The Best Fantasy Manga Series You Should Be Reading Right Now

“One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda is an absolute juggernaut in the world of fantasy manga. It follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young man with the power to stretch like rubber, on his quest to become the King of the Pirates. He assembles a quirky and lovable crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, and they set sail on a grand adventure across the vast ocean.

But it’s not just about treasure hunting. They face powerful enemies, explore fantastical islands, and uncover the secrets of the world. This manga series is an epic saga filled with humor, heart, and jaw-dropping action. If you’re ready to embark on a journey, you’ll never forget, “One Piece” is waiting for you!

“Claymore” by Norihiro Yagi is a dark fantasy manga that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s set in a medieval world plagued by shape-shifting demons called Yoma. Humanity’s only hope lies with the Claymores, female warriors infused with Yoma flesh and blood. They possess incredible strength and agility, but they also risk losing their humanity to the demonic power within.

The story follows Clare, a young Claymore, as she journeys through this dangerous world, battling Yoma and confronting her own inner darkness. With its stunning action sequences and complex characters, “Claymore” is a must-read for any fan of dark fantasy manga.

“Sword Art Online” by Reki Kawahara is a classic in the world of fantasy manga, and it’s even got a super popular Isekai anime adaptation! It follows Kirito, a skilled gamer who gets trapped inside a new VRMMORPG with thousands of other players. The catch? If you die in the game, you die in real life.  

Kirito must fight to survive and clear the game, forming alliances with other players like Asuna along the way. This manga series is packed with action, adventure, and a bit of romance, making it a must-read for anyone who loves gaming, virtual worlds, and high-stakes battles.

“The Promised Neverland” by Kaiu Shirai is a dark fantasy manga that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows a group of orphans living in a seemingly idyllic orphanage. They’re well-fed, cared for, and have plenty of time to play. However, their happy lives are shattered when they discover a horrifying truth about their existence.

The children realize they’re being raised as food for demons. They hatch a daring escape plan, but the odds are stacked against them. This manga is a thrilling blend of suspense, mystery, and psychological horror. If you’re looking for a story that will keep you guessing and leave you breathless, “The Promised Neverland” is a must-read.

“Yona of the Dawn” by Mizuho Kusanagi is a fantasy manga with a strong female lead you’ll definitely root for. It follows Princess Yona, who lives a sheltered life in the palace. But, on her 16th birthday, everything changes. A coup d’état forces her to flee her kingdom with her bodyguard, Hak.

Now, Yona must journey across the land, gathering allies and facing harsh realities. Along the way, she discovers her own strength and determination. This manga is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and heartwarming moments. If you enjoy stories about self-discovery and found family, then “Yona of the Dawn” is a must-read!

“Fairy Tail” by Hiro Mashima is a classic shonen fantasy manga filled with action, magic, and hilarious antics. It follows Lucy Heartfilia, a young celestial spirit mage, who dreams of joining the famous Fairy Tail guild. She meets Natsu Dragneel, a fire dragon slayer, and their adventure begins.

Together, they form a team and take on various missions, battling dark guilds, slaying dragons, and making lifelong friends along the way. This manga series is all about the power of friendship and never giving up on your dreams. If you’re looking for a lighthearted yet action-packed read with a huge cast of lovable characters, “Fairy Tail” is a fantastic choice.

If you’re looking for a dark fantasy manga that packs a punch, look no further than “Berserk” by Kentaro Miura. It follows Guts, a lone swordsman with a tragic past and a giant sword to match. He’s on a quest for revenge against the demons that haunt him, but his journey is filled with brutal battles and heartbreaking losses.

However, “Berserk” is more than just a revenge story. It delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The artwork is stunning, and the story is both epic and emotionally impactful. Just be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart!

In “Fullmetal Alchemist” by Hiromu Arakawa, two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, delve into the forbidden world of alchemy to bring their mother back from the dead. However, their attempt catastrophically fails, costing Edward his arm and leg and Alphonse his entire body, now bound to a suit of armor. As they embark on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, believed to amplify alchemical abilities, the stakes are incredibly high.

This gripping fantasy manga weaves a tale of sacrifice, power, and redemption. If you’re captivated by intricate plots and deep moral questions, then this series is a must-read. It skillfully blends action with heartrending drama, making every chapter essential. Join the Elrics as they battle sinister forces in a richly constructed world, where magic and science intersect in unexpected ways.

“My Hero Academia” by Kohei Horikoshi is an awesome superhero fantasy manga with a unique twist. In this world, superpowers called “Quirks” are the norm. But, our main character, Izuku Midoriya, is quirkless. However, that doesn’t stop him from dreaming of becoming a hero!

When he has a chance encounter with the legendary All Might, his life changes forever. Deku inherits All Might’s power and enrolls in U.A. High, a prestigious hero academy. He trains alongside a colorful cast of classmates, each with their own unique quirks. “My Hero Academia” is an action-packed coming-of-age story filled with humor and heart. If you love superheroes and underdog stories, you’ll definitely want to check it out.

“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” by Kore Yamazaki is a beautiful and melancholic fantasy manga with a gothic touch. It follows Chise Hatori, a young girl who can see spirits but feels isolated and unwanted. She’s sold to a mysterious mage named Elias Ainsworth, who becomes her teacher and, eventually, her husband.

