IGN's Guide to Free Manga Online: Accessing Your Favorite Series Without Breaking the Bank
Here at IGN, we're huge manga fans! However, the sheer volume of titles released annually in Japan, with some series spanning decades, makes staying current a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Fortunately, many fantastic resources offer free manga access. From timeless classics like Battle Angel Alita to modern blockbusters such as Attack on Titan, and even the latest chapters of ongoing series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Demon Slayer, we've compiled a list to help you enjoy 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 libraries. Access requires a free library card from your local branch. Once you're set up, you'll find a treasure trove of titles, including complete runs of seminal works like Kentaro Miura's Berserk and Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan, along with classics like Fairy Tail and Lone Wolf and Cub, and newer hits such as Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. The collection includes multi-volume series, complete works, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Hoopla's instant availability, with no holds or waiting lists, is a major plus.
Libby
While Hoopla is a well-known free manga source, don't overlook Libby. This app is a leading provider of free digital books, including a substantial manga selection. Availability varies depending on your local library system; however, examples from the Los Angeles Public Library include One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Vampire Hunter D, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. Many series are available in their entirety, unlike some publishers who only offer free first volumes on their websites. Note that Libby operates similarly to a physical library, with limited copies per title. You can place holds on unavailable manga and receive automatic notifications when they become 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 Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma 1/2, modern successes like 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/month, with a 7-day free trial.
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 manga exploration.
Shonen Jump
Another Viz offering, the Shonen Jump App provides free chapter access without a paid subscription (a $3/month subscription is available). It features Weekly Shonen Jump titles, including One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Unlike many free services, it often includes the latest chapters of popular series, 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, etc.) via its free Kodansha Reader account. Its Limited Spotlight Series provides rotating access to further volumes. The K MANGA app (with limitations on free chapters and a point system) is an alternative for mobile users.
MANGA Plus by Shueisha
For shonen fans, Shueisha's MANGA Plus app is a valuable resource. It offers free chapters from major Weekly Shonen Jump titles (Chainsaw Man, Spy X Family, Choujin X, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), though full series and simulcast releases require payment. It's a great way to sample new series before committing to a subscription.
Amazon
While Amazon's free manga selection may lack major titles, it offers some free Kindle versions and publisher previews. It's also a good source for purchasing manga, often with discounted boxed sets.
