5 Best NANA Manga Covers, Ranked

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It’s no surprise that Ai Yazawa’s “NANA” frequently appears on top shojo manga lists. This series, initially published on May 26, 2000, continues to resonate with fans even today and will likely continue influencing future generations. The anime and live-action adaptations have etched an indelible mark in the hearts of readers. “NANA” tells the compelling tale of two young women named Nana, who are unrelated but share a name. Their journey explores themes such as love, self-discovery, ambition, and friendship in an authentic and heartfelt manner, setting it apart from other manga.

Among the powerful narratives and heartfelt storytelling, remarkable character evolution, and authentic settings, NANA boasts a unique art style that truly sets it apart. This individuality is particularly evident in the distinctive covers of the 21 tankōbon volumes published so far. Each cover leaves an indelible mark, capturing poignant snapshots of two women who embarked on a long, winding journey to realize they needed each other most. As NANA manga turns 25 years old on May 26, 2025, revisiting this series after all these years remains as captivating and enchanting as it was at the outset.

Despite taking a break since May 26, 2009, and not resuming to this day, the unfinished manga “NANA” is remarkably well-received by fans who seldom express dissatisfaction about its open ending. This is unusual for a manga, yet despite the sense of disappointment, the story continues to captivate readers so profoundly that many prefer it to never conclude altogether. In essence, fans can continue to imagine the story in their minds, cherishing the characters Nana and Nana as beloved friends they’ve grown apart from.

Chapters 37-41

One of the reasons why NANA stands out as a remarkable tale is its exquisite portrayal of the unique characters, Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki. These two women are strikingly distinct individuals, to the point where it seems like the phrase “opposites attract” was specifically designed for them. Beneath their apparent differences, they both possess a deep vulnerability that resonates strongly with readers. In NANA Volume 11, the girls can be seen together at the cinema, with Nana O working at the counter in the backdrop and Nana K prominently positioned in the foreground, her bright red attire contrasting against the scene as she playfully nibbles on popcorn before they even enter the theater.

Nana K has a knack for being spontaneous to the extent that she appears thoughtless at times, yet this trait endears her to many. For instance, before the movie starts, she can’t resist sneaking popcorn to satisfy her craving, and she savors this small act of rebellion wholeheartedly. Interestingly, Nana K often dons deep red, a color that was considered inappropriate by Nana O’s grandmother due to its association with promiscuity in their culture.

Nana K’s personality is frequently characterized by her innocence, which often lands her in tricky predicaments due to her unwavering devotion to love. The fact that Nana O looks away shows how simple it was for her to overlook Nana K’s flaws, as she cherished her exactly as she was.

Chapters 54-57

Despite Nana Osaki’s face not being shown, the image of Nana Komatsu in the cover art for Volume 15 conveys a wealth of information. For the second time, Nana K is depicted wearing her signature bright red coat and hat, standing amidst snow in front of a well-lit building while sporting a smile. Readers are aware that Nana O exudes great confidence on the surface, but when it comes to breaking free from her reservations, she finds it challenging.

It feels as though the voice of her grandmother continues to echo in Nana O’s thoughts, long after she has departed. Despite her deep-seated passion for music and the intensifying relationship with Ren Honjo, something about Nana K’s unrestrained individuality strikes a chord with Nana O. Even when she seems disorganized and anxious, Nana K exudes an irresistible cheerfulness that encourages Nana O to call her Hachiko/Hachi, as she resembles a joyful little dog with an unceasingly wagging tail. There’s no question that Nana O longs for the same happiness that Hachi embodies, and the cover of Volume 15 bears testament to this fact.

Chapters 66-69 + “Takumi”

Regardless of how worn the phrase might seem, genuine friendship stands firm against the passage of time. Despite significant life transformations and events that seem to be pulling Nana O and Nana K apart, it’s the bond they share that keeps Nana O going, even in moments when she feels her existence is at stake. In the series NANA, there are some bleak moments where Nana O’s inner thoughts frequently reach out to Hachi from afar, as if she’s about to give up and needs something to hold on to.

To Hachi, she found her utmost comfort. The illustration for Volume 18 depicts a playful moment where the two Nanas sit on the same hotel bed, surrounded by dark red walls. Their smiles radiate a sense of untroubled joy, a feeling that Nana O later understands more deeply. Whenever she was with Hachi, she felt at ease, able to be herself genuinely, and this sentiment recurs consistently in both the manga narrative and the artwork adorning each cover.

Chapters 9-12

In the captivating world of Volume 4’s artwork, I found a noteworthy shift in Nana Osaki’s wardrobe that sparked intrigue. This was one of the initial segments of the manga that ignited hope among LGBTQ+ readers, fostering a desire for the two Nanas to be romantically involved. The pivotal moment when Nana K exhibited jealousy upon learning about one of Nana O’s past admirers rekindling their relationship was particularly impactful. In this volume, Nana Osaki breaks up with Shoji due to his infidelity, leaving Hachi feeling disillusioned and isolated. The sight of her spending time with someone else stirred feelings of insecurity within me, reflecting Hachi’s own emotional turmoil.

She not only entertains sexual fantasies about Nana O, but swiftly dismisses them. However, it cannot be ignored that their relationship evolves into something distinctly romantic over time. The artwork depicts a sort of role reversal, where Nana O’s dark pink attire and relaxed posture signify her as the desired one by Hachi. On the other hand, Hachi, typically seen in bright colors, is depicted in blue, indicating the strong bond and stability they find in each other’s presence.

Chapters 42-45

Nana Osaki’s life wasn’t easy to navigate, despite her outwardly confident demeanor. Beneath her tough exterior lies a vulnerable little girl who has seldom experienced the security and warmth of genuine love. Abandoned by her mother at the tender age of four, Nana O shares some striking similarities with the woman who chose a man over her young daughter, Nana Komatsu. Both women find their identities deeply entwined with their romantic relationships, viewing them as the cornerstone of their existence. The pain of betrayal when Hachi picks Takumi over Nobuo is a feeling that resonates deeply within Nana O.

Nana worries that Hachi isn’t merely ending things with Nobuo, but also distancing himself from her. Just as Takumi took someone significant away from her when he drew Ren into Trapnest and separated him from BLAST, she doesn’t want to lose Hachi too. Although their time spent together has been relatively brief, the connection they’ve forged is strong. Hachi is the only individual with whom Nana feels comfortable being her authentic self, without any constraints or criticism.

On the cover of Volume 12, Nana appears peacefully nestled in Hachi’s arms, a telling scene. Her trust in Hachi to shield her is evident, even amidst the terrifying scenes on the movie screen. In turn, Hachi’s expression reflects Nana’s innocence, adding to her charm. It seems as though the harsh realities of life are unfolding before her eyes, yet she sleeps undisturbed because she believes that her trusted friend will safeguard her, regardless of what hardships they may encounter together.

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2025-05-03 21:52