Together, they navigate a world of magic, folklore, and ancient creatures. Chise learns about her own powers and the hidden truths of the magical world. However, their relationship is complex and filled with challenges. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, stunning artwork, and stories that explore themes of loneliness and belonging, then “The Ancient Magus’ Bride” is a must-read.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” by Koyoharu Gotouge is an action-packed fantasy manga with stunning artwork. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy whose family is brutally attacked by demons. His sister, Nezuko, is the only survivor, but she’s been turned into a demon herself.

Determined to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer. He trains relentlessly and faces off against increasingly powerful demons, all while protecting his sister. If you’re looking for a thrilling tale of brotherly love, loss, and the fight against evil, then “Demon Slayer” is a must-read.

Alright, if you’re looking for a fantasy manga that completely flips the script on the magical girl genre, check out “Magical Girl Apocalypse” by Kentaro Sato. It starts off with Kii Kogami, a typical high school student bored with his everyday life. But then, things take a dark turn when magical girls start appearing and turning people into grotesque monsters.

Kii finds himself in a fight for survival, teaming up with a mysterious girl who wields a bloody baseball bat. This manga is a wild ride, blending horror, action, and dark humor. It’s definitely not your average magical girl story!

“Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic” by Shinobu Ohtaka takes you on an exhilarating journey through mysterious dungeons full of treasures and traps. Aladdin, a young magician with a wise djinn named Ugo, explores these labyrinths to uncover their secrets. Alongside his newfound friends, Alibaba and Morgiana, he battles fierce enemies and uncovers hidden political agendas.

This fantasy manga is bursting with adventure and ancient mysteries. If you enjoy stories where friendship and magic collide, “Magi” is perfect for you. Each dungeon brings new challenges and revelations, ensuring the story remains engaging and fresh. Watch as Aladdin and his companions learn about their true destinies and attempt to change the world.

“Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama is a dark fantasy manga that has taken the world by storm. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is forced to live behind giant walls to protect themselves from Titans, monstrous humanoid creatures that devour humans.

But, when a colossal Titan breaches the outer wall, everything changes. Eren Yeager, the main character, witnesses the destruction of his home and vows to exterminate all Titans. This manga is full of action, suspense, and shocking twists. If you’re looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, “Attack on Titan” is a must!

“Hunter x Hunter” by Yoshihiro Togashi follows Gon Freecss, a boy determined to become an elite Hunter and find his long-lost father. Hunters are privileged adventurers granted rights to track rare treasures, elusive beasts, or even missing persons. Gon’s quest introduces him to friends who share his dreams and complexities.

As the series unfolds, Gon and his companions, including the revenge-driven Killua, face daunting challenges that test their skills and moral judgments. This fantasy manga combines deep character development with strategic battles, making each volume a compelling dive into a richly imagined world.

“Inuyasha” by Rumiko Takahashi is a classic fantasy manga that blends action, romance, and Japanese folklore. It follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day schoolgirl, who falls into a well and travels back in time to feudal Japan. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon dog boy, and discovers she’s the reincarnation of a powerful priestess.

Together, they embark on a quest to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel, a powerful artifact that grants wishes. However, they face fierce demons and dangerous enemies along the way. “Inuyasha” is a beloved series with a captivating story, memorable characters, and plenty of humor. If you’re looking for a classic fantasy manga with a touch of romance, this one’s a perfect choice.

“Black Clover” by Yuki Tabata is an action-packed fantasy manga full of magic and adventure. It’s set in a world where magic is everything, and Asta, the main character, is born without any. However, he refuses to let that stop him from achieving his dream of becoming the Wizard King.

Asta receives a mysterious five-leaf clover grimoire, granting him anti-magic powers. He joins the Black Bulls, a squad of misfit mages, and together they face off against powerful enemies and strive to protect the Clover Kingdom. “Black Clover” is a classic underdog story with themes of friendship, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. If you’re looking for an inspiring and exciting fantasy manga, give this one a try!

“Jujutsu Kaisen” by Gege Akutami immerses readers in a world where cursed spirits prey on humans. Yuji Itadori, naturally athletic but indifferent to life’s typical paths, dives into this supernatural realm by swallowing a cursed object to save his friends. He becomes entwined with Sukuna, a powerful curse.

As Yuji joins a school of Jujutsu sorcerers, he battles curses and grapples with the evil within. This fantasy manga blends horror with thrilling magical combat, revealing the harsh realities of sorcerer society and Yuji’s emerging powers. If you enjoy dark, action-packed adventures, “Jujutsu Kaisen” delivers a spellbinding experience.

“Blue Exorcist” by Kazue Katō follows Rin Okumura, a teenager who shockingly learns he’s the son of Satan. Armed with newfound demonic powers, Rin chooses an unexpected path—to become an exorcist and oppose his father.

Rin enrolls at True Cross Academy, an institution dedicated to training exorcists. As he hones his skills, he confronts demons and unravels secrets about his origins. However, the more he learns, the more he questions his powers and purpose. If you’re intrigued by tales of conflict and redemption, “Blue Exorcist” offers a riveting journey through the struggles of a young exorcist.