In the vast world of manga, there are all sorts of genres and sub-genres for the readers. Shōnen, comedy, seinen – one can get lost in the sea of brilliant pieces of work. However, what captivates the most is the mature manga aimed generally at older audience, featuring not only dark content but also vivid themes and ideas.

The manga which falls in this category usually are not meant for younger audience as they contain elements that can be very unsettling for a newcomer. And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the most impactful mature manga that speaks volumes. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

10. I Am A Hero

The zombie apocalypse is a very well-received subject in the mainstream media. Although, there’s a lack of such type of content in Japanese mediums still there is plenty of revered series featuring hordes of the undead. Kengo Hanazawa’s “I Am A Hero” is one such story that takes a subtle approach to explain how to survive a zombie outbreak.

Manga artist assistant, Hideo Suzuki’s life seems to be stuck around his exhausting but low-paying job until one day, an unknown disease (nicknamed ZQN) spreads into the city turning people into homicidal maniacs. Armed with only his sporting shotgun, Hideo runs for his life in trying to become a “hero” within a destroyed world.

9. Gantz

Gantz provides the perfect analogy of life and it’s one of the best mature manga out there. Coming from a survival-themed genre, the protagonists of Gantz find themselves in a far more brutal scenario than we could ever fathom. When citizens of Tokyo meet untimely deaths and are transported to an apartment, they’re met by a large otherworldly black sphere known as Gantz.

They’re forced by Gantz to partake in a cruel game in which they must kill certain alien beings within an allocated time limit. As a result, the series blends traditional horror, action, violence, and science fiction to give traditional Japanese creatures a modern reimagining.

8. Flowers Of Evil

Flowers of Evil follows a high school student Takao Kasuga who’s forced into a “contract” by fellow student Sawa Nakamura, after being caught stealing the gym clothes of his crush Nanako Saeki. Blackmailed by Sawa, Takao is now forced to partake in her disturbing fantasies to hide his deeds from everyone.

Caught in a negative spiral of increasingly traumatic experiences, Kasuga and Nakamura force themselves into situations where their true natures are revealed, subsequently creating a mature manga story that’s darkly human and insidiously gripping.

7. 20th Century Boys

One of Naoki Urasawa’s extraordinary works, 20th Century Boys is a hit sci-fi mystery manga. The series follows the story of a convenience store manager Kenji Endo who begins to investigate a fanatical cult, led by a character named “Friends” after one of his old friends suddenly commits suicide.

Starring a group of middle-aged friends who grew up in 1960s Japan, they gradually reunite to face their childhood club mascot “Friend” one last time. For readers who prefer serious stories and mature manga over lighter ones, 20th Century Boys can turn out to be a gem of finding for you.

6. Homonculus

If you’re new to the world of manga reading, then the only suggestion would be to stay away from Hideo Yamamoto’s “Homunculus”. The disturbing plot of the series depicts the psychic turmoil of a homeless man named Susumu Nakoshi whose life changes forever after encountering a mysterious young gentleman.

He offers Nakoshi an irresistible sum of money in exchange for partaking in a gruesome experiment – becoming a subject of trepanation, the act of drilling a hole in the skull. The procedure results in Nakoshi gaining a repulsive perspective on the world, as he begins to see everyone as the disturbing homunculus.

5. Dorohedoro

Dorohedoro is a dark fantasy animanga series written and illustrated by Q Hayashida. With its mix of gruesome, blood-soaked, and gore panels, Dorohedoro is a series known for its raw art, dark comedy, violence, and brutality throughout the narration of the story. This is a must-read collection and is recommended by every mature manga lover.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future taking place across three distinct realms, the series follows the journey of the amnesiac reptilian-headed Caiman, a cursed man who desperately seeks to regain his memory stolen by a sorcerer. Working together with his friend Nikaido, he tries to recover his memories and survive in a strange underworld run by sorcerers and demons.

4. Monster

Another critically acclaimed medical thriller manga from Naoki Urasawa, Monster takes place in West Germany and stars the young Japanese brain surgeon named Kenzo Tenma. On a life-changing night, Dr. Tenma saves a brother and sister in his hospital at the expense of another patient’s own life.

This turns his life upside down when nine years later he comes to know that the kid he saved is now a dangerous serial killer. With the guilt of saving a “Monster”, Dr. Tenma goes on a hunt for Johan Liebert to stop his rampage while learning the twisted origin and disturbed psyche which made him a human monster.

3. Oyasumi Punpun

Oyasumi Punpun is one of the most popular mature manga you’ll ever come across. Best known for its grasping plot and emotionally bending characters, the series sends its readers into a state of awe. The manga explores a very mature and sensitive theme throughout the series that blends nicely with its beautiful art.

Through a young boy named ‘Punpun’, the author has illustrated the journey of his adulthood. From elementary school to his early 20s, the author has depicted Punpun’s life struggles he goes through dealing with family problems, love life, and many other events that can be mentally challenging for anyone.

2. Vagabond

From the author of Slam Dunk, Vagabond is a fictionalized account of the life of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. Set in the feudal era of Japan, Musashi survived the historic Battle of Sekigahara with his companion Matahachi, and they go their separate ways soon after.

What follows is a breathtaking, incredibly well-drawn, and mature manga that exhibits the rise of a swordsman to fame and power in a rough time in Japan’s past. The manga is still in continuation and there’s more than enough source material for you to read.

1. Berserk

Berserk is renowned for being one of the darkest and most despair-inducing stories ever told. The core of Berserk’s story is about surviving death and taking revenge on those who did wrong. The manga follows a mercenary named Guts whose entire life is a parade of endless horror. He is branded for death and is fated to be chased down by demons till he meets his death.

Whether it’s the cruelties he suffers at the hands of his adoptive father, the massive betrayal of his former friend Griffith, or the endless nightmarish monsters attracted to his brand of sacrifice, nothing is ever easy for Guts. This manga’s poignant characterization besides its medieval-style politics and world-building is good enough to keep you going on.

Which one of the following mature 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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