Introduction
Fantasy manga entices readers with intriguing settings, fantastic creatures, and magical experiences. From high-stakes conflicts to uplifting journeys, fantasy manga immerses readers in stories that challenge their imaginations.
Here is a ranking of the top fantasy manga of all time, with each having distinct worlds, vivid characters, and enchanting plots.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist
Plot: Edward and Alphonse Elric, the brilliant alchemist brothers, embark on the forbidden science of reanimating their deceased mother.
Their experiment fails, however, and they lose severely. On this quest for the Stone of Philosophy that they will have to face the great moral dilemmas and strong enemies and little secrets regarding their world.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Dark Fantasy |
| Author | Hiromu Arakawa |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2001 – 2010 |
| Volumes | 27 |
| Read at | VIZ Media, ComiXology |
Fullmetal Alchemist is widely praised for its intricate plot, character development, and exploration of morality and sacrifice.
2. Berserk
Plot: Guts, a skilled swordsman with a tragic past, battles against demonic forces and corrupt humans in a dark medieval world.
His journey is one of vengeance, survival, and redemption, as he struggles with the desire for freedom against a fate seemingly written in blood.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure |
| Author | Kentaro Miura |
| Publisher | Hakusensha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1989 – Present (ongoing after author’s death) |
| Volumes | 41 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | Dark Horse Manga |
Berserk is acclaimed for its detailed artwork, psychological depth, and exploration of themes like struggle, fate, and humanity.
3. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Plot: Chise Hatori, a young girl with a traumatic past, is sold to a mysterious sorcerer named Elias Ainsworth, who intends to make her his apprentice and bride.
As Chise learns magic, she also discovers the beauty and dangers of a mystical world filled with fae and ancient spells.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Dark Fantasy |
| Author | Kore Yamazaki |
| Publisher | Mag Garden |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2013 – Present |
| Volumes | 18 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | Seven Seas Entertainment |
This manga enchants readers with its ethereal art style, rich mythology, and complex exploration of love, acceptance, and identity.
4. Made in Abyss
Plot: In a city surrounding a massive, dangerous pit known as the Abyss, Riko, a young girl, and her robotic friend Reg venture into its depths to find her mother. As they descend, they encounter eerie creatures, ancient relics, and the dangers that haunt the Abyss.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery |
| Author | Akihito Tsukushi |
| Publisher | Takeshobo |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2012 – Present |
| Volumes | 11 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Made in Abyss is known for juxtaposing cute character designs with dark, haunting themes, creating a deeply immersive fantasy world.
5. Yona of the Dawn
Plot: Princess Yona’s life changes overnight when her cousin Su-Won kills her father, the king. Forced to flee, Yona embarks on a journey to reclaim her kingdom with the help of her bodyguard, Hak, and the fabled Dragon Warriors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Romance |
| Author | Mizuho Kusanagi |
| Publisher | Hakusensha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – Present |
| Volumes | 40 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Yona of the Dawn combines elements of adventure, romance, and political intrigue, making it a compelling fantasy epic.
6. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Plot: Aladdin, a young boy with a magical flute, meets Alibaba and Morgiana, and together, they explore dungeons and face powerful foes. Their journey reveals secrets about their world and their own destinies.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Action |
| Author | Shinobu Ohtaka |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – 2017 |
| Volumes | 37 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
With its Arabian-inspired setting and complex storylines, Magi delivers thrilling adventures and explores themes of power and freedom.
7. Inuyasha
Plot: Kagome, a modern-day high schooler, is transported to feudal Japan, where she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon. Together, they search for fragments of the powerful Shikon Jewel, battling demons and forging friendships along the way.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Romance |
| Author | Rumiko Takahashi |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1996 – 2008 |
| Volumes | 56 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Inuyasha is a classic that balances fantasy with romance and action, capturing the nostalgia of a beloved era in manga.
8. Claymore
Plot: In a world plagued by flesh-eating creatures called Yoma, warrior women known as Claymores are humanity’s last hope. Clare, a half-Yoma Claymore, embarks on a mission of vengeance and redemption.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dark Fantasy, Action, Horror |
| Author | Norihiro Yagi |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2001 – 2014 |
| Volumes | 27 |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Claymore is appreciated for its dark atmosphere, intense battles, and exploration of morality and sacrifice.
9. Fairy Tail
Plot: Lucy Heartfilia, an aspiring mage, joins the Fairy Tail guild, where she meets powerful wizards like Natsu and Erza. Together, they embark on quests, fight evil, and confront dark forces threatening their world.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Action |
| Author | Hiro Mashima |
| Publisher | Kodansha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2006 – 2017 |
| Volumes | 63 |
| Read at | Kodansha Comics |
Fairy Tail is popular for its dynamic characters, epic battles, and heartwarming sense of camaraderie.
10. Akatsuki no Yona (Yona of the Dawn)
Plot: Princess Yona, after witnessing her father’s death, escapes with her childhood friend and guard, Hak. Together, they seek the aid of the legendary dragon warriors to help her regain her kingdom.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance |
| Author | Mizuho Kusanagi |
| Publisher | Hakusensha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – Present |
| Volumes | 38 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Conclusion
They contain fantasy realms, magic battles, and characters that will stay with you long after the final page. These titles represent fantasy manga at its best, ranging from epic adventures to journeys of the heart.
Read into these incredible stories and let the magic, mystery, and excitement of the fantasy genre whisk you off to extraordinary worlds.