Welcome back to Hoi’s Manga Corner for those already weeb trash or prospective followers of this creed. Just kidding, but I am weeb trash so let’s leave it at that. Aside from the popular manga and anime series currently trending (i.e. Boku no Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, One Piece, etc.), there are other series, indie or otherwise, that should receive some attention too! Which isn’t to say the others are bad, but there are others that may tickle your fancy. And if it tickles something else, that’s cool too.

This month, I will be featuring Ake no Tobari, Mashira, Nanohana Boys, and Full Drum. If you’re looking for a new sports manga, you’re definitely in luck this time around because the latter series has the perfect formula for a great following and fun adventure.

Title: Ake no Tobari (明けのトバリ)
Author: Hyakusen Dori
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Comedy, Action

There has always been strife and differences between the demons and humans. Peace was and is an unimaginable idea, but a young demon found the beauty in the connection with humans. Young and ambitious, he sets off to become as powerful as he can. His dream – to unite the two species so they can coexist peacefully. However, bridging the gap isn’t nearly as easy as he thought. Just a bit short-sighted, but hopeful, he meets a human priest. Though they bumped heads at first, the priest was quickly sold by the demon’s positive attitude and admirable endeavor. So, the two set off without much of a plan with the intent to change the world one act of goodwill at a time. Sometimes it also means beating other demons up, but certain methods are needed to get the point across. Totally.

Part of the reason I chose this as part of the monthly manga recommendation for Hoi’s Manga Corner is because there’s a lot of hate, strife, and loss of hope in humanity. Ake no Tobari takes a positive stance on the existence of humanity (even if it is, indeed, taking place in a different universe). The art style is cute and fun too! This series is being translated by Nanaten.

Title: Full Drum (フルドラム)
Author: Hakoishi Tooru
Genre: Sports, Comedy, Romance, Drama

A high school boy named Hino has a one-track mind and it’s all about girls. At least, it’s all about getting a girlfriend and the key to that is to be an ace jock. The unfortunate aspect about him, however, is the fact that he lacks any reputable skill or athletic ability to excel in sports. Whether it be basketball, tennis, or soccer, Hino has been kicked out of every club imaginable. That is until a “destined” encounter with a female schoolmate named Ayako Noborito lands him on the rugby team. Though he is completely clueless about how to play rugby, Hino was determined to make Noborito his girlfriend! One day, after a scuffle with some delinquent kids, he discovers his knack.

If you’re looking for a new sports manga series then today it your lucky day! Just a few chapters have been scanned and translated, but it shows immense potential for laughs and drama! Full Drum is a current project at Megchan’s Scanlations.

Title: Mashira (マシラ)
Author: Uchimizu Tooru
Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery, Tragedy

After a mysterious event that took place in Mashira village, a young man managed to live and escape. In an attempt to forget the tragedy that took place, Iori left the small town to live in Tokyo. Twelve years later, he returns to visit his grandparents and perhaps reconcile with the memories and feelings he tried to leave behind. However, there are more horrors awaiting him and the population there. People are going missing, limbs and various parts scattered across the land. A mysterious blond girl with glasses he meets warns him of the impending danger, advising him to leave town as soon as possible. Who could she be and what is her role with the mystery that continues to haunt Mashira village?

There may only be a few chapters scanned and translated, it has a lot of promise of being a new, gruesome and tragic series to read. I’m a sucker for horror and action manga, especially those that mix realistic consequences and science fiction or fantasy. I get the feeling this may be one of those as well. Mashira is being translated by Pearse Hillock.

Title: Nanohana Boys (낮은 곳으로)
Author: Pyon
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama

A hot-headed young man who lived most of his young years as a delinquent finally gets a wake-up call one day when he becomes a victim of a motor vehicle accident. Living life for the thrill of it, feeling the youthful illusion of invulnerability, it was easy for Onishi Yu and his gang of friends to lose sight of the future. After realizing he has gone nearly blind in one eye and spending several months in physical rehabilitation, Onishi returns to high school to repeat his last year. There, he meets a young man named Ishida Kenji, a classmate who is deaf and mute. After a misunderstanding that occurred between the two and the encouragement of an onlooking teacher, Onishi gradually becomes friends with him. This is a story about a budding and clumsy friendship between two young men, learning to be more understanding, and one of personal growth.

Common social problems and trigger warnings like bullying, child abuse, and modern apathy are illustrated as well. Furthermore, the story focuses around those who must go on with life, having to maneuver around hard-won obstacles with a disability or disabilities. Many of their struggles are silent, hard to see, and easy to miss. Based on my limited knowledge, I believe the original title roughly translates to “To a Lower Place”. The translated version I read used Japanese translated names instead of the original names from the Korean manhua/manhwa. This is being translated by justforreplying. The original comic can be found at Comico KR.

For more recommendations from Hoi’s Manga Corner, check out the lists from previous months below:

• June 2017 – Featuring The God of High School, Their Story, and More
• May 2017 – Featuring Cambria, Gantz, The Jinx’s Lover, and To You The Immortal
• April 2017 – Check out The Rule Breaker, Killer Killer, and More
• March 2017 – Check out ‘Ayanashi’, ‘Black Torch’, Myth Front, and More
• February 2017 – Check out ‘Adu of Hades’, ‘Darwin’s Game’, Moritat, and More