The Berserk manga series, written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, is hands-down one of the most popular dark fantasy manga series due to its engaging storyline and its fantastic visuals. I guarantee you, once you start reading Berserk, there’s no going back; an epic tale of revenge, Berserk is one of the most popular manga series ever written.
The plot revolves around the characters of Guts, a lone swordsman, and Griffith, the head of a mercenary group known as the ‘Band of the Hawk,’ in a very grim setting inspired by medieval Europe.
Guts join Griffith’s band, the ‘Band of the Hawk,’ and the two develop a close bond, but as the story continues, it is evident that Griffith has different motives and goals that eventually threaten the group’s bond. The manga often features graphic violence, and sexual content as its genre is a dark fantasy with elements of historical fiction, imagery, and more eerie themes.
In addition to being adopted into multiple anime series, movies, and video games, the manga series has made its mark on the anime landscape and continues to lure in viewers with its unique style and compelling blend of multiple genres and styles.
Though the author, Kentaro Miura, passed away on May 6, 2021, leaving the series unfinished, fans continue to enjoy and appreciate it making it one of the most popular and influential manga series of all time.
Looking for more such amazing manga to read? We’ve got you covered! Listed below are 42 more such amazing must-read manga like Berserk:
1. Vagabond
Starting the list, we have yet another unfinished masterpiece! Illustrated and written by Takehiko Inoue, it remains highly regarded for its stunning artwork and realistic portrayal of samurai life. The series is set in 17th-century Japan during the early Edo period, a time of enormous change and upheaval in Japanese society, and features themes like personal growth and self-discovery.
Miyamoto Musashi, the protagonist in the manga series, embarks on a quest to become the strongest swordsman in Japan. He comes across various opponents but navigates the complex world of medieval Japan.
It has won praise from critics for how it depicts medieval Japan and how it examines the human condition as Musashi faces many challenges, both physical as well as emotional.
- Author: Takehiko Inoue
- Released Date: 1998
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Seinen Manga, Epic, Martial Arts
- Chapters: 327
- Status: Unfinished
- Where To Read: Viz
2. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga! One of the must-read historical manga series. With a good blend of action and character development, the series follows the journey of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior who is seeking revenge against a man who killed his father.
With all the rage in him, he is out on a quest for a peaceful life in a place called Vinland. In a world full of war, revenge, and rage, the search for a peaceful life has resonated with fans and readers, which makes it worth reading.
- Author: Makoto Yukimura
- Released Date: 2013
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Seinen Manga, Historical Fiction, Action Manga
- Chapters: 205
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: Amazon
Also Read: How To Read Vinland Saga Chapters: A Complete Reading Guide
3. Attack On Titan
Heard of Eren Yeager, haven’t you? A very popular manga and anime series is our beloved Attack On Titan. For those who haven’t heard of the series, it is a series filled with intense action scenes and a very intricate plot.
To brief you, Eren Yeager, the protagonist, makes a vow to kill every single Titan in the story who is destroying his hometown. He enlists in the military to fight the Titans and defend his hometown. Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert are two of his pals who join him along his journey.
- Author: Hajime Isayama
- Released Date: 2009
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Post-apocalyptic Action Manga
- Chapters: 139
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Barnes & Noble
4. Claymore
Another must-read manga! It is an underrated manga but has had a cult following over the years due to its unique blend of artwork and characters.
The main character of the story is Clare. She is a young claymore, half human and half Yoma. Claymores are female warriors and the only ones who can fight against the Yoma, who are monsters that feed on human flesh.
If you enjoy stories with deep themes and complex characters, then this is a must-read for you. It shows us the struggle between free will and destiny, along with the price of power and the nature of humanity.
- Author: Norihiro Yagi
- Released Date: 2001
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Horror, Drama
- Chapters: 155
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: 10 Best Dark Fantasy Manga For You to Read
5. Kingdom
Many fans have described it as a cross between One Piece and Berserk. So if you’re a fan of any of those mangas, you will surely find this one exciting.
The experiences of the war orphan Xin and his allies as he battles to become the greatest general under the heavens and, in doing so, unify China for the first time in history serve as the main focus of the manga’s exaggerated portrayal of the Warring States period.
