Being a manga reader it’s a common thing to stumble upon a series featuring a male lead but, as manga continues to evolve and diversify, it is crucial to celebrate and uplift empowering female characters as well. The manga with strong female lead defies stereotypes and embodies the strength of female resilience.

The presence of strong female leads who challenge conventional norms remind readers that strength knows no gender, and anyone, regardless of their background, can overcome challenges. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most empowering manga featuring exceptional female protagonists. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is one heck of a bloody gore manga offering an eye-popping storyline tangled with complicated character relations. The series centers on Lucy, a special breed of human referred to as “Diclonius”, born with a pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands.

Based on the interaction between human beings and mutant species, the manga sees the inhumane scientific experimentation and a torrent of bloodshed as Lucy escapes her captors! Elfen Lied truly is a manga that can haunt the unprepared for many moons to come.

9. Saga Of Tanya The Evil

Saga of Tanya the Evil is a promising manga with strong female lead who’s cold, calculating, and selfish, yet remains likable. Before being reincarnated as a teenage girl in the middle of warfare, Tanya Degurechaff was a salaryman with a harsh and self-centered psyche.

Tanya is sent to a magical world by a God that she calls “Being X”. Hellbent on defiance, Tanya resolves to ascend the ranks of her country’s military, propelling the mighty Empire into becoming one of the most powerful nations in mankind’s history.

8. Yona Of The Dawn

Shōjo manga built around the tropes of harem, historical fantasy, and adventure are a rare sight, and Yona of the Dawn is one of its kind. The series chronicles Princess Yona and her coming-of-age story as she transforms from a pampered princess to a badass warrior.

Based on the medieval era, the anime tracks the journey of Yona gathering allies and becoming a better fighter so she can reclaim her throne and become the true leader she was always meant to be. This epic low-fantasy classic story of a princess in a perilous power struggle is a must-read.

7. Kakegurui

In the age of manga infested with average goody two-shoes main characters, Kakegurui takes a bit of a different approach by introducing a neutral protagonist. Yumeko Jabami is a transfer student at a prestigious high school, Hyakkaou Private Academy.

A school where spoiled kids from wealthy families come to show their prowess in gambling and deceit serves as a perfect stage for Yumeko to prove her mettle – by exploiting the strengths of opponents against them using her intricate trickery and plain ingenuity.

6. Ghost In The Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk manga with strong female lead lauded for its dark, psychological, and sci-fi elements. The series became a cult hit following the release of its first feature film in 1995 however, the story is originally adapted from a manga published back in 1989.

Set in the post-apocalyptic dystopian world where technology is increasingly blurring the lines between humans and robots, the manga follows cyborg policewoman Major Motoko Kusanagi who investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. This opens a path to her self-discovery as she explores the norms of a cyborg-human society.

5. Akame ga Kill!

Akame ga Kill! is one of the rarest manga with strong female lead in both the protagonist and antagonist roles. The story is about Tatsumi joining Night Raid and growing stronger to protect his allies and save the people from the corrupted government he was almost taken advantage of.

As the manga stands, Tatsumi is the main character with the character growth focusing on him, Akame however has a more significant character role happening mostly in the background. To sum up, the series is about Akame seen through the eyes of Tatsumi.

4. Darling In The Franxx

Contrary to the idea of manga being adapted into anime, Darling in the Franxx manga version came after the original anime aired. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where children brought up to be soldiers have to pilot mecha robots, defending mobile cities that cling to survival.

Darling in the Franxx focuses on the partnership between Hiro, a former prodigy, and Zero Two, a hybrid human and elite pilot who aspires to become entirely human. While Zero Two is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic character, she serves as the strongest asset of the series.

3. Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill manga was developed at the same time as the anime was released. The story follows vagrant schoolgirl Ryuko Matoi on her across a sailor uniform that gives her the power to overcome her enemies and give her the answers that she seeks!

The manga is essentially the same as the anime with some minor changes to pacing and story details. Besides, the Kill la Kill manga was never completed and got canceled halfway (right after the third volume release) before the story could properly end.

2. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a refreshing crime-thriller where women dominate the battlefields. Featuring a sadistic protagonist, the series follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member team of pirate mercenaries smuggling goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.

Sometimes the hero of the story may not necessarily be the “good” person – with this motive, Revy and her gang take on various jobs involving criminal organizations and violent gunfights! Black Lagoon succeeds in presenting a colorful cast who are compelling in part for their moral ambiguity.

1. Claymore

Claymore is arguably the best manga with strong female lead to be ever made. The series chronicles Claire’s enthralling journey for revenge as she sets off to hunt down the Yoma responsible for her mentor’s death. Starting at the very bottom, the story sees her growth as a warrior.

Even though Claymore is a women-dominant series, the role of male characters is also very compelling which makes this manga even more interesting in terms of presenting the much-needed dynamic between both genders.

Which one of the following manga with strong female lead 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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