Best Crime Manga Recommendations

Hiroyuki Nishimori

Comedy, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, School, Slice of Life

Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! is a Yankee (delinquent) comedy manga by Hiroyuki Nishimori. The story centers around Takashi Mitsuhashi and Shinji Ito, two students who coincidentally decide to debut as delinquents upon transferring to a new high school. Using their quick wits and fighting prowess, the duo navigates conflicts with rival schools, forms unlikely friendships, and deals with teenage romance dramas. Mitsuhashi is cunning and mischievous, known for his clever but sneaky tactics, while Ito is righteous, sincere, and impulsively honest. Despite their contrasting personalities, the pair form a tight-knit bond, supporting each other through numerous confrontations and comedic situations. This manga seamlessly blends humor and action, delivering an energetic portrayal of high school delinquent culture of the Showa era, filled with hilarious moments and youthful vigor.

Tennoji Dai (Story), Watanabe Michio (Art)

Crime, Seinen

Hakuryu centers around Tatsuya Shirakawa—known as "Hakuryu" (White Dragon)—the ambitious and intelligent young second-in-command of the Kurosu-gumi, a yakuza group based in Shibuya. Originally a small-scale criminal organization, the Kurosu-gumi rapidly expands its influence under Hakuryu’s exceptional intellect and strategic prowess, eventually extending its power into major metropolitan areas such as Roppongi. Acting as a surrogate leader for the aging boss Kansuke Kurosu, Hakuryu skillfully navigates intricate power struggles, gang rivalries, and delicate negotiations with the police and other crime syndicates. The narrative weaves together various modern societal issues—from pharmaceutical company scandals and corrupt martial arts organizations to nuclear-industry manipulation and baseball gambling—to depict how the Kurosu-gumi generates revenue and sustains itself. Central to the story are Hakuryu’s calm, calculated decisions, his foresight, and the deep loyalty and bonds he shares with his fellow gang members. The manga also depicts intense conflicts with the Oudo-kai, Kanto's largest organized crime syndicate. With its realistic portrayal of yakuza life and sharp commentary on contemporary social problems, Hakuryu delivers a gritty, compelling, and thought-provoking story.

Daiju Yanauchi

Action, Comedy, Crime, School, Seinen

Gang King follows Katsunari Onishi, also known as "Jimmy," a high school delinquent fascinated by traditional Japanese tattoos. Inspired by a legendary tattoo artist named Katsu-Shin, who saved his life as a child, Jimmy tattoos himself and dreams of becoming the world's greatest tattoo artist. Entering Barajuuji High School, Jimmy meets a group of unique friends and together they navigate passionate friendships, intense rivalries, and gang conflicts. Renowned for his strength and unwavering integrity, Jimmy quickly gains respect. However, his growing influence catches the attention of Pinko, leader of the infamous gang "Justice," who views Jimmy as a threat. As tensions escalate, Jimmy and his friends face numerous conflicts that test their courage, loyalty, and values. With dreams, friendship, love, and unbreakable conviction, Gang King vividly portrays the journey of a young man growing into both a skilled tattoo artist and a stronger person amidst turbulent high school gang rivalries.

Tadatoshi Fujimaki

Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Kill Blue is a school-based action-comedy manga by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. The protagonist, Juzo Ogami, is a legendary assassin known for always eliminating his targets. One day, after being stung by a mysterious bee, Juzo suddenly reverts from a 39-year-old adult to a middle-school student. Unable to continue his assassin work in his younger form, Juzo is reluctantly tasked by his boss to investigate the middle school his daughter will attend. While initially uneasy about fitting in, Juzo gradually begins enjoying school life through studying and interactions with his classmates. Eventually, it’s discovered that the biological weapon responsible for his rejuvenation was developed by the major pharmaceutical company Mitsuoka Pharmaceuticals. Juzo starts searching for clues to revert to his original form. At the same time, he meets classmates such as Noren Mitsuoka and other unique friends, becoming increasingly embroiled in conspiracies involving assassination groups and the underworld. Leveraging his adult experience and assassin skills—yet stuck with the appearance of a middle-schooler—Juzo navigates a turbulent school life. Blending comedy, action, and human drama, the story unfolds with sharp pacing and plenty of excitement.