Best Manga With Tamer Protagonists

Key Takeaways

Tamer protagonists add variety to isekai stories by creating unique dynamics with monsters.
Some tamers value a peaceful life over adventuring, finding different ways to utilize their skills.
Many tamer protagonists focus on maintaining bonds with animals rather than showcasing overpowering strength.

As a seasoned manga enthusiast with over two decades under my belt, I must say that these two tales are quite intriguing, each offering a unique spin on the tamer genre.

In make-believe games and narratives, individuals referred to as tamers are capable of forming bonds with mythical beasts and wild animals, often utilizing them in combat alongside themselves. These characters may not always take center stage, but they’re surprisingly common among main protagonists in manga, either due to accidental encounters or fortunate circumstances. In any case, these characters enrich the primary cast, a phenomenon that occurs frequently in isekai settings.

In most manga, the main character is often already powerful rather than starting as a tamer or having a tamer class. However, to bypass this trend, authors sometimes introduce a scenario where the familiar and the tamer share power, or the protagonist is naturally very strong. Alternatively, they may opt to focus on non-action aspects of the story instead.

9 Isekai Mofumofu Café

Running A Cat Café In A Fantasy World

MyAnimeList Score: N/A
Published: 2021 to ?
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Author: Punichan
Illustrator: Yuu Takaoka

Despite being intended for adventuring, several tamer protagonists opt for a comfortable lifestyle instead. For instance, Taichi Arima, after rescuing a cat from a vehicle, finds himself reborn in another world. Equipped with divine abilities that make him a formidable tamer, Arima, due to his affection for animals, utilizes these powers to establish a cozy café filled with fluffy creatures.

In contrast to many other isekai mangas, this one may not be as thrilling or action-packed, but it certainly has a charming and enjoyable quality to it. The main appeal of the story lies in the array of cute and cuddly creatures that Taichi encounters, which are drawn with notably round and soft features. Even fearsome monsters like Fenrir and Cerberus are given a softer, fluffier appearance. This manga is truly heartwarming material.

8 I’m The Only Monster Tamer In The World And Was Mistaken For The Demon Lord

Resigning From Being A Hero Turns Into A Much Larger Problem

MyAnimeList Score: 6.61
Published: 2018 to 2024
Genre/Theme: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Author: Senri Kakei
Illustrator: Norio Doujima

In many tales, the main character is typically an experienced tamer, but in this manga, Noah Whitefield stands out as something unique – a “champion.” He despised his role so intensely that he embarked on a five-year quest to eradicate it. Utilizing the Divine Class Tome, he managed to transform his profession into Monster Taming. Regrettably, his extraordinary power and the monsters he controls make him appear like a demonic overlord.

In this tale, powerhouse main characters aren’t unusual, but it begins in the thick of things instead of at the start, leading to more excitement. Despite the ordinary nature of the characters, they form an enjoyable ensemble, particularly the domesticated beasts. However, the narrative itself is rather straightforward and doesn’t offer many intriguing surprises.

7 Orphanage Tamer

Using Isekai Powers To Save A Makeshift Family

MyAnimeList Score: 6.62
Published: 2019 to ?
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Author: Masaki Andou
Illustrator: Moroko Kurasaki

Nurturing Spirit of the Orphanage is a gentle tale that unfolds within the confines of an orphanage. In a peculiar twist of fate, Shu finds himself reborn following his natural demise in old age, and granted diverse abilities by a higher power before his rebirth, among them the capacity to subdue monsters. However, the orphanage where he now resides is impoverished and struggling to sustain its inhabitants. With his unique skills at hand, Shu embarks on hunts around the vicinity to ensure their survival. Before long, everyone lends a helping hand to support the orphanage.

Slow-life isekai stories are often favored due to their absence of high-action intensity, and that’s exactly what “Orphanage Tamer” aims to deliver. The characters, plot, and artwork are kept basic, ensuring an easy read. The taming aspect is relatively gentle as the monsters function more like pets for the orphanage rather than typical adversaries. Despite this, they manage to add an element of entertainment to the story.

6 My Isekai Life: I Gained A Second Character Class And Became The Strongest Sage In The World!

Slimes Accidentally Turn A Man Into A Genius

MyAnimeList Score: 6.71
Published: 2018 to ?
Genre/Theme: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Author: Shotou Shinkou
Illustrator: Jea Pon

Among the overwhelmingly powerful isekai protagonists, Yuji Sano stands out as one of the most extraordinary. Following his transition to this alternate world, he’s bestowed with a skill for taming creatures, which he utilizes to control a swarm of slimes. In this realm, one can learn magic by simply reading appropriate books. Consequently, when his slimes start reading books discovered in a rundown, abandoned cottage, Yuji Sano instantly becomes a sage.

In this tale, the main character, who doesn’t realize his own power, embodies a classic narrative archetype. Much of the comedy stems from the unusual situations that arise when he uses his slimes and magic abilities. The tamed creatures in the story, particularly the monsters, provide an engaging element, compensating for Yuji’s less developed personality. Despite its straightforward plotline, it was captivating enough to warrant an anime adaptation.

