8 Shonen Manga With Jaw-Dropping Art That Will Blow Your Mind!

Summary

Good art can elevate even quiet moments in comics, like in Blue Lock’s dramatic soccer scenes.
Manga like Akane-banashi benefit from artistic license, bringing stories to life with evocative imagery.
Fist of the North Star’s powerful art and Jojo’s evolving style show the importance of soulful dedication.

In terms of comic books, manga, manhua, and related formats, exceptional artwork can significantly enhance the overall experience. While the plot plays a crucial role in the grand scheme, an artist who skillfully infuses the narrative with captivating, evocative visuals can transform even the most tranquil scenes into unforgettable moments. Needless to say, this impact is especially noticeable during the dramatic, climactic sequences.

It can be quite challenging to handle, particularly when dealing with strict deadlines. This is why you’ll often see some remarkable handwriting skills showcased in genres such as seinen and josei, which have a monthly release schedule instead of weekly. However, even within the fast-paced shōnen manga world, there are still some breathtakingly beautiful pieces of art to appreciate, like in these exceptional series.

1. Blue Lock

Giving Readers Soccer In Style

Creators: Muneyuki Kaneshiro (story), Yusuke Nomura (art).
33+ Volumes, 299+ Chapters.
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA.

It’s quite appropriate that the captivating sport of soccer is accompanied by equally striking artwork. Blue Lock, unlike its contemporaries, places more emphasis on the dramatic aspects of soccer rather than realism, a fact highlighted by Yusuke Nomura in his artistry. Characters are depicted with intense auras as they move towards the ball, their eyes gleam as they spot an opportunity to score, and they radiate malice as they target opposing players.

Since the era of “Ashita no Joe”, artistic license has often been used to enhance sports manga. While many don’t execute it with the finesse and precision as “Blue Lock” does, through its clever use of shading and speed lines. It’s been likened to “Bleach” in that it strives to make each scene look as stylishly cool as possible, even if the underlying narrative may seem routine compared to its visual appeal.

2. Dan Da Dan

Supernatural Phenomenon Drawn Phenomenally

Creator: Yukinobu Tatsu.
19+ Volumes, 190+ Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Jump imprint.

The comic strip titled “Dan Da Dan” draws from a variety of sources for inspiration. Since it revolves around the story of a UFO enthusiast who is also a skeptic about ghosts, and a ghost hunter who doesn’t believe in aliens, both characters ironically end up being more grounded. The narrative incorporates traditional Japanese urban legends, as well as references to pop culture icons such as Ultraman, the movie Sadako Vs Kayako, and the horror comics of Junji Ito.

Having honed my skills under the tutelage of artistic powerhouses like “Chainsaw Man” and “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku”, I’ve come to develop a writing style that is as precise as it is chilling. The supernatural horrors I depict, while not aesthetically pleasing, can be quite haunting, often matching the more terrifying creations of Ito. However, every panel, with its meticulous details, unique designs, and thoughtful angles, makes for a visually captivating experience.

3. Bakemonogatari

Gorgeous and Gruesome in Equal Measure

Creators: Nisio Isin (story), Oh! great (art).
22 Volumes, 193 Chapters.
Available in English via Vertical.

If you found the mix of beautiful yet chilling imagery in Dan Dan insufficient, Bakemonogatari will provide even more. Notably, the anime adaptation of Nisio Isin’s light novel also features an ordinary teenager battling the supernatural, but it leans heavily on suspense and mysteries rather than the balance between intentional scares and comedic silliness that Dan Dan offers.

Oh, Great’s monster designs are not only visually stunning but also disturbing. They resemble Lovecraftian creatures as they are difficult to articulate. Only seeing them can truly convey their impact. However, they are contrasted by some meticulously arranged panels that enhance the enigma of its narrative, the intensity of its scenes, and the charm of its characters.

4. Akane-banashi

Bringing Rakugo to Life

Creators: Takamasa Moue (story), Yuki Suenaga (art).
15+ Volumes, 155+ Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Jump imprint.

In my perspective, the captivating manga “Akane-banashi” isn’t just about a woman narrating tales in a room; it’s about diving deep into the world of a rakugoka apprentice named Akane. Much like her father, she breathes life into lengthy comedic stories using nothing but her acting prowess and a fan as props, showcasing a unique aspect of Japanese theater that boasts its own set of charms and challenges. The manga masterfully portrays this traditional art form’s intricacies and complexities.

