Celebrated as a titan in the manga industry, Naoki Urasawa has captivated audiences for over four decades with his masterful storytelling and artistic prowess. Renowned for his intricate narratives, Urasawa has excelled in crafting long-form mystery epics while demonstrating his versatility across various genres.
Initially starting his career as an artist, Urasawa soon expanded his role to include writing, quickly garnering acclaim from critics, fans, and peers alike. His first landmark achievement came with the release of Yawara! in 1986, a popular series that significantly contrasted with the darker thematic elements typical of his renowned works.
Urasawa’s sharp dialogue and fluid panel layouts make him a standout storyteller in the manga world. His ability to weave complex plots that chronicle vast temporal and narrative expanses is unparalleled. Given his extensive bibliography, there is no shortage of exceptional works from this maestro of seinen manga. Here, we spotlight the top manga from Naoki Urasawa.
Updated March 29, 2025 by Mark Sammut: While Urasawa is renowned for his long-form narratives, he has also ventured into the realm of short stories. Though his one-shots may not share the same notoriety as his longer works, they showcase his distinctive style and artistic talent and are well worth exploring for fans.
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Damiyan! – A Fascinating One-Shot with a Supernatural Yakuza Twist
Original Magazine: Weekly Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Volumes: 1
- Demographic: Seinen
Naoki Urasawa has penned numerous one-shots during his prolific career. Although these shorter works don’t carry the same weight as his long tales, they still succeed in highlighting his exceptional artistic skill and thought-provoking writing, often merging elements of drama with supernatural facets. For those interested in his shorts, Sneeze: Naoki Urasawa Story Collection is an excellent starting point.
Leading this collection is Damiyan!, an engaging one-shot that efficiently introduces a variety of characters and shifts perspectives halfway through its brief 25-page run. The titular Damiyan is portrayed as an enigmatic figure possessing almost god-like abilities. The narrative intertwines mafia intrigue, unexpected deaths, and a blend of high-stakes drama with black humor.
What adds to the reading experience is the connection to Urasawa’s famous work, 20th Century Boys, making Damiyan! particularly enjoyable for dedicated fans.
The collection does include some mixed offerings, such as Henry and Charles, a children’s manga about two mice—remarkably diverging from Urasawa’s usual themes. Despite its simplicity, the artwork remains impressive.
Besides Damiyan!, other notable stories include Throw Toward the Moon! and Kaiju Kingdom, both of which may not be essential reads but still provide an entertaining experience.
10
Pineapple Army: A Gripping War Thriller
Original Magazine: Big Comic Original
- Genre: Action
- Volumes: 8
- Demographic: Seinen
In this action-driven series from the ’80s, Urasawa assumes the role of artist while exploring the narrative of Jed Goshi, a Japanese-American Vietnam War veteran. The story chronicles Goshi’s transition from a skilled Green Beret to a prominent military trainer.
Readers meet Goshi as he enjoys retirement, having secured a reputation as a mercenary. This character study highlights the complexities of a traditional tough-guy hero set against the backdrop of explosive action sequences, delivered through Urasawa’s fine artistry and the thrilling storytelling of writer Kazuya Kudo.
9
Master Keaton: An Intriguing Multi-Talented Protagonist
Original Magazine: Big Comic Original
- Genre: Adventure, Mystery
- Volumes: 18
- Demographic: Seinen
This eclectic tale revolves around Taichi Hiraga-Keaton, who juggles roles as an archeologist, member of the SAS, and insurance investigator, promising a plethora of excitement.
Collaboratively crafted with Takashi Nagasaki and Hokusai Katsushika, this series enjoyed a successful six-year run, complemented by an anime adaptation by Madhouse. Urasawa infuses profound themes of family and personal growth into a thrilling narrative filled with danger, making Master Keaton a standout in adventure manga. Notably, the character’s quest to uncover a mythical civilization in Egypt adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.
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Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams – A Unique Mystery Series
Original Magazine: Big Comic Original
- Genre: Mystery
- Volumes: 1
- Demographic: Seinen
Mujirushi diverges from his usual style, offering a colorful story characterized by offbeat humor and satirical elements. It follows Kamoda, a factory owner whose life takes a wild turn after evading his taxes, leading him to a peculiar organization embroiled in a heist.
