Best Underrated Manga You Should Read

Key Takeaways

Neglected manga with unique ideas often don’t receive the same attention as popular titles, despite their quality and creativity.
Lesser-known series like The Witch And The Beast, Witch Hat Atelier, and Dorohedoro offer thrilling adventures and innovative concepts.
Hidden gems such as Sakamoto Days, Diamond In The Rough, and Versus provide readers with exciting stories and captivating characters worth exploring.

As a seasoned manga enthusiast with a penchant for action-packed tales and intriguing characters, I must say that these three titles have caught my attention!

Every week, popular series such as One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen create a stir in the manga and anime enthusiast world due to fresh chapter and episode releases. Devotees of both are always eager to debate various topics ranging from theories to power rankings, yet while they’re engrossed in these mangas, they might overlook some under-the-radar treasures that aren’t receiving much attention.

Over the past few years, an abundance of exceptional manga with stunning artwork have been published. However, as manga and anime gain increasing popularity annually, it’s primarily the top-tier titles receiving recognition. Hidden gems among these comics boast fresh and original concepts that are truly deserving of the limelight.

1 The Witch And The Beast

MyAnimeList Score: 8.19

Published: 2016 to 2023
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
Author: Kousuke Satake
Illustrator: Kousuke Satake

“The Enchantress and the Monster” presents a narrative centered around two enchanters from the Order of Resonant Magic, Guideau and Ashaf. Their mission involves resolving magic-related issues and apprehending witches. Due to a hex cast upon her, Guideau is compelled to trace the witch who placed the curse in order to get it lifted. However, lacking any clues, she must engage with as many witches as possible. Over a succession of distinct tales, more details unfold about this mystical realm.

This manga offers a wealth of intrigue, with its author skillfully unveiling ideas and themes through the richness of its world and narrative. Initially, it may take time to get going, but once you’re in, it’s packed with excitement, mystery, and adventure that makes for an engaging read. For those seeking a fresh change from today’s mainstream stories, “The Witch and The Beast” presents a captivating alternative.

2 Witch Hat Atelier

MyAnimeList Score: 8.64

Published: 2016 to Present
Genres/Themes: Fantasy
Author: Kamome Shirahama
Illustrator: Kamome Shirahama

Although Witch Hat Atelier has received accolades and positive reviews, it’s rarely the topic of conversation on social media. The narrative follows an ordinary girl named Coco, who resides in the countryside with her mother. Enchanted by magic in her world, she wishes she were a witch capable of performing spells. Yet, a fortuitous meeting with a wandering witch presents her with a fresh opportunity, and she eagerly embraces it.

This popular manga, appreciated for its refined and intricate artwork, often leaves readers astonished by its relatively small fanbase. This could be attributed to the widespread acclaim of action shonen mangas such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Kaiju No. 8, which tend to dominate social media platforms. Furthermore, discovering new manga titles can be challenging for readers in the US. However, once an anime adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier is released, its popularity might grow significantly.

3 Dorohedoro

MyAnimeList Score: 8.68

Chapters: 190
Published: 2000 to 2018
Genres/Themes: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Gore
Author: Q Hayashida
Illustrator: Q Hayashida

In a desolate region known as “The Hole,” the captivating series Dorohedoro unfolds, where the protagonist Caiman has been transformed into a lizard-man due to an unidentified sorcerer’s curse. Plagued by amnesia, his solitary mission is to bite off people’s heads and question the souls within about his past. Accompanied by Nikaido, they embark on a quest to expose the truth. Living in The Hole, however, presents a rollercoaster of experiences, leading to some peculiar circumstances.

Dorohedoro stands out as an exceptional manga that masterfully blends the genres of dark fantasy and everyday life, resulting in even the grisliest scenes appearing amusing and lively. However, due to its high levels of violence and gore, it may not appeal to all manga enthusiasts. Despite this, the overall tone is remarkably heartwarming, thanks to the endearing interactions between the characters. Remarkably, even the villains exhibit familial behavior, despite their gruesome professions.

4 Sakamoto Days

MyAnimeList Score: 8.14

Published: 2020 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Comedy
Author: Yuuto Suzuki
Illustrator: Yuuto Suzuki

Although Sakamoto Days is becoming increasingly well-known, it hasn’t managed to outshine the current trends on social media. The narrative centers around Taro Sakamoto, a former assassin now enjoying a peaceful family life. Regrettably, his past continues to resurface, endangering his loved ones, forcing him to rely once more on the abilities that earned him notoriety in the past.

In the series “Sakamoto Days“, there’s plenty to appreciate! While Sakamoto isn’t very talkative, he’s accompanied by an engaging ensemble of characters, each with their unique traits and entertaining aspects. The storyline is bursting with imaginative and entertaining fight sequences, beautifully depicted. During the downtime from fights, heartwarming family scenes add a touch of warmth, making this manga consistently enjoyable to read.

5 Diamond In The Rough

MyAnimeList Score: 6.73

Chapters: 79
Published: 2020 to 2023
Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Author: Nao Sasaki
Illustrator: Nao Sasaki

In this world, various stones hold immense power, enabling tasks such as purification of water, generation of electricity, and ignition of fire. On his travels through villages in pursuit of precious gems, skilled ore crafter Akaboshi encounters Kai, a young lad whose lower limb has turned to stone. Driven by vengeance against the individual who petrified his kin, Kai finds hope in Akaboshi, as he is the only one with the ability to help.

