Best Anime Adaptation Manga Recommendations (Page 2)

Tsugumi Ohba (Story), Takeshi Obata (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Slice of Life

Bakuman. is a coming-of-age success story that follows the journey of two middle school students—Moritaka Mashiro, a talented artist, and Akito Takagi, a gifted writer—as they team up with the shared goal of becoming successful manga creators in Weekly Shonen Jump. Initially, Mashiro had given up on his dreams after witnessing the tragic death of his uncle, a manga artist who died from overwork. However, Takagi's invitation reignites his passion, especially after making a promise with their classmate and aspiring voice actress Miho Azuki: if their manga ever gets adapted into an anime, they’ll get married. Together, Mashiro and Takagi face countless challenges—canceled series, creative slumps, intense competition with rival manga artists, and even health risks due to overwork. Despite these setbacks, their determination, passion for manga, and strong friendship push them forward. Bakuman. offers a raw and inspiring look into the manga industry, portraying the reality behind serialized publication while exploring the balance between dreams and reality, effort and talent. It’s a compelling and realistic depiction of the modern-day “way of the manga.”

Shueisha

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Hikaru no Go is a coming-of-age manga that follows Hikaru Shindo, an ordinary sixth-grade boy whose life changes when he discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Unbeknownst to him, the board is haunted by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian period who is unable to pass on to the afterlife due to his obsession with achieving the divine move, known as the “Hand of God.” Sai begs Hikaru to let him play Go once more through him. Although Hikaru has no interest in the game at first, he reluctantly agrees. As he begins playing under Sai’s guidance, Hikaru becomes captivated by the depth and complexity of Go. His interest deepens when he meets Akira Toya, the son of Japan’s top professional Go player. In their first match, Hikaru, guided by Sai, defeats Akira with overwhelming skill. Shocked that someone his age could be so strong, Akira becomes determined to rival Hikaru. Motivated by this rivalry, Hikaru begins studying Go seriously and sets a personal goal: to one day challenge Akira with his own strength, not Sai’s. Hikaru eventually joins the Japan Go Association’s training program for young players, where he trains alongside other aspiring pros, including international talents. Through competition, setbacks, and growth, Hikaru matures both as a person and a player. The story emotionally portrays Hikaru’s journey as he develops bonds with Sai and Akira, overcomes inner struggles, and steadily strives toward mastering Go on his own—ultimately aiming to reach the elusive “Hand of God.” It’s a moving and inspiring tale about passion, rivalry, and self-discovery through the ancient game of Go.

Osamu Akimoto

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Shonen, Slice of Life

KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops is a long-running comedy manga by Osamu Akimoto, set in the neighborhood of Kameari in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward. The story centers on Kankichi Ryotsu—a maverick police officer known for his love of money-making schemes and wild ideas. Though constantly causing chaos with his outrageous plans, he’s also an endearing troublemaker with a strong sense of compassion and humanity. Ryotsu, often called "Ryo-san," is stationed at the Kameari police box alongside his ultra-wealthy, refined partner Keiichi Nakagawa, the beautiful and intelligent Reiko, and their strict boss Chief Ohara. Every chapter features fast-paced antics—from Ryotsu’s get-rich-quick schemes and obsessive hobbies to chasing the latest trends—all told with a mix of humor, heart, and satire. The manga cleverly weaves in social commentary, pop culture, and the everyday lives of Tokyo residents. With its blend of slapstick comedy, human drama, and parody, KochiKame paints a vibrant portrait of urban Japanese life. First serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1976 to 2016, KochiKame holds the record as one of the longest-running manga series in history and remains a beloved pillar of Japanese comedic storytelling.

