Best Continuing Manga of 2011

Author and Artist: Mitsuru Adachi
Publisher: Shonen Sunday / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Cross Game Volume 4

Sports manga doesn't get much love in North America, which is puzzling considering how many 24-7 sports channels there are on TV. But if there's one series that deserves your love, it's Cross Game.

As the series has progressed this year, we've seen laid-back teen Ko Kitamura be transformed from a guy who half-heartedly plays baseball into the star pitcher of his high school team. Refreshingly, this story is not all about Ko striving to be the best pitcher ever. Mitsuru Adachi skillfully weaves a story filled with interesting characters who have compelling friendships, rivalries, family ties, and love triangles and does it with such a deft touch, you just get sucked in almost immediately. You don't have to 'get' baseball to discover why this slice-of-life gem is so addictive. Pick up the first for yourself, and you're sure find yourself clamoring for each volume thereafter.

Author and Artist: Eiichiro Oda
Publisher: Shonen Jump / VIZ Media
Compare prices for One Piece Volume 59

With over sixty volumes of One Piece in print, you'd think that Eiichiro Oda's epic pirate adventure would be running out of steam, when in fact, this year is when this series really amped up the action and drama several notches. Even the never-say-die spirit of elastic-fantastic pirate Monkey D. Luffy is put to the test when he sets his sights on breaking his brother Ace out of a high security prison, battling some of the most powerful officers in the Navy, including his grandfather, the Vice-Admiral.

With its diverse array of imaginative characters, near non-stop action, and its emphasis on the power of friendship vs. power for the sake of power, One Piece continues to enthrall its many fans around the world, which is why it earned a spot on the best continuing shonen manga slot for the 2nd year in a row.

Author and Artist: Yellow Tanabe
Publisher: Shonen Sunday / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Kekkaishi Volume 29

From a series that started out as light-heartedly as Kekkaishi did back in its initial volumes, things definitely took a darker, more intriguing turn in the volumes that were released this year. Gone are the days when Yoshimori was only a half-hearted, slightly awkward guardian of the Karasumori sacred site. In recent volumes, Kekkaishi's teen hero has been discovering the extent of his considerable powers, the vast responsibilities that he must bear, and the strange secret of the sacred site that his family has been guarding for several generations.

That's not to say that this series has lost the humor and heart that has made it such an appealing read (because it has not), but it's fascinating to see Tanabe building up the suspense as this shonen manga series nears the end of its 35-volume run.

Author and Artist: Karuho Shiina
Publisher: Shojo Beat / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Kimi ni Todoke Volume 10

Sawako is a shy and sweet teenage girl who has the misfortune of being constantly misunderstood because she is so quiet, and because she resembles the spooky ghoul girl of The Ring movies. But things are slowly but surely changing for Sawako, as she makes new friends and catches the eye of Kazehaya, the most popular guy in school. Can this seemingly mismatched pair somehow find love together, despite their seemingly constant misunderstandings and numerous rivals for their affections?

With its charming art and endearing (albeit sometimes slow-moving) high school romance, Kimi ni Todoke offered shojo manga readers a modern Cinderella story that captures the drama, the angst, and the heart-racing excitement of first love.

Author and Artist: Natsumi Ando
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Compare prices for Arisa Volume 3

Separated since they were tweens thanks to their parents' divorce, twin sisters Tsubasa and Arisa go to different high schools and have different personalities. Tsubasa is a outspoken tomboy, while Arisa is pretty and popular... or is she? When Arisa's unsuccessful suicide attempt puts her in a coma, Tsubasa opts to disguise herself as Arisa and attend her sister's school to try to understand what could have pushed her sister to the point of despair. But things clearly aren't as they seem, as Tsubasa discovers that Arisa's classmates are under the thrall of The King, a mysterious classmate who runs a lottery via cell phone to grant wishes, and that this game has lately been taking a dark turn.

