Summary
Romance storylineshave taken the lead as one of the most popular subsets of manga, enticing readers with relatable love affairs and relationship woes. Be it tried-and-tested romcomsor tragic love ordeals, romance manga offer a range of intriguing narratives that cater to diverse audiences. In fact, 2023’s manga lineup has been dominated by romance storylines, showcasing the community’s love for sentimental stories.
Some manga take on somber narratives while others feature heartwarming conclusions, though the bottom line of love taking center stage remains consistent. Afew LGBTQ+ storylineshave also permeated into this year’s romance lineup, adding a bit of much-needed inclusivity and representation to this heavily heteronormative genre.
Author
Aoko Kizaki
Lost in youth and feeling lonely, Mikane finds his small island life to be unfulfilling and monotonous. However, this monotony fades away one day after he saves a mysterious woman from the sea, earning the seraphic beauty’s undivided love and attention forever.
The events that follow completely upend his life, though Mikane certainly doesn’t have a problem with these developments.The supernatural elementsofMikane and The Sea Womanperfectly tie in with the romance, appealing to those looking for a slightly more fantasy-like romance storyline.
Osaji
Ama Ama Cinderellafollows Minori, a college student who decides to work at a pastry shop. Little did he know that four other female patissiers awaited him, changing his day-to-day life for the better. Minori’s shy and socially awkward disposition leads to some odd encounters with his colleagues.
However, these awkward interactions are accompanied by a touch of romance, keeping the manga’s premise wholly interesting.Ama Ama Cinderellamight initially seem like any other harem manga, yet the wholesome nature of their relationships and consistent rom-com elements brand the narrative asa wholesome love affair.
Is It Because of Love That I Can’t Resist?
Mia Sorahana
Tamaranai no wa Koi na no kais a story of two polar opposites finding love through a chance encounter. Kitahara, an honor student, runs into trouble with a bunch of delinquents, yet his savior is another notorious juvenile named Misumi. This encounter gives way to a budding love affair between an honor student and a delinquent, throwing Kitahara and Misumi into thewoes of high school melodrama.
Instead of jumping into deviant fantasies,Tamaranai no wa Koi na no kakeeps the narrative simple by exploring the love and confusion of two newly-infatuated high school boys. The romantic sentiments shared between Kitahara and Misumi capture a certain innocence, setting a precedent for other Boys Love manga to follow.
Shunsuke Iino
Haruka Kawatsuji developed a love for thrills after surviving a fall from a balcony in his childhood. Even after countless attempts to recreate the same thrilling stimulation, Haruka failed to find the same excitement in his life.
However, this all changes after a fateful encounter with a highly eccentric girl, giving Haruka the same thrilling sensation once more.My Girlfriend Gives Me Goosebumps!‘spremise may seem a bit odd, yet it provides an interesting story of a thrill-seeker finding respite in his odd, loony girlfriend.
Anime-Planet Rating: 3.9/5
Alt Title
Eiyuu to Kenja no Tenseikon: Katsute no Koutekishu to Konyaku shite Saikyou Fuufu ni Narimashita
Washiro Fujiki
Dabbling inthe reincarnation trope,The Reincarnate Marriage of a Hero and a Sagefeatures an odd love affair between rivals in a former life. In their past lives, Reid and Elria served their nations as a hero and sage, respectively, though their rivalry soon ended after Elria’s untimely death.
Now, reincarnated in a world imbued with magic, the two rivals are reunited, albeit with a twist. Instead of being bitter about their former rivalry, Elria directly proposes to Reid, marking the beginning of their romance in a new world.
Roji
Ao to Midoriis 2023’s quintessential BL manga, revolving around a heartwarming story of two rivals-turned-lovers. Hailed as a genius, Ao would always come in first, be it academia or sports. His rival, Midori, is forced to tailgate behind him in second place, leading to a heated rivalry between the two.
However, what mayseem like a rivalryon the surface is merely a facade, as Ao’s only desire is to wake up every day beside Midori. Despite clear sentiments of love, Ao is held back by the fear of ruining their current dynamic, forcing him to long for Midori from the sidelines.Ao to Midoriis a touching tale of two boys finding comfort in one another, though their love is not without its trials and tribulations.
Daichi Kawada
Love can find a way in any setting, though a school’s art room is certainly an odd place for it to bloom.Blooming Lovefollows the budding romance between a timid, artsy boy and a headstrong craft girl. The manga takes on the tsundere archetype with Kyoko’s characterization, yet Shintaro’s extremely timid nature takes the trope to an extreme.
Despite their opposing dispositions, Shintaro’s mastery of art and Kyoko’s skill at crafts serve as a bridge to bring the two together.Blooming Love’sserialization inShonen Jumphas given the manga a slight edge over its counterparts, making it one of 2023’s most popular entries.
