The 12 Best Fantasy Manga Books
Book RaiderAre you ready to get lost in a world of epic adventures, magical creatures, and daring heroines? Well, buckle up my friend because we are about to dive into the realm of fantasy manga books. When reality starts to feel a bit mundane, these graphic novels are your one-way ticket to a land where anything - and I do mean, anything - is possible.
So, say goodbye to your dull ol' routine! Let's trade those spreadsheets for spell books, or swap that company meeting for a secret rendezvous with a dragon. Doesn't that sound more fun? From haunted high schools to kingdoms underneath pillows, here’s my list of the best fantasy manga books worth the ink stains on your fingertips. Lesson 101 in surviving the real world: Always have a manga stashed in your backpack!
Black Butler, Vol. 1
by Yana Toboso
Why Black Butler, Vol. 1 is on this list: The fantasy genre broadens its horizons with manga books and no better example than Yana Toboso's Black Butler series. It stands as proof that Japanese comics can enchant fantasy-loving bibliophiles as much as any progressive novel.
Say hello to Ciel Phantomhive, a wealthy twelve-year-old English nobleman who runs a toy company. Surprised, right? And did I mention his butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who is actually a demon that Ciel made a pact with? They navigate the grimy underworld of Victorian London, confronting murderers, occultists, and way too many cakes. Oh, the hardships of nobility!
What readers like: Readers get pulled into the intriguing setup of a 19th-century England entwined with the supernatural, compounded by delicious humor and an ever-lasting bond between a demon and a child. So, buckle up, dear reader, to experience some highly-stylized artwork and mind-bendingly creative story arcs that only grow better with each volume.
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Attack on Titan, Vol. 1
by Hajime Isayama
Why Attack on Titan, Vol. 1 is on this list: For manga fans who are aching for a hefty dose of fantasy, nothing quite hits the spot like Attack on Titan. This title weaves a captivating narrative, set in a world that's equal parts grim and fantastical, with magical elements to boot.
In Attack on Titan, humanity is on the brink of extinction, having been pushed to the edge by giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The last of humanity lives within enormous walled cities to keep the Titans out. Our protagonist, Eren Yeager, dreams of joining the Survey Corps to explore the world beyond the walls. His life takes a monumental turn when the Titans breach the walls and lay waste to his city.
What readers like: Readers gush over the richly detailed art, the relentless pacing, the high stakes, the intricate world-building, and the cast of characters that you can really sink your teeth into. And the Titans, of course! Bonus points for keeping readers on their toes with shocks and twists you'll never see coming.
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Beautiful Creatures: The Manga
by Kami Garcia
Why Beautiful Creatures: The Manga is on this list: This book combines the mystique of manga art style with the fresh narration of fantasy, surviving as a gem in the genre.
The town of Gatlin holds many secrets, but high school student Ethan Wate discovers a new one when he meets Lena Duchannes, a new girl at his school. Lena's secret? She's a witch. As they get nearer to Lena's 16th birthday, they unravel dark secrets about their town and their love. This is a story that will hold your attention with its vibrant manga graphics and a fantasy twist.
What readers like: Readers have a special spot for Beautiful Creatures: The Manga due to its captivating plot, dynamic characters and vivid illustrations. It's a rare mix of Southern charm, teen angst, dark secrets and supernatural happenings that keeps you flipping through its pages.
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Fairy Tail, Vol. 1
by Hiro Mashima
Why Fairy Tail, Vol. 1 is on this list: When it comes to fantasy manga, Fairy Tail is up there with the greats. A cast full of quirky characters, spell-binding plots, and a magical world full of surprises, make it slide into our list smoother than a greased-up eel at a water slide.
Fairy Tail kicks off in the kingdom of Fiore, where wizards join guilds and take on job requests. The story centers around a teen girl named Lucy who dreams of becoming a mighty wizard, and the infamous guild Fairy Tail she ends up joining. With her new teammates Natsu and Happy, and an array of colorful guild mates, they encounter all sorts of adventures and mysteries on their path. Fantasy isn't just about magic and battles, and Fairy Tail welcomes you to a world where friendship and fun hold equal importance.