- Author: Yasuhisa Hara
- Released Date: 2006
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Historical fiction, Action, Drama
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: Amazon
6. Blade Of The Immortal
The idea of a protagonist aspiring to immortality seems rather commonplace, no? But what if our protagonist is attempting to become a mortal? Not very typical!
In The Blade of the Immortal, Manji is a character who must murder 1000 bad men before “sacred bloodworms” will allow him to die. The insects known as sacred bloodworms enable him to endure any harm and regrow amputated limbs even after hours of separation.
- Author: Hiroaki Samura
- Released Date: 1993
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Chapters: 207
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
7. Akame ga Kill!
Tatsumi and his two friends, Iyeyasu and Sayo, set off to the Capital to make money and support their poverty-stricken village. In a bandit attack, he gets separated from his friends, and after a few unfortunate events, Night Raid, an assassin group, recruits Tatsumi to help them fight against the corrupt Empire.
Evidently, the Prime Minister, Honest, would have been using the young emperor as a tool to further his ultimate goals. So, Night Raid joins the revolution to dethrone the Prime Minister. The plot revolves around the same but with amazing action with themes of revenge and sacrifice.
- Creators: Takahiro and Tetsuya Tashiro
- Released Date: 2010
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action
- Chapters: 78
- Status: Complete
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
Also Read: 8 Dark Fantasy Shows to Stream Today
8. Basilisk
Another historical fiction with great action and the right amount of romance is ‘Basilisk.’ The two ninja clans. The Iga Tsubagakure and Kouga Manjidani have been in a blood feud over the span of centuries, ensuring a tenuous co-existence at best.
Tokugawa Ieyasu ceded his position in the year 1614 and handed the reins to his son Hidetada. The question of which of the Ieyasu’s grandsons will take up the reins of power when their father decides to step down becomes the subject of a worrying dispute.
To solve the problem before it spills out of hands, Ieyasu commands each clan to send 10 of their best ninja to enter a ruthless competition of kill or be killed. Read the manga to know what happens!
- Author: Masaki Segawa
- Released Date: 2003
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Historical fiction, Action, Romance
- Chapters: 34
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: INKR Comics
9. Wolfsmund
Wolfsmund is a Swiss mountain pass that connects Switzerland and Italy. In medieval Switzerland, where the Swiss Confederation was in its beginning, and the Habsburgs were trying to increase their power over land, the story is about the sadist and brutal bailiff of Wolfsmund.
The story mainly talks about and portrays the various attempts of individuals as well as groups to pass through the bailiff’s grasp. It is a grim historical drama that features a variety of characters, from smugglers to the members of the Swiss confederation, all with the same goal in mind.
- Author: Mitsuhisa Kuji
- Released Date: 2009
- Publisher: Gentosha Comics
- Genre: Action, Historical, Horror, Seinen
- Chapters: 60
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
10. Battle Angel Alita
Tenth on the list, we have a cyberpunk and action manga series which contains dark and eerie themes. Battle Angel Alita follows the story of Alita, an amnesiac female cyborg who has lost her memory and is found in a dump heap by a cyber-medic physician by the name of Daisuke Ido.
Dr. Daisuke Ido gives her the name Alita after his recently deceased cat. After she is revived, she discovers undiscovered powers and fighting skills in her body and decides to become a hunter-warrior. Read and follow along with Alita’s exciting journey!
- Author: Yukito Kishiro
- Released Date: 1990
- Publisher: Viz Media and Kodansha
- Genre: Cyberpunk, Dystopian fiction, Martial Arts
- Chapters: 117
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: BookWalker
Also Read: 20 Anime Like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, The Talk of the Town
11. Monster
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a neurosurgeon’s life changed forever when he saved the life of a boy named Johan Liebert instead of prioritizing the mayor’s life instead.
It is a little complicated psychological thriller with characters all connected in distinctive ways to the mystery of Johan Liebert.
After a few years, when murders start to occur, one after another, that seems to be connected to Johan Liebert, who is then revealed to have been a psychopathic killer, Dr. Tenma gets involved in the case and steps forward to stop the psychopathic killer.
