I am a complete manga otaku. I mean seriously bad. I read almost exclusively shounen fighting/action/adventure titles. Nothing makes me happier than an epic, bloody battle scene (I am a strange woman).

I don't care a bit about whether a series is considered mainstream or obscure, I just know if I like it or not. Here's a breakdown of some of my favorite series. All titles except where noted are the scanlated versions (because they usually get completely butchered when licensed and released in English).
_____________________________________________________________
Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi) by Arakawa Hiromu (Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine, currently at ch90)

- What a lot of people may not be aware of is that the FMA anime has a completely different storyline from the manga after Ed, Al, and Winry travel to Rush Valley.

- The manga storyline is sooooo good, actually the best I've ever read. It's the perfect mix of tragedy, drama, and comedy. It's not finished yet, but Arakawa-sensei has vaguely mentioned being finished by sometime in 2009.

- Arakawa-sensei is a master at showing emotion without words in her artwork. It makes the story that much more real and compelling. Also, it makes the comedic moments even funnier!

- Edward Elric is my absolute favorite character from any series. I love his personality, intelligence, loyalty, and strength. It doesn't hurt that he's nice to look at, either!

- Lastly, there's an all-new FMA anime coming out in April 2009 that will be based only on the manga, thank goodness!! I am so excited for this! Here's the teaser trailer from Aniplex: [link]
_____________________________________________________________
History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi (Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi) by Matsuena Syun (Shōnen Sunday magazine, currently at ch317)

- This is an awesome martial arts comedy/drama. Matsuena-sensei did tons of research into different martial arts styles from all over the world before writing this series, so all the moves are realistic.

- Kenichi's hellish training at the hands of his sometimes sadistic masters is the source of most of the comedy. And I must say, it is quite funny.

- The fights in this series are done really well, especially in the YOMI arc, which is from ch144 to right now (it's still ongoing). I really want there to be a second season of the anime, which only covered ch1-143 (the Ragnarok arc).

- My favorite character is Tanimoto Natsu a.k.a. Hermit. He's such an antisocial bishounen. I love his relationship with the Shirahama siblings from hell (Kenichi and his little sister Honoka)!

- There is quite a bit of ecchi and fanservice in this series, but it doesn't bother me (nothing will bother me after reading Tenjho Tenge).
_____________________________________________________________
Flame of Recca by Anzai Nobuyuki (33 volumes completed)

- First off, the manga kicks the anime's ass all over the place. They cut out so much of the violence, nudity, and language that it makes me laugh.

- Secondly, the VIZ licensed version of the manga is atrocious. Edits/censorship everywhere, bad quality all around.

- This was Anzai-sensei's first successful manga, so the art starts off rough, but morphs into his signature art style by the second half of the series. His artwork by the latter third is gorgeous!

- This is one of the mangas that mixes wicked, brutal fights with comedy perfectly. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions, especially during the SODOM arc, which starts soon after the anime left off, which was ch154.
_____________________________________________________________
Rurouni Kenshin by Watsuki Nobuhiro (28 volumes completed)

- Beautiful, moving story, gorgeous artwork.... Ridiculously awesome fighting sequences! I love this series.

- Himura Kenshin is one of my favorite characters. I loved the whole back-and-forth struggle for him to suppress his bloodthirsty Hitokiri Battousai personality. Normally, he's such a nice, sweet, laid-back guy.

- The romance in this series was handled better than any other shounen title I've read. Plus, it has closure, where a lot of other titles leave things hanging.

- I didn't really like how the anime was handled. The story didn't flow well, and the addition of prequel and sequel OVAs just confused things further.
_____________________________________________________________
Naruto by Kishimoto Masashi (Weekly Shōnen Jump, currently at ch428)

- I really like the underlying story in this series, plus all the ninjas and their ridiculous jutsu are fun.

- I used to loathe Uzumaki Naruto, but he has since grown on me over the years, and at this point, I love him! He's matured a crapload.

- One of the coolest things about this series is that good guys DIE. And they STAY DEAD. And then all their friends and family have to deal with the aftermath. Character development, FTW!

- I watch the anime, but only when there are canon episodes. There is so much damn filler in that show, I can't believe it. Also, I hate hate hate the English dub!
_____________________________________________________________
BLEACH by Kubo Tite (Weekly Shōnen Jump, currently at ch338)

- I have read this series over quite a few times, because it is really enjoyable! I love the characters, the theme, the plot, and of course, the fights!

- I love how complex and detailed the BLEACH world is. You can debate points about this series until you're blue in the face, which is cool.

- My favorite character has always been and still is Kurosaki Ichigo. Even though he gets emo at times, I still love him. I just wish he would learn some more fighting techniques. Spamming Getsuga Tenshou is getting old.

- My favorite thing about this series is that I never know how things will turn out. Kubo-sensei is a master at shattering your expectations.

- I watch the anime religiously every week (currently at episode 198). I even watched both filler arcs at least once (the Bounto arc was awful, the Amagai arc was...meh). I love this show, but I hate the English dub for this as well.
_____________________________________________________________

Ok, I'm tired now, so I will continue my journey down manga lane at a later date. Read manga everyone, it's better than anime 9 times out of 10!