What readers like: Readers love Fairy Tail for its perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, humor and heart. It's a journey with a power-packed punch of action and emotion. Fans rave about the creative magic, compelling characters, and the way the plot twists can have you tearing your hair one minute, and laughing your socks off the next.
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D.Gray-man, Vol. 1
by Katsura Hoshino
Why D.Gray-man, Vol. 1 is on this list: Fantasy Manga isn't always about magical high-schools or arcane adventures, sometimes you get a blend of science and magic. This one fills that niche in a very intriguing way, making it a must-have for every fantasy manga enthusiasts out there.
D.Gray-man revolves around a cursed teenager, Allen Walker, who is a member of a group of Exorcists battling an organization of mechanized monsters called Akuma. Using 'Innocence', a divine substance, our protagonist fights these malevolent machines, uncovering fragments of his clouded past along the way. Trust me, this book is a fun ride with a twisty plot that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
What readers like: Readers who have immersed themselves in this universe swear by its distinctive characters, detailed artistry and the fusion of gothic overtones with a compelling storyline. It's the ideal pick for those who enjoy a solid action-drama brimming with supernatural elements.
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Bleach, Vol. 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers
by Tite Kubo
Why Bleach, Vol. 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers is on this list: Bleach is a quintessential example of fantasy manga. With its engaging mix of supernatural shenanigans and bold story arcs, it's a must-have on any fantasy manga list. Plus, who could resist the allure of sword-wielding soul reapers?
This first volume introduces us to Ichigo Kurosaki, an ordinary high school kid with an extraordinary gift – he can see ghosts. Sounds spooky, right? Things take a wild turn when he accidentally obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper, a celestial being that fights wicked spirits. Now, it's up to Ichigo to protect humanity from dark forces, which means his high school life just became a lot less mundane and a lot more spectral.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the perfect balance of intriguing characters, fast-paced action, and emotional moments. The quirky sense of humor sprinkled throughout doesn't hurt either. Above all, fans love the compelling and complex world that Tite Kubo has created – it's a place they return to gladly, book after book.
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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1
by Koyoharu Gotouge
Why Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 is on this list: This book opens up a new dimension in the fantasy genre of manga. It’s a story that masterfully mixes elements of the supernatural with vivid and breathtaking artwork, making it a must-read for fantasy manga enthusiasts.
Here's the juice: Tanjiro Kamado is our main dude, he’s a good-natured guy living on a mountain selling charcoal. But his life takes a dramatic turn when his family is slaughtered by demons, yep - real nasty ones. His sister Nezuko is the only survivor but she’s transformed into a demon herself. Tough luck, right? Well, our guy Tanjiro isn't the kind to roll over. He embarks on a journey becoming a demon slayer to avenge his family and cure his sister. It's epic, trust me.
What readers like: Readers rave about the non-stop action, unique plot twists and compelling character development. They're also swooning over the beautiful drawings. If you like a blend of emotions, action, horror and fantasy, then you’ll probably love this.
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Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 1
by Yoshihiro Togashi
Why Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 1 is on this list: Manga and fantasy: they go together like bacon and eggs. And this book, my friends, is a full breakfast. It's a pillar of the fantasy manga genre, rich with imaginative creatures, fascinating magic, and intricate plotlines.
Enter the world of Hunters - a select breed of individuals who hunt for treasures, uncover secrets, and track down notorious individuals. Our guide through this universe is a young boy named Gon who embarks on a journey to find his long-lost father, himself a renowned Hunter. As Gon navigates dangerous trials and menacing foes, he shows us that friendship, courage and resilience can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
What readers like: Readers rave about the complex, likable characters and Togashi's ability to weave deep, philosophical questions into the thrilling narrative. The unique power system ('Nen') is another highlight, praised for its creativity and contribution to the action-packed combat scenes. If you like your fantasy served with a side of thought-provoking commentary, this book is for you.
