The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists

Key Takeaways

  • Ghosts in manga are often versatile protagonists in various genres, from horror to romance.
  • Unlikely relationships between humans and ghosts spark intriguing storylines in supernatural manga.
  • Ghostly protagonists in manga offer comedic elements while showcasing character growth and depth.

As a seasoned manga enthusiast with over two decades of reading under my belt, I can confidently say that the world of supernatural manga is as diverse and captivating as it gets. From the iconic Yami Yugi of Yu-Gi-Oh! to the quirky Hanako-kun from Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, these ghostly characters have left an indelible mark on me (and countless other readers).


In many comics (manga), when a character dies, their part in the story typically concludes. Nevertheless, death can mark the start of a character’s development in certain instances, a concept that is frequently observed in fantasy and supernatural manga. This could involve a spirit being resurrected or a soul remaining in a state of purgatory. Ghosts can indeed make for fascinating main characters.

In most manga series, ghosts and other supernatural beings serve as secondary characters rather than being the main focus. Yet, these unique protagonists often demonstrate a wide range of adaptability, as they appear in various genres such as traditional shonen, supernatural slice-of-life stories, or mature seinen manga.

7 Miss Okiku Wants To Possess

An Unlikely Pairing Between Ghost And Exorcist

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateJul 18, 2021
No. Of Chapters14+
AuthorChiri Yuino
Japanese TitleOkiku-san wa Ichatsukitai

In an unusual twist, instead of causing mischief or terror, one spectral entity, the age-old spirit named Okiku, reappears among the living not for heinous purposes, but to express affection through flirting. This spirit, known for its dark past and violent deeds, now seeks out the most powerful exorcist of the present era.

Miss Okiku Aims for Possession is an engaging manga that combines elements of Girls Love and everyday supernatural tales in an unusual yet heartwarming manner. Although it touches upon some suggestive scenes, the storyline predominantly maintains a wholesome atmosphere.

6 Possessed By A Ghost

BL Romance With A Ghastly Touch

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateJun 19, 2013
No. Of Chapters6
AuthorUna Donburi
Japanese TitleYurei-kun Tsuitemasu

A Ghost’s Possession forms an intriguing foundation for a Boys’ Love (BL) narrative, as it explores an unusual relationship between a ghost and a human. While ghost-human relationships are not unheard of in the anime genre, a BL interpretation of this unique concept is indeed quite scarce.

In a twist of events, the apartment of Ryouta is inhabited by a spirited character named Taiga Yamakawa, who turns out to be a lively ghost. Despite their stark differences, Ryouta gradually warms up to Taiga’s mischievous activities, leading to an unusual and endearing relationship between a troubled spirit and a university student in the world of BL (Boys’ Love) stories.

5 The Most Powerful Haunted House And The Guy With No Spiritual Sense

Horror-Comedy With A Ghost Protagonist

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateJan 26, 2023
No. Of Chapters28+
AuthorKeisuke Ikeda
Japanese TitleSaikyou Jiko Bukken to Reikan Zero Otoko no Hanashi

In supernatural comics, it’s quite typical to find comedic elements as the unusual interaction between ordinary people and mischievous spirits often results in amusing situations. The graphic novel “The Most Powerful Haunted House and the Guy With No Spiritual Sense” takes advantage of this, featuring a ghostly main character determined to frighten an individual who is oblivious to the supernatural world.

As a gamer, I’ve dived deep into “The Most Powerful Haunted House and the Guy With No Spiritual Sense.” While it might seem like just another laugh-out-loud supernatural tale at first glance, this manga offers much more depth than a mere ghost story. It delves into the growth of its characters, providing us with a rich understanding of each spirit’s journey and motivations. The roster of ghostly characters is not only intriguing but also fully-fledged, each with their own captivating pasts that keep me hooked.

4 Dusk Maiden Of Amnesia

Uncovering Paranormal Mysteries With The Occult

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateApr 22, 2008
No. Of Chapters54
AuthorMaybe
Japanese TitleTasogare Otome x Amnesia

The story revolves around a spectral entity haunting the deserted Seikyou Academy’s premises. Yuko Kanoe, once left for dead in the old campus building, is encountered by newcomer Teichi Niya. Moved to help, he promises to unravel the enigma surrounding her untimely demise with her.

Regardless of being a ghost, Yuko develops a deeply personal connection with Teichi that plays a significant role in the manga. Though romantic relationships between humans and supernatural beings are not unheard of, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia offers an engaging take on this familiar theme.

3 Yuuna And The Haunted Hot Springs

A Roster Of Playful Ghosts

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateFeb 8, 2016
No. Of Chapters214
AuthorTadahiro Muira
Japanese TitleYuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs

The story, titled “Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs“, predominantly follows the life of Kogarashi, an exorcist, as he settles into a spooky hot spring inn. Yet, Yuuna steals the limelight when Kogarashi consents to aid her in fulfilling her wishes, rather than just expelling the ghost haunting his new lodgings, with the intention of helping her move on.

In the realm of supernatural stories, what makes Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs distinctive is its main character, a silvery-haired spirit. Her endearing behaviors and lively demeanor make her the captivating allure of this slightly provocative manga series.

2 Yu-Gi-Oh!

A Genius Ghost At The Helm

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateSep 17, 1996
No. Of Chapters343
AuthorKazuki Takahashi

The classic manga “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, popularized during the late 90s for its intense card battles, is not only renowned for these duels but also classified as a supernatural tale thanks to Yugi’s alternate identity, Yami Yugi. In reality, Yami Yugi was an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh who takes control of Yugi after he solves the Millennium Puzzle.

In unison, the pair consisting of a human and a spirit undertake a daring adventure centering around a card game with repercussions more severe than death. Although Yami separates from Yugi, the Pharaoh’s ghost continues to play a crucial role in the narrative of Yu-Gi-Oh! for a substantial portion of the manga.

1 Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun

A Human-Ghost Duo Linked By Fate

The Best Manga With Ghost Protagonists
Release DateDec 18, 2014
No. Of Chapters119+
AuthorIro Aida
Japanese TitleJibaku Shounen Hanako-kun

The manga titled “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun” is a timeless blend of humor and horror set in an urban environment. As the name implies, Hanako is a ghost tied to a toilet within Kamome Academy, but he is one among seven supernatural enigmas that lurk within the school’s halls.

Hanako gets involved with freshman Nene Yashiro, who finds herself in need of Hanako’s aid following an incident involving a magical artifact. In this predicament, Nene assumes the position of Hanako’s sidekick. This collaboration results in a string of spooky adventures as the ghostly team delves into the unexplained phenomena surrounding Kamome Academy.

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2024-11-10 10:04