ANN Manga and Novel Summer Reading List 2026

Action and Superheroes

Anyone out there craving some blood-pumping action? The world of manga has offered some unique ways to showcase characters going into battle, taking on unique enemies in different settings. Sometimes they can be small characters taking on impossible odds, or there can be even, yet intense back-and-forths between characters with unique skill sets. The superhero genre has become a great vehicle for this kind of action and has only grown more popular in the past couple of years. But heroes also come in all shapes and sizes, so let's check out some titles that celebrate these genres.

One-Punch Man

Everyone loves a good hero's journey, but what happens when we start a story at the end of that journey? Saitama was a simple man who wanted to become a hero for fun, but when you become so strong that you can end every fight with just one punch, how much fun are you really having? In a perfect blend of high-stakes action and parody comedy, One-Punch Man is a series that continues to dominate the competition.

Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider

Kamen Rider is a series of some of the most iconic superheroes in all of Japan, inspiring people and media from all over the world. Some people like Tojima Jr. might take that inspiration a little too far, but in a world where villains are also looking for new sources of inspiration, maybe that's not such a bad thing? This is a story of how a group of people can take their devout love for an iconic genre and use it to make the world a better place, sometimes with a simple bloody Kamen Rider Punch!

Tiger & Bunny

In the world of Tiger & Bunny, superheroes aren't just those who save others; they are a brand where your popularity is just as important as your abilities. When the veteran hero Wild Tiger's ratings begin to slip, he'll have to team up with a young rookie to get them back on track. In a story that highlights both the good and the shady sides of being a superhero, will this unlikely duo make a real difference?

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

Where does a vigilante fit in a world where superheroes are so heavily regulated and a part of everyday society? Koichi Haimawari is your friendly neighborhood wall slider, picking up trash and helping old ladies in need. But when bigger threats begin to approach his neighborhood, will he be able to wait for the officially licensed heroes to show up? Or is he gonna take matters into his own unlicensed-hero hands, and how many others are gonna join his cause?

Rooster Fighter

Humanity is threatened by the appearance of these large, grotesque monsters that could grow as tall as houses. Little do they know that their best hope for survival lies in the hands of a rooster on a quest for revenge. Rooster Fighter is a story that shows how some of the most incredible action can come from the most unexpected of small places, one cock-a-doodle-doo at a time!