Manga, my dear friend, has this incredible ability to transport us to extraordinary worlds and immerse us in captivating stories that leave us utterly spellbound.
It’s like a magical journey that keeps our hearts racing and our minds captivated for days on end. These stories transcend the ordinary realm of slice-of-life tales.
They possess an enchanting quality that etches them into the very fabric of our memories, forever capturing the essence of our time.
Sometimes, manga has this incredible ability to take daring risks that leave us breathless. It’s as if the creators pour their hearts and souls into crafting these compelling storylines and elements that captivate our very beings.
It’s truly remarkable how they fearlessly push the boundaries, inviting us to embark on thrilling adventures that touch our hearts in ways we never thought possible.
However, it is those who gravitate towards the shadows that truly capture our hearts the most.
I must say that the darkest manga series has a way of delving into the depths of our souls, exploring the most haunting subject matters that leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
At times, they dare to venture into the realm of graphic violence, intertwining it with these profound themes and evoking emotions that resonate within us.
Their work has a way of sending shivers down our spines, evoking a sense of unease that transcends the boundaries of traditional horror.
And, let me tell you, amidst the vast sea of dark and captivating manga series, there are a few that truly touch the depths of our souls.
These exceptional gems rise above the rest, shining brightly with their unparalleled brilliance.
15. CLAYMORE
Original Run: June 6, 2001 – October 4, 2014
Number of Volumes: 27
This dark fantasy manga series resembles Berserk but is all its own. Compared to the manga’s impressive opening, the finish is feeble. It remains a famous series.
Claymore’s uniqueness among dark fantasy series makes it redeemable, along with its great art and plot arcs.
Everything happens in a world of paranoia and Yoma, flesh-eaters.
Only the Claymore, a half-human, half-Yoma female warrior organization, can save them.
14. Vinland Saga
Original Run: April 13, 2005 – present
Number of Volumes: 25
In a cozy little village in Iceland, there’s a young boy named Thorfinn who is six years old. He lives with his loving parents, Thors and Helga, and his sister Ylva.
Thorfinn absolutely loves listening to stories about the amazing land of Vinland, which he hears from the talented trader and navigator, Leif Erikson.
Father Thors is an amazing person! He used to be a brave mercenary for the Jomsborg Vikings, but he decided to take a different path in life.
He faked his death and chose to retire, seeking a peaceful existence away from violence.
However, when King Sweyn I of Denmark kindly asks his vassals to join him in invading England, Thors must also kindly respond to the call in order to protect his village from any possible repercussions.
However, his boss hasn’t forgotten about his departure and has decided to take revenge by hiring the pirate Askeladd, which could be quite dangerous.
After being ambushed, Thor makes a brave decision to sacrifice himself in order to protect little Thorfinn, who had sneaked onto his ship without anyone knowing.
13. Dorohedoro
Original Run: November 30, 2000 – September 12, 2018
Number of Volumes: 23
The show takes place in a fantasy world with three separate realms. Hole is a dirty, degraded, polluted, and violent metropolis where people live.
The world of sorcerers is a rich, colorful, and magical kingdom connected to the human world by magical doors.
And hell is where the souls of dead sorcerers gather and demons live.
People and sorcerers are from two different species, even though they look the same. People developed naturally, whereas the primordial demon Chidaruma created sorcerers.
Because sorcerers have a special way of getting blood to their bodies, they can make smoke from their mouths or fingers to use their magic.
Each sorcerer has a unique kind of power that can be widely used or sought after.
For example, I have noticed that some sorcerers can heal, bring the dead back to life, or control time.
12. The Flowers Of Evil
Original Run: September 9, 2009 – May 9, 2014
Number of Volumes: 11
In this gripping manga series, Shuzo Oshimi (also known for another dark manga, Happiness) does an outstanding job of blending psychological terror and coming-of-age.
Takao, a middle schooler, is coerced into a “contract” by another student, Sawa, in The Flowers of Evil.
Shame and desire are major themes that emerge throughout the series.
The underlying tale is interesting because it confronts basic sentiments we have as children, but it takes a far darker turn.
Finally, The Flowers of Evil turns the innocence of adolescent love into something far more deadly.
11. Vagabond
Original Run: September 17, 1998 – May 21, 2015 (on hiatus)
Number of Volumes: 37
Hey there! Did you know that in 1600, there was this really intense battle called the Battle of Sekigahara? It was a pretty big deal because it basically solidified the power of the Tokugawa shogun.
Among the fighters, there’s Shinmen Takezo, the son of a great samurai, who is determined to do whatever it takes to stay alive.
When he came back to his hometown, the people there unfortunately rejected him because they felt he had abandoned them.
He sets off on an exciting adventure, determined to become the greatest samurai in Japan.
Vagabond is an amazing manga that takes the hero on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and understanding the world. It’s all about embracing the way of the sword!
He decides to change his name to Miyamoto Musashi and bravely takes on the challenge of facing the strongest samurai.
Along the way, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous path of violence, all while struggling with his feelings for Otsu, his dear childhood friend.
10. Blood On The Tracks
Original Run: February 24, 2017 – September 8, 2023
Number of Volumes: 17
Blood on the Tracks is Shuzo Oshimi’s terrifying account of a mother’s excessive affection.
The narrative centers on a juvenile child named Seiichi and his overprotective mother, Seiko.
Everything initially appears typical. After an odd occurrence on a family hiking excursion, Seiko reveals a much darker and more frightening side to her son.
