The 49th annual Kodansha Manga Awards have recently honored three exceptional manga series, each showcasing unique storytelling and artistic merit. The winners, announced on May 12, 2025, represent the best in shōnen, shōjo, and general manga categories, solidifying the Kodansha Manga Awards as one of Japan’s most prestigious accolades in the manga industry.
And the Winners Are…
- Best Shōnen Manga: Versus by ONE, Kyoutarou Azuma, and bose.
- Best Shōjo Manga: Fall in Love, You False Angels by Coco Uzuki.
- Best General Manga: Historie by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
Let’s delve into each of these award-winning series:
Versus: A Genre-Bending Action Epic
Written by ONE, the creator of One-Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100, with art by Kyoutarou Azuma and story composition by bose, Versus takes the shōnen genre in an unexpected direction. Published in Monthly Shōnen Sirius since 2023, this manga presents a world where humanity faces extinction at the hands of invading demons.
Storyline
In Versus, the story begins with a seemingly typical fantasy setup: humanity threatened by 47 Demon Lords, and 47 heroes are gathered to combat them. However, the series quickly subverts expectations. Humanity suffers a crushing defeat early on, and the heroes are forced to seek aid from other worlds. This leads to a collision of diverse cultures, technologies, and fighting styles, creating a unique and unpredictable narrative. The core theme revolves around the idea of “natural enemies” and explores the complexities of battling evil when direct confrontation proves insufficient.
What Makes It Award-Worthy?
- Subversion of Expectations: Versus consistently defies genre conventions, offering unexpected twists and turns.
- Unique Premise: The blend of fantasy, science fiction, and isekai elements creates a compelling and original world.
- Dynamic Art: Kyoutarou Azuma’s art complements ONE’s storytelling, delivering both action and comedic moments effectively.
- Intriguing Characters: The diverse cast from different worlds adds depth and complexity to the story.
Critical Reception
Reviewers have praised Versus for its innovative storytelling, solid art, and engaging characters. While some found the initial chapters overwhelming, many appreciate the series’ ability to surprise and maintain a sense of hope amidst a dark and challenging world.
Fall in Love, You False Angels: A Sweet and Sharp Rom-Com
Coco Uzuki’s Fall in Love, You False Angels has captured the hearts of readers with its charming characters and relatable themes. Serialized in Dessert magazine since 2023, this shōjo manga offers a fresh take on the “fake personalities” trope, blending romance and comedy with surprising depth.
Storyline
The story revolves around Otogi Katsura and Toki Ninomae, two seemingly perfect high school students who maintain flawless public personas. Otogi, the beautiful and sweet class president, is secretly calculating and sharp-tongued. Toki, the soft-spoken and charming vice president, also hides a darker side. When their true personalities are revealed to each other, they form an unlikely bond, leading to a complicated and hilarious journey of self-discovery and romance.
What Makes It Award-Worthy?
- Relatable Characters: Otogi and Toki’s struggles with maintaining appearances resonate with readers who have experienced the pressure to conform.
- Unique Dynamic: The “two-faced angels” concept offers a fresh twist on the classic high school romance.
- Heartfelt Romance: The series explores the complexities of love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.
- Charming Art: Coco Uzuki’s art style is clean, expressive, and perfectly suited to the story’s blend of comedy and romance.
Critical Reception
Fall in Love, You False Angels has been lauded for its charming characters, engaging plot, and exploration of relatable themes. Reviewers have praised the series’ ability to balance humor and heart, making it a compelling read for fans of shōjo manga. Comparisons have been drawn to classics like Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances and Kaguya-sama: Love is War, but Fall in Love, You False Angels distinguishes itself with its focus on self-acceptance and genuine connection.
Historie: A Historical Epic of Ancient Greece
Hitoshi Iwaaki, the acclaimed author of Parasyte, returns with Historie, a historical manga series that has been serialized in Monthly Afternoon since 2003. This long-running series offers a fictionalized account of the life of Eumenes, a secretary and general to Alexander the Great, set in ancient Greece during the mid-300s BC.
Storyline
Historie follows Eumenes’ journey from childhood to adulthood, depicting his struggles, triumphs, and the historical events that shaped his life. The story begins with Eumenes as a child, framed for the death of his adoptive father and enslaved. He eventually escapes and embarks on a long journey, gaining recognition for his intelligence, strategic prowess, and knowledge. Along the way, he encounters many historical figures and becomes a key player in the events leading up to Alexander the Great’s conquests.
What Makes It Award-Worthy?
- Historical Accuracy: Iwaaki’s meticulous research and attention to detail bring the world of ancient Greece to life.
- Compelling Protagonist: Eumenes is a complex and intelligent character whose journey is both inspiring and tragic.
- Intricate Plot: The series weaves together historical events with fictional elements, creating a rich and engaging narrative.
- Mature Themes: Historie explores themes of war, politics, philosophy, and the human condition, making it a thought-provoking read.
Critical Reception
Historie has been praised for its historical accuracy, compelling story, and well-developed characters. Reviewers have noted that the manga requires patience due to its pacing and the complexity of the plot. However, the detailed artwork and intricate storytelling make it a rewarding experience for readers interested in historical fiction. Historie has also received the Grand Prize at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2010 and the 16th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2012.
The Significance of the Kodansha Manga Awards
The Kodansha Manga Awards, established in 1977, recognize outstanding manga across various genres. The awards highlight the creativity and artistry of manga creators and contribute to the popularity and recognition of the medium. Winning a Kodansha Manga Award is a significant achievement that can boost a series’ sales and introduce it to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
The 49th annual Kodansha Manga Awards have celebrated three exceptional manga series that showcase the diversity and artistry of the medium. Versus, Fall in Love, You False Angels, and Historie each offer unique and compelling stories that will captivate readers for years to come. These awards not only recognize the talent of the creators but also highlight the importance of manga as a cultural force in Japan and around the world.
