IGN's Guide to Free Manga Online: Accessing Your Favorite Series Without Breaking the Bank
Here at IGN, we're huge manga fans! But with the sheer volume of titles released annually in Japan – some running for decades – staying current can be a challenge (and expensive!). Fortunately, numerous excellent resources offer free manga access. From classic titles like Battle Angel Alita to modern hits like Attack on Titan, and even the latest chapters of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Demon Slayer, we've compiled a list to help you save money while enjoying your favorite manga.
Don't forget to check out our guide to free online comics for even more options!
Hoopla
Hoopla boasts one of the internet's most diverse and extensive free manga libraries. A free library card is required, but once you have one, you'll have access to a vast selection. Highlights include the complete Berserk by Kentaro Miura, Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama, classics like Fairy Tail and Lone Wolf and Cub, and newer favorites such as Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. The collection includes multi-volume series, complete runs, and hidden gems. Best of all? Instant access – no holds or waiting periods.
Libby
While Hoopla is a well-known source, don't overlook Libby. This app offers a massive collection of free ebooks, including a substantial manga selection. Availability varies by library system, but examples from the Los Angeles Public Library include One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Vampire Hunter D, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. Note that, unlike Hoopla, Libby operates more like a traditional library with limited copies per title. However, you can place holds and receive automatic notifications when a title becomes available.
Viz
Viz, a major English-language manga publisher, offers a significant portion of its catalog online. Most series provide generous free previews (20-60 pages per volume), including classics like Ranma 1/2 by Rumiko Takahashi, modern hits like Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto, and cult favorites like Tekkonkinkreet by Taiyō Matsumoto. While not free, the Viz Manga App provides extensive access for a small monthly fee, with free trials available.
The Viz website offers many first chapters of popular shonen manga, such as My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, and more, along with shoujo titles like Maison Ikkoku and Skip・Beat!. It's a user-friendly platform, ideal for manga newcomers.
Shonen Jump
Another Viz offering, the Shonen Jump App provides free chapters without requiring a paid subscription (a low-cost subscription option is available). It features many Weekly Shonen Jump titles, including One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike other free services, it often includes the latest chapters of popular series, making it perfect for staying up-to-date.
Kodansha
Kodansha, a renowned manga publisher, offers free first volumes or chapters of many titles, including Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Akira, through a free Kodansha Reader account. Their Limited Spotlight Series provides rotating access to additional volumes. The K MANGA app is also available but has a daily chapter limit and a point system for further reading.
MANGA Plus by Shueisha
For shonen manga fans, MANGA Plus (from Shueisha, Japan's largest publisher) 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 ample opportunities to discover new favorites.
Amazon
While Amazon's free manga selection lacks major titles, it offers some lesser-known free Kindle versions and publisher previews. Amazon also frequently offers discounted manga sets.
