When most anime fans think of the shonen genre,the first few tropes that come to mindare the hardcore action, fast-paced storylines, and quirky characters the genre is known for. Amid all this action, it seems that a romance subplot would be incompatible with the genre, especially since there is a whole other genre for romance.
But as it turns out, despite contrasting elements,many long-running shonen manga titles(many of which have no anime adaptation) seamlessly blend both shonen and romance genres. Though the idea of a romance in an action-packed series may be stagnating for some readers, these series manage to make their romances just as memorable as their action. For fans of either genre, they are well worth a read.
5A Boy Raised by Gods Will Be The Strongest
Rated 4/5 on Book Walker
True to form,A Boy Raised by Gods Will Be The Strongestcontainsa lot of old elements that shonen fans will enjoy. It features an adventurous protagonist, exciting action, and a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Artwork-wise, the manga excels, portraying its characters with exaggerated but fluid finesse.
Originally an abandoned child, the main protagonist of this manga, Will, is found and raised by three gods. Together, they teach him swordplay, healing, and magic. One day, Will is visited by the priestess Lunamaria, who tells him that he must go with her on a journey to save the world. That journey may also clue Will in to his origins.
4A School Frozen in Time
Originally a novel series,A School Frozen in Timereceived a manga adaptation in 2007 and began a two-year serialization inMonthly Shonen Magazine.The manga’s illustrations are credited to Naoshi Arakawa,whose artwork may be reminiscent of other manga, namely the popular mystery seriesDeath Note.
InA School Frozen in Time,lifelong friends Hiroshi and Mizuki are trapped in their school. Alongside many of their classmates, they are stranded in the moment in which a student committed suicide two months ago. Terrified at what might become of them, the trapped students must remember the name of the student who died, with the help of that student himself.
3Minato’s Laundromat
As it turns out, not all shonen stories are action-packed and suspenseful. As shown by the lightheartedMinato’s Laundromatmanga, it is possible for stories about young men to be casual in nature. In this case, however, the casual tone of this manga is also interspersed withthe romantic plot between the two male leads.
InMinato’s Laundromat, Akira Minato finds respite in tending to his late grandfather’s old laundromat after quitting his taxing corporate job. While managing the laundromat, Akira meets Shintaro Katsuki, a student who suddenly professes his love for Akira. This leaves Akira in a troublesome spot, due to still grieving over a past failed relationship.
2Honey Trap Shared House
Rated 4.5/5 on Book Walker
It isn’t too far-fetched that the shonen genre wouldintersect with the harem genre. Many series, such asTo Love-RuandGirlfriend, Girlfriendhave done this in the past.Honey Trap Shared Houseis another example, though the manga protagonist’s job as an espionage master is a great way to set the series apart from its predecessors.
In this manga, protagonist Hayato must infiltrate the Familia Shared House, a home that is actually a cover for tricking other secret agents into switching sides. Upon carrying out this task, however, Hayato is reunited with Seraphy, his childhood sweetheart and a well-accomplished spy in her own right. He also finds himself introduced to a bevy of other ladies in espionage.
1I Left my A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!
Rated 5/5 on Book Walker
While other shonen manga haveat least one character who serves as a teacherto others, this is taken to a new level inI Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths.In this case, the teacher, who happens to be the main protagonist, runs into his ex-students by chance instead of still teaching them from the beginning.
Once a member of a high-ranking party, Yuke Feldio decides to leave when his party members reveal that he is nothing but dead weight to them. Initially struggling with finding another party (but lacking skill due to his red mage class), Yuke meets an all-female party with their hopes set on conquering the hardest dungeon in the world.
