A manga one-shot is a Japanese comic composed of a single chapter, usually between fifteen and sixty pages. They primarily serve as a gateway for newcomers into the industry, with award-winning titles serving as a platform for the careers of talented mangaka to take off. They are renowned for impactful narratives that captivate audiences in relatively few pages.
Some one-shots have served as pilots for many of the most popular manga series known today. They have also been used to tell side stories and epilogues of already serialized works, showcasing developments that were difficult to fit into serialization. These compact publications have become a staple in the industry, with certain titles garnering widespread acclaim.
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Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral
The Naruto: The Whorl Within the Spiral one-shot was created thanks to a worldwide poll aimed at determining the series’s most popular character. The Fourth Hokage and the father of the series’ titular protagonist, Minato Namikaze, came out on top, and as a result, the story was focused on him.
Set prior to the events of Naruto, it centers on Minato and Kushina. It looks at the origins of the iconic Rasengan, as well as Kushina’s struggle to contain the Nine Tails. Both events are connected, and by working together, Minato successfully creates his new technique and helps Kushina subdue the formidable beast, deepening their bond in the process.
9
Spring Returns to Aoi’s Room
Spring Returns To Aoi’s Room is a tear-jerking one-shot by the author Ireishi Ishikawa. The story follows a sloppy woman named Aoi in her interactions with various representations of spring, and eventually, a dog she named Haru. As a result of these encounters, she resolves to pick herself back up and live a healthier, more organized lifestyle.
Tragedy strikes, however, as Haru gets in a fatal accident and passes away soon after. It is revealed that the representations of spring, alongside Haru, were all reincarnations of a past lover she had planned to be with forever. Thanks to these experiences, she keeps herself from spiraling, learning to appreciate the seemingly little things that come her way.
8
Demon Slayer: Rengoku Volume 0
Demon Slayer: Rengoku Volume 0 is a special 19-page One-Shot shared among the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train theatregoers. It serves as a backstory for the ever-popular Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. The story details his life as a fledgling Demon Slayer on his first mission, amidst rejection and neglect by his father.
He faces a sadistic flute demon capable of incapacitating opponents with its music. With the aid of his deceased comrades and shattered eardrums, Kyojuro turns the tide and vanquishes his formidable foe, successfully completing his first mission. The highlight of the one-shot was the expression of his unwavering devotion to become strong enough to protect those weaker than himself.
7
Goodbye, Eri
Goodbye, Eri is a 200-page one-shot written by the Chainsaw Man author, Tatsuki Fujimoto. It follows Yuta Ito, who receives a smartphone as a birthday gift and is asked to make a movie about the final moments of his terminally ill mother. He ends up screening the film at his school, but is scorned due to its questionable ending.
He is then approached by a girl named Eri, who enjoyed his film and encourages him to continue, even offering to help. The story offers profound commentary on grief and the various ways to treat memories of the deceased. It also acknowledges that there are diverse methods of processing loss, offering comfort to those who feel the same way.
6
One Piece Chapter 0: Strong World
One Piece Chapter 0: Strong World was created alongside the tenth film, One Piece: Strong World. It was set 20 years before the timeline of the main series, offering insight into several iconic characters and events. It focused on the relationship between the legendary Pirate King, Gold Roger, and the Golden Lion, Shiki.
It features their clash in the famous “Battle of Edd War,” where Shiki’s fleet was devastated by a raging storm. Despite their rivalry, he was incensed by Rogers’ arrest and stormed Marineford, wreaking unprecedented havoc. He was subsequently apprehended by Garp and Sengoku, but escaped two years later and began preparations for a long-term plan.
5
Bleach: No Breaths From Hell
Bleach: No Breathes From Hell is a one-shot set twelve years after the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. It depicts an adult Ichigo and supporting cast, including characters like Orihime, Renji, and Rukia, as well as their children. The plot is set in motion when Renji invites Ichigo to the Soul Burial Festival, a ceremony held for deceased captains.
In preparation for the ritual, they encounter powerful new foes originating from Hell. This sets up a brand new conflict that threatens the fate of both the living and the deceased. Author Tite Kubo has notably explained that he will work at his own pace, regardless of external pressures, and expand on the story whenever he feels like it.
4
Tokidoki
Tokidoki is another tear-jerking one-shot, released in October 2016 and authored by Naoshi Komi. Komi is mostly known for his work on the romantic comedy Nisekoi: False Love, and Tokidoki marks a significant tonal shift featuring a heart-wrenching romantic tragedy. The premise centers on Hato Iijima and Hatsu Takagi, the latter of whom has a fatal heart condition.
The illness specifically leaves her with a limited number of heartbeats, so she lives a reclusive lifestyle to extend her life as much as possible. Iijima finds her situation too sad to bear and vows to help her enjoy life to the fullest. The story sends a poignant message that nothing matches the value of a life well lived.
3
Look Back
Look Back is another on this list written by the renowned Tatsuki Fujimoto. It was released in July 2021, during the break period between Chainsaw Man parts one and two. It is one of the rare standalone one-shots to receive an anime movie adaptation, which came just three years later and received heavy praise.
The story spans several years, following the two creators, Fujino and Kyomoto, and their relationship with art. The narrative takes a tragic turn towards the end, forcing Fujino to confront what art truly means to her. It is a piece that deeply resonated with artists worldwide and cemented Fujimoto’s legacy as one of the greatest creative minds in manga history.
2
A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a one-shot that was published in 2011 and grew into a full manga series in 2013, also receiving an anime movie adaptation in 2016. It centers around a deaf girl named Shouko Nishimiya who arrives at a new middle school and is severely bullied for her condition.
The bullying is carried out by her classmates, most notably the insensitive and rash Shouya Ishida. It soon comes to light, and Shouya is made to shoulder all of the blame, while Shouko transfers to another school. It provides insightful and relevant commentary on the sensitive issue of bullying and its far-reaching effects on various parties.
1
Berserk: God of the Abyss 2
Berserk: God of the Abyss 2 was intended to be the 83rd chapter of the famous Berserk manga series. It was omitted at the request of the creator, Kentaro Miura, because he felt it revealed too much too soon. It outlines the conversation between Griffith and the heart-looking God of the Berserk universe, the Idea of Evil.
Their conversation takes place during The Eclipse, in the middle of Griffith’s transformation into Femto. The entity reveals it was created by humans through a collective consciousness, driven by a shared desire for a reason behind suffering. Miura was understandably wary of introducing such a powerful figure so early, as the decision would have limited his creative freedom.
- Release Date
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October 8, 1997
- Directors
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Naohito Takahashi
- Writers
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Yasuhiro Imagawa