As a dedicated fan, I’d say Diamond in the Rough is an imaginative journey that delves into self-value and accountability. It’s brimming with thrilling action sequences involving intriguing powers, but it sets itself apart from typical shōnen genres by not solely relying on battles for resolution. Instead, the author masterfully weaves solutions in a way that conflicts don’t necessarily result in confrontations.

6 Majo Taisen

MyAnimeList Score: 6.72

Published: 2020 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Supernatural
Author: Homura Kawamoto
Illustrator: Makoto Shiozuka

Over the course of history, numerous brave and influential women have left an indelible mark on society. Following their passing, they are granted an opportunity to vie for the fulfillment of their desires. Leveraging their insatiable ambition as fuel, these women transform into witches, engaging in a single combat tournament.

This manga would be highly appealing to fans of “Record of Ragnarok” due to a remarkably similar theme, yet it offers enough distinct elements to establish its unique identity. Witnessing historical figures clash with spectacular powers and techniques never fails to deliver an enjoyable and intriguing experience. Essentially, this manga caters to those craving exciting battles.

7 Wild Strawberry

MyAnimeList Score: 6.90

Published: 2023 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
Author: Ire Yonemoto
Illustrator: Ire Yonemoto

In an alternate reality, flora in Japan has expanded to towering heights like skyscrapers, absorbing humans to survive. Those affected are known as Jinka and are often viewed as mindless beasts to be eliminated swiftly to halt the spread of this invasion. This situation is particularly challenging for Kingo because his sister is afflicted but hasn’t transformed into a Jinka yet.

This tale shares similarities with “Demon Slayer” in that it revolves around a young protagonist who is deeply committed to rescuing his sole remaining family. With just a handful of chapters under its belt, it has demonstrated promising potential thanks to its engaging narrative and meticulous artwork.

8 Versus

MyAnimeList Score: 7.43

Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Author: ONE
Illustrator: Kyoutarou Azuma

As a gamer immersed in the universe crafted by the author of One Punch Man, I find myself at the heart of Versus – an epic tale that paints a chilling picture of multiple worlds on the brink of apocalypse. In this manga, it’s not just one civilization teetering on the edge; instead, a staggering thirteen realms are grappling with existential threats to humanity. With hope dwindling, each world reaches out for help from beyond their own borders. That’s when these distinct dimensions intertwine, creating a colossal, patchwork universe that defies the boundaries of our imagination.

This comic series offers a diverse range of themes, making it appealing to almost everyone. You‘ll find magic and demons, aliens and robots, titans and kaiju within its pages. Each chapter is a delightful blend of character types, yet the narrative remains manageable and uncluttered. The future chapters promise an exhilarating journey!

9 Gachiakuta

MyAnimeList Score: 7.71

Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
Author: Kei Urana
Illustrator: Kei Urana

In the gritty cityscape of Gachiakuta, a resourceful young lad named Rudo struggles to make it through each day amidst the squalor of the slums. Sifting through the rubbish daily, he cleverly exploits the extravagance of the upper class, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he’s falsely accused of a murder and cast into the depths of the Abyss. However, fortune favors him, as he’s miraculously rescued by the Cleaners – an enigmatic group that eliminates monstrous entities in the realm of garbage.

As someone who grew up reading manga and watching anime, I can confidently say that this story is a classic shōnen manga, hitting all the right notes for the genre. The author has created a rich, well-developed world and characters that keep me engaged without bogging down the narrative with unnecessary complexity. Rudo, our protagonist, stands out as an exceptional character, embodying qualities of compassion and bravery that resonate deeply with me, given my own experiences in overcoming challenges. I’m eager to see how his journey unfolds!

10 Tougen Anki

MyAnimeList Score: 7.14

Published: 2020 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Mythology
Author: Yura Urushibara
Illustrator: Yura Urushibara

In a heart-wrenching moment, I witness my father’s life snuffed out before my very eyes. Overwhelmed with grief and rage, an ancient, monstrous power within me surges to the surface. Miraculously, a fellow Oni named Naito Mudano rescues me from the chaos. It’s then that I discover the clandestine battle raging between Momo and Oni. Seeking vengeance, I decide to enroll in an Oni school to master my newfound abilities.

Tougen Anki is a remarkable battle manga that draws inspiration from the well-known Japanese folklore of Momotarou and the Oni. This captivating series offers unique concepts, featuring exhilarating fight scenes and an intriguing power structure. However, what truly sets it apart are its deep and thought-provoking themes and ideas, skillfully woven into the narrative. While the graphic content may not suit all readers, it’s undeniably worth exploring for those who appreciate complex storytelling in manga form.

11 Gokurakugai

MyAnimeList Score: 7.65

Published: 2022 to Present
Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy
Author: Yuuto Sano
Illustrator: Yuuto Sano

In the bustling urban hub of Gokurakugai, home to numerous residents and enterprises, stands the Troubleshooter Agency operated by Tao and Alma. For a reasonable fee, they undertake various tasks for anyone willing to pay. However, their work isn’t limited to these odd jobs. In this world, fearsome creatures known as Maga roam freely, preying on humans for sustenance. It falls upon Tao and Alma to eliminate these monsters from the cityscape.

Similar to the vibrant city it’s based upon, Gokurakugai is an engaging manga boasting intriguing characters, most notably its two main leads. Tao, with her enigmatic allure and obscured history, embodies a captivating female protagonist. On the other hand, Alma, a young man with a unique half-Maga heritage, possesses an insatiable appetite, adding an uncommon twist to the storyline typically found in shōnen genres.

2024-09-27 18:54