Summary
- Redemption stories in manga explore characters overcoming flaws and seeking forgiveness.
- A path to redemption is challenging, as characters face harsh consequences for their past actions.
- From overcoming personal demons to seeking second chances, these tales showcase growth and atonement.
In a world where all fictional characters are either purely virtuous or utterly wicked, stories would become overly simplistic and superficial. The most intriguing narratives unfold when the noble characters struggle with their weaknesses and resist temptation, while the villains’ tales delve into their descent into wickedness and their subsequent efforts to redeem themselves.
By portraying them as sympathetic underdogs who have made mistakes, it creates an opportunity for them to win people over. However, this requires genuine change or atonement on their part. The road to redemption is a challenging journey, and these manga depict the unforgiving nature of that path.
8. Onanie Master Kurosawa
Antisocial Kid Gets His Worst Habits Turned Against Him
- Creators: Katsura Ise (story), Takuma Yokota (art)
- 4 Volumes, 31 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
In tough situations, earning redemption might prove extremely challenging, or perhaps impossible altogether. According to the film “The Distant Blade: Master Kurosawa,” its protagonist finds himself estranged from his peers, considering himself above them while indulging in private pleasures (metaphorically speaking) within the school’s restrooms. However, a shift occurs when he witnesses a fellow student being mistreated by her classmates. In response, he chooses to act as a protector, even if it means crossing societal boundaries and behaving in an unrefined manner.
Apart from Aya, the girl being bullied, she chooses to exploit this situation by blackmailing him into continuing his campaign against her tormentors. As Kurosawa finds himself on the receiving end of his own negative traits, he begins to understand the potential consequences of his self-proclaimed “justice,” leaving him with a difficult decision: either follow this path and risk becoming an outcast or confess and hope for leniency. The story starts off harshly but becomes more rewarding when the climax arrives.
7. Back When You Called Us Devils
Amnesiac School Student Discovers He May Have Been a Monster
- Creator: Takashi Sano
- 14 Volumes, 154 Chapters
- Available in English digitally via Kodansha Comics USA
When You Labeled Us as Demons, it’s quite puzzling for Yusuke, who believes himself to be an ordinary high school student. However, he can’t seem to recall the past six months of his life. Yet, there are plenty of individuals ready and willing to jog his memory, as they emerge from the shadows to recount the harmful actions he allegedly inflicted upon them in the past.
Initially accused of serious offenses such as extortion, torture, assault, and other heinous crimes, Yusuke now finds himself questioning his past and seeking the truth behind his actions. He aims to discover why he committed these crimes and what consequences might follow. As time goes on, this investigation transforms into a suspenseful drama filled with intellectual challenges, as both Yusuke and those around him contemplate whether it’s possible for a sinner to change their ways.
6. Tetsugaku Letra
Failed Basketball Player Finds a New Direction in Helping Others
- Creator: Sumomo Yumeka
- 6 Volumes, 27 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
In some stories of redemption, it’s not about making amends for wrongdoings; instead, it’s about demonstrating one’s value in spite of overwhelming obstacles, ultimately silencing their critics. Take the story of Tetsugaku Letra, for instance. In this tale, Ichinose had a passion for basketball and even shared his knowledge with friends. However, as they surpassed him in skill on the court, he felt left behind. His frustration led to him lashing out at his friends, resulting in social ostracism.
Initially, Ichinose considered quitting sports altogether due to his disappointment with the sport. However, he encountered a girl who shared his frustration as she too had been rejected from a dance club due to her large hands and feet. He proposed that she try basketball instead, which she did in high school and excelled at, leading him to ponder if he too could succeed if he took up dancing in her place. By taking the chance and interacting with new individuals, Ichinose might find out that he possesses talents and value beyond what he believes.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist
Alchemist Seeks to Cure His Brother of a Condition He Caused
- Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
- 27 Volumes, 116 Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media
In the series titled “Fullmetal Alchemist,” we follow the thrilling escapades of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. While Edward employs his role as a state alchemist for the benefit of the people of Amestris, the core narrative of this captivating tale revolves around the theme of redemption. Earlier in their lives, young Edward attempted to use the power of alchemy to resurrect their deceased mother, Trisha.
Despite its complexity, the process proved overwhelming for him. It ended disastrously, claiming Edward’s leg and annihilating Alphonse. Ridden with guilt, he employed another spell to transfer Alphonse’s spirit into an armor shell at the expense of his own right arm. Ever since then, his upward trajectory in ranks has been part of a calculated strategy – a bid to fully restore Alphonse and rectify his grievous error.
4. Vinland Saga
Man Regrets the Murderous Actions They Took as a Boy to Seek Revenge
- Creator: Makoto Yukimura
- 28+ Volumes, 218+ Chapters
- Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA
In the manga or anime titled “Vinland Saga“, Thorfinn decides to join Askeladd’s group of mercenaries as a means to challenge him in a duel, seeking revenge for his father’s death at the hands of the Vikings. However, to improve his abilities, he is compelled to perform tasks that range from killing innocent people and plundering their possessions.
After being stripped of control, he finds himself living like a bondservant in East Anglia, tormented by his recollections of Askeladd and the sufferings he inflicted. This predicament leaves him questioning whether it was all worth the cost or not. Considering the title of the series, it appears that the answer will be negative, as he eventually yearns for tranquility elsewhere. He dreams of venturing to a far-off land west of Greenland, which “Lucky” Leif Erikson had once mentioned to him.
3. Space Brothers
Underachieving Big Brother Gets a Shot at Reaching the Stars
- Creator: Chuya Koyama
- 44+ Volumes, 414+ Chapters
- Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA
If you’re looking for a story similar to Tetsugaku Letra, where the main character strives for a second chance to demonstrate their worth, Space Brothers could be a good fit. Unlike FMA and Vinland Saga, which delve into darker themes of redemption, this manga tells the tale of two brothers, Mutta and Hibito. As children, they both dreamed of becoming astronauts, with Hibito aiming to walk on the moon and Mutta wanting to exceed his brother’s ambition by walking on Mars instead.
19 years on, Hibito secured a position as an astronaut at JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), standing poised to be the first Japanese man to walk on the moon. On the other hand, Mutta found himself jobless in the automobile sector after being dismissed. In the depths of despair, he was given a new lease of life when JAXA offered him a spot in their upcoming astronaut selection process. With a touch of serendipity and relentless determination, he could potentially join Hibito in realizing their shared dreams.
2. Real
Guilt-Stricken School Dropout Finds His Calling in Wheelchair Basketball
- Creator: Takehiko Inoue
- 16+ Volumes, 103+ Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint
Takehiko Inoue significantly popularized basketball among children during the ’90s with his creation of “Slam Dunk”. However, instead of ending his association with the sport, he delved deeper and crafted a more complex narrative about it in “Real”. This series follows the lives of three individuals from diverse backgrounds who bond over wheelchair basketball. The story begins with Tomomi, a former basketball coach who left school following an accident that left a young girl paralyzed, for which he felt responsible.
However, when Togawa, a former sprinter who transitioned to wheelchair basketball following the loss of his leg, demonstrated the capabilities of those with disabilities on the court, it reignited his enthusiasm for the sport. Through assisting Togawa and Takahashi, his school replacement who became paralyzed in a traffic accident, he may uncover a purposeful future.
1. A Silent Voice
Awful Bully Tries to Make Things Right With Their Victim
- Creator: Yoshitoki Oima
- 7 Volumes, 64 Chapters
- Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA
A list of manga featuring redemption stories wouldn’t be whole without the heartfelt title “A Silent Voice“. This manga, along with its anime adaptation, are renowned for their portrayal of the grueling journey towards redemption, a path that mirrors the intense suffering inflicted by the wrongdoers upon others. As a young boy, Shouya frequently tormented Shoko, the new deaf student in his class, not only due to peer pressure but also because he found her an easy target for amusement. However, it isn’t long before his fellow students turn against him, singling him out as the sole bully responsible for Shoko’s misery.
Due to being deceived by those he considered friends, he vented his anger towards Shoko, resulting in her moving schools. Throughout the rest of his school years, Shoya was treated disdainfully. By high school, he was filled with bitterness and contemplated suicide. However, upon encountering Shoko once more, he resolved to reconcile with her before ending his life, aiming to do so without any regrets. Though the process was difficult, as Shoko wasn’t overjoyed to see him, it ultimately helped him grow and find a purpose for continuing his life.
Read More
- Devil May Cry Netflix: Season 1 Episodes Ranked
- Unlock the Magic: New Arcane Blind Box Collection from POP MART and Riot Games!
- Jujutsu Kaisen Shocker: The Real Reason Gojo Fell to Sukuna Revealed by Gege Akutami!
- You’re Going to Lose It When You See the Next Love and Deepspace Banner!
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Nine Sols: 6 Best Jin Farming Methods
- Get Ready for ‘Displacement’: The Brutal New Horror Game That Will Haunt Your Dreams!
- How to Reach 80,000M in Dead Rails
- Unlock Roslit Bay’s Bestiary: Fisch Fishing Guide
- Prestige Perks in Space Marine 2: A Grind That Could Backfire
2025-04-25 06:36