4 Hidden Gems for Advanced Manga Geeks
If you are a manga geek, you must read these mind-blowing stories!
I have been reading manga and comics for almost 10 years and probably I’ve read more than 4000 episodes, approximately 120000 pages up to now. I want to share some of the sophisticated and dark ones with you!
Shinsekai Yori (From the New World)
Shinsekai Yori is a Japanese novel by Yusuke Kishi, first published in 2008 and the story is completed.
The setting of this sci-fi-themed series has not dealt with intriguing technological breakthroughs, but rather with the evolution of the human mind, its superior strength, and its horrific consequences, all while keeping the traditional way of urban living.
The way of storytelling is also interesting. There are critical time-skips and you find yourself trying to discover and figure out the characters’ developments in their knowledge and mindset. During this discovery, be ready to get shocked and sometimes disturbed by facing the horrifying evolution of humankind.
Tower of God
Tower of God is a South Korean manhwa released as a webtoon written and illustrated by Lee Jong Hui (S.I.U.), first published in 2010 and the story is ongoing.
“The Tower” is a mystery construction with numerous varied habitats that are totally enclosed. It is pervaded by mysterious energy known as “Shinsu,” which has properties that are similar to the magic in other comic universes. It is home to a diverse range of intelligent species. Living on the top floors is associated with a higher status in the Tower and better living conditions.
The story of Tower of God is centered around a little child named Twenty-Fifth Bam (will also be known as Jue Viole Grace). He has spent the majority of his life locked beneath a massive and enigmatic Tower, with just his close friend Rachel for companionship. Bam is horrified when Rachel entered the Tower and entered the Tower by his own will that was actually impossible for an outsider. Unbreakable doors separate the Tower from the vast, unknown “Outside.” Extraordinary people are only able to open the doors and enter the Tower on rare occasions. In the manhwa, such people are known as “Irregulars,” and Twenty-Fifth Bam is one of them.
Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin: Demi-Human is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gamon Sakurai, first published in 2012 and the story is ongoing.
Ajin: Demi-human tells the story of Nagai Kei, a student who realizes he is an “Ajin” after being killed in a traffic accident. A limited percentage of people in the world of Ajin have immortality and exceptional regeneration abilities that activate when they die, allowing them to fully heal from any mortal damage in a matter of seconds.
Ajin may summon a Ghost that is impervious to physical harm, has incredible physical strength, and vicious teeth and claws. Different “black ghosts” have varying levels of intelligence. Most of the ghosts are dependant on the summoner Ajin. But some others, such as Kei’s, are more independent and likely to engage in self-initiated actions. Consequently, Ajin are considered dangerous and inhuman by the public, and most are captured by governments.
Berserk
Berserk is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, first published in 1989 and the story is ongoing.
It begins with a few short arcs about Guts, a Black Swordsman who hunts down demons known as Apostles. At first, the scenario is realistic fantasy, with a few supernatural and high-fantasy elements thrown in for good measure. At first glance, Guts does not appear to be a particularly likeable character. He’s obnoxious, cynical, wooden, and slightly mad. He and his elf sidekick, Puck, are the only definite characters.
Guts, a former mercenary who is also called “Black Swordsman,” is seeking vengeance. After a turbulent life, Guts finally finds someone he respects and believes he can trust, only for everything to fall apart when this person takes away everything Guts values in order to satisfy his own desires. Guts is now marked for death, and he is doomed to a life of continuous pursuit by demonic beings.
There are loads of action, blood, gore, nudity, violence, and disturbing scenes that make Berserk even more incredible.
Share your comments below and let me know if you know more of those!
