Best Completed Manga Series Recommendations (Page 3)

Mitsutoshi Simabukuro

Action, Comedy, Completed Series, School, Shonen

Seikimatsu Leader-den Takeshi! is a comedy and hot-blooded action manga starring Takeshi, a first-grade elementary school student with an absurd level of vitality and an unusually hairy body. Despite his age, Takeshi takes his late father Hiroshi’s dying words—"Become the greatest leader!"—to heart. With his unique sense of justice and unmatched energy, he solves problems in his class and community as a true “leader.” Set at Poppo Elementary School, the story follows Takeshi as he causes chaos and growth alongside a cast of quirky friends and rivals. As the series progresses, the scale expands beyond schoolyard antics to include rival leaders from other schools, delinquent gangs, and even demons from the underworld, all of whom are drawn into Takeshi’s wild adventures. While the early chapters focus on gag-filled school life, the latter half of the manga incorporates intense fighting arcs and emotional storylines. Through battles, hardships, and moments of heartfelt connection, the series explores themes of friendship, trust, and what it truly means to be a leader. With its over-the-top, passionate protagonist and balance of humor and heartfelt drama, Seikimatsu Leader-den Takeshi! delivers a hilarious yet inspiring story that dares to ask, “What does it really mean to lead?”

Yutaka Tōdō (Manga), based on concept by Kenzaburō Akechi

Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

The Man Who Killed Nobunaga: The Truth Behind the Honnoji Incident 431 Years Later is a historical manga that reexamines one of Japan’s greatest mysteries—the Honnoji Incident—through a bold and fresh perspective. Based on insights from a descendant of Akechi Mitsuhide, the manga challenges conventional history and shines a new light on the man long branded a traitor. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s suspiciously swift march toward Kyoto following Nobunaga’s assassination. It then travels back in time to depict the fateful first meeting between Mitsuhide and Oda Nobunaga, tracing the trust that developed between them. As Nobunaga pushes radical reforms, dreams of overseas conquest, and enforces a ruthless meritocracy, tensions within the Oda clan rise—setting the stage for a dramatic reckoning. Rather than portraying Mitsuhide’s betrayal as a petty act of revenge, the manga presents an alternative theory: that he acted out of a desire to stop Nobunaga’s descent into tyranny and to achieve lasting peace for Japan. This “new truth” turns the familiar narrative on its head. Alongside Mitsuhide and Nobunaga, powerful figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi are drawn into a thrilling political web of ambition and strategy. The manga brings to life the untold stories, human drama, and conflicting ideals behind this pivotal event in Japanese history—offering a captivating reimagining of a man history may have misunderstood. This is not just a retelling, but a compelling historical mystery that may forever change how readers view Akechi Mitsuhide—and the true meaning behind the fall of Oda Nobunaga.

Masanao Kurihara

Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, Seinen, Slice of Life

Uramiya Honpo is a suspense manga that follows a secret organization offering revenge-for-hire services, punishing wrongdoers and evildoers on behalf of clients consumed by hatred and resentment. The protagonist, Shiori Hojo (known as “Uramiya”), is a professional avenger who hands out a black business card that reads, “We will avenge your grudge.” Depending on the nature of each request, she and her team deliver punishment ranging from social ruin to outright elimination of the target. However, Uramiya operates under her own strict moral code—if a client’s grudge turns out to be unjustified or based on lies, the revenge is redirected toward the client instead. Each story features new cases where victims of injustice, betrayal, or violence seek salvation through Uramiya Honpo. The team skillfully executes elaborate traps and psychological schemes to exact revenge, exposing the dark corners of modern society. From family murders and insurance fraud to workplace betrayals, abuse, and bullying, every episode explores both the emotional scars of the victims and the cruelty of their oppressors. With cold precision and no compromise, Uramiya delivers judgment where the law cannot reach. A chilling and thought-provoking critique of modern morality, Uramiya Honpo reveals the “ordinary evil” lurking behind everyday life—making it one of Japan’s most gripping revenge dramas.

