2023 has been a great year for shoujo fans, thanks to a great deal of new shoujo manga that were released that year! From blossoming love stories set against the backdrop of high school to fantastical realms where otherworldly romances unfold, the shoujo landscape is rich with new narratives that warrant your unwavering attention this 2024.
Whether you’re a seasoned shoujo fan or a newcomer to the genre, these stories promise to give you a good mix of love, passion, and magic. Here’s a rundown of the best new shoujo manga that deserve your attention this year.
Best New Shoujo Manga
Sunbeams in the Sky
Published in April 2023, Sunbeams in the Sky revolves around the lives of two twins, Himari and Mio. In the story, the highly anticipated high school journey of the spirited Himari Akeno takes an unexpected turn when a traumatic incident shatters her dreams and confines her to the safety of her room. Unwilling to witness her twin sister’s aspirations crumble, Mio hatches a daring plan: feigning illness and persuading Himari to step into her shoes until she “recovers.” Now, the introverted Himari must navigate the intricate dance of high school life, masquerading as her outgoing twin. As she treads the fine line between authenticity and deception, the sisters find themselves caught in a web of secrets, surprises, and the unpredictable twists of teenage identity.
The Reincarnate Marriage Of A Hero And A Sage
In The Reincarnate Marriage of a Hero and a Sage, the timeless theme of reincarnation takes a delightful twist as Reid and Elria, once fierce rivals in a previous life, find themselves entangled in an unexpected love story. Having served their nations as a hero and sage in a bygone era, their rivalry was abruptly cut short by Elria’s untimely demise.
Now, both reborn in a world pulsating with magic, Elria takes the reins of fate into her own hands and boldly proposes to Reid. Thus begins a charming and unconventional romance in this new, enchanted world. As the hero and sage navigate the complexities of love, destiny, and the echoes of their former lives, readers are drawn into a captivating tale that explores the uncharted territory of love blossoming amidst the twists of reincarnation. “The Reincarnate Marriage of a Hero and a Sage” is a heartwarming and fantastical journey that transcends time and rivalry, weaving a unique love story against the backdrop of a magical realm.
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices
Laugh and fall in love with the hilarious rom-com manga The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices. In the story, Maki, now reborn as Octavia, experiences the ultimate fangirl dream by stepping into the world of her favorite BL (Boys’ Love) novel. However, her excitement takes an unexpected turn when she realizes she’s not just an observer—she’s the sister of one of the novel’s main characters, Prince Sirius. As Octavia navigates the quirks of her new life, the awkwardness intensifies when she discovers a shocking expectation: to secure the family lineage, she must relinquish her firstborn child to become the heir to the throne shared by her brother and the novel’s captivating character, Sil. Unwilling to settle for a mere political marriage, Octavia is determined to follow in her brother’s footsteps and pursue a love that defies conventions.
The catch? Octavia must first find her own ideal partner in a world that might not align with the romantic tropes of her beloved BL novel. As she embarks on a quest for love, Octavia’s journey becomes a delightful blend of humor, romance, and the challenges of rewriting her destiny in a fantastical realm.
Blooming Love
Dive into the enchanting world of Blooming Love, a standout shoujo manga of 2023 that revolves around the tender romance unfolding between an art boy and a crafts girl. In this newest rom-com manga, love takes root in the unlikeliest of places—the quiet sanctuary of a school’s art room. The series introduces readers to the timid but artistic Shintaro, and the lovable tsundere Kyoko, whose vibrant spirit is channeled into her craft. Amidst the canvases and crafting materials, the seemingly disparate pair’s worlds collide, revealing a unique connection forged through Shintaro’s artistry and Kyoko’s skillful craftwork.
Blooming Love stands tall as one of the finest offerings in the shoujo manga landscape of 2023. It skillfully explores the beauty of a budding relationship between two adorable introverts, celebrating the nuances of their personalities as they lose themselves in the captivating world of their respective hobbies
Firefly Wedding
What will happen when a sheltered noble woman proposes to a yandere assassin? Firefly Wedding follows the life of Satoko, born into a prestigious family and adorned with unparalleled beauty. Burdened with a fragile body, her dreams are confined to securing a convenient marriage that will secure benefits for her family. However, Satoko’s world takes a perilous turn when she becomes the target of a mysterious assassin. In a desperate bid for survival, the ever-classy Satoko makes an unexpected proposal to her killer: marry her. Thus begins a suspenseful and unlikely love story, as the high-class lady and the assassin find themselves entwined in a web of danger, intrigue, and unforeseen emotions. Their journey transcends societal boundaries and expectations, leading them down a path of unexpected alliance—a contract marriage born out of necessity but laden with the potential for genuine connection.
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