Satoru Noda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

Set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era, Golden Kamuy follows Saichi Sugimoto, a battle-hardened ex-soldier known as “Immortal Sugimoto.” In order to fulfill a fallen comrade’s last wish and secure a fortune, he sets his sights on a legendary hidden stash of gold. The key to the treasure? A cryptic map tattooed on the bodies of escaped prisoners. Along the way, Sugimoto partners with Asirpa, a brave and resourceful Ainu girl with deep knowledge of the land and a personal quest for truth surrounding her father's death. Their bond grows stronger as they journey across the harsh northern wilderness. What follows is an exhilarating blend of survival, cultural exploration, gourmet adventures, and a deadly battle for gold, where cunning and brute strength collide. As greed, justice, and betrayal intertwine, the quest for the gold escalates into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens to engulf even the nation itself. Thrilling, emotional, and utterly unique—Golden Kamuy is a masterful tale of riches, honor, and the human spirit set against the frozen frontier.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Kaiji: Against All Rules is the second major arc of the Kaiji series, following Kaiji as he’s thrown into Teiai Group’s brutal underground forced labor camp and struggles to claw his way back to freedom through life-or-death gambles. Drowning in debt, Kaiji is sent to the subterranean prison, where the foreman Ōtsuki runs a rigged dice game called Chinchirorin. By exposing Ōtsuki’s elaborate cheating and turning the tables, Kaiji wins back the trust of his fellow inmates and eventually earns a rare chance to leave the underground—for just 20 days. With only a small sum of cash and a limited window of freedom, Kaiji sets his sights on paying off the debts of 45 fellow prisoners, searching desperately for a single gamble that could change everything. On the surface, Kaiji meets a new partner, Kōtarō Sakazaki, and together they set their eyes on Teiai’s most infamous underground casino attraction: The Bog, an enormous pachinko machine designed to be unbeatable. With Sakazaki and the fixer Endō at his side, Kaiji devises ingenious counter-schemes and massive setups to dismantle Teiai’s rigged system. After a grueling battle of wit, endurance, and luck, Kaiji finally topples The Bog and walks away with over 700 million yen. But true to the spirit of Kaiji, even after securing such a staggering victory, he cannot escape without twists of fate and cruel reversals. Kaiji: Against All Rules is a story of ultimate gambles, unbreakable camaraderie, and the raw greed and weakness of humanity, told through one of the most iconic “turnaround dramas” in modern manga.

Tatsuya Endo

Animals & Pets, Anime Adaptation, Drama, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Loid Forger, a master spy known by the codename Twilight, is assigned a top-secret mission to maintain peace between East and West. His task: infiltrate an elite school by creating the perfect fake family. But the “family” he hastily assembles is anything but ordinary— His wife, Yor, is a deadly assassin hiding her identity. His adopted daughter, Anya, is a telepath who can read minds. And none of them know each other's true secrets. What begins as a fabricated life for the sake of a mission soon blossoms into something real. Through awkward dinners, chaotic school interviews, and secret missions, this mismatched trio discovers the meaning of love, family, and belonging. Action-packed, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny— SPY×FAMILY is a feel-good home comedy where a spy, an assassin, and a psychic come together to form the most unlikely (and lovable) family.

Kohei Horikoshi

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Shonen

"In a world where having superpowers—called Quirks—is completely normal, society is protected by professional Heroes who use their abilities to keep the peace and inspire hope. But Izuku Midoriya was born Quirkless. Despite being powerless, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a hero. Everything changes when he meets All Might, the No.1 Hero, who sees something in Izuku and passes on to him a powerful legacy. This fateful encounter launches Izuku into a new life—acceptance into the prestigious U.A. High School, intense training, battles against villains, and unbreakable friendships. As he faces trials that challenge his spirit and beliefs, Izuku must grapple with what it truly means to be a hero—and what justice really is. Filled with tears, determination, friendship, and explosive action, My Hero Academia is the story of a boy who inherits the will to protect others and rises to become the symbol of hope for a new generation."

ONE (Story), Yusuke Murata (Art)

Action, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

One-Punch Man follows the story of Saitama, an ordinary-looking hero with an extraordinary problem—he’s become so powerful that he can defeat any enemy with a single punch. After three years of intense training, Saitama achieves unmatched strength, but instead of satisfaction, he feels only boredom. Every battle ends instantly, leaving him longing for the thrill of a real challenge. Despite his plain appearance, Saitama’s strength astonishes heroes and villains alike. Even as the Hero Association and his companions marvel at his incredible power, Saitama struggles with the emptiness of being too strong. Blending explosive battles with hilarious satire, One-Punch Man explores Saitama’s unusual dilemma through encounters with quirky heroes, bizarre monsters, and a world constantly threatened by absurd villains. Funny, thrilling, and surprisingly thoughtful, this manga uniquely highlights the unexpected challenges faced by the world’s strongest hero.

