IGN's Guide to Free Manga Online: Accessing Your Favorite Series Without Breaking the Bank
We at IGN are huge manga fans, but the sheer volume of comics released annually in Japan—with some series spanning decades—makes keeping up a costly and challenging task. Fortunately, numerous fantastic and easily accessible platforms offer free manga reading. From classic titles like Battle Angel Alita to modern blockbusters such as Attack on Titan, and the latest chapters of series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Demon Slayer, we've compiled a list to help you stay current with your favorite manga while saving money.
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 collections. Access requires a free library card from your local library, but once obtained, a vast world of manga awaits. Highlights include the complete Berserk by Kentaro Miura, Hajime Isayama's groundbreaking Attack on Titan, classics like Fairy Tail and Lone Wolf and Cub, and newer hits such as Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. The collection encompasses multi-volume series, complete runs, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Hoopla's instant availability, without holds or waiting lists, is a significant advantage.
Libby
While Hoopla is well-known for its free comics, Libby shouldn't be overlooked. This app is a leading source for free digital books, including a substantial manga library. Availability varies by local library system; however, the Los Angeles Public Library, for example, offers titles like One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Vampire Hunter D, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. Unlike Viz and Kodansha, which often only offer free first volumes, Libby frequently provides complete manga series. Note that Libby operates like a physical library, with limited copies per title. However, you can place holds and receive automatic notifications when a copy becomes available.
Viz
Viz, a major English-language manga publisher, offers a significant portion of its catalog online. Most series include generous free previews (20-60 pages per volume), featuring classics like Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2, modern successes such as Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man, and cult favorites like Taiyō Matsumoto's Tekkonkinkreet. While not free, the Viz Manga app provides a vast selection for $2 per month, including 7-day free trials.
The Viz website offers numerous first chapters from shonen titles (My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, One Punch Man, etc.) and shoujo titles (Maison Ikkoku, Skip・Beat!, etc.). Its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent starting point for exploring manga.
Shonen Jump
Another Viz offering, the Shonen Jump app provides free chapters without a paid subscription (a $3 monthly subscription is available). It offers digital access to numerous Weekly Shonen Jump titles, including One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Boruto, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike many free services, it often includes the latest chapters of popular manga, making it ideal for staying current.
Kodansha
Kodansha, a renowned manga publisher, offers free first volumes or chapters of many titles (Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Cardcaptor Sakura, Akira, Vinland Saga, Blue Lock) through its free Kodansha Reader account. Its Limited Spotlight Series provides rotating access to additional volumes. The K MANGA app, while offering mobile access, has received mixed reviews due to its daily chapter limits and point system.
MANGA Plus by Shueisha
For shonen fans, Shueisha's MANGA Plus app offers free chapters from numerous Weekly Shonen Jump titles (Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Choujin X, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure). While full series and simulcast releases require payment, the free selection provides ample opportunity to sample new series.
Amazon
While Amazon's free manga selection lacks major titles, it offers some free Kindle versions and sample chapters from various publishers. Kindle Unlimited subscribers have access to a significantly larger selection. Amazon is also a great place to purchase manga, often offering discounted boxed sets.