- Author: Naoki Urasawa
- Released Date: 1994
- Publisher: Shogakukan (Japan), Viz Media (North America)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
- Chapters: 162
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
12. Hellsing
Hellsing is the manga series for you if you prefer scary stories. The story, which was written and illustrated by Kouta Harino, centers on a group of vampire hunters known as Hellsing, led by Alucard, the most potent vampire. They fight otherworldly threats in order to defend England from the forces of evil.
Integra Hellsing, the main character, takes over the organization after her father is killed by a vampire. Her primary responsibility is to direct operations while collaborating closely with Alucard, who may be described as her loyal weapon.
The story also tells us about the mythology of vampires and the ancient conflict between vampires and humans. Together with their small team of skilled operators, they fight various enemies and other supernatural creatures as they battle to protect England and uncover the conspiracy behind the supernatural forces. In between all these fights, the characters also fight their inner demons and moral dilemmas.
- Author: Kouta Hirano
- Released Date: 1997
- Publisher: Shonen Gahosha
- Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
- Chapters: 95
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
Also Read: 44 Best Anime Like Hellsing That You Need To Watch
13. Gantz
The storyline follows a group of people who are recently deceased and are resurrected by a mysterious black sphere called ‘Gantz’ and are forced to play a deadly game where they have to hunt and kill aliens.
High school student Kei Kurono, who tragically dies in a train accident while rescuing a homeless man, is the story’s main character. He is transported to a strange apartment with his old friend Masaru Kato, where they are made to play the games alongside other strangers who are also under pressure to play the games.
The missions are risky, but every time they succeed, they are awarded points that can be used to purchase better weaponry or to revive a deceased comrade. They are given weapons and suits and dispatched on a mission to fight the aliens that are attempting to attack earth.
- Author: Hiroya Oku
- Released Date: 2000
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Action, Horror, Science Fiction
- Chapters: 383
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
14. High School Of The Dead
The horror manga runs along the storyline that begins in present-day Japan, where due to a deadly virus outbreak, everyone turns into zombies, and now a group of high school students and their teachers have to fight to survive in the world of the undead.
The story centers around a student named Takashi Komuro, who witnesses the initial outbreak of the virus. He and his friends come together to escape their school filled with zombies and make their way to safety. On their way, as they find a place to wait out the zombie apocalypse, they also struggle to cope with the loss of loved ones and many more things emotionally, mentally, and physically.
- Author: Daisuke Satō, Shōji Satō
- Released Date: 2006
- Publisher: Fujimi shobo
- Genre: Horror, Action
- Chapters: 33
- Status: Unfinished
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
Also Read: 50 Best Horror Shows To Watch
15. Lone Wolf And Cub
Lone Wolf and Cub are based on historical times. The plot, which takes place in feudal Japan, traces the travels of Ogami Itto, a former executioner for the shogunate who later turned assassin while traveling with his baby son Daigoro.
Itto gets framed for treason and is forced to flee with his infant sin. So to support himself and his son, he becomes a hired assassin while also seeking revenge against those who wronged him.
As time goes by, Daigoro shows to be an invaluable tool with his own skills and insight, while Itto uses stealth and his warrior abilities to vanquish the opponents. The father and son pair’s bonding grows stronger, and they develop into a solid team that is feared and revered by everyone who crosses paths with them.
- Creators: Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima
- Released Date: 1970
- Publisher: Futabasha
- Genre: Historical Epic, Samurai genre
- Chapters: 142
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: BookWalker
16. Made In Abyss
In a world where a massive chasm called the Abyss exists, filled with deadly creatures and ancient relics, the story begins with Riko, a young girl who dreams of becoming a cave rider. She finds a mysterious robot in the Abyss name Reg and decides to help him find his identity.
On their journey, they encounter various dangers and obstacles. They learn about the price of following one’s dreams, battle their inner demons, and come to rely on each other in their journey, as the story is, at times, dark and upsetting with aspects of tragedy and horror.
- Author: Akihito Tsukushi
- Released Date: 2012
- Publisher: Takeshobo and Seven Seas Entertainment
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: BookWalker
17. Rurouni Kenshin
You surely don’t want to miss out on this one. It’s a classic manga series about a former assassin by the name of Kenshin Himura.
