Shonen Jump manga series are icons, with stories like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and others telling some of the best stories people can see in the medium. It’s difficult, and perhaps impossible, to play favorites. So this week, we felt it’d be a good time to consider some of the titles we feel are the best of all time to us personally and recommend them to others.
While Yu Yu Hakusho is iconic and tremendously influential, I can’t in good faith choose that over Hunter x Hunter. Hunter x Hunter is amazingly written, with so many great fights and interesting characters. The Chimera Ant Arc was, admittedly, ridiculously long. But the payoff? Oh my God. I’ve never read or felt something like that ever from a Shonen Jump manga and I probably never will again. That, for me, ranks it higher than other great series like Gintama. And before the One Piece fans mob me in the comments: yes, I’m sure One Piece has amazing story arcs too but I just can’t get past Skypeia, okay? — Stephanie
I’m going to go with a more recent release as a pick, even though it means I am ignoring yeeeeeeears of Shonen Jump history. I think Chainsaw Man is perhaps the best Shonen Jump manga. It’s got tons of action, comedy, and drama in it, not to mention unexpected twists. There’s incredible depth. The characters are relatable. I never know how the arcs are going to go. It’s absolutely great. — Jenni
My heart goes to My Hero Academia, which consistently brings me back to reading manga week after week better than any other series ever. It is the near-perfect blend of Marvel superheroes with classic Shonen Jump-style action and characters, with a little bit of something for everyone. This is a series that only gets better over time, as the shocking motivations and twists regarding both the heroes and villains are revealed. However, I will say I am at the point where I am ready for it to finally conclude. — Cody
