These characters don't care who you are or where you're from. Why? Because they don't need to.
Though some of their morals may be questionable, it can't be denied that these characters are dangerous. What they use their strength for depends on their situation, but when it comes to a fight none of these guys hold back. If you're looking for manga with ruthless protagonists, you've come to the right place.
10. Goblin Slayer
In a world of vicious beasts and terrifying monsters, there is a creature that does not get the attention that it deserves: the goblin. Though fairly weak on their own, when goblins join forces they can do horrible, unspeakable things. Goblin Slayer is a man with a dark past whose sole goal is to rid the realm of the dreaded goblin. He’ll take any and all missions related to goblins because each one brings goblins one step closer to extinction.
You'll like Goblin Slayer if...
- You like fantasy worlds
- You like gore and intense violence
- You like battle scenes
9. Fist of the North Star
Kenshiro is one of the last humans in a post-apocalyptic wasteland of a world destroyed by a worldwide nuclear war. Fortunately for him, he’s armed with an ancient and deadly martial arts style that gives him a huge upper hand in a world where justice must be fought for. In his journey to become the savior of this ruined world, he faces rival martial artists, a tyrannical empire, and evil overlords.
You'll like Fist of the North Star if...
- You like martial arts
- You like OP main characters
- You like post-apocalyptic worlds
8. Beezlebub
Tatsumi Oga may be a first year at Ishiyama High, but he’s already earned the title of Demon King in a school known as the land of the delinquents. One day after taking care of a gang that came after him, Oga finds a baby and for some reason decides to try and care for it. A demon maid, Hildegard, soon appears declaring that the baby is none other than Kaiser de Emperana Beelzebub IV and it’s now Oga’s responsibility to raise him. The delinquent of delinquents must face demons and other trouble making students as he struggles to take care of the infant child of the Great Demon Lord of the Demon World.
You’ll like Beezlebub if…
- You like supernatural characters
- You like comedic characters and plots
- You like delinquent stories
7. Yu Yu Hakusho
Yuusuke Urameshi was a street fighting 14 year old delinquent until he was killed in a car accident for trying to save a life. His one act of goodness confused the underworld, and so he is given a chance to return to his body if he can pass a series of tests. Yuusuke succeeds, and is revived as a Spirit World Detective whose mission is to investigate supernatural activity in the human world. Enemies he must face include demons with nefarious goals and other humans with superhuman powers.
You’ll like Yu Yu Hakusho if…
- You like supernatural settings
- You like action driven plots
- You like shounen manga
6. Hellsing
Alucard is the most ancient and powerful vampire of them all, and he’s a loyal servant to the leader of the Hellsing organization. A series of events leads to the discovery that a Nazi group is attempting to make a comeback and they are dead set on destroying Alucard. It’s up to the almighty vampire to take down these villains who if left unchecked, will bring havoc to the country.
You’ll like Hellsing if…
- You like vampires
- You like historical settings
- You like blood, gore, and action
5. Golden Kamuy
Saichi Sugimoto, feared as the “Immortal Sugimoto” and a vetern of the Russo-Japanese War, is on his own after his release from the army. He works in a mine digging for gold doing his best to support his comrade’s dead widow. One day he hears about the gold of the Ainu, a mysterious treasure that can only be found with clues that are hard to come by. The war vet decides to set off with a young Ainu girl in pursuit of the gold, and along the way they must face other soldiers and mercenaries who are also hoping to strike it rich.
You’ll like Golden Kamuy if…
- You like exciting adventures
- You like historical settings
- You like character-driven stories
4. Vinland Saga
Thorfinn is out for revenge. His father, one of the Vikings’ greatest warriors, was killed by a man named Askeladd, and Thorfinn's goal is to kill Askeladd in a fair duel. In order to hone his skills, Thorfinn joins the very band of mercenaries led by Askeladd. In his quest for vengeance, Thorfinn finds himself tangled in a plot that will decide the next King of England in a world rife with danger.
You’ll like Vinland Saga if…
- You like historical fiction
- You like violent fight scenes
- You like Vikings
3. Kingdom
It is the Warring States period in China, and Li Xian and Piao are two close friends working as servants in a poor village. However, they do not let their poor circumstances limit their dreams, and they hope to one day become Great Generals of the Heavens. One day, Piao is given an opportunity by a nobleman, but that opportunity results in Piao’s death. 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 thus 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
2. Vagabond
After suffering a terrible defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, the two friends Shinmen Takezou and Matahachi Honiden escape, but just barely. Shinmen returns home after the battle to tell the Honiden family about their son’s survival, only to find himself a wanted criminal accused of murdering his friend all because of his 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 simply 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
1. Berserk
After enduring countless trauma, Guts is about as badass as a main character can be.
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 on the run 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