Uoto

Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, Sports

100 Meters is a sports manga centered around Togashi, a boy born with extraordinary running talent. Despite being nationally ranked first since elementary school, Togashi initially has little passion for running itself. His outlook changes when he meets Komiya, a new transfer student who, despite lacking natural talent, consistently practices running every single day. Inspired by Komiya’s unwavering effort, Togashi experiences for the first time the thrill of competition and the fear of losing. However, from junior high onward, Togashi's once-bright talent begins to fade. After experiencing a humiliating defeat against a rival, he loses his passion for running altogether. He quits track during high school but eventually returns, motivated by his friends' enthusiasm. At the national high-school championships, Togashi encounters Komiya again—and once more, he suffers defeat. Ten years later, Togashi is running professionally under a corporate sponsorship, yet struggles with injuries and faces the risk of losing his contract. Amid these difficulties, he searches deeply for meaning in running and strives for a comeback. 100 Meters passionately captures the drama of youth, exploring themes of talent versus hard work, setbacks, and redemption.

Uoto

Completed Series, Seinen, historical

Set in a fictional medieval European-like country, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth portrays the passion and struggles of those who pursue the heliocentric theory—an idea deemed heretical and severely suppressed in that era. Rafał, a young boy with a genius intellect, is caught between his deep passion for knowledge and his religious beliefs. His life changes dramatically when he discovers an underground group dedicated to uncovering the truth about the Earth's movements. These scholars risk their lives, confronting betrayal, persecution, and despair, united by their conviction to preserve truth for future generations. Characters pass the torch across generations, tirelessly fighting to keep the flame of knowledge alive. This profound and sweeping drama explores themes of academic freedom, human dignity, and the weight of personal conviction.

Takeshi Hinata

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, School, Shonen, Sports

Here's the translated summary for Ahiru no Sora: Ahiru no Sora is a coming-of-age basketball manga about Sora Kurumatani, a passionate yet undersized high school basketball player. Standing just 149 cm (4’11”), Sora enrolls at Kuzuryu High School (nicknamed "Kuzu High") with a promise to his chronically ill mother—that he will win his first high school basketball tournament. Upon arrival, however, he discovers the school's basketball club has become little more than a hangout for delinquents, including the notorious Hanazono brothers, Momoharu and Chiaki, who show no interest in actually playing the sport. Through his unwavering dedication and passion for basketball, Sora gradually inspires the former players like the Hanazono brothers, along with the gifted ace Kenji "Tobi" Natsume and skillful center Kaname "Mokichi" Shigeyoshi, to rekindle their love for the game. Together, they overcome personal hardships and family issues, rebuilding the basketball club from scratch. Despite continuous setbacks and conflicts, they strive toward their ultimate dream: competing in the inter-high tournament.

Kōji Matsumoto

Completed Series, Horror, Seinen, Vampires & Zombies

Higanjima is a survival horror manga by Koji Matsumoto, set on an isolated island ruled by vampires. The story revolves around an intense battle between humans and vampires as they fight desperately to survive and escape the island. The protagonist is Akira Miyamoto, an ordinary high school student who embarks on a journey to the island known as "Higanjima" with his friends, searching for his older brother Atsushi, who disappeared two years earlier. Upon arriving on the island, Akira and his companions find themselves trapped in a relentless struggle against villagers turned vampires and grotesque creatures. These vampires must regularly consume human blood to prevent themselves from turning into hideous monstrosities. As a result, they capture humans as livestock, draining their blood to sustain their own existence. One by one, Akira’s friends are slain, yet the survivors continue to fight for their lives. Eventually reuniting with his long-lost brother Atsushi, Akira’s objective evolves from merely escaping the island to defeating the vampires’ leader, Miyabi, once and for all.

