Samurai, the free-spirited individuals of the rich Japanese history, has long been an enthralling subject in the manga. Their tales of unwavering code of honor and exceptional swordsmanship set against the backdrop of feudal Japan are to date celebrated for their rich storytelling and profound character development. 

Whether it’s the historical accuracy of “Vagabond”, the brutal action of “Shigurui”, or the redemptive journey of “Blade of the Immortal”, these manga offer a rich and immersive experience for fans of the samurai ethos and Japanese history. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best samurai manga. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Sword Of The Stranger

Sword Of The Stranger is a critically acclaimed action-adventure samurai manga that adapts the original film and follows young orphan Kotaro and his dog who are on a run after a group of assassins from the Ming Dynasty attacks them. However, things take a turn when they meet an unknown Ronin named Nanashi.

Haunted by his past, Nanashi had earlier forbidden to withdraw his sword again in his life, but destiny puts him on the same path where he left off, and this time he vows to protect the two at any cost. Sword of the Stranger offers an enthralling experience with its memorable fighting sequences that stay with you forever.

9. Lone Wolf And Cub

First published in 1970, Lone Wolf & Cub is considered the single most influential piece of literature to come from Japan during the 20th Century. Through its exquisite artistry, deeply unsettling storyline, and well-written characters, the manga has truly crossed the boundary between popular media and true literature.

The series chronicles Ogami Itto, an elite executioner who’s falsely accused of brutally murdering his retainers in a conspiracy war. Having the name dishonored and his wife murdered, Ogami strives for revenge against the opposing clan while carrying around his infant son Daigoro.

8. Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai runs on the core plot of holding the number one headband as it is considered to be the biggest honor a warrior can have. Afro’s father, Rokutaro was number one for quite a while until his old friend, Justice showed up to take the headband which resulted in his father’s unfortunate death.

Filled with a vengeance and a raging heart, Afro sets on his quest for revenge. Afro Samurai has something that most martial arts anime and manga are unable to deliver which is – the incredible mix of Japanese and American influences that makes it a stylish yet historical samurai manga full of breathless fight panels.

7. Drifters

From the author of Hellsing, Drifters is another historical manga blend with Middle-Earth fantasy and feudal Japan where prolific figures, unconventional heroes, and warriors from different eras are brought into a fantasy setting after they die in order to duke it out with each other.

The story centers around Shimazu Toyohisa who’s drawn into a new world completely unlike his own. Along with other “Drifters”, Shimazu is put to the test in an all-out battle to help the Empire’s subjects, while protecting their land from the fiercest warriors from throughout history.

6. Samurai Champloo

Three protagonists, three different personalities, three goals – Samurai Champloo crafts its tale in such a manner that it is impossible to not be enticed by the series. Notably, the manga of Samurai Champloo came afterward the conclusion of anime, so it’s not an adaptation but rather a try at expanding the original story.

The manga follows fifteen years old waitress Fuu, a rough-around-the-edges mercenary Mugen, and a reserved ronin Jin, as the three unlikely companions embark on a grandiose adventure seeking their separate objectives in a society downtrodden with cynical gentility of nobles and backstabbing of the underworld.

5. Dororo

Legendary mangaka Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo is a classic samurai manga from the late 60s following the story of a young ronin, Hyakkimaru who’s born without critical body parts cause of the pact his greedy father made with the demons in exchange for the prosperity of his land. 

The worst part? He’s left to die in the wilderness as a newborn. Deprived of a normal life, Hyakkimaru grows up in pain and agony living a gray life. Determined to reclaim his body parts, he ventures on a mission to kill all the demons while learning the true meaning of humanity and what it means to be whole.

4. Shigurui

Shigurui is a rare jewel that delivers one of the well-framed narratives in samurai manga class. Featuring characters driven by honor and some of the most dramatic turns in history, the series tells the story of how an interesting conflict came to be between two battered and mutilated samurai.

The story begins with a deathmatch between two highly-skilled swordsmen, Fujiki Gennosuke and Iraki Seigen, each with an incredibly strong disdain for each other, and then culminates into a flashback explaining how the two came to that point. Shigurui offers a brutal take on martial arts and one should definitely try it.

3. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical fantasy manga that has spawned one of the best live action anime adaptations. The series follows an Ishin assassin whose skill and brutality became near legendary in the age of restoration, but one day he vanishes without a trace.

Years later, he resurfaces as a wandering swordsman named Himura Kenshin who seeks to carry out his vow to protect the weak without killing to atone for the lives he’s taken. It’s not long, though, before this vow is put to the test, and the shadows of his past return to haunt him.

2. Blade Of The Immortal

Set in Japan during the mid-Shogunate period, Blade of the Immortal follows the cursed samurai Manji who has to kill 1000 evil men in order to regain his mortality. Along the way, he meets Rin Asano, a young girl who seeks her own revenge against the murderers of her entire family.

A girl driven by revenge and a man who needs to kill a varying number of evil men to finally die; with this alliance set in stone, the two embark on a perilous journey of bloodshed and vengeance, each to fulfill their own life’s cause. The extra added gore and violence make it a modern standout within the samurai manga genre.

1. Vagabond

Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond is one of the finest written samurai manga to date. Seen as a parallel to Berserk and Vinland Saga, the timeless and realistic art style of Inoue binds pretty well with his fantastic storytelling. Still, it wasn’t enough for the producers to consider it for an anime adaptation.

Vagabond is an action-packed portrayal of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher – the most celebrated samurai of all time! Striving for enlightenment by way of the sword, it details Miyamoto Musashi’s journey from a wanted criminal to a legendary swordsman.

Which one of the following samurai manga is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other manga like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

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