Best Drama Manga Recommendations (Page 3)

Junichi Nojo (Story), Kazutoshi Hando (Supervision), Issei Eifuku (Original Concept), Shigeru Mizuki (Original Inspiration)

Drama, Seinen, historical

Showa Tenno Monogatari is a historical manga portraying the life of Emperor Hirohito, known posthumously as Emperor Shōwa. Born as the grandson of Emperor Meiji and the eldest son of Emperor Taishō, Hirohito grows up under the weight of his future responsibilities, shaped by strict tutors, family expectations, and the immense pressures of his era. The story unfolds amid major historical events: the Russo-Japanese War, the passing of Emperor Meiji, the dramatic societal shifts of the Taishō period, Hirohito's formal investiture as Crown Prince, and his engagement to Princess Nagako (later Empress Kōjun). Eventually ascending to the throne as Emperor Shōwa, he faces the daunting task of leading Japan first as a commander-in-chief before and during World War II, and later as a symbolic figurehead in the postwar period. Carefully based on historical records, the manga explores Hirohito's internal struggles, personal growth, relationships with family and close advisors, and the deep reflections on Japan’s identity as a nation.

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.

Shinobu Kaitani (Art), Takeshi Natsuhara (Original Concept)

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Kamo no Negi ni wa Doku ga Aru is an economic entertainment manga featuring Yohei Kamo, a genius economist. Professor Kamo is renowned worldwide for his revolutionary "Kamolism Economic Theory." Discontent with a society that exploits economically vulnerable individuals ("ducks" or easy targets), he actively applies his theory to fight con artists and unethical businesses. The story begins when university student Misaki Natori faces financial troubles. Professor Kamo, disguised as a homeless man under the guise of "fieldwork," meets Misaki and discovers that her family has been deceived by a malicious investment fund. Utilizing his economic expertise and personal resources, Kamo skillfully dismantles the fraudulent group and rescues Misaki's family. Throughout the series, Professor Kamo confronts various exploitative schemes prevalent in modern society, including pyramid schemes, elder exploitation businesses, university corruption, and unethical consultants preying on rural revitalization efforts. With the assistance of his student apprentices, he boldly tackles these societal injustices using his economic knowledge and decisive actions. This manga effectively teaches readers about economics through engaging explanations, fast-paced storytelling, and distinctive characters. It seamlessly blends the satisfying simplicity of good triumphing over evil with insightful critiques of real-world economic issues.