The fantastic action scenes in Rurouni Kenshin are one of the keys draws. The manga series includes some of the most thrilling sword battles ever produced, showcasing Kenshin’s extraordinary speed and skill.
The adventure and action make it a captivating series. The rich historical backdrop and politics of the Meiji era make it a fantastic option for those who like historic fiction.
- Author: Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Released Date: 1994
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Historical Adventure, Action
- Chapters: 259
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: 33 Historical Anime to Watch – Best Recommendations
18. Soul Eater
A world where people have the ability to change into weapons and are trained by “Meisters” to become “Death Scythes,” weapons suited for use by the Grim Reaper himself, is the setting of the supernatural manga series Soul Eater.
A group of Misters and their weapons companions and death weapon partners at the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DEMA) are the focus of the narrative. The heroes deal with a variety of difficulties, including fighting off strong villains like witches and other evil creatures, dealing with internal issues, and the possibility of greater evil hiding in the shadows.
As the plot develops, the protagonists get closer to one another, face their own shortcomings, and strive to become stronger and more proficient in Meisters and Weapons.
- Author: Atsushi Ohkubo
- Released Date: 2004
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
- Chapters: 117
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: BookWalker
19. Chainsaw Man
After the death of Denji’s father, he is left behind with debts to pay off. To pay off those debts, he decides to work as a devil hunter. In Denji’s world, devils exist, and they can only be killed by devil hunters. Denji, fortunately, or unfortunately, gains incredible powers when he merges with a devil named Pochita, who takes the form of a chainsaw.
With action, humor, and an interesting plot, the manga follows the story of our Chainsaw man and his journey. He joins organizations to protect humanity and fights against increasingly dangerous devils. A fun read for real!
- Author: ATatsuki Fujimoto
- Released Date: 2018
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Action
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: Viz
20. The Seven Deadly Sins
This is a story of the adventures of Princess Elizabeth and the Seven Deadly Sins. The Seven Deadly Sins are a group of knights who were accused of betraying their homeland. Princess Elizabeth, after 10 years, finds them to seek help from them to overthrow the corrupt Holy Knights in the kingdom.
Nakaba Suzuki has illustrated and written this beautiful manga with amazing art and an interesting storyline, making it a must-read. You will be hooked throughout with its action-packed battles and unique characters.
- Author: Nakaba Suzuki
- Released Date: 2012
- Publisher: Kodansha Comics
- Genre: Fantasy-Adventure, Action-Comedy
- Chapters: 346
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: BookWalker
21. Tokyo Ghoul
Ghouls are flesh-eating creatures that live among humans in secrecy. Note that there are peaceful ghouls as well who have learned to integrate and live well with the humans, causing no harm. Kaneki Ken, a college student, becomes a half-ghoul after his encounter with a beautiful ghoul named Rize Kamishiro.
Kaneki joins a group of peaceful ghouls who run a cafe by name ‘Anteiku.’ He learns more about the society of ghouls and how this system works. Soon after, when he thinks everything is going well, he gets involved with a group of violent ghouls called Aogiri Tree and a group of ruthless ghoul hunters. Read and find out where does Kaneki lie about his loyalties?
- Author: Sui Ishida
- Released Date: 2011
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Action
- Chapters: 143
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: Top 10 Strongest Ghouls of Tokyo Ghoul Anime-Ranked in 2021
22. Übel Blatt
Another story like Berserk, a complex tale of revenge, betrayal, and redemption, is Übel Blatt. Koinzell is a powerful warrior who is committed to taking revenge against those who betrayed him and murdered his allies and now call themselves The Seven Heroes.
This manga series was translated into French, where it was then ranked amongst the country’s best-selling manga. With lush backgrounds and amazing battle scenes, it will surely keep you hooked throughout.
- Author: Etorouji Shiono
- Released Date: 2004
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Chapters: 170
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
23. Ushio And Tora
A supernatural manga series filled with action and adventure is Ushio And Tora.
Ushio Aotsuki finds a mysterious creature in his family’s basement named Tora. Tora is a powerful demon, and he reluctantly forms a partnership with Ushio to encounter another variety of demons and entities that threaten humanity.