Simply stated, this manga is an absolute torment. As the series progresses, any sense of morality deteriorates, and the manipulation by a supposedly trustworthy figure becomes absolutely unsettling.
9. Pandora Hearts
Original Run: May 2006–March 2015
Number of Volumes: 24
There are many allusions to Alice in Wonderland in the dark gothic fantasy series Pandora Hearts.
Throughout its course, the manga was beloved by fans like me for its unexpected turns in the storyline.
From the beginning to the end, it was an emotional roller coaster.
In Pandora Hearts, our protagonist, Oz, is a fifteen-year-old boy who has been sent into the mysterious Abyss for a transgression he cannot remember committing.
As he travels deeper into the Abyss, Oz encounters a creature that goes by the name of Alice.
He makes a deal with her to get away while he investigates the source of his wrongdoing.
8. Parasyte
Original Run: 1988 – 1995
Number of Volumes: 10
This sci-fi horror film brings a fresh perspective to the alien invasion.
Let’s dive into the exciting tale of Shinichi, a high school student whose hand gets taken over by a fascinating creature known as a Parasyte.
In the series, Shinichi and his new “friend” work together to keep others safe from those who are completely taken over by other parasytes.
Parasyte is a thrilling combination of gore and action, but don’t worry, it’s not overly intense to the point of making you squeamish.
The art style and action in the manga are truly amazing and contribute to the series’ iconic status uniquely and wonderfully!
7. Tokyo Ghoul
Original Run: September 8, 2011 – September 18, 2014 / October 16, 2014 – July 5, 2018
Number of Volumes: 14 / 16
Fans of Tokyo Ghoul’s anime series will enjoy its original manga run.
If the story intrigues you, you’ll want to read the manga even if you don’t like the anime.
Toyko Ghoul is a delightful dark supernatural thriller set in a world full of ghouls, who look like humans but can only consume flesh.
The detailed comics and great character arcs make the series great.
6. Death Note
Original Run: December 1, 2003 – May 15, 2006
Number of Volumes: 12
Death Note is a well-regarded manga and anime series.
Because the plot explores the worst human cravings and curiosities, this is justified.
As Light Yagami discovers a notebook that murders its owner, we follow him.
Death Note is one of the finest manga ever because of its comic themes and characters, despite its terrifying concepts.
Overall, the character arcs and storyline make it intriguing.
5. Elfen Lied
Original Run: June 6, 2002 – August 25, 2005
Number of Volumes: 12
The plot takes place in Kamakura, Japan, and centers on the Diclonius, mutants with two unusual horns on their heads and powerful invisible limbs called “vectors”.
Diclonius newborns are slaughtered at birth or imprisoned in brutal research labs, believed to be deadly to humans.
One, Lucy, escapes to the sea and kills everyone in her path.
Due to a headshot while escaping, two boys find her on the beach with amnesia and twin personalities.
Young Diclonius has an entirely different demeanor, so the two brothers nickname her “Nyu”—the only word she can speak.
They take her home to learn about her background since they cannot leave her alone. The military pursues her without giving up.
When the girl smacks her head, she becomes Lucy again.
4. Goodnight Punpun
Original Run: March 15, 2007 – November 2, 2013
Number of Volumes: 13
Even though Goodnight Punpun tackles some intense subjects and has graphic content, at its core, it’s a story that originates from a childlike perspective.
This manga series will tug at your heartstrings as it explores the themes of naïveté and grief.
Get ready for an emotional journey!
The story has some really interesting and thought-provoking themes that contribute to its dark atmosphere.
This manga really dives into important topics like depression, relationships, and the true meaning of love.
It’s a thought-provoking read that will definitely captivate you!
It’s really interesting to think about what lies ahead for you as you grow up alongside the main character.
3. Berserk
Original Run: August 1989 – present
Number of Volumes: 41
So, as I observed, Berserk is such an incredible story that takes you on a thrilling journey alongside Guts and Griffith, the fearless leader of the Falcon Troop.
They’re a friendly group of mercenaries who were hired by the Kingdom of Midland.
This meeting will create a special friendship that is both fascinating and productive.
Guts, a talented warrior with an amazing sword, will become a valuable asset to the ambitious young Griffith.
Griffith is not only a skilled swashbuckler but also an exceptional tactician.
The anime is all about the amazing journey of the Falcon Troop, filled with both exciting highs and challenging lows.
It’s all about the intricate bond between Guts and Griffith.
They have a fascinating dynamic that combines interest (Griffith depends on Guts’ strength), mutual respect (they view each other as comrades), and profound affection (they share a strong connection).
2. Uzumaki
Original Run: January 19, 1998 – August 30, 1999
Number of Volumes: 3
Junji Ito’s Uzumaki is famous according to me.
Its strangely beautiful and horrifying body horror earned it its title.
The first two chapters are leisurely, so horrors strike when you least expect them.
Uzumaki turns common symbols into scary elements to tell the story of citizens cursed by spirals.
The manga’s layout makes it an influential horror manga, reminding you that you’ve chosen to view these horrors.
1. Chainsaw Man
Original Run: December 3, 2018 – present
Number of Volumes: 11
Chainsaw Man’s manga and anime made it famous.
It was innovative for its time. Throughout the manga, we follow Denji, a young guy with a contract to turn his body parts into chainsaws.
One of the best-selling manga series was Chainsaw Man by 2022.
For good measure, its dark comedy and storytelling complement its brutal undertones.
You’ll find attractive individuals and an intriguing world amid the terrible violence.
