A picture is worth a thousand words.
The art in these manga are breathtaking. The details per panel and the emotions conveyed through each scene are truly sights to behold. In fact, some of the art in these manga are so good words aren't needed. The pictures speak for themselves.
10. Uzumaki
Kirie Goshima and Shuuichi Saito live in the town of Kurouzu-cho where strange, spiral-related events have begun to occur. Many of the town’s citizens are cursed with an obsession with spirals that is all consuming and destructive, though it doesn’t seem like they’re aware of it. Shuuichi wants to leave the town with Kirie, but the spiral doesn’t want to let them go.
You’ll like Uzumaki if…
- You like horror
- You like curses
- You like episodic plots
9. Blame!
Killy is superhumanly strong and possesses a powerful weapon known as a Graviton Beam Emitter, which he carries as he wanders the labyrinth called the City in hopes of finding Net Terminal Genes. Net Terminal Genes are a genetic marker that allow humans to access the “Netsphere”, the computerized network that controls The City. As he journeys through The City, Killy meets friends and enemies in the form of humans, robots, and sometimes a mix of the two, in his mission to find the possible key to restoring the world to what it once was.
You’ll like Blame! if…
- You like robots
- You like cyberpunk
- You like minimal dialogue
8. The Climber
On his first day of high school, Mori Buntarou was pressured by his classmates to scale the school building. Despite knowing the risks, Mori began the climb, and when he miraculously reached the top, he discovered another peak that waiting to be climbed. The adrenaline he felt that day awakened Mori’s passion for rock climbing, which becomes his newfound purpose in life.
You’ll like The Climber if…
- You like characterization through art
- You like coming of age stories
- You like rock climbing
7. A Bride’s Story
20 year old Amir Halgal is sent to her neighboring town to marry 12 year old Karluk Eihon. Though their age difference meant their relationship had a rocky start, by spending time together they learn to respect and appreciate one another. The story explores the many cultures and traditions of Central Asia through the story of Amir and Karluk as well as other couples.
You’ll like A Bride’s Story if…
- You like historical romances
- You like stories that explore different cultures
- You like romance stories with multiple couples
6. One Punch Man
Saitama has gained unprecedented strength after three years of intense training and has become so powerful that he can annihilate all sorts of enemies from ninjas to monstrous beasts to mutated creatures with simply a punch. Now all he’s left with is a feeling of emptiness as he searches for an opponent who he can have a true fight with. With the introduction of Genos, a cyborg who seeks to become Saitama’s apprentice, Saitama decides to register as an official hero in the hopes of making some cash and finding an opponent who’ll give him a run for his money.
You’ll like One Punch Man if…
- You like superheroes
- You like comedy
- You like battles that’ll have you on the edge of your seat
5. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
After a devastating war brought mankind to the brink of extinction, humanity has been reduced to scattered kingdoms constantly on the run from an ever growing forest that is home to mutant insects and fungi that produce poisonous spores. Nausicaä is the heir to the kingdom Valley of the Wind, and is forced to enter a war when an ally kingdom invades an empire. As the threat of humanity’s extinction draws ever closer, Nausicaä may be the last hope for a world lost to the horrors of war and the might of nature.
You’ll like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind if…
- You like war stories
- You like nature
- You like fantasy
4. Kingdom
Li Xian and Piao are two close friends working as servants in a poor village during the Warring States period in China. They do not let their poor circumstances limit their dreams, and they hope to become Great Generals of the Heavens. One day Piao is given an opportunity by a nobleman, but that opportunity results in Piao’s death. However, before passing, Piao directs Xin to another village where he meets soon-to-be king Ying Zheng. Xin decides to help Zheng with his ascent to the throne, and so begins Xin’s journey to become the greatest general in the world.
You’ll like Kingdom if…
- You like military themes
- You like battles and war strategies
- You like historical fiction based on real events
3. Vagabond
After suffering a crushing defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, friends Shinmen Takezou and Matahachi Honiden escape, but barely. Shinmen returns home to tell the Honiden family about their son’s survival, only to find himself a criminal accused of murdering his friend just because he has a violent past. He is captured, but a distinguished monk, Takuan Soho, rescues him and dubs him Musashi Miyamoto so that he can avoid being tracked by authorities. From here Musashi embarks on a journey to ascend from being a swordmaster to an enlightened warrior by defeating enemies and learning the value of life.
You’ll like Vagabond if…
- You like retellings of famous historical figures
- You like sword fights
- You like gore
2. Goodnight PunPun
Punpun Onodera is like any other 11 year old, idealistic and under the impression that the world is a place where any dream can come true. However, as he ages, his dreams and expectations are slowly shattered and ruined, and he finds himself becoming more and more reclusive. The older he grows the more problems he finds himself facing, and the further PunPun finds himself spiraling into darkness.
You’ll like Goodnight PunPun if…
- You like dark, realistic manga
- You like black humor
- You like psychological manga
1. Berserk
Before he became a renowned mercenary, Guts survived a childhood that was nothing short of traumatic. However, just when he has found a leader he can trust, that very person betrays him and his comrades, and now Guts is now fleeing for his life from demonic beings. Guts is determined to do whatever it takes to destroy the one who brought him and so many others misery and misfortune.
You’ll like Berserk if…
- You like military themes
- You like gore and destruction
- You like detailed battle scenes
