Manga Monday Picks: Shonen Jump Classics
Didn't make it to the January 2019 Manga Monday? Don’t worry! Here’s what you missed!
At every Manga Monday, which meets on the first Monday of each month, patrons have an opportunity to share their favorite manga series and learn about new series from fellow patrons and the librarian on hand.
This month’s theme wasShonen Jump Classics! The publicationWeekly Shōnen Jump and its American counterpart, Shonen Jump, are staples of the shonen genre, having produced some of the biggest shonen manga hits of the last 30-or-so years. What better way to start our new program by sharing our favorite Shonen Jump series and revisiting some old classics!
Completely new to Japanese manga? Then check out our beginner’s guide and make sure to stop by at our next Manga Monday meetup.
From our first Manga Monday, here is a list of absolute must-read Shonen Jump titles, selected by our staff and patrons. (All summaries adapted from the publisher and/or catalog listings.)
Staff Shonen Jump Picks
Dragon Ball
Story and Art by Akira Toriyama
Ages: 14+
Legend has it that if all seven of the precious orbs called "Dragon Balls" are gathered together, an incredibly powerful dragon god will appear to grant one wish. Unfortunately, the orbs are scattered across the world, making them extremely difficult to collect.
Enter 16-year-old Bulma, a scientific genius who has constructed a radar to detect the exact locations of the Dragon Balls. She's on a mission to find all seven orbs, but first must convince young Son Goku to join her on her quest. With a monkey tail, superhuman strength, and a magic staff for a weapon, Son Goku is ready to set out on the adventure of a lifetime…
YuYu Hakusho. Vol. 1, Goodbye, Material World!
Story and Art by Yoshihiro Togashi
Ages: 14+
Yusuke Urameshi was a tough teen delinquent until one selfless act changed his life… by ending it. When Yusuke died saving a little kid from a speeding car, the afterlife didn't know what to do with him, so it gave him a second chance at life. Now, Yusuke is a ghost with a mission, performing good deeds at the beshest of Botan, the spirit guide of the dead, and Koenma, her pacifier-sucking boss from the "other side." But what strange things await him on the borderline between life and death?
Ranma 1/2
Story and Art by Rumiko Takahashi
Age: 15+
Years ago, Genma promised his old friend, Soun Tendo, that Ranma would marry one of Soun's three daughters and carry on the family's martial arts school. Except the girl picked to be Ranma's bride doesn't seem to like him, Ranma keeps getting into fights… and did we mention that whole changing-into-a-girl thing?
One Piece. Vol. 1, Romance Dawn
Story and Art by Eiichiro Oda
Ages: 14+
As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But his life changed when Luffy accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber… at the cost of never being able to swim again!
Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure… one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world…
Patron Shonen Jump Picks
Demon Slayer = Kimetsu No Yaiba. Volume 1
Story and Art by Koyoharu Gotouge
Ages: 13+
In Taisho-era Japan, Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who makes a living selling charcoal. His peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his family and turns his sister into another demon, forcing Tanjiro on a dangerous journey to destroy the demon and save his sister.
Prince of Tennis
Story and Art by Takeshi Konomi
Ages: 11+
There is a rumor going around that a 12-year-old boy is going to enter the 16-and-under tennis group. How can someone so young ever hope to compete with kids much older and more experienced than him? This is no ordinary kid: he is none other than Ryoma Echizen, the Prince of Tennis! Ryoma's father was destined for greatness until he injured himself during a match, ending his career forever. His talent was passed on to his son, who is determined to be the best tennis player in the world. Can the prince gain the respect of his fellow teammates despite his small size and young age?
Unanimous Shonen Jump Pick
Everyone agrees you need to read this series now!
Hunter x Hunter
Story and Art by Yoshihiro Togashi
Age: 16+
When Gon learns his father Ging—whom he thought was dead—is a famous Hunter, he aspires to follow in his footsteps and track down monsters, treasures, and words of magic.
Attention manga readers! Upcoming Manga Monday themes:
Monday, Febuary 4: Shojo Beat Favorites!
Monday, March 4: March Mecha Madness!
Monday, April 1: April Fools Comedy Special!