Best Manhwa With Necromancer Protagonists

Key Takeaways

Necromancy in manhwa blends genres to offer unique storytelling perspectives.
Protagonists explore ethical boundaries while navigating dark fantasy worlds.
Various manhwa showcase different interpretations of necromancy, from commanding undead armies to unique power-building methods.

As a seasoned reader of manhwas, I must say that these two stories have truly piqued my interest! The blend of traditional martial arts and necromancy in “Forms Former Ranker” and “Seoul Station’s Necromancer” is nothing short of intriguing. In the former, it’s fascinating to see how Liu navigates his way through the Murim world with his unique ability to summon and learn from the spirits of martial arts masters.

Necromancy is an enticing and enigmatic practice that attracts readers because it allows for communication or control over the deceased. This art form adds depth to storytelling by combining elements of terror, fantasy, and action in imaginative fashions. Just like the popular manhwa Solo Leveling, numerous other necromancer-centered manhwas use this power in either similar or distinct ways.

Some of these comic series delve into innovative or refine traditional themes of necromancy, creating a gripping adventure. Readers who enjoy dark fantasy can immerse themselves in these stories as characters grapple with their newfound powers and navigate the complexities of morality and ethics. These manhwa provide an engaging experience for those interested in necromancer protagonists, featuring scenes of controlling the undead, participating in intense battles, and utilizing various prohibited spells.

Solo Leveling

The Most-Favorited Necromancer Among Manhwa Readers

MyAnimeList Score: 8.67
Published: Mar 4, 2018
Authors: Chugong (Story), Jang, Sung-rak (Art), Disciples (Art)

In a world overrun by ‘Gates’ and monstrous creatures, Sung Jin-Woo finds himself in a challenging situation, trying to become a hunter to cover his mother’s mounting medical expenses. As an E-rank hunter, it is widely believed that one cannot advance in rank, regardless of the effort put forth. On a daring expedition into a dungeon, he and his fellow team members encounter a terrifying double dungeon teeming with monsters. Most of his comrades perish, leaving him as the lone survivor, with others fleeing for safety. In an unexpected turn of events, he regains consciousness in the hospital three days later, discovering he now possesses a rare and mysterious system.

Solo Leveling should be placed at the top of the list because it attracted a large number of new readers to the manhwa genre. Although it wasn’t the first story featuring a necromancer protagonist, it certainly popularized the concept. The character, Sung, increases his power and abilities as he progresses through levels and transforms into a necromancer after completing a class-change quest. He can summon shadow soldiers from any monsters or humans he defeats, using the phrase “Arise” to do so. Apart from combat, these summons can be used for eavesdropping, protection, and teleportation by swapping places with someone in their shadow.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter

Discover One Of The Best Uses Of Necromancy (Not Just For Battle)

MyAnimeList Score: 8.23
Published: Dec 31, 2020
Authors: Bill K (Art), Sinnoa (Story)

Confucius Kim leads an unremarkable life on the first floor of a peculiar tower that materialized in his world. He often envies those at the top of the Tower’s rankings, but his luck changes when he receives a legendary skill as a wish fulfilled. Despite having the ability to replicate any skill, there’s a catch: Confucius must sacrifice his life to do so. Feeling desperate and defeated, he meets his end at the hands of the number one ranked hunter. However, upon death, he acquires a new skill that allows him to journey back in time.

In contrast to its playful name, SSS-Class Revival Hunter is an exceptional manhwa that places a strong emphasis on story development rather than other elements. The author masterfully incorporates intriguing sub-stories within each stage as the main character ascends through them. He acquires the skill ‘Ghoul Reincarnation’ upon completing the 12th level. This ability allows him to summon only skeletal remains of those he has previously defeated, including himself. However, these undead beings lack any skills or abilities. In a unique twist, our protagonist persuades the Tower to adapt his powers so that the resurrected dead can retain their memories. Consequently, these summoned creatures can now recall their past lives and collaborate with him in his quest to climb the Tower. Readers will be captivated by the protagonist’s necromantic abilities once he reaches the 20th floor.

The Dark Magician Transmigrates after 66,666 Years

Dive Into Necromancy In Great Detail With Proper Rituals & Spells

MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
Published: Jun 29, 2021
Authors: Pasa (Art), Hwabong (Story), Taru (Story)

In another life, Diablo Volpir was a formidable sorcerer who met his fate in a confrontation with twelve divine beings. Sealed away for countless millennia, he managed to break free from his prison with only a remnant of his former power. Despite being born into a caring family, his long-harbored desire for vengeance against the deities remains unquenched.