The series has been adapted into an anime series as well as a video game. With a mix of humor at the right time, it has stolen the hearts of many fans worldwide.
- Author: Kazuhiro Fujita
- Released Date: 1990
- Publisher: Shogakukan
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Shonen
- Chapters: 333
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
24. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
A very popular manga series that has been adapted into an anime series as well as a feature film. The story is about Tanjiro Kamado, who decides to become a demon slayer to protect his younger sister, who has turned into a demon after the death of his family.
He then sets out on a journey filled with fights with demons as well as other demon slayers who try to kill his younger sister. With intense action scenes and stunning artwork, it has gained the popularity that it surely deserves.
- Author: Koyoharu Gotouge
- Released Date: 2016
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Chapters: 205
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: 44 Anime Like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
25. Afro Samurai
As the title suggests, the plot centers on Afro, a talented samurai/swordsman who is on a mission to get revenge for the murder of his father by Justice, a formidable warrior wearing the Number One headband. The Number One headband is a symbol of ultimate power in Afro’s world.
While battling other skilled opponents before he gets to reach his ultimate goal, he discovers the truth behind his father’s death. He now must confront his own inner demons so as to emerge victorious in his final battle. Truly an action-packed thriller manga.
- Author: Takashi Okazaki
- Released Date: 1999
- Publisher: Gonzo and Seven Seas Entertainment
- Genre: Thriller, Action, Violence
- Chapters: 8
- Status: Complete
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
26. Black Lagoon
A group of pirate mercenaries known as Lagoon Company smuggles items through and around Southeast Asian waters. The protagonist of the tale is Rokuro “Rock” Okajima, a Japanese businessman who gets kidnapped while traveling for business. He joins the Company as its translator and mediator.
Led by Dutch, a former soldier, the Company becomes involved in complex missions leading to bad consequences. Fans have loved its action scenes and the way the criminal underworld is portrayed.
- Author: Rei Hiroe
- Released Date: 2002
- Publisher: Monthly Sunday Gene-X and Monthly Big Gangan
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama, Crime, Action
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: Viz
27. Dororo
Hyakkimaru’s father, a powerful lord, makes a deal with demons to gain control over the land and sacrifices Hyakkimaru’s body for the same.
After Hyakkimaru survives the sacrifice, he is taken in by a wandering warrior by the name of Jukai, who teaches him how to fight. He sets off on a journey to regain his lost body parts from the demons and meets a young orphan named Dororo on his way. Dororo then becomes his traveling partner. An emotional yet thrilling story is ‘Dororo.’
- Author: Osamu Tezuka
- Released Date: 1967
- Publisher: Shogakukan
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Supernatural
- Chapters: 48
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: BookWalker
28. Fullmetal Alchemist
Edward and Alphonse Eric belong to a town called Resembool. After losing their mother due to a terminal condition, they use alchemy to bring her back to life.
With an interesting plot and popularity, it has been adapted into an anime and a number of spin-offs as well. A live-action movie of the same is available on Netflix as well.
- Author: Hiromu Arakawa
- Released Date: 2001
- Publisher: Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine and Viz Media
- Genre: Adventure, Action, Mystery
- Chapters: 108
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: 50 Best Manga Like Fullmetal Alchemist To Read This Year
29. Devilman
This series is about a high school student who is transformed into a powerful human-demon hybrid. His name is Akira Fudo, and this transformation of him he calls ‘Devilman’ after merging with a demon named Amon.
To seek humanity like any other hero, our protagonist battles other demons while struggling to maintain his own humanity. This, too, like Berserk, contains themes of violence and sex which have created controversies.
A sensitive demon boy is led into a cruel and degenerate war against evil by his mysterious friend, Ryo. This series has been adapted into anime series, too, by the title ‘Devilman: Crybaby.’
- Author: Go Nagai
- Released Date: 1972
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Supernatural, Horror, Fantasy
- Chapters: 53
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
30. Homunculus
On number 30, we have a psychological thriller and the story of Sususmu Nakoshi, a homeless man who gets recruited by Manabu Ito to take part in an experiment to reveal the human brain’s untapped potential.
Without giving too much away, “Homunculus” is a dark and thought-provoking manga that dives into the human brain and considers the repercussions of releasing the mind’s buried potential.