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Happy! – A Gritty Sports Drama
Original Magazine: Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Sports
- Volumes: 23
- Demographic: Seinen
Happy! is an unexpectedly somber sports drama that uses tennis as its narrative vehicle to delve into heavier themes. It centers on Miyuki Umino, a talented tennis player grappling with the fallout of her parents’ deaths while managing immense familial obligations and debts to the Yakuza.
Unlike traditional sports tales, Umino’s journey is fraught with challenges, creating a poignant narrative filled with complex character arcs and mature subjects. Urasawa’s storytelling is particularly dark and thought-provoking in this series.
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Yawara! – A Heartwarming Slice of Life Sports Comedy
Original Magazine: Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Coming-of-age, Sports
- Volumes: 29
- Demographic: Seinen
Yawara! presents a comedic yet heartfelt coming-of-age story about a young judo practitioner, Yawara Inokuma. She desires a typical high school life, but her grandfather, a legendary judoka, pushes her toward Olympic dreams.
Combining light-hearted storytelling with elements of mystery centered around Inokuma’s family, Urasawa effectively captures the characters’ emotional complexities. Overall, this series is a delightful exploration of ambition and growth, making it one of Urasawa’s most engaging works.
5
Billy Bat – A Novel Take on the Comic Industry
Original Magazine: Morning
- Genre: Mystery
- Volumes: 20
- Demographic: Seinen
Billy Bat is an unconventional mystery that critiques the comic book industry while intertwining themes of an ancient scroll linked to world domination. Set in 1949, it follows a comic artist whose work parallels popular Japanese comics, igniting a series of bizarre events following a trip to Japan.
The series blends whimsical humor with serious narrative elements, setting it apart from Urasawa’s typical darker themes. Over eight years, it captivated readers with its labyrinthine plot twists, prompting discussions about conspiracy theories and the art of storytelling.
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Asadora! – A Captivating Blend of History and Kaiju
Original Magazine: Weekly Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Mystery
- Volumes: 8
- Demographic: Seinen
Asadora! intertwines compelling mystery with historical elements, detailing the life of Asa Adora from her post-WWII upbringing to contemporary dilemmas. Amidst a contemporary Tokyo besieged by a giant monster, we see Adora’s journey through perilous historical events, such as the infamous Typhoon Vera.
Urasawa skillfully balances science fiction with historical drama, while the evolving mystery of the kaiju looms ominously. With a vibrant lead character, this series exemplifies Urasawa’s ability to merge genres seamlessly.
3
Pluto – A Groundbreaking Reimagining of Astro Boy
Original Magazine: Big Comic Original
- Genre: Mystery
- Volumes: 8
- Demographic: Seinen
In Pluto, Urasawa delivers a riveting murder mystery that serves as a poignant homage to the classic Astro Boy series. The story follows a robotic Europol detective embroiled in a series of disturbing homicides threatening humanity and the world’s elite robots.
This work adeptly navigates themes surrounding robotic rights and human-machine dynamics, complemented by a complex police investigation. Since its release, Pluto has garnered critical acclaim, with readers still unraveling its numerous symbolic layers and references. An anime adaptation is also in the works, inviting new audiences to experience this exceptional narrative.
2
20th Century Boys – A Gripping Multi-Generational Thriller
Original Magazine: Big Comic Spirits
- Genre: Mystery
- Volumes: 22
- Demographic: Seinen
20th Century Boys is quintessential Urasawa—a sprawling thriller interweaving childhood nostalgia with apocalyptic stakes as a group of friends confront a cult leader reminiscent of their youth. This unique narrative format captivates readers with intertwining narratives that span decades.
With elements such as giant robots and international conspiracies, the unfolding drama around the enigmatic character Friend keeps audiences guessing throughout. Its popularity sparked a sequel, 21st Century Boys, which, while not quite as monumental, remains a worthy continuation of the story. An essential read for any manga aficionado.
1
Monster – A Dark and Compelling Psychological Thriller
Original Magazine: Big Comic Original
- Genre: Mystery, Crime
- Volumes: 18
- Demographic: Seinen
Lauded as one of the pinnacle works in psychological thrillers, Urasawa’s Monster first debuted in December 1994, following the harrowing tale of Kenzo Tenma, a brain surgeon in Germany whose life spirals into horror after saving a child instead of a prominent individual.
This chilling narrative delves into themes of human experimentation and the dark corners of human morality as the child and his twin sister reveal unsettling truths. The story’s intricate plot, dense suspense, and richly developed characters have cemented its legacy in the manga landscape. The subsequent anime adaptation further amplified its reach and acclaim, making Monster a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre.