Best Shojo Manga With Beautiful Art

Summary

Manga with unconventional art styles are modern-day classics like Crayon Shin-chan or the One-Punch Man webcomic.
Prodigy artists like those behind Berserk, Bleach, and Devil Blues provide eye-catching art.
Shojo manga like Honey Lemon Soda and Yona of the Dawn offer beautiful and unique art styles.

It’s not surprising that excelling in creating manga involves a talent for visual storytelling, but it doesn’t necessarily mean one needs to be a reborn Da Vinci, Van Gogh, or Jack Kirby. There are many popular manga with unique art styles that have become modern classics, such as “Crayon Shin-chan” and the original “One-Punch Man” webcomic.

While having a natural talent certainly gives an edge, masterpieces like “Berserk”, “Bleach”, and “Me and the Devil Blues” are visually stunning due to their keen attention to detail and flair for action sequences. However, it’s important to note that not all outstanding art comes from seinen and shōnen genres. In fact, some of the most breathtaking and iconic artwork in the medium can be found in shojo manga, as demonstrated by these examples.

8. Red River

Linking The Past With The Present

Creator: Chie Shinohara
28 Volumes, 96 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint

Initially introduced as somewhat overlooked, the tale unfolds under the title of “Red River” or “Anatolia Story.” The narrative follows a girl named Yuri who is mysteriously transported from 1990s Japan to 1300s BCE Anatolia, now modern-day Turkey. She is destined to be a sacrifice for Queen Nakia; however, she manages to evade her fate. Now, she must adapt to life within the ancient Hittite empire as she tirelessly seeks a means to return to her home in the past.

Chie Shinohara’s artwork carries traces of its predecessors, particularly in the gentle watercolor tones used for cover art and color spreads. Yet, it remains visually captivating and distinct due to its meticulous focus on the intricate details of its settings. Even in the face of Yuri’s tumultuous new life, Shinohara masterfully depicts the opulence of the royal Hittite court and their elaborate attire with great detail.

7. Alichino

Pretty Yet Foreboding

Creator: Koyu Shirai
3 Volumes, 17 Chapters
Originally available in English via Tokyopop

A truly valuable manga requires more than just excellent art. In terms of storyline alone, Alichino is merely average, with Tsugiri attempting to thwart the demonic group that shares the same name. These demons have the ability to create trouble by promising mortals their heart’s desire (with hidden consequences). However, they are mysteriously attracted to Tsugiri, as he seems to possess a deeper connection to Alichino than he is aware of.

Koyu Shirai’s artwork has a mysterious and gothic feel, enhancing its enigmatic allure. Her figures are ethereally beautiful and intricately detailed, making each panel seem more like an art piece from a vampire novel or a Castlevania game than a typical comic strip. However, these pieces might leave those with a penchant for handsome men in suspense, as they often blur the line between beauty and terror – it’s unclear whether the depicted characters will fulfill one’s romantic fantasies or transform those dreams into nightmares.

6. Honey Lemon Soda

Sweet & Sour In Equal Measure

Creator: Mayu Murata
28+ Volumes, 111+ Chapters
Available in English via Yen Press

Instead of it, the artwork in Honey Lemon Soda is more appealing and pure. It’s as effervescent as the beverage itself, featuring soft-looking characters with eyes larger and shinier than many of its counterparts. Notably, Uka, a shy character who crosses paths with her classmate, Kai, after he accidentally spills his lemon soda on her, is the standout figure in this series.

Confidently assertive, he’s the opposite of shy Uka, often urging her to step out of her comfort zone and supporting her whenever needed. The story, while appearing sweet and sugary, has unexpected plot twists that give it a tangy, bitter edge, enhancing its appeal. It gained enough popularity to inspire both an animated series and live-action drama, but it truly shines in the written format, where artist Mayu Murata really lets her creativity flow.

5. Full Moon wo Sagashite

Going Full Shojo With Its Artwork

Creator: Arina Tanemura
7 Volumes, 35 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint

Japanese manga and anime are renowned, if not notorious, for their exaggerated eye styles, a throwback to the old comic artists’ rule that bigger eyes mean cuter characters. This emphasis on big eyes is particularly prevalent in shojo (girls’) manga, which often revolve around cute themes, making their characters appear more wide-eyed than in other genres. For instance, the series “Full Moon wo Sagashite” presents characters with eyes that outshine those in “Honey Lemon Soda“, making the latter seem somewhat subtle by comparison.

