"Crime doesn't pay" isn't a saying that applies to the authors of these manga.
These manga are all about crime, and some of them are arguably classics that should be read at least once by everyone. Even though writing manga doesn't make a lot of money, the authors of some of these manga undoubtedly made it big because of the stellar plots of their stories. If you feel like reading something tense where morals are almost always being called into question, this list has the picks for you.
15. Ushijima the Loan Shark
Ushijima is a loan shark who offers money to people who are truly desperate to pay back their debts. He offers them a cash loan with a 50% interest rate that they have ten days to pay back in full. If his unfortunate clients can’t pay the bill, Ushijima won’t hesitate to put them through some serious suffering to get his money back. This story has many uncomfortable elements due to its dark elements and should have you thinking about morals and humanity by the end.
You'll like Ushijima the Loan Shark if…
- You like stories about the bottom feeders about society
- You like heartless protagonists
- You like manga with graphic images and explicit language
14. Inspector Akane Tsunemori
This is the manga adaptation of season one of the anime Psycho Pass. In the world of Psycho Pass, the Sibyl System, a system that examines a person’s mental state to determine their threat level, is used to enforce justice. Akane Tsunemori is a young woman with a passion for justice, and she begins working with Shinya Kougami, an Enforcer, someone who does the dirty work of the ones upholding the law. As she spends more time on the job, she realizes the system is less perfect than it’s made out to be and that the justice she dreams of might not be achievable.
You’ll like Inspector Akane Tsunemori if…
- You like stories that explore morality
- You like stories with dark themes
- You like stories that involve serial killers
13. Kimi no Knife
Shiki Yukitaka needs money, and one day he is asked if he would kill for 5 million yen a job. Though reluctant, he agrees to the offer so long as the people he is assassinating are actually evil. He’s introduced to a team who’ll work with him on the job, but complications come up sooner than they’d expected. In this manga you can really see the human in these characters as their morals are tested and they begin to change.
You’ll like Kimi no Knife if…
- You like stories about vigilante justice
- You like stories with morally gray characters
- You like stories with well written characters
12. Ouroboros
Ryuzaki Ikuo and Tatsuya Danno lived a peaceful life at an orphanage that is ruined when their beloved teacher Yuiko is murdered. To their shock, the police force them to keep quiet about the incident, leading the two boys to suspect there’s more to her death than what’s been revealed. When the two get older, Ryuzaki joins the police force and Tatsuya joins the yakuza, and they work together in order to get justice for Yuiko. On top of having quality action and suspense, this story also digs deep and raises questions about the dark sides of society.
You’ll like Uroboros if…
- You like manga with police
- You like mystery manga
- You like thriller manga
11. Jiraishin
Kyoya Ida is a stoic detective known for his tough exterior. While he’s disliked by some of his higher-ups for using lethal force when solving cases, that same trait makes him admired by others. This manga brings to life a disturbing world where crime is rife, and has a dark tone that isn’t for everyone.
You’ll like Jiraishin if…
- You like episodic stories
- You like stories about murder investigations
- You like varied and realistic characters
10. Bungou Stray Dogs
Atsushi Nakajima is an orphan and was contemplating suicide until he saves the strange Osamu Dazai from drowning. From there he is introduced to the Armed Detective Agency, a group of individuals with special abilities who solves crimes that the police can’t deal with. This detective agency has a bunch of issues to deal with from the Port Mafia to troublesome characters from overseas. Packed with action, plot twists, and mystery, this series will keep you on your toes for sure.
You’ll like Bungou Stray Dogs if…
- You like manga with supernatural elements
- You like manga with large casts
- You like complex characters
9. Gangsta
Ergastulum is a city where crime is common and balance is somewhat maintained by the Corsica Family, the Monroe Family, the Cristianto Family, and the Paulklee Guild by means of Twilights, humans gifted with super strength and speed. Human Worick Arcangelo and Twilight Nicolas Brown, two good friends, work with a neutral party and are asked to take care of a job, but that job leads them down a path that could bring massive change to the city. This manga features a diverse cast in a bleak world with comedic moments every now and then to keep things from getting too depressing.
