Summary
The best fantasy manga offer rich and engaging experiences with detailed world-building and intriguing premises. Fantasy is a broad genre that allows for virtually any type of story to be told, from dark stories that focus on humanity’s negativity and terrible potential to lighthearted stories set in in a colorful, completely fictional world. Land of the Lustrous and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the genre, exploring themes of life, death and personal growth, while Tokyo Ghoul, Hunter x Hunter and Berserk brings darker and grittier fantasy stories.
Since manga is well suited to creative and imaginative stories, it’s no surprise that manga Best fantasy comics are some of the most popular titles on the medium. Set in a world of endless possibilities, these works offer readers exciting and engaging experiences that no other medium can replicate.
Fantasy is a broad genre that allows for virtually any type of story to be told, from dark fantasy stories that focus on humanity’s negativity and terrible potential to lighthearted stories that Set in a colorful, completely fictional world. There are even urban fantasy works that offer a new perspective on modern life with a bit of magical influence. What they have in common, however, is the presence of detailed world-building and intriguing premises.
For the purposes of this list, “fantasy” manga is considered any series that takes place in an imaginary world or incorporates many fantasy elements into a realistic setting.
10 Made in the Abyss (2012)
Story & Art by Akihito Tsukushi
Made in Abyss’ story revolves around the Abyss, a massive cave system that remains largely unexplored, holding ancient relics and long-forgotten secrets. Although it contains countless subjects to investigate and find treasure, only a handful of Cave Raiders are truly brave enough to face its dangers, especially in light of the existence of the Curse of the Abyss. abyss, which mostly traps people to lower levels. However, even without any safety net, Riko and Reg still choose to go into the Abyss together, each for their own reasons. From the unique setting to the detailed world-building, this game is truly a memorable one.
9 Bright Lands (2012)
Story & Art by Haruko Ichikawa
Land of the Lustrous is one of the most unique and engaging titles of all time, telling a completely original story that just keeps getting better. Its world is inhabited by crystalline life forms known as the Lustrous, who, under the guidance of the wise but mysterious Kongo-sensei, must defend themselves from the Lunarians who seek to defeat them and transform them. they become decorative objects. Furthermore, each gemstone has its own characteristics and properties, most of which are inspired by real-life gemstones. Visually impactful and surprisingly deep, there’s a lot to love about this engaging fantasy action title.
8 Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End (2020)
Story by Kanehito Yamada & Art by Tsukasa Abe
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a revolutionary fantasy title that surprises fans who consider themselves familiar with the genre by focusing on previously unexplored themes such as the meaning of life and death. The story revolves around Frieren, an elven mage who was part of the group of heroes who defeated the Demon King. However, she remains alone when her companions die, due to her longevity making her nearly immortal. Now she sets out on a journey to collect new magics and face her own memories and regrets, as she comes to terms with the differences between herself and others. With the recent anime adaptation becoming a hit, there’s no better time to watch the original.
7 Dorohedoro (2000)
Story & Art by Q Hayashida
Dorohedoro is a truly original and unique title, telling a story set in a bleak and hopeless world where no one’s safety is guaranteed. Magic users use the Pit as a testing ground, performing cruel experiments and mutilating defenseless humans. However, there are some who dare to oppose them, including cursed protagonist Caiman and his mysterious companion Nikaido. Despite the grim setting, Dorohedoro also successfully combines comedic elements. Furthermore, for those looking for more horror yet humorous stories, Q Hayashida is also the author of Dai Dark, which may not reach the same heights but is still an enjoyable experience.
6 Pandora’s Heart (2006)
Story & Art by Jun Mochizuki
Set in a vaguely historical fantasy world, Pandora Hearts tells the story of Oz Vessalius, a cheerful boy unjustly condemned to the Abyss, accused of a crime he no longer has. What do you remember about it? There, he meets Alice, a mysterious Chain, who accompanies him on his quest for the truth. Telling a dark and surprisingly complex story through distinctly compelling imagery, this memorable work never fails to leave an impression on readers. Furthermore, for fans of the series, it should be noted that Jun Mochizuki is also the author of another excellent title with a similar historical fantasy setting that should not be overlooked, namely The Case Study of Vanitas.
5 Tokyo Ghoul (2011)
Story & Art by Sui Ishida
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark and gruesome urban fantasy game, revolves around protagonist Ken Kaneki as he is thrown into a world of ghouls, cannibal creatures indistinguishable from normal humans. When an unfortunate incident turns him into a half-vampire, the naive and reserved boy has no choice but to adapt to his new environment, which leads to a fascinating story. about growing up through indescribable challenges and shocking events. Furthermore, readers should be happy to know that they are getting the best experience, as this title represents one of the cases where the manga is arguably better than the anime adaptation.
4 Hunter x Hunter (1998)
Story & Art by Yoshihiro Togashi
Hunter x Hunter revolves around titular Hunters, licensed individuals who have proven themselves capable of slaying the most powerful beasts and finding valuable treasure. As a hopeful Hunter, Gon Freecss seeks a path filled with danger and adventure to follow in his father’s footsteps. Coming from the author who previously introduced people to the world of anime and manga through YuYu Hakusho, This title is widely recognized as one of the best and most influential shounen stories of all time.
Story & Art by Hiromu Arakawa
Fullmetal Alchemist is set in the fantasy world of alchemists, humans with the ability to manipulate and transform matter as long as they follow the most important rule, the Law of Equivalent Exchange, according to which that are of equal value must always be sacrificed in exchange. After breaking this rule, Edward and Alphonse Elric embarked on a dangerous and tiring journey. Although the author has also created other titles that are highly appreciated by many fans, such as the emotional Silver Spoon, Fullmetal Alchemist is recognized as the best work to date, having achieved a level of prestige that few other works in the field can hope to achieve.
2 Crazy (1989)
Story & Art by Kentaro Miura
Berserk follows the journey of Guts, a former mercenary known as the “Black Swordsman,” whose life is defined by tragedy and trauma. After a scarred childhood, he finally finds some semblance of peace, only to have it taken away in a horrific betrayal. However, nothing was enough to break his spirit and determination. Berserk is a fantasy game unlike any other, telling a uniquely dark story set in one of the most brutal worlds in all of genre fiction. While it may not have been directly intended to terrify readers, its shockingly dark events also make it one of the best horror manga titles of all time.
1 One Piece (1997)
Story & Art by Eiichiro Oda
One Piece is one of the most popular and highly rated fantasy games of all time, and rightly so. The story mainly revolves around Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they embark on an epic journey in search of One Piece, the legendary treasure that its owner will receive. known as the Pirate King. Sailing across the vast ocean in hopes of achieving their personal dreams, they encounter many interesting characters and events. One Piece’s deep and nuanced story spanning 25 years (and counting), coupled with its unparalleled commercial success, has made it the most popular franchise of its generation.