Best Manga for Fantasy Nerds
Greetings Fantasy Nerds! This week we are going to talk about Manga, and what’s on our list of the best Manga for Fantasy Nerds!
Sensor by Junji Ito
I grabbed this on a whim, and I could not have been happier that I did. Sensor borders the line between fantasy and horror, but it deserves to be on this list. The artwork of Junji Ito is absolutely breathtaking, and some of the more horrific art is burned into my mind forever, so be warned if you are sensitive to this. Beyond the horror, which is mild I would say, the story absolutely draws you in! The story follows a young woman and a reporter, whose seemingly separate journeys through the same unknown cause them to cross paths. I could not put this manga down and finished it in just a matter of hours while taking my time to soak up every detail of the art. It is a one-off story, so prepare yourself for when it’s over and you want more. Junji Ito is also well known for his art, so if you want a taste definitely look up his work!
Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy by Richard A. Knaak and Jae-Hwan Kim
I’ve owned this trilogy for years, and have read it many times! If you are a fan of Warcraft you are certainly aware of the Sunwell and also its’ lore, and will definitely love this! It follows some well-known characters in the Warcraft universe. But, if you are not familiar with the Warcraft lore don’t fret, you don’t need to know anything about the backstory to enjoy this manga! Action-packed with beautiful artwork, and an intriguing storyline any fantasy lover could read this. I found all three copies at a local used book store, so if you need to pinch some pennies but want to own the physical copy I would check at your local used book store.
Berserk by Kentaro Miura
Berserk is a masterpiece. It’s an investment to read all of the manga, but one that will pay off tremendously. It is an emotional ride full of twists and turns that will have you sobbing more often than not. If you’re looking for a dark fantasy world full of insane character development this is the right manga for you. Berserk is phenomenally written, and it’s safe to say you will be a different person after reading this. The art is incredible, and together with the writing, it may very well be the best manga to exist. The manga began publication in 1989, there is also an anime adaptation that was aired in the 90s, which I highly recommend as well. Although I highly recommend this manga, I will add a trigger warning for graphic scenes of violence and sexual assault.
Grimgar: Of Fantasy and Ash by Ao Jūmonji
This was on our list for Best Fantasy TV Shows but we love it so much it had to be included on this list. This manga doesn’t start as a typical fantasy story, and that’s what initially drew me in. It follows the struggle of a group knowing absolutely nothing about fighting, or anything that comes with being in a fantasy setting. The characters grow on you, and quickly, and it’s portrayed as if you’re growing with them. You can truly feel their struggles, and at times this is heavy, but the manga has a good balance of this and bringing out the lighthearted joy in life. This is another series that you will struggle to put down, and will linger in your mind long after you have finished reading.
Recovery of an MMO Junkie by Rin Kokuyō
I adore this manga’s story! It follows Moriko, a 30-year-old businesswoman who decides to quit her corporate job and re-discovery her long-lost love for MMORPGs. The story jumps back and forth between her online avatar and her real self as she meets and interacts with new friends, her day-to-day video-game quests, and her errands. Throughout her journey, you as the reader start to realize that people she meets outside of the game are characters she plays the game with, unbeknownst to her. Often times you find yourself hoping that she figures it out so that she can connect more with these individuals. It’s a cute and fun little slice of life with romance, humor, and relatable themes for those who are familiar with MMOs or just videogames in general. Although it is not a fantasy manga itself, it connects with fans of the genre in a humorous and meaningful way.
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What did you think of our list? Did we miss any you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoy our blog feel free to buy us a cup of coffee, we promise to share!
Thank you so much for reading!
– CleverandWTF
