Overview
- Supernatural manga often conclude by resolving intricate mythologies and exploring profound themes, rich with symbolism.
- Highly regarded series like Hell’s Paradise, The Promised Neverland, and Soul Eater are celebrated for their depth.
- These narratives delve into the characters’ inner struggles, providing not only satisfying conclusions but also balancing action with insightful commentary.
The supernatural genre in manga is prominent, serving not just to enhance aesthetics or depict epic battles but also to explore the complex inner lives of characters. This storytelling device allows creators to develop unique mythologies and vast universes, captivating the audience’s imagination through various artistic styles and tones.
When these narratives reach their conclusion, they deliver well-structured mythologies that resonate with readers. Audiences appreciate intricate plots rich in symbolism, where monsters often symbolize deeper truths rather than mere evil. The most acclaimed series are recognized for their cohesive and satisfying endings that tie plot elements with thematic depth, placing them among the finest supernatural manga ever crafted.
10 Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Immersive World in One of the Best Supernatural Mangas
- Author: Yuji Kaku
- Genres: Supernatural, Dark Fantasy, Psychological Thriller
- Release Date: January 22, 2018
Infused with elements of Japanese mythology, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku invites readers into a vibrant yet violent supernatural landscape. After being sentenced to death due to an assassination gone wrong, the ninja Gabimaru evades unending execution attempts thanks to his extraordinary resilience. The government offers him a chance at redemption: retrieve the Elixir of Life from the perilous island of Shinsenkyo.
This series presents divine beings in bizarre forms, establishing a unique mythology within its pages. The artwork vividly portrays harrowing realms, while the narrative explores humanity’s relentless pursuit of immortality, seamlessly interweaving themes of ambition and mortality. This delicate juxtaposition of thrilling action and contemplative insight solidifies its position among the top completed supernatural manga.
9 The Promised Neverland
A Gripping Reality Within One of the Finest Completed Supernatural Manga
- Author: Kaiu Shirai
- Genres: Supernatural, Dark Fantasy, Thriller
- Release Date: August 1, 2016
In a world dominated by demons, The Promised Neverland follows a group of orphaned children trying to escape from a grim fate. Living under a sinister agreement known as The Promise, humans and demons inhabit separate domains. Within the confines of Grace Field House, Emma and her friends grow up expecting adoption, only to discover their grim reality as livestock destined for the hideous creatures that lurk outside. This harsh revelation ignites their desperate escape plan.
This dark narrative confronts the children’s loss of innocence, as demonic predators await beyond their sanctuary, transforming their childhood into a fierce survival struggle. Readers are immersed in the protagonists’ clever tactics as they challenge their captors, creating a compelling and suspenseful reading experience.
8 Soul Eater
A Concluded Story Exploring Inner Conflicts in Supernatural Manga
- Author: Atsushi Ohkubo
- Genres: Supernatural, Adventure, Action
- Release Date: May 12, 2004
Soul Eater masterfully embraces the supernatural genre, setting the action against the backdrop of the Death Weapon Meister Academy in Nevada. Here, student pairs are trained to combat evil beings, including kishin and witches, while humans wielding demonic weapon transformations rely on their Meisters for guidance.
The dynamic battles exhibit a blend of martial prowess and magical elements, creating a distinctive rhythm that drives the story forward. The depiction of externalized vulnerabilities presents tangible adversaries stemming from personal fears. This clever narrative technique fosters character development amid high-stakes scenarios, solidifying Soul Eater as a notable entry in the realm of completed supernatural manga.
7 Ajin: Demi-Human
Mysterious Specters Propel One of the Best Supernatural Manga Releases
- Author: Tsuina Miura, Gamon Sakurai
- Genres: Supernatural, Mystery, Action
- Release Date: July 6, 2012
In Ajin: Demi-Human, the concept of death takes on a new meaning as beings known as Ajin exist on the periphery of society. Though they appear human, they cannot die through conventional means, possessing the terrifying ability to summon Black Ghosts, spectral entities that serve them. This theme of graphic violence combined with an ambiance of suspense creates a rich and detailed universe that scrutinizes humanity’s fear of mortality and the morality associated with it.
When Kei Nagai discovers he is an Ajin after surviving a fatal accident, he finds himself pursued by government forces intent on exploiting his kind for cruel intentions. As he grapples with his dual identity, his ability to command a Black Ghost darkens the tone while ensuring the series remains a key entry in the landscape of supernatural manga.