Yuki Suenaga’s art skillfully portrays Akane’s personal battle for vengeance after her father was ousted from the Arakawa school. What truly stands out is its evocative imagery, as it transforms Akane and her adversaries into their rakugo personas during dialogues. Typically, this manga offers a charming storyline with visually appealing art and designs. At its best, however, it becomes a breathtaking artistic spectacle teeming with life and character, making it a must-read for any enthusiast of the genre.

5. Fist Of The North Star

The Power of Soul in Manga

Creators: Buronson (story), Tetsuo Hara (art).
27 Volumes, 245 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint.

The creator of “Fist of the North Star”, Tetsuo Hara, made headlines recently as he shared his views on AI-generated art with GoetheWeb.jp. In essence, he argued that AI art falls short because it lacks the willingness to die. It doesn’t undergo hardship or pain to produce its best work, which is something it cannot replicate. He believes this dedication and struggle gives art a soul, a quality that stands in stark contrast to his own approach to creating art (“I aim to captivate all readers with an image that embodies that soul”).

Given the nature of Fist of the North Star, it’s no surprise that the perspective is consistently focused on hardship. The manga is well-known for its graphic violence, decapitations, and villains who seem to defy death. Remarkably, Hara manages to portray all this with an uncanny sense of cleanliness, ensuring not a single line is out of place, and arranging each scene in a way that amplifies the drama. Regardless of whether it’s gruesome or beautiful, the details in Hara’s artwork for Fist of the North Star reveal a deep emotional depth.

6. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Bizarre Yet Beautiful

Creator: Hirohiko Araki.
136+ Volumes, 977+ Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Jump imprint.

The artistic style of each creator undergoes transformation, with some alterations being more apparent than others. For instance, Hirohiko Araki’s work on Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has experienced such a significant change throughout its 38+ year duration that it can be challenging to believe the same artist is responsible for both the free-flowing depiction of human anatomy in Part 1: Phantom Blood and Empty, and the more intricate and balanced portrayals seen in Part 7: Steel Ball Run.

Regardless, it’s evident that he skillfully combines various influences in his work. By examining it, one can trace elements inspired by Tetsuo Hara, classic sculptures, progressive rock album covers, and Antonio Lopez’s fashion art – to name a few. In essence, Araki seamlessly integrates aspects reminiscent of Hara’s dedication, the allure of a high-fashion shoot, and the peculiarity found in Roger Dean’s artwork into his unique creations.

7. Death Note

Manages to Look Dark in the Light

Creators: Tsugumi Ohba (story), Takeshi Obata (art).
12 Volumes, 108 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Jump Advanced imprint.

Similar to Dan Dan Dan and Bakemonogatari, Death Note also follows the pattern of aesthetically pleasing yet chilling artwork. For many anime fans who appreciate the gothic and dark aesthetic, Takeshi Obata’s style on this series was a favorite choice. His Shinigami, particularly Ryuk, had an air of evil and death metal about them, but his true monster was just an ordinary man with a mysterious notebook.

Obata’s artwork effectively portrays Light’s transformation into megalomania and increasing paranoia. His covers, brimming with detail, manage to keep a somber tone through the use of symbols like scythes, skulls, and crosses, while still being vividly colored. Moreover, Light stands out from his eccentric entourage in his formal attire, which is remarkably ordinary compared to the gothic-chic styles donned by his sidekicks.

8. Slam Dunk

All Thrills With No Frills

Creator: Takehiko Inoue.
31 Volumes, 276 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Jump imprint.

This list wouldn’t be whole without incorporating some art by Takehiko Inoue. Although he might be better recognized in the Western world for the captivating aesthetics of his seinen comic, Vagabond, he is much more renowned in Japan for creating Slam Dunk, which was considered the top manga for basketball fans and encouraged many more people to engage with the sport.

Instead of deviating from the truth like in “Blue Lock,” Inoue remained faithful to the essential aspects of basketball and showcased them skillfully for dramatic effect and storytelling. His depictions of dribbling, blocking, and slam dunks exude a sense of power that seems plausible given the characters’ effort levels. This realism in his artwork makes the scenes look as if they could occur on a basketball court if players put in the same dedication as the characters.

2025-04-27 00:09