Hideaki Sorachi

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, historical

Gintama is a manga series by Hideaki Sorachi, set in an alternate version of the Edo period where humans coexist with extraterrestrial beings known as the "Amanto." After the Amanto invade and rise to power, the samurai class declines, and the shogunate issues a ban on carrying swords. As a result, former samurai lose their pride, and the once-historical city of Edo transforms into a futuristic, chaotic metropolis.

Mitsuru Adachi

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, Shonen, Sports

Touch is a coming-of-age baseball manga by Mitsuru Adachi, set at Meisei High School. The story revolves around twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, along with their childhood friend Minami Asakura. Kazuya is the golden boy—athletically gifted, academically successful, and well-liked by everyone. In contrast, Tatsuya grows up in his brother's shadow, often seen as lazy or unmotivated. However, deep down, he harbors a quiet passion for both baseball and Minami. Kazuya, determined and diligent, works hard with Minami to achieve their shared dream of reaching the Koshien, Japan’s prestigious high school baseball tournament. He rises as the team’s ace pitcher and symbol of hope. However, a tragic turn of events changes everything, propelling Tatsuya into the spotlight. He must confront his own feelings, potential, and the expectations placed on him. Touch is regarded as a legendary romantic sports manga that helped spark the nationwide boom in high school baseball fandom. With its heartfelt story, subtle emotional drama, and timeless love triangle, it remains a classic in Japanese manga history.

Tohru Fujisawa

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, School, Shonen

GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) is a school comedy and human drama manga starring Eikichi Onizuka, a 27-year-old former biker gang member with an unconventional personality. Onizuka sets out to become the “Greatest Teacher of All Time” and takes a teaching job at the prestigious Holy Forest Academy Middle School. He is assigned to Class 2-4, a group of deeply troubled students who have lost all trust in adults due to trauma and family issues. From the moment he arrives, Onizuka faces relentless harassment and challenges from his students. However, armed with outrageous methods, unshakable passion, and an unwavering determination to connect with his students—even at the risk of his own life—he gradually begins to break down their emotional barriers. What sets Onizuka apart is his ability to confront not only the students but also their parents and authoritarian school staff without imposing his values. Whether through wild antics or heartfelt conversations, he deals with each person individually. His unorthodox yet sincere teaching style helps the students confront their pain and weaknesses, ultimately transforming the classroom dynamic and each student’s emotional growth. The story masterfully blends slapstick humor, delinquent antics, and raw emotional depth. Through Onizuka’s “un-teacherly” methods, GTO explores themes of trust, redemption, and growth between adults and youths—earning it a lasting place in the hearts of readers as a bold and emotionally resonant coming-of-age manga.

Soichiro Yamamoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, School, Shonen

Teasing Master Takagi-san is a heartwarming and humorous school-life romantic comedy set in a middle school. The story centers around Takagi, a clever and playful girl, and Nishikata, the boy who sits next to her. Every day, Takagi expertly teases Nishikata, who vows to get back at her and make her blush instead. But no matter how hard he tries, his plans are always seen through and effortlessly countered. Despite constant defeat, Nishikata never gives up, determined to one day catch Takagi off guard. The series beautifully captures the innocent awkwardness and pure emotions unique to adolescence, highlighting the playful exchanges, subtle glances, and growing feelings between the two. Through their charming and funny "teasing battles," the story depicts a slow but endearing romance that unfolds in their everyday lives. Fans are especially drawn to the moments when Takagi’s teasing reveals her true affection for Nishikata, making this a sweet and relatable tale of young love.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a survival gambling manga that follows Kaiji Itō, a down-and-out young man whose life takes a dark turn when he’s dragged into the world of underground gambling after being saddled with debt. Kaiji is forced to repay the loans of a former coworker for whom he acted as a guarantor. Desperate, he boards the Espoir (the “Ship of Hope”), where debtors can gamble their way to freedom—or ruin. The first game, “Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors,” throws him into a brutal psychological battle filled with betrayals, deception, and the darkest sides of human nature. From there, Kaiji is pulled into ever more extreme life-or-death games, such as the perilous “Steel Beam Crossing” and the intense “E-Card,” each demanding not only luck but also wit, courage, and the ability to manipulate others. Through these trials, Kaiji experiences trust, betrayal, despair, and fleeting moments of hope, confronting both his own weaknesses and the ruthless greed of the Teiai Corporation, the shadowy organization behind the games. While Kaiji manages to achieve stunning turnarounds through ingenuity and guts, his winnings are often stolen or squandered, underscoring the harsh, unforgiving nature of the world he’s trapped in. Blending psychological warfare, high-stakes gambles, and raw human drama, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a gripping modern suspense manga that lays bare the extremes of human desire and survival.

