IGN's Guide to Free Manga Online: Accessing Your Favorite Series Without Breaking the Bank
Keeping up with the vast and ever-expanding world of Japanese manga can be a challenge. This guide highlights several excellent resources for reading manga online, completely free. From classic titles to the latest chapters of ongoing series, there's something for every manga enthusiast.
Don't forget to check out our guide to free online comics for even more options!
Hoopla
Hoopla boasts one of the most extensive and diverse free manga libraries available online. Access requires a free library card from your local library, but once obtained, you'll unlock a treasure trove of manga. Highlights include complete runs of Berserk, Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Lone Wolf and Cub, and Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. With immediate access to titles, no holds or waiting periods are involved. This makes Hoopla a top choice for free manga reading.
Libby
While Hoopla might be the more well-known option, Libby shouldn't be overlooked. This app offers a wide selection of free ebooks, including a significant manga collection. Availability varies depending on your local library system, but many libraries offer popular titles like One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, and more. Keep in mind that Libby operates similarly to a physical library; availability might be limited, but you can place holds for future access.
Viz
As a major English-language manga publisher, Viz offers generous free previews (20-60 pages) of many titles on its website. This includes classics like Ranma 1/2 and modern hits such as Chainsaw Man. While not entirely free, the Viz Manga app provides a vast selection for a low monthly fee, with free trials available. The website also offers numerous first chapters from popular shonen and shoujo series.
Shonen Jump
Another Viz offering, the Shonen Jump app provides free access to chapters, including recent chapters of popular series, unlike many other free services. For a small monthly fee, you gain access to a vast library of Weekly Shonen Jump titles.
Kodansha
Kodansha, a prominent manga publisher, offers free first volumes or chapters of many titles through its free Kodansha Reader account. This includes classics like Sailor Moon and recent hits like Vinland Saga. A rotating selection of deeper volumes is also available through its Limited Spotlight Series. The K MANGA app offers additional access but has a daily chapter limit and a point system for additional reading.
MANGA Plus by Shueisha
Brought to you by Shueisha, Japan's largest publisher, the MANGA Plus app offers free chapters from many popular Weekly Shonen Jump titles. While full series and simulcast releases require payment, the free selection provides a great way to sample new series.
Amazon
While Amazon's free manga selection may lack major titles, it offers some free Kindle versions and previews from various publishers. The selection of free manga expands significantly with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Amazon also frequently offers discounted manga volumes and boxed sets.