In this story, The Dark Magician Transmigrates after 66666 Years, we delve deep into the essence of dark magic. Not everyone might be aware that necromancy is an integral aspect of it. Diablo, our character, has to perform specific rituals for control over a deceased individual’s soul before they pass on. Once he captures them, Diablo revives them as half-undead zombies in their own bodies, which are significantly stronger than their original forms. This new body is bound to Diablo through a contract, making it impossible for the reanimated beings to disobey his orders under any circumstance. In combat, Diablo predominantly relies on his powers and summons otherworldly creatures to aid him. He also uses the undead for various tasks, such as managing minor threats.

Kill The Hero

Necromancy Class With A Unique Take On Combat Abilities

MyAnimeList Score: 7.21
Published: Mar 26, 2020
Authors: D-Dart (Story), Manhwa Insaeng (Art)

After an unfortunate and premature end at the hands of the guild leader, whom Woojin respects, he meets with a reawakening. Choosing not to put faith in others again, he vows to target the “heroes.” Determined to ascend rapidly, he intensifies his efforts to increase his level and enhance his abilities at an unprecedented pace.

The manhwa “Bring Down the Hero” offers an eccentric narrative accompanied by stunning visuals. The story primarily revolves around themes of regression and retribution, resulting in a gradual progression of events. In this work, our protagonist, Woojin, possesses a special necromancy class that allows him to summon the undead from creatures he’s slain. This unique aspect is that these summoned undead can fight autonomously, making Woojin into a lone warrior armed with combat skills. As such, he doesn’t need to issue commands because they act independently. Furthermore, as Woojin advances in level, he acquires additional abilities and talents.

Solo Necromancy

Another Necromancy Class With A Textbook Approach

MyAnimeList Score: 7.11
Published: Sep 13, 2021
Authors: Jijeomjang (Story), Kim, Dong-jun (Art)

In his college days, following his service as an elite special forces soldier, Seongwu encounters an unexpected situation. A notice pops up for everyone, instructing them to pick a ‘class’ card from the collection provided. Each card signifies a specific class and features a star rating (from 1 to 5) representing its strength. As the tension escalates, Seongwu selects the highest-rated class he could find – a Necromancer class. Soon after, monsters begin indiscriminately attacking, leaving everyone to defend themselves using their chosen abilities.

Alone in Necromancy has been praised as an excellent manhwa that shares the spotlight with Alone Levelling, both featuring necromancer protagonists. The storyline adheres to a conventional path, allowing Seongwu to summon skeleton soldiers from the monsters he defeats. These summoned creatures retain their skills and abilities from their previous lives, making Seongwu less inclined to engage in direct combat himself. Instead, he concentrates on commanding his undead army for battle. The summoned soldiers can also advance in levels and learn new abilities by assimilating a monster’s essence. As Seongwu masters the art of command, he uncovers additional skills and hidden capabilities.

Boundless Necromancer

Devours Spirits Of The Dead To Increase Stats Permanently

MyAnimeList Score: 7.10
Published: Dec 17, 2022
Authors: Seonun (Story), 2 Sarang (Art)

In this day and age, Seong-yun Han resides in a time when ‘Dungeon Breaks’ are common, causing monsters to appear sporadically. A tragic incident during his childhood took the lives of his parents in one such event, prompting him to seek revenge by becoming a hunter. Despite dedicating seven years to rigorous training, Seong-Yun finds himself unable to enhance his skills and abilities. Fortune smiles on him, as he receives an invitation to participate in the Tower of Trials, promising to boost his strength. Without hesitation, he accepts the challenge at its most challenging level.

The Vast Necromancer, rather than relying on summoning an army of undead soldiers, presents a fresh take on necromancy to readers. In a common trope of a tower setting, Seong-yun’s unique talent allows him to progress at a faster rate compared to other hunters/awakeners. He harnesses the spirits of the monsters he slays to boost his stats permanently, serving as a foundation for casting spells and utilizing skills and abilities. Additionally, on occasion, he can acquire the skills of the vanquished monsters through his necromancy. On the contrary, this manhwa boasts an engaging storyline with well-developed characters.

Seoul Station’s Necromancer

Former Necromancer Builds His Strength Once Again

MyAnimeList Score: 6.74
Published: Oct 14, 2021
Authors: Jin, Seolwoo (Story), Ji, Sung Woong (Art)

For several years, Kang Woojin resided in Alphen, struggling each day just to stay alive. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become a formidable necromancer and ruler of his domain. One fateful day, he finds himself back on Earth, only to discover that it now hosts dungeons and hunters. Regrettably, he’s lost his dark magic abilities, but with his previous strength intact, Woojin embarks on a mission to reclaim his necromancy by tackling the dungeons instead.

