Best Full Color Manga

Best Full Color Manga

Key Takeaways

  • The Way of the Househusband: A hilarious tale of a Yakuza turned perfect husband, blending comedy and action in vibrant visuals.
  • JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Dive into a bizarre family saga with unique characters and epic battles brought to life in full color.
  • Parasyte: Explore a dark and gory world filled with body horror and philosophical themes, now enhanced by colored visuals.

As a seasoned manga enthusiast with years of immersion in this captivating world under my belt, I must say that these four titles are absolute gems in their respective genres. The reimagined full-color versions only serve to enhance the visual appeal and deepen the impact of each story.


Finding full-color manga can be challenging, but there are some exceptional series hidden gems that dedicated fans should seek out. Across various genres and narratives, certain stories boast striking visuals, compelling plotlines, and crucially – masterful use of color to enhance the story’s narrative.

From a former Yakuza now embracing his fresh start as a married man, to an eternal masterpiece that every manga enthusiast ought to experience at least once – these vibrant comics are visual delights for lovers of graphic storytelling.

1 The Way Of The Househusband

A Yakuza Becomes The Perfect Husband

  • First publication date: 2-22-2018
  • Author: Kōsuke Ōno
  • Genres: Action, Comedy, Slice-Of-Life

The notorious Yakuza figure infamously called The Immortal Dragon, who once terrorized Japan’s streets, faces his impending end when he is discovered by a working woman named Miko and nursed back to life. Grateful for her lifesaving act, this formidable criminal chooses to repay her kindness by taking care of her. However, as he has no experience beyond violence and domestic tasks, he focuses on the latter and transforms into an exceptional househusband.

Titled “The Way of the Househusband“, this comic series offers an uproariously funny tale about a former Yakuza member named Tatsu, who now leads a peaceful life as a househusband among ordinary Japanese housewives in a cart-cluttered environment. With a witty narrative and numerous comical misunderstandings that liven the plot, it’s a delightful read. The full-color version is particularly engaging since it highlights Tatsu’s transformation into a law-abiding citizen while retaining his unique personality and gangster fashion sense.

2 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

The Epic Of A Family And Their Fight For Justice Over Generations

  • First publication date: 1-1-1987
  • Author: Hirohiko Araki
  • Genres: Shonen, Seinen, Action, Battle-Manga, Fantasy

From the bulky Hamon user Jonathan Joestar, to the youngest stand user Jodio Joestar, the JoJo family has evolved greatly throughout the continuity of the series. And so did its incredibly bizarre fighting scenes. So, it is only appropriate that this manga is read in full color. With an unparalleled composition, and overwhelmingly charged backgrounds, the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series is a must-read for every fan of battle manga.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the eccentric characters that grace the screens in these captivating series. They skillfully dance along the border between satire and action drama, presenting a one-of-a-kind, vibrant flair that sets them apart. Every JoJo enthusiast has their personal favorite version of the story, and each newcomer is bound to discover their own gem as they delve into this intricate, nine-part saga.

3 Parasyte

They Blend In Among Us, But They Are Here To Replace Us

  • First publication date: 11-22-1988
  • Author: Hitoshi Iwaaki
  • Genres: Horror, Psychological, Action, Gore, Sci-Fi

Among all the mangas that could benefit from colorization, none might be more suitable than “Parasyte“. Set in a dim and ominous world, this manga delves deeply into the genre of body horror, portraying some truly gruesome scenes. Despite its thought-provoking philosophical aspects and poignant moments, it is heavily dependent on its striking visuals to create impact. Given these factors, it’s only natural that a colored version of this series was produced.

The powerful connection between Shinichi (the protagonist) and Migi, an unusual being residing within his arm, is vividly showcased, with a blend of pastel gentle hues in the foreground and intense dark shadows in the backdrop. Sprinkled throughout are copious amounts of red, though the level of gore is relatively moderate compared to other horror manga series due to its focus on maintaining an ominous, suspenseful tone characteristic of the horror genre. In essence, Parasyte offers a colorful reading experience for horror enthusiasts without compromising the ominous, ominous atmosphere typical of horror manga.

4 Yu Yu Hakusho

The Story Of A Delinquent With A Strong Sense Of Justice Becoming A Supernatural Detective

  • First publication date: 10-12-1992
  • Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
  • Genres: Shonen, Action, Supernatural, Adventure

A Japanese high school troublemaker, often misjudged, meets an untimely end while shielding a young boy from being run over by a car. His existence then transitions into a spectral one, where he becomes a spiritual investigator and medium. This vibrant, supernatural action series for shonen genres has never looked more dynamic with its full-color reimagining. Notable sequences from the Dark Tournament and Three Kings story arcs now showcase the grandeur of this legendary anime series at its finest.

Witnessing Kurama’s first transformation in vibrant hues leaves one breathless, highlighting the contrast between his human and demonic persona. Similarly, Kuwabara’s battle against Byakko stands out even more when observed in full color. Yu Yu Hakusho, though it might have a Netflix adaptation, still offers an unparalleled reading experience as you journey through Togashi’s saga page by page and immerse yourself in the richness of its colors.

5 Akira

In A Dystopian Future, A Government Experiment Goes Terribly Wrong

  • First publication date: 12-20-1982
  • Author: Katsuhiro Otomo
  • Genres: Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Action, Drama, Tragedy, Cyberpunk

Akira, an unforgettable manga masterpiece, offers a striking, suspenseful portrayal of a bleak future where humanity has abandoned its moral compass, teetering on the edge of no return. In this morally bankrupt world, a band of outcasts strive for a seemingly hopeless goal, oblivious to the fact that they are being orchestrated by a sinister antagonist whose sole ambition is to seize power beyond human comprehension. It serves as both an alarming warning and a cautionary tale: never let go of your humanity, or risk losing it forever.

In Neo-Tokyo, there’s an intriguing mix of vitality and gloom, where the employment of vivid yet abstract colors serves as a visual narrative tool to mirror the cyberpunk atmosphere within the storyline. This artistic approach effectively portrays society’s decay alongside technological advancement by skillfully blending striking bright tones against somber darker hues. The graphic novel Akira, a testament to timeless creativity, is a must-read for enthusiasts of science fiction, cyberpunk, and transhumanism.

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2024-08-25 08:04