The gold standard of dark fantasy manga. Guts, "The Black Swordsman," wields a massive sword against demons in a medieval hellscape. The art by Kentaro Miura (RIP) is the most detailed, stunning black-and-white art ever drawn. Note: The 1997 anime is good, but the 2016 anime is terrible. Read the manga. Genre: Historical Samurai, Philosophical Status: Hiatus
Based on the novel Musashi , this manga is the artistic peak of the medium. It follows the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi on his journey from a violent brute to a philosophical master. The ink-brush artwork is displayed in museums. A life-changing read for adults. Genre: Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Rom-Com Status: Ongoing (Anime coming soon – highly anticipated) hagemaru hentai xxx
A piano prodigy who cannot hear the sound of his own playing meets a free-spirited violinist who shows him that life is about passion, not perfection. This is a "tearjerker." It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and features classical music (Chopin, Beethoven) as a core plot device. A must-watch for anyone who loves art. 11. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot) Genre: Supernatural Romance, Slice of Life Complete: Anime & Manga The gold standard of dark fantasy manga
Following the legacy of Bleach and Naruto , Jujutsu Kaisen is the king of modern shonen. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler with immense physical strength who swallows a cursed object—the finger of the most powerful Curse in history, Ryomen Sukuna. He joins an organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to exorcise curses. The fight choreography by MAPPA is revolutionary. Satoru Gojo has become a cultural icon ("Nah, I'd win"). The manga is currently in its final, brilliant arc (the Shinjuku Showdown), making it the perfect time to catch up. 5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Genre: Historical Fantasy, Action Status: Ongoing (Anime Final Arc coming soon) Note: The 1997 anime is good, but the 2016 anime is terrible
The most wholesome hit of the decade. A top spy ("Twilight") must build a fake family to get close to a political target. Unbeknownst to him, his adopted daughter (Anya) is a telepath, and his "wife" (Yor) is a professional assassin. They all believe they are the only ones hiding a secret. It is the ultimate family-friendly anime. The comedy comes from the dramatic irony (the audience knows everything, the characters know nothing). Anya has become a meme queen, and the series is a stress-free delight. Part 3: The "Big Three" & Long-Running Classics You cannot discuss popular anime without mentioning the titans that made anime a global export. These are longer commitments but worth every second. 7. One Piece Genre: Adventure, Pirate Fantasy Status: Ongoing (Manga & Anime)