- Author: Hideo Yamamoto
- Released Date: 2003
- Publisher: Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Psychological Horror, Drama
- Chapter: 166
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
31. Yu Yu Hakusho
Yusuke Urameshi gets killed as a teenager while saving a child from a car accident. He gets a chance to get his life back, but on one condition, that is, he will be given the opportunity to come back to life but as a ‘Spirit Detective.”
Demon Plane Tear Stone is a mysterious artifact that he discovers while facing challenges along with his friends, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei. With themes of friendship, action, and the powers of mysterious beings, the series has become a beloved classic in the world of shonen manga.
- Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
- Released Date: 1990
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Shonen Action-adventure, Supernatural-comedy
- Volumes: 19 tankobon volumes
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: Best Manga Romance Comedy To Read
32. Ajin: Demi-Human
The immortal entity Ajin has the capacity and strength to recover from any damage. Kei Nagai, the main character in this manga series, learns that he is an Ajin. He becomes the target of the government and other Ajin after discovering this fact since they want him for their own illicit reasons.
He struggles to find his way through life with the help of his high school friend Kaito as he battles with his morals and decides whether or not to use his abilities for the greater good. Unexpected alliances and betrayals frequently occur in the episodes of the show.
- Author: Gamon Sakurai
- Released Date: 2012
- Publisher: Kodansha
- Genre: Action, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
- Chapters: 83 (47 main chapters and 36 side stories)
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Book Walker
33. Fist Of The North Star
The narrative is of Kenshiro, a powerful martial artist wandering in a lawless wasteland in search of his lost love, Yuria.
Kenshiro comes across various enemies and dangers and also learns about the secrets of Hokuto Shinken, which is a deadly martial art in which he has been trained.
The manga consists of multiple genres, from romance to revenge.
- Author: Buronson
- Released Date: 1983
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Supernatural, Science Fiction, Martial Arts
- Volumes: 27 tankōbon volumes
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
34. Deadman Wonderland
Prisoners are compelled to compete in deathmatches at Deadman Wonderland, a theme park inside a jail, for the entertainment of the public. This is where a young boy named Ganta Igarashi gets sent after he is falsely accused of murdering his entire class.
There are a lot of secrets and hidden theories in Deadman Wonderland that Ganta and other Deadmen try to uncover. They form allies and try to discover the secrets behind Deadman Wonderland and Wretched Egg. What is the Wretched Egg? Read the suspenseful thriller manga and find out!
- Writer: Jinsei Kataoka
- Illustrator: Kazuma Kondou
- Released Date: 2008
- Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten
- Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Horror
- Chapters: 57
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
35. Milk Party
Milk Party is an adult manga; it also has an anime.
36. Drifters
A young samurai named Shimazu Toyohisa finds himself transferred into a world populated by historical figures who have gathered to engage in a conflict between two opposing forces, known as the Ends and the Drifters.
The Ends seek to conquer and destroy everything in their path, while the drifters have been summoned to fight against the Ends. As the story progresses, Toyohisa finds himself aligned with the Drifters. The manga series is a gripping thriller with an amazing plot.
- Author: Kouta Hinato
- Released Date: 2009
- Publisher: Shonen Gahosha and Dark Horse Comics
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical Fiction
- Chapters: 97
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
37. Black Clover
In a world where magic is everything and where everyone has some sort of magical powers, Asta, a young peasant boy with no magic, is determined and wishes to become the Wizard King and prove that even someone without any magical abilities can succeed.
His best friend, Yuno, on the other hand, is a gifted mage. As the story continues, Asta and Yuno strive together to achieve their goals. Dark mysteries about the world they live in, such as the presence of demons and the reality of their pasts, are also revealed to them.
If Action-packed and themes of friendship and perseverance are your type, then this is a series you must and should read.
- Author: Yuki Tabata
- Released Date: 2015
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Chapters: 309
- Status: Ongoing
- Where To Read: Viz
38. D.Gray-man
Allen Walker, a young exorcist with a mysterious past and a cursed eye, is the protagonist of the story. The story is about how he joins the Black Order, a group of exorcists who fight against the Millennium Earl and his army of Akuma. Akuma is mechanical demons created from the souls of the dead who are intended to destroy humanity.
