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student from a modest background, has no interest in the Host Club until she accidentally breaks an expensive vase in their room. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi is forced by Kyouya Ootori to join the club to pay off her debt. Tamaki Suou, the club's flamboyant king, eagerly takes her under his wing to teach her the ways of hosting. However, life in the Host Club is never ordinary. Even routine events turn into over-the-top affairs thanks to the mischievous Hitachiin twins, Hikaru and Kaoru, the stoic Takashi Morinozuka, and the gentle Mitsukuni "Hunny" Haninozuka. As the Host Club embarks on a series of wild adventures, Haruhi must adapt to the dazzling, exaggerated world of the hosts. The final volume includes an extra chapter detailing their trip to Spain.

The legendary yakuza figure known as "Immortal Tatsu," famed for single-handedly defeating an entire rival gang with just a lead pipe, instills fear in both seasoned cops and ruthless criminals. Following a mysterious disappearance, Tatsu reappears with a new path in life. Now clad in an apron, he has given up violence and aims to live honestly as a househusband. Navigating everyday tasks like grocery shopping and cooking presents unique challenges for Tatsu. Despite his peaceful intentions, misunderstandings frequently plague his life. Gokushufudou chronicles the humorous and earnest journey of this former yakuza as he transitions from a life of danger to the role of a devoted stay-at-home spouse.

In "Mob Psycho 100," Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama is an eighth-grade student who possesses immense psychic powers but keeps them hidden due to their potentially destructive nature and the unwanted attention they draw. He suppresses his abilities by working for Arataka Reigen, a self-proclaimed esper who exploits Mob's talents for his own gain. Mob spends his time performing exorcisms for Reigen. Driven by his desire to win the affection of his childhood friend, Tsubomi Takane, Mob strives to become more likable. Yet, various obstacles continually disrupt his everyday life, gradually eroding his grip on his suppressed emotions. As his pent-up feelings intensify, what will happen when he finally reaches his breaking point remains uncertain.

Tsunayoshi Sawada, frequently dismissed as "No-Good Tsuna," endures a life filled with failure—his grades are poor, he lacks athletic ability, and he has no companions. His situation worsens when he learns that his crush, Kyouko Sasagawa, is already in a relationship. What Tsuna does not realize is that he is a descendant of Giotto, the founder of the legendary Vongola Famiglia. His world shifts dramatically with the sudden appearance of Reborn, an infant who claims to be the world's top hitman. Sent by Vongola the Ninth, Reborn's purpose is to train Tsuna to become a suitable candidate for the prestigious Vongola leadership. Despite Reborn's efforts, Tsuna strongly resists the notion of becoming a mafia boss. How will the world's most skilled hitman handle Tsuna's defiance? Can Reborn force Tsuna to accept his path, or will he find a way to turn Tsuna's resistance into strength? This narrative follows Tsuna's reluctant progress toward accepting his role as the future leader of the underworld, aided by his friends and his extraordinary tutor.