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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1
by Akira Himekawa
Why The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 is on this list: Because who doesn't want to dive into the fantasy world of one of the greatest gaming franchises in history? Plus, it's manga. So it totally ticks our fantasy manga checkbox.
In this manga adaptation of the beloved Nintendo game, our hero Link gets transported into the shadowy Twilight Realm. Here, he must fight off evil beings, transform into a wolf, and rescue the distressed Princess Zelda. It's an epic adventure translating the immersive gaming experience of Zelda into an incredible, page-turning manga.
What readers like: Readers adore the mix of high-stakes fantasy, intriguing characters, and an iconic lore that's brought to life vividly by Akira Himekawa's splendid illustrations. If you're a fan of the game, you'll love to see these familiar stories unfold on the page. Even if you're not, it's a great fantasy tale right up there with the best.
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No Game No Life, Vol. 1
by Yuu Kamiya
Why No Game No Life, Vol. 1 is on this list: No Game No Life ticks all the boxes in the fantasy manga genre with a brilliant blend of strategy, humor, and incredible world-building.
The book presents the story of genius gamer siblings - Sora and Shiro who live an insular life playing games. Their skills are so top-notch that they catch the attention of a god from another reality who sends them to a world where all disputes are settled by the outcome of games. From chess battles against actual nations to word games with sentient races, the gaming never stops. Sounds crazy, right? Well, it's fantasy.
What readers like: Readers love the high-stakes battles, ingenious strategies, and the fabulous character chemistry between Sora and Shiro. They also adore the well-crafted game rules and riddles that keep them guessing along with the protagonists. A total page-turner, that's No Game No Life, Vol. 1.
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Haikyu!!, Vol. 1
by Haruichi Furudate
Why Haikyu!!, Vol. 1 is on this list: While Haikyu!! may not be a traditional fantasy story with dragons and wizards, it serves up a captivating blend of sports action and whimsical storytelling - creating its own unique kind of fantasy. The characters embark on larger-than-life journeys, ripe with internal struggle, teamwork and all that jazz reminiscent of a deeply engaging fantasy tale.
The world of high school volleyball has never felt so mystical in Haruichi Furudate's 'Haikyu!!'. Our protagonist, Shoyo Hinata is spellbound by a championship volleyball match he stumbles upon on television. Despite his relatively small stature, Hinata is dead set on becoming a star volleyball player. The narrative follows Hinata and his scrappy team through their ups, downs, and all-arounds. And, in true fantasy style, you'll be amazed at the volleyball stunts these kids pull off - it's like they've got magical powers or something.
What readers like: Readers have been majorly digging the refreshing take on the fantasy genre. The dynamically drawn action sequences, the bonding among team players and even the opponents are quite a hit. The unique blend of sports and fantasy leaves readers feeling like they've discovered an entirely new genre. And, the characters, oh boy, they're as lovable as a basket full of puppies.
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Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Vol. 1
by Natsume Akatsuki
Why Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Vol. 1 is on this list: Nothing screams fantasy quite like being reincarnated in a different world, right? In this manga, we get to follow the protagonist as he navigates through a vibrant but unforgiving parallel universe - complete with magic, monsters, and mishaps. It's a hilarious and fantastical journey that is matchless among other fantasy manga.
When total homebody and game fanatic Kazuma Sato suddenly finds himself in a funky parallel world right after losing his life, he's confused. Tasked with defeating the Demon King, he's not exactly the mighty hero the world was hoping for. Instead, he gets stuck with a goddess who's a tad bit useless, and somehow it's hilariously perfect.
What readers like: Readers often rave about the unique fusion of fantasy and comedy in this series. It does not take itself too seriously, injecting humor in every nook and cranny of the story - from the eccentric characters to the unpredictably funny plot twists. It's perfect for someone who needs a good laugh interspersed with fantasy and adventure.
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