The Necromancer at Seoul Station begins with some initial confusion before gathering momentum as the backstory of the protagonist unfolds. Previously, Kang was a formidable figure in Alphen. Upon his return to Earth, he transformed into an individual estranged from society, appearing brusque and aloof as expected. The story gradually delves into necromancy, with Kang having to rebuild his skills from the ground up. In this journey, he learns to rely on his combat prowess to eliminate monsters single-handedly. This transformation leads him to become a dual-class character, combining necromancer and warrior abilities. He also acquires new talents as he progresses, although he can only summon skeleton soldiers, which necessitates a monster’s remains.

Reincarnation of the Murim Clan’s Former Ranker

Unique Concept Of Necromancy In The Murim World

MyAnimeList Score: 6.64
Published: Oct 31, 2021
Authors: Sanbo (Story), Inyong (Art)

Prior to his unfortunate demise, Kang Taeha held the prestigious SSS rank as a hunter. However, fate had other plans and he found himself reborn in ancient China as Liu Xinyun. Believing this new life would be easier, he quickly learns that power struggles with his relatives are the norm. Determined to rise above these challenges, he begins anew, learning martial arts and mastering necromancy to eventually emerge as a powerful figure.

In a twist that starts with a traditional dungeon-and-monsters setup, Reincarnation of the Murim Clan’s Former Ranker swiftly changes its focus to the Murim genre. The story revolves around Kang, who is reborn into the idle noble Liu, devoid of martial arts skill. Upon regaining the original body’s memories, he recognizes his predicament and resumes cultivating his abilities. The manhwa showcases necromancy in an innovative way, allowing Liu to either ‘absorb’ or summon the spirits of the deceased. He encounters the spirits of past martial arts masters, and their spirits emit distinct colors, symbolizing their proficiency. Besides summons, he can also learn martial arts from these entities and use them as practice partners.

The Holy Emperor’s Grandson Is A Necromancer

Creative Approach to Necromancy Mixed With Holy Power

MyAnimeList Score: Unlisted
Published: Mar 4, 2018
Authors: Chugong (Story), Jang, Sung-rak (Art), Disciples (Art)

In an unexpected turn of events, Allen Alfalls wakes up in another world, occupying the body of a young prince. However, he soon discovers that the abilities and expertise of a necromancer, which he had from the video game he was playing prior to his demise, have somehow been transferred to him. To make matters more complex, this young prince seems to be the grandson of the Divine Emperor, implying a high concentration of divine energy within him. Befuddled by his circumstances, Allen finds that his necromancy skills have taken on a peculiar twist.

In the captivating manhwa, we find the grandson of a revered emperor is no ordinary necromancer. With an intriguing plotline, this story challenges the traditional view that holy power and necromancy are diametrically opposed. The protagonist, Allen, defies expectations by harnessing both seemingly incompatible forces, creating “holy undead” beings that embody elements of both dark and sacred powers. Interestingly, some of his destructive necromantic abilities transform into healing ones under the influence of his holy power, offering a unique twist to the genre. Readers eagerly await this compelling narrative featuring a protagonist who seamlessly blends light and darkness.

Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits

Explore Necromancy In Great Detail With Unlimited Growth Opportunities

MyAnimeList Score: Unlisted
Published: 2023
Authors: Chabin Dong Ghost (Story)

Following his retirement from the Special Forces, Makoto Kaneshiro now spends most of his time playing video games as a means to earn income through streaming, having no other way to re-enter society. However, his peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a puzzling phone call revealing intimate details about him. Before he could even think of shutting down his computer, he is inexplicably transported into a fantastical realm.

The distinctive characteristics of the Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits revolve around an unusual method of wielding dark powers. At the story’s outset, Makoto takes on a role as an apprentice to a dark magician. Throughout the manhwa, we delve into the complexities of necromancy, learning through experimentation and adherence to rituals. A game-like system guides him, informing him about his abilities and skills. As he progresses, he gradually amasses power, allowing him to ‘evolve’ any talent at will. Notably, as his necromantic powers develop, he reaches unprecedented levels of mastery. Additionally, due to his military background, he demonstrates proficiency in combat, transforming into a dual-class warrior akin to Kang Woojin from Seoul Station’s Necromancer.

2024-08-24 12:34