5 Beast Tamer

Tamer Forms A Party With The Strongest Monster Girls

MyAnimeList Score: 6.85
Published: 2019 to ?
Genre/Theme: Action, Fantasy
Author: Suzu Miyama
Illustrator: Moto Shigemura

In many manga stories, the main character gets expelled from the hero’s group, and these tales often follow a similar pattern. This one is no exception. It centers around Rein, a tamer, as he forges his own path after being dismissed. Later on, he encounters Kanade, a cat race member of high standing, whom he ultimately rescues. Over time, they form a partnership. Throughout their journeys, they cross paths with other notable characters from superior races, who later become part of their team.

Rein often temporarily controls various creatures, primarily in crucial scenarios. However, his role as a tamer is largely shaped by the humanoid companions he “commands,” such as Kanade. These companions may have distinctive traits like cat ears or a tail reminiscent of dragons. The narrative follows a familiar pattern, yet it maintains an enjoyable charm all its own.

4 Saint? No! I’m Just A Passing Beast Tamer!: The Invincible Saint And The Quest For Fluff

Strongest Saint Candidate Wants To Pet Fluffy Animals

MyAnimeList Score: 7.11
Published: 2020 to ?
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Author: Inumajin
Illustrator: Toi Iida

In contrast to being something grand, the role of a beast tamer in this world appears almost absurd. This is because they share their power with their companions, leaving them rather feeble themselves. But what if that individual possessed an extraordinary amount of strength? Take Kanata, for instance, who boasts exceptional skills in swordsmanship and magic. Instead of following the path towards sainthood as many anticipated, she opts to nurture adorable beasts instead.

The best part is that Kanata experiences none of the drawbacks of being a tamer. She can still throttle dragons and instantly purify ghosts if she needs to. Suddenly, the weakest job is starting to look very good. It doesn’t help that the first beast she tames is the deposed demon king. The story is truly unpredictable, but that’s what makes it fun. Unfortunately, there are slightly less than twenty chapters.

3 By The Grace Of The Gods

The Most Unfortunate Man Becomes An Expert On Slimes

MyAnimeList Score: 7.30
Published: 2017 to ?
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Iyashikei, Reincarnation
Author: Roy
Illustrator: Ranran

Slimes are widely adored as a type of monster due to their common portrayal as harmless and feeble creatures. In the story ‘By the Grace of the Gods’, Ryouma Takebayashi reincarnates in a different world, spending three years living independently. During this period, he successfully domesticated numerous slimes, utilizing them for various daily duties and tasks. As people from the town venture into his forest, he eventually chooses to reside among humans once more.

Here’s another heartwarming manga focusing on leisurely existence and comfortable living. In this alternate universe, the deities decided to reincarnate Ryouma for a tranquil life, something he missed on Earth. Remarkably, his only companions were slimes, but he managed to evolve them into diverse species unseen in nature. While it’s a leisurely read, there are numerous intriguing elements woven into the storyline.

2 The Weakest Tamer Began A Journey To Pick Up Trash

Rummaging Through Junk To Feed Her Pet Slime

MyAnimeList Score: 7.58
Published: 2020 to ?
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
Author: Honobonoru500
Illustrator: Tou Fukino

Generally, tamers rely on their partners during battles, which means they should be strong. Contrastingly, in numerous manga series, slimes are often the preferred monsters for protagonists to tame. In Ivy’s situation, she doesn’t have many options due to her weaker taming capabilities, allowing her only to control a tiny slime. Unfortunately, this lack of a more powerful companion results in her being ostracized from her village because she is considered “starless”.

This manga tells a heartwarming tale of Ivy’s reincarnation, centering around her struggle to survive. Despite her sorrowful past, Ivy manages to conquer numerous obstacles and even finds companions along the way. Her journey is about progression and maturity, offering a refreshing shift from the usual fast-paced action found in most isekai stories. It’s perfect for leisurely reading, and there’s also an anime adaptation for those who prefer that format.

1 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill

Using The Power Of Online Shopping In Another World

MyAnimeList Score: 7.54
Published: 2017 to Present
Genre/Theme: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Gourmet, Isekai
Author: Ren Eguchi
Illustrator: Akagishi K

In the realm of Campfire Cooking, Tsuyoshi Mukouda doesn’t initially fall under the category of a tamer. However, circumstances force him into this role. Upon arrival in a new world, he acquires an exceptional ability that enables him to shop online for necessities such as food, personal items, and household appliances. One fateful evening, his cooking catches the attention of a legendary Fenrir, who requires a binding agreement so it can continue enjoying Mukouda’s culinary creations.

Following this, the narrative primarily revolves around their journeys and the diverse cuisine they savor. This tale is a whimsical escapade without any tangible objective or looming dangers. Mukouda, in an unusual turn of events, befriends a slime and a miniature dragon through his culinary skills, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the storyline. Each creature possesses distinct personalities and idiosyncrasies that contribute to an amusing household dynamic. It stands out as one of the finest depictions of taming in comic series.

2024-11-06 20:34