Best post apocalyptic Manga by Japanese Otaku in 2023
In the world of manga, the genre of science fiction (SF) has been long-cherished without interruption, and many wonderful works lie within.
Among such a popular genre, we introduce recommended SF manga.
In the realm of SF manga, post-apocalyptic is a popular subgenre.
Here’s a compilation of post-apocalyptic manga that you should definitely read in 2023.
- Boukyou Taro
- Girls’ Last Tour
- I Am a Hero
- Dr.STONE
- Heaven’s Great Demonland
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- Fist of the North Star
Boukyou Taro
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A mature post-apocalyptic manga with a gritty art style.
It’s about a former elite businessman trying to survive on Earth, where the temperature has plummeted.
It doesn’t only focus on intense survival but also the interaction with humans creating new cultures after the collapse and strategies using knowledge from before the fall.
The author is Yoshihiro Yamada, known for “Hyouge Mono” which has won several awards and was also adapted into an anime.
It deserves to be more famous.
Girl’s Last Tour (shoujo shumatsu ryokou)
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A soft post-apocalyptic tale with cute illustrations. As the title suggests, it follows the journey of two girls through a post-apocalyptic world. While the art style is cute, the post-war environment they navigate is rather intense. The cast is minimalistic, but the unique melancholic atmosphere combined with the laid-back demeanor of the two protagonists makes it a delightful read. It’s a popular work that has been adapted into an anime.
I Am a Hero
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A zombie story serialized from 2009 to 2017 and already concluded. It was turned into a movie in 2016. The unique atmosphere and quirky characters depicted by the author, Hanazawa Kengo, are truly captivating. The story revolves around a nondescript protagonist struggling to survive in a world ravaged by zombies.
Dr.STONE
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Set in a world thousands of years in the future, this is a highly popular work. Serialized in Shonen Jump from 2017 to 2022, it has been adapted into an anime up to its third season. It embodies the passionate spirit of Shonen Jump with its engaging characters, grand narrative scale, and the intriguing theme of science. You might think that if you had read it as a child, you would have developed a deeper interest in science.
Heaven’s Grand Adventure (Tengoku Dai Makyou)
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A creation by Ishiguro Masakazu-sensei, renowned for works like “And Yet the Town Moves.” Serialized since 2018, this manga has been adapted into an anime in 2023. The story progresses simultaneously in an isolated facility and the devastated outside world. Its intricate plot threads make it a reliable recommendation for those interested in ongoing post-apocalyptic manga.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä)
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The original work behind Director Miyazaki Hayao’s animated film, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” The manga was serialized from 1982 to 1994, and the film was released in 1984. The manga consists of seven volumes, while the film covers up to the middle of the second volume. If you enjoyed the movie, this manga is a must-read. The world-building elements not touched upon in the movie become clearer in the manga. Re-watching the movie after reading this might give you a fresh perspective.
Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken)
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A super popular manga known for the line, “You are already dead.” It was serialized in Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1988. While its art style may feel dated and its storyline follows classic battle manga tropes, it remains an entertaining read. Even 35 years after its conclusion, it maintains high recognition. It’s a manga that one should experience at least once. In Japan, it’s common to find copies in places like barber shops and ramen restaurants to read while waiting. I wonder if such practices exist abroad?