6 Noragami
Gods and Spirits Intertwine in This Intriguing Supernatural Manga
- Author: Adachitoka
- Genres: Supernatural, Dark Fantasy, Action
- Release Date: December 6, 2010
Noragami delves into the complexities of an interconnected world where gods rely on wandering souls known as Shinki, which are spiritual weapons crafted from the deceased. This reciprocal relationship creates a robust framework within the series, enriching the interplay of character dynamics and conflicts.
Yato, a lesser-known deity longing for recognition, executes various odd jobs alongside his Shinki partner, Yukine. Their paths intertwine with Hiyori Iki, a schoolgirl whose soul inadvertently slips between the realms of the living and the dead. Facing powerful malevolent spirits, they must navigate their intertwining fates while broadening the mythology of this fascinating supernatural manga.
5 D. Gray-Man
Demons Loom Over This Riveting Supernatural Manga
- Author: Katsura Hoshino
- Genres: Supernatural, Dark Fantasy, Action
- Release Date: May 31, 2004
D.Gray-man unfolds in a chilling alternate timeline of the late nineteenth century, where celestial and demonic forces clash, presenting terrifying yet intriguing adversaries. The series masterfully blends horror with moral complexity, elevating it above mere monster clashes.
Allen Walker, a young exorcist, joins the Black Order with the aspiration of defeating the Millennium Earl. As he trains to harness the formidable power of his Innocence, he confronts relentless Akuma and rival factions, all while striving to protect humanity from impending doom. His harrowing journey grounds the expansive narrative, confirming its status as a classic supernatural manga.
4 Natsume’s Book of Friends
An Insightful Examination of Yokai Lore in This Enchanted Supernatural Manga
- Author: Yuki Midorikawa
- Genres: Supernatural, Mystery, Iyashikei
- Release Date: June 10, 2003
Natsume’s Book of Friends rightly holds its place among the finest supernatural manga, chronicling the journey of Takashi Natsume, who can see yokai. The series sensitively portrays his feelings of isolation and his growing connection with spirits, depicting them not merely as monsters but as sentient beings with backstories and emotions.
Upon inheriting a book from his late grandmother, which holds the names of yokai she had bound, Takashi embarks on a compassionate quest to return these names. His interactions deepen the connection between the living and the supernatural, emphasizing themes of empathy and understanding, thereby cementing its status as a masterpiece within the genre.
3 Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Transformed into a Hunting Ground in This Compelling Supernatural Manga
- Author: Sui Ishida
- Genres: Supernatural, Drama, Horror
- Release Date: September 8, 2011
Tokyo Ghoul immerses readers in a chilling tale of flesh-eating ghouls that inhabit Japan’s capital, securing its place among the top supernatural manga. College student Ken Kaneki unwittingly encounters Rize, a ghoul, leading to fateful injuries. Thanks to a surgical procedure, he is reborn as a half-ghoul, caught in the friction between humanity and the predator’s hidden world.
The narrative intricately weaves character development into survival struggles against a backdrop of societal rejection. Every conflict leaves room for moral ambiguity, while the elaborate lore surrounding ghouls adds depth. This bold storytelling, coupled with intense action sequences, establishes Tokyo Ghoul as a groundbreaking work that challenges societal perceptions of monsters and victims alike.
2 Fullmetal Alchemist
Two Brothers Confront Grave Threats in This Iconic Supernatural Manga
- Author: Hiromu Arakawa
- Genres: Dark Fantasy, Steampunk, Supernatural
- Release Date: July 12, 2003
Fullmetal Alchemist opens with a disastrous alchemical attempt by brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric to resurrect their mother, leading to devastating consequences. This failure results in Alphonse losing his physical form and Edward losing his right arm. This devastating event propels the brothers to join the State Military in search of the elusive Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to restore what they lost in their tragic experiment.
The series goes beyond conventional battles, using the concept of alchemy to engage with profound themes such as the value of life, the implications of death, and the sacrifices associated with ambition. With its intricate plotting and weighty moral questions, Fullmetal Alchemist establishes itself as a leading supernatural manga, exemplifying the genre’s potential for profound narrative exploration.
1 Death Note
A New World Order Declares This the Best Completed Supernatural Manga
- Author: Tsugumi Ohba
- Genres: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural Thriller
- Release Date: December 1, 2003
In Death Note, student Light Yagami encounters the shinigami Ryuk and discovers a notebook meant to eliminate criminals. Assuming the persona of Kira, he embarks on a quest to purge the world of evil. However, this mission sparks an intellectual battle against detective L, whose deductive skills challenge Light’s schemes and ambitions. Their gripping contest of wits reinforces Death Note as a cultural phenomenon in the realm of supernatural manga.