Arina Tanemura’s characters possess eyes that sparkle as brightly as stars, which suits her unique artistic approach. In a sense, it offers a sweet twist on the horror genre of Alichino, as the duo of Yui and Kira offer Mitsuki an opportunity to become a pop idol before she departs. The comic swaps out gothic horror for supernatural splendor, using soft, radiant colors and captivating nightscapes to create its visual allure.

4. A Sign Of Affection

A Manga About Deafness That Speaks Volumes

Creator: Suu Morishita
12+ Volumes, 51+ Chapters
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

If readers prefer something less fantastical and more rooted in reality, “A Sign of Affection” offers a more grounded experience that’s visually appealing. Despite her deafness, Yuki’s world was largely silent until she encountered Itsuomi, a multilingual senior at her university who was eager to bridge the gap between them by going the extra mile in their social interactions.

Suu Morishita’s art style is a harmonious blend that avoids the overly sweet aesthetics often seen in shojo manga, such as Full Moon wo Sagashite, while also steering clear of dark and gritty tones. Instead, it presents a more refined interpretation of contemporary settings, characterized by delicate soft shading, watercolors, and captivating characters who don’t rely on oversized eyes to captivate readers.

3. Yona Of The Dawn

High Fantasy With A Broad Scope

Creator: Mizuho Kusanagi
45+ Volumes, 270+ Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint

Among the worlds presented in shows like “Full Moon wo Sagashite,” “Alichino,” and “Red River,” there’s also the fantasy realm found in “Yona of the Dawn.” This series draws inspiration from mainland Asian mythology, where Yona is on a mission to gather the legendary warriors of King Hiryuu to reclaim her throne, which was usurped by her childhood friend, Su-won.

The impact of mythology extends beyond the storyline; it’s evident even in Mizuho Kusanagi’s artwork. Even though Kouka is a kingdom facing turmoil, its scenery remains serene with vast snowy landscapes, clear skies, and lush forests. The characters are dressed in elaborate costumes from ancient China and Korea, seamlessly transitioning from playful antics to intense, dramatic moments that rival the intensity of series like Vinland Saga.

The influence of mythology is not just about the story; it’s also seen in Mizuho Kusanagi’s artwork. Despite Kouka being a troubled kingdom, its surroundings remain picturesque with wide snowy landscapes, clear skies, and forests. The characters wear traditional Chinese and Korean outfits from long ago, switching between cute actions to intense scenes that are as dramatic as shows like Vinland Saga.

2. The Rose Of Versailles

Pretty As A Picture, Deep As The Ocean

Creator: Riyoko Ikeda
10 Volumes, 82 Chapters
Available in English via Udon Entertainment

Shojo genre, characterized by soft pastel hues, enchanting deer-like eyes, and an abundance of floral designs akin to a bouquet, has been a consistent element since its creation. Typically, the narratives were as sweet as their aesthetics, but that changed with the arrival of works like “The Rose of Versailles.” This groundbreaking manga demonstrated that shojo comics could delve into stories that were equally intense, intricate, and profound as those found in shōnen and seinen genres, if not even more so.

The comic successfully encompassed various elements typical of shojo manga, with Riyoko Ikeda ensuring the presence of appealing characters, gentle color schemes, and adorable scenes. Those drawn to the political intrigue between Oscar Francois de Jarjayes and Marie Antoinette would need a mature understanding to appreciate the elaborate costumes, floral motifs, and gender-bending aesthetics alongside the story’s complexities.

1. Nana

The Power Of Pop Art

Creator: Ai Yazawa
21 Volumes, 84 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint

This list needed space for some Ai Yazawa artwork. She expanded upon the traditional shojo aesthetic with her love for fashion. Whether it’s incorporated into the storyline, as in the josei comic “Paradise Kiss“, or simply part of her characters’ wardrobes, Yazawa’s figures are always impeccably dressed, even during turbulent times. At their best, they could stand alone as pieces of art.

It could appear conventional to single out “Nana” as the prime example, but it satisfies all requirements. Although it tackles mature themes, it was featured in the shojo magazine known as “Cookie.” Its narrative is captivating and dramatic, showcasing Yazawa’s artistry at its peak. From its comic panels to covers and promotional artwork, “Nana” never fails to be a visual delight.

2025-07-21 14:36