For manga fans who just can’t wait to get their hands on the latest chapters, finding official English manga early can feel like striking gold. As the global popularity of manga continues to rise, publishers and platforms have made significant strides in releasing English translations faster than ever before—sometimes even on the same day they drop in Japan.
Whether you’re trying to avoid spoilers or you simply want to stay ahead of the curve, knowing where to access these official early releases is a game-changer. In this post, we’ll explore the top places to read official English manga before anyone else, how they work, and even take a closer look at fan-favorite sites like Mangago —and how they compare.
Let’s dive into the fastest, most reliable ways to stay ahead in the manga world.
The Race to Release: Why Early Access Matters
Manga readers know the feeling: a cliffhanger ending leaves you breathless, and the next chapter can’t come fast enough. In today’s digital age, fans no longer have to wait weeks or months for localized versions. Instead, publishers have ramped up simulpub (simultaneous publication) strategies to meet demand.
These early releases not only enhance the reading experience but also:
- Help combat manga piracy
- Support creators through official channels
- Offer higher-quality translations and artwork
- Build hype and keep global fans in sync
Now that we understand the value of early releases, where can you find them?
1. MANGA Plus by Shueisha – Simulpub at Its Best
If you’re serious about getting your manga early and legally, MANGA Plus is where you should start. Created by Shueisha, the powerhouse behind One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, this platform offers official English translations of many top-tier titles—sometimes released at the exact same time as in Japan.
Why MANGA Plus Leads the Pack:
- Free access to the latest chapters of major Shonen Jump titles
- Available globally (except Japan, China, and South Korea)
- No account required to read
- Available via browser or mobile app
For manga fans who crave speed, quality, and accessibility, MANGA Plus is a goldmine. While older chapters might be locked, the latest content drops like clockwork, often hours before scans appear elsewhere.
2. VIZ Manga – Reliable, Legal, and Early
VIZ Media is another major player when it comes to official English manga. Their Shonen Jump platform not only offers a vast digital library, but also simulpubs many of the same titles as MANGA Plus—with the added bonus of a very affordable subscription.
What Makes VIZ Stand Out:
- Just $1.99/month for full access
- New chapters released the same day as Japan
- High-quality, legal translations
- Offline reading via app
VIZ is especially useful for binge-readers who want to catch up on older arcs before diving into the latest chapters. While MANGA Plus only offers a few back issues for free, VIZ opens the entire archive to paying members.
3. Crunchyroll Manga – A Lesser-Known Yet Legit Source
While Crunchyroll is mostly known for anime streaming, its manga section quietly offers early access to popular titles—especially those from Kodansha and other publishers.
Crunchyroll Manga Highlights:
- Simulpub access for several series
- Included in a Crunchyroll Premium subscription
- Mobile app for on-the-go reading
- Legitimate and supports creators
Although its library isn’t as vast or consistent as VIZ or MANGA Plus, Crunchyroll Manga is a solid backup source for early releases—especially if you’re already paying for the anime service.
4. Kodansha’s K Manga – The Rising Contender
Kodansha launched K Manga to provide official access to their titles in English, including popular series like Attack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, and Blue Lock. It features simulpub releases and unique exclusive series you won’t find anywhere else.
What You’ll Get:
- Early access to Kodansha series
- App-based reading experience
- Points system for unlocking chapters
- Exclusive digital-first series
Though K Manga’s monetization model may not be for everyone (some find the point system confusing), it’s undeniably one of the earliest ways to access official English translations of certain top-tier titles.
How Does Mangago Compare?
Let’s talk about Mangago, a beloved site among manga fans for its wide variety of titles, including hard-to-find or discontinued series. While Mangago is a user-uploaded, unofficial site, it has built a reputation for having:
- A huge collection of manga, including older and obscure works
- Fast updates, often within a day of Japanese release
- A community-based comment and rating system
However, it’s important to note that Mangago:
- Is not legal—it hosts content without publisher permission
- May have lower-quality scans or inconsistent translations
- Can be taken down or face access issues at any time
So, while Mangago is fantastic for discovering hidden gems or completing out-of-print series, it’s not the place for early access to official English manga. Still, many readers use it as a supplementary resource after staying current on legit platforms.
5. BookWalker – A Digital Storefront with Early Titles
BookWalker, run by Kadokawa, is a great place to purchase and pre-order official English manga digitally. While it doesn’t typically offer free simulpubs, some digital releases are available earlier than physical copies, giving readers a head start.
Why BookWalker Works for Early Birds:
- Instant access upon release
- Early pre-order options
- No subscription required—pay per volume
- DRM-protected downloads available
If you’re not into subscriptions but still want early access without breaking copyright laws, BookWalker is a solid pick.
6. ComiXology (Now Amazon Kindle) – For Western Manga Drops
ComiXology, now integrated into Amazon Kindle, remains a strong option for early English manga releases—particularly for titles from Dark Horse, Seven Seas, and Yen Press.
Benefits include:
- Early digital drops
- Bundled manga sales
- Works across devices
While ComiXology lacks simulpub for Shonen titles, it’s a great source for niche or alternative manga that may release digitally before they hit physical shelves.
Why Support Official Manga Platforms?
While free sites like Mangago are easy and accessible, there are major advantages to using official manga sources:
- Support the creators – Writers and artists earn royalties from legal views and purchases.
- Better quality – Official translations are often more accurate and polished.
- Stable access – Legal apps and sites are less likely to be shut down or blocked.
- No annoying ads or malware risks – Official platforms are clean and safe.
By reading manga through official sources, you help ensure the future of the industry and encourage publishers to keep delivering content quickly—and legally.
Final Thoughts: Be the First to Read, the Right Way
If you’re eager to stay ahead of the manga curve, you don’t need to turn to shady corners of the internet. Thanks to platforms like MANGA Plus, VIZ Manga, K Manga, and Crunchyroll, it’s easier than ever to access official English chapters almost simultaneously with Japan.
While sites like Mangago remain popular for their massive, free libraries, they simply can’t compete when it comes to official, early, high-quality releases. Whether you’re into mainstream hits or lesser-known gems, there’s now a legitimate path to reading them first.
So, choose your platform, set your alerts, and get ready to read before the rest of the world does—all while supporting the creators behind your favorite stories.
