Best Historical Manhua

Highlights

Korean manhwa like
Solo Leveling
are gaining popularity alongside Japanese manga.
Chinese manhua, like
The Ravages of Time
, offer unique adaptations of historical tales.
Danmei manhua, like
Heaven’s Official Blessing
, explore compelling romances between men in atypical situations.

As a seasoned manga and manhua fan with a soft spot for historical tales, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore various genres that cater to my interests. Among the gems I’ve discovered, there are those that stand out as truly exceptional – the ones that leave an indelible mark on your soul and make you yearn for more.

Manga from Japan and manhwa from Korea have captivated global audiences since anime gained significant recognition in the late 1980s. More recently, manhua from China are also making their mark with popular titles such as “Solo Leveling” and “Noblesse.” China’s comics industry is not to be underestimated.

Manhua, similar to Korean comics, are now easily accessible on digital platforms alongside web novels and webtoons, expanding their reach to larger audiences. Previously, intrigued readers could stumble upon manhua such as “SVC: SNK Vs Capcom Chaos” in bookstores. Today, a wider selection of manhua is available to these readers, with some popular titles being historical narratives.

10 A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting To Be Appreciated

Anime-Planet Score: 3.80/5 Stars

Writer: Feng Nong
Artist: Zi Gui
Chapters: 12
Fan Translations Only

As a history enthusiast and hopeless romantic, I’ve noticed that some of the most captivating tales from the past are filled with love stories. Even during times of war, there seems to be an inherent longing for affection. One such example is the Chinese novel “A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated,” or “Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang.” In this enchanting narrative, I find myself drawn into the world of Bai Pingting, a resourceful concubine serving under the Marquess of Jing’an. Despite her humble station, she possesses an astute mind and unyielding spirit. Through her cunning strategies, she manages to protect her land from the encroaching Kingdom of Jin, showcasing that even in times of conflict, love and intellect can prevail.

In this rendition, the woman’s intelligence gains her the respect and admiration of many, earning her the status of a queen-like figure. Reminiscent of renowned strategists such as Zhuge Liang. Yet, an unexpected encounter with her past love, Chu Beijie, who now holds a significant military position in the Jin Kingdom, poses a challenge. Caught between her emotions and loyalty to her country, she is put to the test in finding a way to preserve their relationship amidst warfare. Adapted from Feng Nong’s original webnovel, it has sparked a popular TV series titled “The General and I“.

9 Cicada Slave

Anime-Planet Score: 3.88/5 Stars

Writer/Artist: Yy
Chapters: 151
Fan Translations Only

Historical anecdotes serve as rich sources of inspiration for fantasy stories, a fact that isn’t hard to comprehend. For instance, “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Game of Thrones” all draw heavily from the Dark Ages/Medieval Europe setting. If you’re more inclined towards Asian-rooted historical fantasy tales like “The Legend of Korra,” then give “Xian Chan Nu (Cicada Slave)” a try. This intriguing story, inspired by an ancient Chinese nickname for cats, goes beyond mere folklore elements that might captivate you.

Liu Shiqing, a young and adventurous girl at heart, finds herself living an unexpected tale. Abducted by bandits in her quest for excitement, she’s subsequently saved by Xian Chan Nu, an enigmatic figure with cat-like features. Shocked yet instantly smitten, Liu discovers Xian is a girl too. Their bond deepens as Xian becomes increasingly devoted to Liu’s safety. However, the challenge of nurturing their love amidst peril and despair proves far from simple.

8 The Ravages Of Time

Anime-Planet Score: 3.94/5 Stars

Writer/Artist: Chan Mou
Chapters: 605+
Fan Translations Only

The Han Dynasty’s downfall and the emergence of the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history are widely known and beloved, largely due to the influential novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” This work of literature has significantly shaped the way we view its historical characters, such as Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Lü Bu. However, it’s important to remember that these figures were not infallible superheroes in real life.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve had the chance to explore various adaptations of the classic tale, and “The Ravages of Time” stands out as a unique take on the story we know and love from “RTK” or “Dynasty Warriors.” Although some elements remain familiar, the game introduces intriguing twists that keep things fresh.

7 Biao Ren: Blades Of The Guardians

Anime-Planet: 3.96/5 Stars

Writer/Artist: Xu Xian Zhe
Chapters: 110+
Fan Translations Only

For those who prefer action over romantic themes, they might find “Biao Ren: Blades of the Guardians” more appealing. Similar to “Lonesome Fragrance,” this series boasts a TV adaptation and upcoming movie. It has already gained recognition as an award-winning Chinese animated series (donghua), with its second season set to premiere in 2024.

At the close of the Sui Dynasty, Daoma serves as a soldier-for-hire. In gratitude for a friend’s kindness in caring for him and his boy, Xiao Qi, Daoma is dispatched to Chang’an’s western capital. However, he encounters more than anticipated. If the rakshasas and their prey don’t challenge Daoma’s weapon, then the simmering tensions among ethnic groups will ignite, potentially causing chaos throughout the world. This supposedly straightforward mission might ultimately reshape history.

6 The Divine Physician

Anime-Planet Score: 4.02/5 Stars

Writers: Ping Ping Jun, Yang Shi Lu
Artist: Keai Bu Yu
Chapters: 645+
Fan Translations Only

Intrigued by other stories I’ve come across, I cannot help but share my excitement for “The Divine Physician.” This captivating tale transports us to the Shun dynasty, a historical era that spanned merely two short years before being surpassed by the Qing dynasty. In this narrative, I find myself in the role of Feng Yuheng, an accomplished officer with a medical background from the 21st century. In an instant, I’m whisked away, isekai-style, to this new world, where I’ve been reborn as the second daughter of my noble ancestors. The adventure unfolds before me, filled with intrigue, discovery, and the opportunity to heal both body and soul in this fascinating corner of history.

