Summary
The manga medium’s most prominent and striking feature is its graphical representation. A manga’s art style becomes the embodiment of the narrative that the writer is trying to pass across. Becoming the foundation, the artwork of a manga is as essential as the story itself because it is only through the art form that the narrative is adequately expressed.
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The qualitative degree, however, separates the good from the better and better from the gorgeous. Among the magnitude of available manga content, there exists some of these manga series whose art forms extract breathtaking expressions from their readers, leaving long-lasting impressions of admiration. In this regard, here are the best picks of the bunch.
10Inuyashiki
The series, written and illustrated byHiroya Oku, follows two central characters, a teenager namedHiro Shishigamiand the fifty-eight-year-oldIchiro Inuyashiki, whose lives take an extra-terrestrial turn after experiencing an alien explosion. Soon after the explosion, the pair discover their bodies have been altered with alien technology. The two, granted, strange and inhuman abilitiestake on different paths.
With one becoming a homicidal maniac, drunk in the abilities he possesses, the other decides to use his new-found powers for the good of others. However, the series' best selling point is its hyper-realistic artwork, which makes for an intense and engaging read.
9Goodnight Punpun
In this series, a captivating but heart-rending story is told of the life events of the youngOnodera Punpunas he goes from being a youngelementary school kidto an adult in his early twenties, highlighting a complex life of growth, sadness, and brief spurts of happiness.
The series illustrated by Inio Asano, through its intentionally detailed art style, gives readers closer access to the central character’s life to properly showcase the simple growth dynamics and emotional evolution of the typical male child. Through its artwork, the series makes a perfect rendition of the complexities of human life in the most visually engaging manner.
8Kakegurui
The story, set in Hyakkaou Private Academy, examines the concept of gambling and all that comes with it. The academy is a private school for the children of Japan’s business elite, where social status and every form of standing hangs by the thread ofone’s ability to risk it alland not lose. An academy where a game of high stakes determines everything.
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The series, illustrated by Tooru Naomura, presents very detailed and realistic character designs and expressions, adding more intensity to the characters' personalities. With an intricate portrayal of the gambling games, scenarios, and strategies, the series gives its readers an even more immersive experience of the manga, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense to complement the story’s central themes.
7Tokyo Ghoul
A visual feast of horror and blood, the original manga series illustrated by Sui Ishida brings ghoulish horrors to life through its hyper-realistic pages. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a once-harmless college student who becomes a half-ghoul.
Following a near-death experience at the hands of a flesh-eating ghoul, Kaneki becomes one himself. Caught between two contrasting worlds and fitting into neither, Kaneki struggles to identify with either side. The story’s essence is further heightened byits haunting but intricate art style, conveying the horrors and emotional depth of the story in a captivating manner.
6All You Need Is Kill
All You Need Is Kill isa sci-fi serieswith the premise of a time loop. The series was also a significant inspiration for the sci-fi movie Edge Of Tomorrow. Illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the story follows Keiji Kiriya, a soldier caught in a time loop in a war against alien invaders for the world’s survival.
Experiencing death repeatedly, Kiriya must determine the best strategy for humanity’s victory. The story’s futuristic intent is brought to the fore through its detailed art style with carefully executed character designs, battle sequences, and expressions. Through its art form, the series perfectly captures the essence of the sci-fi genre.
5Vinland Saga
The series, illustrated by Makoto Yukimura, is ahistorical manga seriesset during the age of Vikings. The story follows Thorfinn, a young Viking boy who witnesses his father’s brutal murder at the hands of other Vikings. Filled with rage, Thorfinn vows to get revenge for his father.
Driven only by anger and revenge, Thorfinn chooses a life of battle and becomes a lethal warrior. The series explores heavy themes of violence, war, bloodshed, and revenge, and these concepts are intricately woven into the story through the series’ exceptional art style. With perfectly executed character designs and even more impressive world-building, the manga series takes its readers on a visual journey that is grueling but also breathtaking.
4Berserk
Berserk is perhaps the most haunting manga series written; it tells a tale of horrors, violence, and carnage. Illustrated by the mangaka Kentaro Miura, the series achieves a truly horrifying status through its surreal art form. Every monster and shadow come to life, exuding a truly terrifying but stunning sight.
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The story follows Guts,a mercenary with no relationsand a brutal backstory, as he embarks on a quest for survival fanned by an intense desire for revenge in a world of the supernatural, monsters, and carnage. Through its art form, the series presents its readers with a frightening but visually intriguing read.
3Vagabond
Vagabond is another historical manga series based on the life and exploits of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in 17th-century Japan. The series, illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, follows a young boy, Shinmen Takezo, who is exiled from his village due to his violent nature.
Leaving his home while only a teenager, Takezoforges a life of battlethrough the lands of Japan. A particularly striking feature of this series is its hyper-realistic art form that perfectly captures the sense of motion and actions in the series. Its composition gives a surreal experience that conveys the aesthetics and essence of historical Japan.
2Planetes
This series is another work of Mangaka, Makoto Yukimura, and one of his finest pieces. The predecessor to the famous Vikings series,Vinland Saga,Planetes, is a sci-fi seinen series that realistically captures space exploration.
The story focuses on Hachirota Hoshino, an astronaut who dreams of exploring space to its deepest recesses and not just cleaning up space debris that litters the Earth’s orbit. Despite his dreams, Hoshino is aware that the garbage cannot be allowed to cluster too much, or it will hinder movement from the earth to space. The story captures and blends human ambitions, environmental concerns, and the coexistent relationship between Earth and space.
1One Punch Man
An embodiment of the term ‘Overpowered,’ One Punch Man is a visual masterstroke illustrated by Yusuke Murata. In an alternate version of Earth with multiple moons, monsters, aliens, and a society of superheroes, the story focuses on Saitama, an average man with overwhelming strength who becomes a hero because it is fun. He quickly becomestoo powerful for his universe.
Due to his overwhelming power, he is left with a sense of emptiness as he cannot find an opponent worthy enough to fight. Aside from its humorous appeal, the series presents readers with a visual treat through its detailed and intricate character designs, world-building, and action sequences. Illustrated with exaggerated but intricate designs, it dishes out humor and action on a visually stunning plate.