You’ll like Gangsta if…
- You like manga that deal with society’s underworld
- You like manga with both action and drama
- You like explicit psychological manga
8. Black Lagoon
There is a group of mercenaries known as Lagoon Company who are in the business of smuggling goods. One of Lagoon Company’s members is Revy, an exceptionally skilled shooter who never hesitates n battle. She and the crew take on various missions from all sorts of clients, which usually bring bloody results. If you like watching characters mercilessly kick butt, this manga is a must read
You’ll like Black Lagoon if…
- You like episodic plots
- You like fast paced action
- You like plots with underworld activities
7. Sanctuary
Childhood friends Akira Houjou and Chiaki Asami have seen the dark side of Japan and want change. Each decided on a different route, with Houjou wanting to control the underworld and Asami wanting to become the prime minister, in hopes of being able to create the ideal country. With the use of flashbacks, intense dialogue, and other unique storytelling elements, this manga presents a political thriller worth reading. However, there are distasteful depictions of rape that potential readers should be aware of.
You’ll like Sanctuary if…
- You like stories that tackle politics
- You like inspirational manga
- You like stories that focus on multiple characters
6. Banana Fish
Ash Lynx who runs a gang and Eiji Okumura, a photographer, couldn’t be more different, and when they meet they find themselves curious about each other. At the same time, a series of murders connected by the phrase “Banana Fish” have been appearing around the city, causing worry for both Ash and Eiji. They’ll have to work together to uncover the truth behind “Banana Fish” before things get out of hand. This series portrays heavy and dark themes usually not tackled in the shoujo manga of today, but is worth a read nonetheless.
You’ll like Banana Fish if…
- You like complex, memorable characters
- You like stories with a lot of detail
- You like manga with action scenes
5. Pluto
Swiss robot Montblanc, a character both famous and well-loved, has been violently murdered which saddens and horrifies many. Gesicht, one of the world’s most advanced robots, is brought in to help solve this case before there are any more tragedies. He learns about an entity named “Pluto” as well as a plot to dismantle important robots who participated in the 39th Asian War. Though many of this story’s characters are robots, humanity is a key topic explored in this captivating series.
You’ll like Pluto if…
- You like sci-fi stories with robots
- You like psychological mysteries
- You like stories that deal with the conflict between humans and machines
4. 20th Century Boys
It is near the turn of the century and Kenji Endo who has long since given up his childhood dreams is living a simple life as a convenience store manager. However, things start taking a turn for the strange as a cult begins gaining notoriety and disappearances begin to occur. Kenji must regroup with his childhood friends to unravel the mystery surrounding the cult and its leader before it’s too late.
You’ll like 20th Century Boys if…
- You like mysteries
- You like stories with multiple timelines
- You like sci-fi thrillers
3. Detective Conan
High school student Shinichi Kudou is a top notch detective who uses his wits to solve tough cases that stump the police force. Unfortunately for him, when he witnesses a suspicious exchange, he is forced to drink a potion that unexpectedly shrinks him down to the size of a grade schooler. Until he can figure out how to get his old body back, Kudou takes on the alias Conan Edogawa and solves cases while living with his childhood friend and her father.
You’ll like Detective Conan if…
- You like mysteries
- You like comedies
- You like long series
2. Death Note
Light Yagami is a genius and bored student who discovers a Death Note, a notebook that can kill, dropped by Ryuk, a god of death. Initially, Light doubted its powers, but it’s not long before he realizes its abilities are legit. He becomes “Kira” and decides that he will bring justice to the world by executing criminals with the Death Note. However, not all agree that he should have the power to decide who lives and dies, so L, a renowned detective, is brought in. The two must use every trick they have to outwit each other, and then some, if they want to be the one to emerge victorious
You will like Death Note if…
- You like mysteries
- You like stories with strategizing
- You like anti-heroes
1. Monster
Johan Liebert would have died young if not for Kenzou Tenma, a famous neurosurgeon who had to choose between saving him or the mayor of Düsseldorf. Tenma always thought he made the right choice despite being disgraced and shunned for it until he learns what has become of Johan. Years after his life was saved, Johan has become a monster, and Tenma takes it upon himself to right the wrong that his actions have led to
You’ll like Monster if…
- You like intense psychological thrillers
- You like complex mysteries
- You like stories with psychopaths
