Asura Scans was a popular illegal manga reading site that hosted thousands of pirated manga titles. The site has been shut down multiple times due to copyright violations and legal pressure from publishers. Even when it was operational, users faced constant risks from malware, intrusive ads, and unreliable access as the site frequently changed domains to avoid takedowns.
Instead of risking your device’s security and supporting piracy, you can access manga through legitimate platforms that offer extensive libraries, high-quality translations, and direct support to creators. Many of these legal alternatives provide free content alongside premium options.
Top Legal Manga Reading Platforms
| Service | Free/Paid | Content Library | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manga Plus | Free | Shonen Jump titles, new releases | Latest chapters of popular series |
| Viz Media | Both ($1.99/month) | Extensive Shonen Jump catalog | Complete manga series access |
| Webtoon | Both (varies) | Korean webtoons, originals | Vertical scrolling comics |
| ComiXology | Paid (per volume) | Wide variety, multiple publishers | Diverse manga selection |
| MangaDex | Free | Legal fan translations | Community-driven content |
| Tapas | Both (coins system) | Indie creators, webtoons | Supporting independent artists |
Manga Plus by Shueisha
Manga Plus offers free access to the latest chapters of major Shonen Jump series like One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen. You can read new chapters immediately after they’re published in Japan, completely free and ad-supported.
The platform provides official translations and high-quality scans directly from the publisher. While you can’t access complete back catalogs for free, it’s perfect for staying current with ongoing series.
Viz Media Subscription
For $1.99 per month, Viz Media’s subscription service gives you unlimited access to their entire digital manga library. This includes complete series from Shonen Jump, Viz Signature, and other imprints.
The subscription covers thousands of volumes across popular series like Naruto, Death Note, and Demon Slayer. The mobile app works offline, letting you download chapters for reading without internet access.
Webtoon
Webtoon specializes in vertical-scrolling comics, primarily featuring Korean webtoons and original series. Most content is free with optional coin purchases for early access to episodes.
The platform hosts popular titles like Tower of God, The God of High School, and numerous romance and fantasy series. It’s particularly strong for readers interested in full-color, mobile-optimized comics.
ComiXology
Amazon’s ComiXology offers one of the largest legal manga collections available for purchase. You can buy individual volumes or take advantage of frequent sales and bundles.
The platform features manga from multiple publishers, including series not available on other legal platforms. ComiXology’s Guided View technology optimizes reading on tablets and phones.
Benefits of Legal Manga Platforms
Legal manga platforms provide several advantages over piracy sites. You get reliable access without worrying about sudden shutdowns or domain changes that plague illegal sites.
Official translations are typically higher quality than fan scanlations, with professional editing and consistent terminology. You also avoid malware risks that come with illegal sites, which often host malicious ads or require suspicious downloads.
Using legal platforms directly supports manga creators and publishers. Your subscription fees and ad views help fund new manga production and ensure creators receive compensation for their work.
Legal platforms also offer better reading experiences with features like offline downloads, reading progress sync across devices, and customer support when issues arise.
Free vs. Paid Options
Several legal platforms offer substantial free content. Manga Plus provides the latest chapters of major series at no cost, while Webtoon hosts thousands of free episodes across various genres.
MangaDex operates as a legal aggregator for fan translations that have been approved by creators or are out of copyright. Tapas offers many free series with optional coin purchases for premium content.
Paid subscriptions typically cost between $2-10 monthly and provide access to complete manga libraries. Viz Media’s $1.99 subscription offers exceptional value, while Kindle Unlimited includes manga access as part of its broader reading service.
For casual readers, free platforms may provide enough content. Heavy manga consumers will find paid subscriptions offer better value than purchasing individual volumes.
Getting Started
Most legal manga platforms offer free trials or free tiers to help you evaluate their libraries. Start with Manga Plus if you’re interested in current Shonen Jump series, or try Webtoon for a different comic style.
If you’re willing to pay, Viz Media’s subscription provides the best value for traditional manga. ComiXology works well if you prefer purchasing individual series rather than subscribing.
Many platforms offer mobile apps with offline reading capabilities. This lets you download manga on Wi-Fi and read during commutes or travel without using mobile data.
Is Asura safe to use?
No, Asura and similar piracy sites pose significant security risks. These sites often contain malware, intrusive ads, and phishing attempts that can compromise your device and personal information.
Additionally, accessing pirated content exposes you to potential legal consequences depending on your location’s copyright laws. The sites also frequently disappear or change domains, making them unreliable for consistent access.
What’s the best free alternative to Asura?
Manga Plus by Shueisha offers the best free legal alternative, providing official translations of popular Shonen Jump series. You can read the latest chapters immediately after publication in Japan.
For broader variety, combine Manga Plus with Webtoon and the free content available on Tapas. This gives you access to thousands of free episodes across different manga and comic styles.
Can I read complete manga series legally without paying?
Most legal platforms limit free access to recent chapters or specific promotional periods. However, some older series become available for free on platforms like Manga Plus after a certain time.
Your local library may also provide digital manga access through services like Hoopla or OverDrive. While selection varies by library system, this offers another completely free legal option for reading complete series.
Ted Cisneros
Ted Cisneros is a senior entertainment journalist and celebrity biographer at Explosion.com, where he has published over 1,300 in-depth celebrity profiles. With more than 5 years of experience in entertainment journalism, Ted specializes in biographical research using public records, verified interviews, court documents, and industry databases. His work focuses on the personal stories of public figures and their families, providing accurate, well-sourced profiles for readers seeking reliable celebrity information.