Allen Walker gets stronger with time and develops new skills. Due to his growing strength and power, he will also encounter more challenging foes. It’s a pleasant read with incredible story twists.
- Author: Katsura Hoshino
- Released Date: 2004
- Publisher: Weekly Shonen Jump
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Action, Adventure
- Chapters: 273
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
39. Death Note
Light Yagami, a high school student, discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. He also gets to decide the cause of their death, but if he chooses not to write their cause of death, they simply die of a heart attack within the next few seconds.
Light begins by killing all the criminals one after another to create a utopian society but soon finds himself in a risky cat-and-mouse game with a clever detective named L.
L is committed to capturing Light Yagami and ending his murderous rampage. The series is full of suspenseful and unexpected plot twists, which makes it a popular must-read manga.
- Author: Tsugumi Ohba
- Released Date: 2003
- Publisher: Shueisha in Japan and Viz Media in North America
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
- Chapters: 108
- Status: Finished
- Where To Read: Viz
Also Read: 50 Best Manga Like Death Note You Must Read
40. Sword Gai
Gai is the name of the protagonist of the manga. He is born with a mysterious metal arm that possesses the power to transform into a sword, thus the title of the manga series.
Gai realizes that there are others like him who have cursed swords and face their own special difficulties as he sets out on his quest to learn the truth about his metal arm.
A rather short manga series with themes of self-discovery and characters with interesting arcs. Visually stunning artwork and detailed character designs are what make it a fun read.
- Author: Toshiki Inoue
- Released Date: 2012
- Publisher: Shogakukan
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Drama
- Chapters: 34
- Status: Finished
- Where To Read: Viz
41. Tomie
It is well known for its eerie imagery, themes of addiction/obsession, beauty, and dark setting. A horror manga series that has become a cult classic. Manga has had a significant global influence on numerous horror works.
The protagonist of the manga series is Tomie, a stunning but cunning young woman. She has manipulative abilities to turn men into terrible killers by inducing obsession and madness in them.
Every chapter focuses on a different person who is seduced by her, which results in a very horrifying outcome.
- Author: Junji Ito
- Released Date: 1987
- Publisher: Weekly Shonen Jump
- Genre: Horror
- Chapters: 20
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
42. Blood Lad
Last but not least, on the list! Looking for a fun yet dark, action and fantasy-filled manga to read? Blood Lad is one such manga. With the right amount of action and elements of dark fantasy with humor at the right time, this is one of the hidden gems and is not very popular.
Staz is a powerful vampire but doesn’t prey on humans; instead plays video games and reads comics like them. He is delighted when Fuyumi Yanagi, a regular Japanese high school student, unintentionally enters the Demon Realm through a portal one day. To not fade away, Fuyumi will have to drink Staz’s blood. Staz later learns that to restore Fuyumi, and they will need the Book of Resurrection.
With a variety of distinctive characters, it will surely make your read worthwhile. Find out what happens next on Viz!
- Author: Yuuki Kodama
- Released Date: 2009
- Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten’s monthly magazine ‘Young Ace.’
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
- Chapters: 85 (including bonus chapters)
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Viz
43. Dragon’s Dogma
The manga ‘Dragon’s Dogma’ is an adaptation of the video game of the same title. The story revolves around a man named Ethan, who resides in the small town of Cassardis.
Ethan’s heart gets stolen by a dragon when it attacks his village, and he gets resurrected as an Arisen, a person with extraordinary abilities and supernatural powers whose task is to retrieve his heart by defeating the dragon.
The manga follows the game’s narrative but with a few more additions and elaborations on the game’s universe and the backstories of the characters. It is surely a short and fun read if you enjoy video game-based stories.
- Author: Makoto Ikehara
- Released Date: 2017
- Developer & Publisher: Capcom
- Genre: Action Fantasy, Mythical Creatures
- Chapters: 4
- Status: Completed
- Where To Read: Manga Reader
Also Read: 35 Best Seinen Manga You Should Read In 2023
Whether you’re a seasoned manga reader or a novice, these 43 mangas will take your breath away while keeping you hooked. Hope you have a good read!
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