Discover a World of Free Manga: Your Guide to Online Reading
IGN loves manga, but the sheer volume of titles released annually in Japan can make keeping up a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Fortunately, numerous platforms offer fantastic manga for free! From timeless classics like Battle Angel Alita to current hits such as Attack on Titan, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Demon Slayer, we've compiled a list of resources to satisfy your manga cravings without breaking the bank. Don't forget to check our guide to free online comics for even more options!
Hoopla
Hoopla boasts one of the internet's most extensive and diverse free manga libraries. Access requires a free library card from your local branch, but once obtained, a world of manga awaits. Highlights include the complete Berserk by Kentaro Miura, Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama, Fairy Tail, Lone Wolf and Cub, and Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. The collection encompasses multi-volume series, complete runs, and hidden gems. Best of all, there are no holds or waiting periods – everything is instantly available.
Libby
While Hoopla is a popular choice, don't overlook Libby. This app excels in providing free digital books, including a substantial manga selection. Availability varies by library system, but examples include One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Vampire Hunter D, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. Unlike some publishers offering only first volumes, Libby often provides complete series. Note that borrowing may be subject to availability, similar to a physical library, but holds are an option.
Viz
Viz, a major English-language manga publisher, offers generous previews (20-60 pages) of many titles on its website. This includes classics like Ranma 1/2, modern successes like Chainsaw Man, and cult favorites like Tekkonkinkreet. While not entirely free, the Viz Manga App provides a vast selection for a small monthly fee, with free trials for new users. The website offers free first chapters of numerous shonen and shoujo titles.
Shonen Jump
Also from Viz, the Shonen Jump App offers free chapters without requiring a paid subscription (a low-cost option is available). This app features current chapters of popular titles like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Boruto, Kaiju No. 8, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike many free services, it often includes the latest chapters, making it ideal for staying current.
Kodansha
Kodansha, a renowned publisher, provides free first volumes or chapters of many titles, including Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Akira, through its free Kodansha Reader account. Its Limited Spotlight Series offers rotating access to further volumes. The K MANGA app is another option, though its daily chapter limit and point system may be less appealing.
MANGA Plus by Shuiesha
For shonen fans, MANGA Plus, from Japan's largest publisher, Shuiesha, is a valuable resource. It offers free chapters from popular titles like Chainsaw Man, Spy X Family, Choujin X, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. While full series and simulcasts require payment, the free selection provides excellent previews.
Amazon
Amazon's free Kindle manga selection is less extensive, but offers some interesting titles and previews. It's also a great place to find discounted manga collections.