Hiromu Arakawa

Animals & Pets, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Cooking & Food, Drama, School, Slice of Life

“Silver Spoon” is a coming-of-age story about Yuugo Hachiken, a city-raised boy who has lost sight of his place in the world and his dreams, and how he begins to rediscover himself and the meaning of life through dormitory life and hands-on agricultural experiences at Ooezo Agricultural High School (nicknamed “Ezono”) in Hokkaido. Having fled the pressure of an elite prep school and a strict father, Hachiken enrolls at Ezono simply because “it has a dormitory.” But what awaits him is an unfamiliar world of caring for livestock, farming, and grueling manual labor. As he struggles through mud and hard work, he encounters classmates who already carry clear dreams for their futures, and gradually learns the value of labor, bonds with friends, and the importance of thinking and acting for himself. The story doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of agriculture—the struggles of carrying on a family farm, the weight of “eating life,” the pressure of family expectations, and the heartbreak of failure. Through experiences in the equestrian club, his growing relationship with the heroine Aki Mikage, and the hardships faced by his best friend Komaba, Hachiken slowly finds his own path and begins to grow into independence. At its core, Silver Spoon is a heartfelt story about planting the seeds of dreams, nurturing them, and passing them on to the next generation—a moving exploration of what it truly means to live.

Makoto Yukimura

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Ongoing Series, Seinen

11th-century Northern Europe— An age of Vikings, where war, conquest, and plunder reign supreme. In a brutal world ruled by the sword, the fate of one young boy begins to shift. His name is Thorfinn. After witnessing the death of his father, the legendary warrior Thors, Thorfinn grows up on the battlefield, fueled by a burning desire for revenge. But beyond the violence, he begins to confront deeper questions—ones that rage and hatred alone cannot answer. What does one truly gain through fighting? What is real strength? As Thorfinn is torn between vengeance and purpose, his journey takes a new direction—toward Vinland, a distant land free from bloodshed and war. No longer driven by revenge, he sets out in search of peace, forgiveness, and redemption. With breathtaking battles, rich historical detail, and powerful philosophical themes, Vinland Saga is a soul-stirring Norse epic that explores what it means to be human in a world shaped by violence.

Yugo Kobayashi

Anime Adaptation, Ongoing Series, Shonen, Sports

Aoashi is a highly acclaimed soccer manga that follows Ashito Aoi, a passionate middle schooler from Ehime Prefecture. After a violent outburst in his final junior high match costs his team the game, Ashito falls into despair—until he crosses paths with Tatsuya Fukuda, a former midfielder for the Japan national team. Noticing Ashito’s rare ability to see the entire field from a bird’s-eye perspective, Fukuda invites him to try out for the youth team of Tokyo City Esperion FC, a prestigious J.League academy. Ashito moves to Tokyo and enters the fiercely competitive world of youth soccer, where top talents from across the country gather. Despite struggling with his lack of basic skills and tactical knowledge, he gradually grows through relentless effort, unwavering passion, and the support of his teammates and coaches. Eventually, Ashito shifts from forward to full-back, using his field vision as a unique weapon in pursuit of his ultimate dream: becoming a player who can compete on the world stage.

Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Cooking & Food, Fantasy, Shonen

Toriko is an action-packed adventure manga set in the "Gourmet Age," a world where the pursuit of delicious food has become the ultimate global obsession. In this era, “Gourmet Hunters” scour the world for rare and powerful ingredients, and among them is the legendary hunter Toriko, who partners with a timid but talented chef named Komatsu. The story begins when Komatsu hires Toriko to capture the elusive "Galala Crocodile," a dangerous gourmet beast. Their encounter sparks a long and thrilling journey together as they strive to complete Toriko’s dream: to create his own ultimate “Full Course Menu.” Along the way, they team up with the other “Four Heavenly Kings” of the gourmet world, battling ferocious creatures, exploring legendary lands, and facing off against powerful enemies—including the sinister organization Gourmet Corp, which seeks to monopolize the world’s finest ingredients for its own gain. As their journey unfolds, the setting expands into the far more dangerous and mysterious Gourmet World, where only the strongest can survive. With each battle, Toriko and his companions strengthen their bonds, confront their pasts, and chase after the most extraordinary flavors nature has to offer. At its core, Toriko is a high-energy manga about appetite, vitality, friendship, and growth, delivering an intense blend of gourmet fantasy and shonen battle action that’s as wild as it is delicious.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Akagi is a gambling manga that follows the rise of Shigeru Akagi, a mysterious white-haired genius with a demonic sense of intuition and nerves of steel, as he stakes his life in high-risk underground mahjong battles. Set in mid-Showa era Japan, the story begins when Nangō, a man drowning in debt, finds himself on the brink of ruin in a deadly mahjong match against the yakuza. At that moment, a strange boy named Akagi wanders in. Sensing his extraordinary nerve and sharp insight, Nangō entrusts Akagi to play in his place. Though it’s his very first time playing mahjong, Akagi takes control of the game and, in a battle where life and fate hang in the balance, instantly carves his name into the underworld. From there, Akagi faces one deadly opponent after another: the blind swindler Ichikawa, professional gamblers who live for deception, and ultimately the legendary Washizu Iwao, who wagers not only money but his very life in the infamous “Washizu Mahjong.” This grotesque game involves betting actual blood, with every round tightening the noose between life and death. In this ultimate clash, Akagi and Washizu collide in a relentless struggle of pride, obsession, and survival. Through extreme games of strategy, psychology, and fate-defying gambits, Akagi proves himself as a one-of-a-kind genius who transcends fear and conventional morality. The saga culminates in his fated duel with Washizu, a battle that cements Akagi’s status as a living legend whose name will be told for generations.

Ken Wakui

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen

Takemichi Hanagaki is a 20-something part-timer living a dead-end life—until one day, he suddenly time-leaps back to his middle school years. The trigger? A news report announcing that his ex-girlfriend has been killed in a violent gang conflict involving the infamous Tokyo Manji Gang. To change the past and save the future, Takemichi throws himself into the dangerous world of delinquents, confronting his own weakness and fighting to rewrite fate. Friendship, betrayal, and unwavering resolve. In this emotional time-travel revenge saga, Takemichi rises again and again—no matter how many times he’s knocked down. A gripping mix of youth drama and sci-fi thriller, Tokyo Revengers is a powerful story about second chances and never giving up.

Gosho Aoyama

Anime Adaptation, Mystery, Ongoing Series, Romance, Shonen

Detective Conan follows the story of Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who witnesses a secret deal involving a mysterious organization known as the "Black Organization." Captured and forced to ingest a poison, his body shrinks, transforming him into a child. To hide his identity, Shinichi adopts the alias "Conan Edogawa" and lives with his childhood friend Ran Mori and her father, detective Kogoro Mori, all while solving complex criminal cases using his extraordinary deduction skills. As Conan seeks a way to return to his original body and uncover the true nature of the Black Organization, he faces numerous dangerous plots with help from allies and informants. The storyline skillfully intertwines everyday crime-solving, intense confrontations with the organization, and Conan’s bittersweet relationship with Ran. With characters who know Conan’s true identity and others like Ai Haibara, who also escaped the organization's grip, Detective Conan delivers suspense, deep human drama, and intricate mysteries in a long-running detective series beloved around the world.