Yes, the art is cutesy and sparkly, but don't let that fool you -- Arisa is a mystery story that has many twisted plot twists and sinister surprises up its sleeve. An intriguing and welcome change of pace from the 'does he love me or not?' angst of many shojo love stories.

Author and Artist: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: VIZ Signature / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Ooku Volume 6

Ooku was one of my favorites from 2010, and it kept me coming back for more in 2011, as Yoshinaga delved deeper into the lives, loves, heartbreak, and political intrigue that surrounded several generations of female shogun after a devastating plague that claimed the lives of most of the male population of Japan.

While only one volume appeared this year, each chapter of Ooku revealed new layers and nuances of each character's personality and backstory that were only hinted at in prior volumes. Ooku shows Yoshinaga at her best, as she tackles gender politics and grown-up relationships with uncommon intelligence and emotional nuance. Although she generally only releases one volume a year in Japan, and has mentioned her intention to make Ooku a 10-volume series, Yoshinaga clearly has a plan for where her story is going. Given where she has taken readers on the first six volumes, Yoshinaga has left me no doubt that she'll make the rest of the journey worth the wait.

Author and Artist: Naoki Urasawa
Publisher: VIZ Signature / VIZ Media
Compare prices for 20th Century Boys Volume 18

Despite the rebels' best efforts, the mysterious cult leader 'Friend' has tightened his grip over Japan. Will Otcho and Yoshitsune be able to unravel their childhood friend's facade and stop his plans to fulfill 'The Book of Prophecy' by looking into their shared past? And what about Kenji, the man who was once the leader of this rag-tag group of friends who has been missing since the events of Bloody New Year's Eve?

Yes, this story sometimes drags, and yes, it leads readers down a few baffling plot cul-de-sacs and bait-and-switch plot twists, but 20th Century Boys is still a fascinating read that will hopefully power through to a satisfying conclusion sometime in 2012.

Author and Artist: Q Hayashida
Publisher: VIZ Signature / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Dorohedoro Volume 5

In the gritty world of Dorohedoro, sorcerers are the 'haves' and humans are the 'have-nots,' who are often subject to the erratic and sometimes deadly spell-casting of their magical counterparts. Caiman is one such victim of a sorcerer's whims. He can't remember how, why or who cast the spell that turned him into a reptile-headed creature, but he's determined to find the sorcerer and make him (or her!) pay. But before he gets back to chomping on sorcerers, he really wants more of that yummy, yummy gyoza from Nikaido's cafe.

In 2011, Dorohedoro really kicked into gear, as more details about the surreal and decadent world of the sorcerers were revealed, and Caiman ventured behind enemy lines to hunt for the sorcerer who is responsible for his transformation. Hayashida fills her world with violent, inventive twists, demented demons, and atypical versions of 'strong female characters' who could probably cheerfully crack your head like a walnut without breaking a sweat. A one-of-a-kind horror/fantasy/action adventure that is worth reading and savoring.

Author and Artist: Natsume Ono
Publisher: VIZ Signature / VIZ Media
Compare prices for Gente Volume 3

After introducing readers to the waiters and cooks at the Casetta dell'Orso in Ristorante Paradiso, Natsume Ono treats readers to a series of charming short stories about the restaurant's staff, family, friends and clientele.

Prior to making her professional debut as a manga artist in Japan, Natsume Ono lived in Italy, and her experience shows, as she creates stories that radiate with love for the 'la dolce vida' vibe of Rome. While it's more 'slice of life' than comedy, Gente is filled with gently observed moments that will make you smile again and again.

Author and Artist: Kiyohiko Azuma
Publisher: Yen Press
Compare prices for Yotsuba&! Volume 10

If there's one given in this world, it's that you'll get at least one laugh-out-loud moment in every volume of Yotsuba&!. Whether she's going to the electronics store, flipping pancakes or discovering new uses for an exercise ball, Yotsuba finds a way to make every day fun.

A rare all-ages gem that is truly fun for every one from kids to adults, Yotsuba&! continues to be a consistently wonderful comic series that I hope never, ever ends.