Instead of “While her ancestral counterpart took their abuse, she doesn’t tolerate that and retaliates with her past military and medical experience,” you could say: “Unlike her ancestors who endured mistreatment, she stands up for herself using her military and medical background. With her sarcastic wit and self-assurance, she has gained immense popularity in the royal family, overseeing her own hospital.” Additionally, she enjoys favor from the emperor, but faces pressure to marry his disfigured son who harbors ambitious plans. Yuheng’s actions may leave a significant mark on history.

5 Chronicles Of The God’s Order

Anime-Planet: 4.11/5 Stars

Writer: Ziang Jian He
Artists: Chi Fai Tang, Kin Wo Cheng
Chapters: 182 (includes 2 sequel strips)
Fan Translations Only

The ancient Chinese dynasty known as the Shang, which is the oldest one with historical records, came to an end around a thousand years ago when it was overthrown by the Zhou. According to folklore, Emperor Di Xin of the Shang became infamous for his cruelty, causing him to lose the “Mandate of Heaven” – the divine right to rule. Consequently, his soldiers deserted him and joined the opposing forces. Desperate, Di Xin took his own life before he could be captured. In turn, King Wu of Zhou claimed the throne, marking the beginning of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

As someone who has been deeply immersed in Chinese mythology and manga for years, I can’t help but be intrigued by the unique twist that “Chronicles of the God’s Order” (Feng Shen Ji) brings to the concept of the Mandate of Heaven.

4 A Journey To The Past

Anime-Planet Score: 4.15/5 Stars

Writer/Artist: Vivibear
Chapters: 203+
Fan Translations Only

Isekai stories, which involve transporting characters from our world to fantastical realms, have been a popular trend in manga, manhwa, and manhua for an extended period. For those who are growing weary of this trend, I recommend the time-traveling tale “A Journey to the Past” as an alternative. In this story, instead of being confined to a single historical era or fantasy world for just one adventure, the protagonist, Gong Yaoying, gets to travel through various periods in history to help clarify people’s past lives.

At the enigmatic Lives of Past & Present Tea House, where reality blends with dreams, Yaoying plays an essential role. This unique establishment draws in clients who are destined to visit, seeking resolutions for their problems. The tea house agents then delve into these individuals’ past lives to address the core issues and improve their future karma. Yaoying embarks on a series of captivating missions filled with intriguing encounters with historical figures, as well as various spirits and entities, in an otherworldly adventure reminiscent of shojo manga.

3 Song Of The Long March

Anime-Planet Score: 4.32/5 Stars

Writer/Artist: Xia Da
Chapters: 61
Fan Translations Only

In “Biao Ren: Blades of the Guardians,” the story recounts the transition from the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty. The epic poem, “Song of the Long March” or “Chang Ge Xing,” delves into the latter part of the Tang dynasty’s history, approximately 300 years after this pivotal change. During this period, Li Shimin seized power by rebelling against his brother, Crown Prince Yin, and mercilessly eliminating his family to ascend the throne as Emperor Taizong. However, unlike the historical account, the manhua introduces a fictional element: Princess Yongning manages to escape while being declared dead.

Determined to seek vengeance for her family, she transforms her identity into Li Chang Ge and assumes a male role in Shou city. Through this disguise, she demonstrates exceptional strategic skills. However, it’s a constant struggle for her to suppress her feminine side and uphold her masculine persona to overthrow her wicked uncle. Initially driven by revenge, she gradually develops concern for the welfare of the common people.

2 The Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation

Anime-Planet Score: 4.41/5 Stars

Writer: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (MXTX)
Artist: Luo Di Cheng Qiu
Chapters: 259
Available in English via: Seven Seas Entertainment

Several well-liked manhua are based on danmei (boys’ love/yaoi) novels as their source material. For instance, “The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” garnered the silver award in the Most Popular Webcomic Adaptation category at the China Animation Golden Dragon Awards. Subsequently, it achieved recognition in the Western market, making its debut on the New York Times Best Seller list at position 9.

Wei Wuxian, once a cultivator (magician) who met his end for resurrecting the deceased, is given a second chance at life thirteen years later as Mo Xuanyu. Determined to keep a low profile, he eventually teams up with Lan Wangji, his former adversary, in their pursuit of an malevolent force. Initially, Mo Xuanyu fears his past will be uncovered. However, as they progress, his hidden emotions towards Lan Wangji could potentially surface.

1 Heaven’s Official Blessing

Anime-Planet Score: 4.45/5 Stars

Writer: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (MXTX)
Artist: STARember
Chapters: 101+
Available in English via: Seven Seas Entertainment

Another popular novel by MXTX, titled “Heaven’s Official Blessing” in the New York Times best-selling danmei series, was also adapted into a donghua. The story revolves around Crown Prince Xie Lian who, after performing numerous good deeds, came close to entering Heaven upon his death. However, he was unexpectedly banished back to the earthly realm. Given another opportunity, he encountered more obstacles and was once again sent back. By the time he finally managed to ascend to Heaven, he had become a source of amusement for its inhabitants.

In the afterlife, he encounters Hua Cheng, the ghost ruler and one of the Four Calamities. With an aura that instills fear in all others, Hua Cheng is an anomaly in the realm of the dead. Yet, unlike every other being in Heaven, Hua Cheng shows respect towards Xie Lian. As their bond deepens, Xie Lian uncovers secrets hidden within the divine realm – secrets best kept concealed.

2024-07-16 12:34