Makoto Raiku

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

Zatch Bell! is a battle fantasy manga created by Makoto Raiku. The story begins when Kiyomaro Takamine, a brilliant yet lonely junior high student, encounters a mysterious boy named Zatch Bell, who has lost his memory and carries a red spellbook. Zatch is one of 100 demon children sent to the human world to participate in a once-every-thousand-years battle to decide the next king of the demon world. Zatch teams up with Kiyomaro, who can activate various spells—such as lightning-based magic—by reading the incantations written in the spellbook. In this fierce competition, demon children cannot use their powers without a human partner, and if their spellbook is burned, they are sent back to the demon world. Initially lacking confidence and a clear purpose, Zatch begins to change as he meets fellow competitors and rivals, ultimately vowing to become a “kind king.” Through intense battles filled with encounters and farewells, Zatch and Kiyomaro forge deep bonds of friendship and face countless powerful opponents. The story delivers a classic battle narrative packed with emotion and intensity, portraying the growth of the duo as they overcome hardships, inner struggles, and the unique destinies of each demon child.

Shinichi Fukuda

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Ecchi, Romance, Seinen

My Dress-Up Darling is a youthful romantic comedy that follows the unlikely relationship between Wakana Gojo, a shy high school boy who dreams of becoming a traditional hina-doll craftsman, and Marin Kitagawa, a cheerful gyaru with a passion for cosplay. Gojo lives a lonely school life, unable to connect with his peers due to his unusual hobby. One day, while working on doll outfits in the sewing room, he is discovered by Marin, the popular and outgoing classmate. Instead of mocking him, Marin is impressed by his sewing skills and boldly asks him to help her create cosplay costumes for her favorite anime characters. As they begin working together, the two gradually grow closer through their shared goal of “cosplay creation.” Despite their opposite personalities—Gojo’s quiet, craftsman-like nature and Marin’s radiant, free-spirited energy—their bond deepens. Gojo slowly gains confidence and grows as a person with Marin’s encouragement, while Marin, in turn, discovers the joy of pursuing dreams and begins to recognize her budding feelings for him. Through cosplay events, school festivals, and the challenges they face together, My Dress-Up Darling paints a heartwarming story of youthful romance, personal growth, and the beauty of wholeheartedly embracing what you love.

Shinpei Funatsu

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, School, Seinen

Todai Revengers follows Michitake Itei, a graduate from the prestigious University of Tokyo ("Toudai") who, despite his elite education, lives a dull, part-time-worker lifestyle. After learning that Yuuki Hayase—his former classmate and unrequited love—has married a man from rival university Keio, Michitake is so devastated he dies in an accident. After his death, Michitake encounters an angel named Yariel and wins the "Life Do-Over Satisfaction Plan," allowing him to time-leap seven years into the past, right after starting his life at Toudai. Determined to rewrite his university years and save Yuuki, Michitake embraces his second chance. Back at Toudai, he encounters quirky classmates and becomes entangled with the mysterious club known as the "Toudai Manji Gang." Using his passion and pride for his university, Michitake navigates through various comedic scenarios, relatable college dilemmas, exam-based humor, and youthful challenges. Packed with laughter and parodying the original manga Tokyo Revengers, this manga is a relatable and humorous take on getting a second chance at youth and university life.

Takeshi Okano (Art), Shou Makura (Story)

Action, Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Horror, Shonen

Hell Teacher Nūbē is a school-based occult action manga centered around Meisuke Nueno—nicknamed Nūbē—the homeroom teacher of Class 5-3 at Dōmori Elementary School. On the surface, he’s clumsy, easygoing, and approachable, but he also has another side: he’s Japan’s only teacher with spiritual powers. Hidden within Nūbē’s left hand is the “Oni no Te” (Demon’s Hand)—a sealed demonic force that he wields to protect his students from all manner of supernatural threats, including yokai, evil spirits, and urban legends. Risking his life, he battles these mysterious entities to keep his class safe. The series masterfully blends occult mystery, comedy, intense battles, and heartfelt lessons, presenting mostly self-contained episodes. Through these stories, readers witness Nūbē’s deep bonds with his students, their personal growth, and moments of both laughter and tears. Some former enemies even become allies, and certain arcs delve into the emotional lives and moral struggles of both humans and yokai. A hallmark title of Weekly Shonen Jump in the 1990s, Hell Teacher Nūbē was also adapted into an anime series and feature films, securing its place as a beloved school ghost-story hero manga.