Life isn't all roses, and these characters know that better than anyone.
The characters in these manga have had some pretty rought life experiences, which is how they ended up the way they are now: dark. Morals mean little to them and in order to get what they want, they're willing to go any lengths. Even if what they're doing isn't agreeable, it can't be denied that these characters are most certainly interesting.
10. Kasane
Kasane’s mother is a beautiful actress, and Kasane wants to be just like her. Unfortunately for Kasane, she’s ugly, which means making that dream of hers come true won’t be easy. Before Kasane’s mother died, she left Kasane a tube of lipstick only to be used if times ever got really hard, with the instructions to kiss whatever she really desires. For Kasane, that gift has the potential to be her greatest blessing or her greatest curse.
You'll like Kasane if...
- You like acting manga
- You like mysteries
- You like psychological manga
9. Black Butler
After a childhood tragedy, Ciel Phantomhive has become the head of the Phantomhive household and therefore the “Queen’s Watchdog”. While Ciel may be but a child, his enemies soon realize he is a ruthless force to be feared. Accompanying him is his butler Sebastion, a demon of extraordinary abilities. Together the two take on the supernatural mysteries and dangers that threaten England and slowly discover the truth about the mysterious circumstances behind the deaths of Ciel’s parents.
You’ll like Black Butler if…
- You like demons
- You like late 19th century aesthetics
- You like mysteries
8. Ajin
Kei Nagai is fatally injured in a traffic accident only to find himself brought back to life almost immediately. His unnatural regenerative abilities mark him as an Ajin, a demi human whose species have a rocky relationship with humans. In order to guarantee his safety from the government, Kei agrees to participate in the Ajin-human conflict that appears to be walking in the direction of war.
You’ll like Ajin if…
- You like horror and supernatural themes
- You like mystery and drama
- You like gore
7. Gantz
Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato are high school students who after having been killed by a subway train, have found themselves in a strange room with an even stranger black orb who has a mission for them. Their job is to kill an alien living on Earth, and the sphere gives them the equipment they’ll need to do it. The duo succeed in their mission, but it is soon revealed the sphere has more work planned for them.
You’ll like Gantz if…
- You like battles for survival
- You like gory action
- You like horror
6. Tokyo Ghoul
Ken Kaneki was an average university student until an unfortunate accident turned him into a half ghoul, creatures that live off of human meat. Ken is helped with transitioning into his new life by some of his city’s friendly ghouls, but not all ghouls are as eager to welcome him into their society. From this point on, his life is thrown into chaos as he finds himself caught up in a conflict between an organization dedicated to fighting ghouls and his new friends. To make matters worse, he has caught the attention of dangerous ghouls from all over Tokyo.
You’ll like Tokyo Ghoul if…
- You like ghouls
- You like gore
- You like realistic characters
5. Pandora Hearts
The Abyss is a realm home to monstrous creatures known as “Chains”, and is spoken of in stories meant to scare children. Oz Vessalius, heir to the Vessalius family, did not believe in the existence of the Abyss until his coming-of-age-ceremony where he is framed for a crime and condemned to the Abyss by the Bakersville Clan. In an attempt to escape, Oz forms a contract with a Chain named Alice who can take on human form. With his sights set on returning home, Oz enters a world of mystery, tragedy, and despair.
You’ll like Pandora Hearts if …
- You like the supernatural
- You like tragic backstories
- You like detailed manga
4. Rorouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
Kenshin Himura is a wandering samurai who years ago, fought in a war for the sake of peace. Himura was once known as Hitokiri Battousai, the feared and ruthless killer of all the revolutionaries. His past actions have left him haunted by guilt, and so he has vowed never to kill again in order to repent. One day, Kenshin meets Kaoru Kamiya whose dojo might be closed because of a man claiming to be the infamous Battousai who is murdering in its name. Kenshin puts a pause on his wanderings to team up with Kaoru in order to clear their names, but staying put is not easy for someone on the run from their past.
You’ll like Ruroni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan if…
- You like historical dramas
- You like samurai stories
- You like romance
3. Death Note
Light Yagami is a prodigious high school student who has by chance found a Death Note dropped by Ryuk, a god of death. Inside the notebook is a list of rules on how to use it and what it does, which is kill those whose names are written in it. At first, Light was skeptical, but when it’s proven to work, Light realizes that the Death Note can be used to change the world. He adopts the alias “Kira” and decides that he will use his newfound ability to levy justice by executing criminals with the Death Note. This doesn’t sit well with everyone, and so brought in is the genius detective L. The superior intelligence of Light and L are put to the test as genius battles genius.
You will like Death Note if…
- You like mystery
- You like strategizing
- You like villainous main characters
2. Monster
Johan Liebert would have died a young boy had he not been treated by Kenzou Tenma, a famous neurosurgeon who had to decide between saving the orphan or saving the mayor of Düsseldorf. Tenma believed he made the right choice, despite said choice ruining his career, 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 he is responsible for.
You’ll like Monster if…
- You like intense psychological thrillers
- You like complex mysteries
- You like dark plots
1. Berserk
Before he became a renowned mercenary, Guts lived through 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
