10 Best Manga From The 2000s’
Although many people cherish watching anime, they often forget that most anime serve as adaptations of the original source material. While there are some instances where the anime is better than the manga, those instances are few and far between.
With the amount of manga released on a daily basis, it could be hard to cut through all those books to find the “Best of” for any chosen topic.
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable manga through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best manga, we’d like to highlight the 10 best manga from the 2000s’. From the emotional Goodnight Punpun to the thrilling Death Note, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
Battle Royale – Koushun Takami & Masayuki Taguchi
Battle Royale is a gripping manga from the 2000s that pushes the boundaries of storytelling with its intense and thought-provoking premise. Taking inspiration from the dystopian novel of the same name, Battle Royale presents a dark tale where a class of students is pitted against each other in a deadly game of survival.
The students in this tale have great personalities and receive excellent depth. Through their struggles to survive or maintain their humanity in the face of extreme circumstances, the manga explores the depths of human nature and the choices individuals make when pushed to the brink.
On top of showering audiences with graphical violence, Battle Royale is a thrilling manga that’ll leave you speechless.
Bakuman – Tsugumi Ooba
Bakuman is a wonderful manga crafted by the author of Death Note. Following the journey of aspiring manga artists Moritaka and Akito, Bakuman explores the behind-the-scenes world of the manga industry. With its superb character development, realistic portrayal of the manga creation process, and exploration of ambition, Bakuman is a must-read from the 2000s era.
Moritaka and Akito are wonderful lead characters who are driven by multiple factors. They embark on journeys of self-discovery and ambition and will make needed sacrifices to achieve their wildest dreams. The characters’ relationships with each other, as well as with their fellow authors and editors, are intricately woven into the story, creating a rich blend of emotions and motivations.
If you’re someone who likes tales with inspiring leads, check this out.
Goodnight Punpun – Inio Asano
Claymore – Norihiro Yagi
Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer –Satoshi Mizukami
Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer is a story that blends fantasy, action, and emotional storytelling under one roof. With its developed characters, thought-provoking themes, and dynamic artwork, it stands out as a great manga with a refreshing take on the genre. This story is known for giving its cast wonderful development. Each character has their own set of flaws, motivations, and personal arcs.
Moreover, this story delves into intricate themes like existentialism, the search for meaning, and the power of personal agency. Through its engaging plot and multifaceted cast, the manga invites readers to ponder questions regarding death, purpose, and the choices we make.
Coupled with some amazing fight scenes and imaginative landscape illustrations, Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer is an incredible tale many should check out.
Bokurano – Mohiro Kitou
Bokurano is a powerful and emotional tale from the 200s that stands out for its exploration of human nature, moral dilemmas, and the dark side of power. With its complex cast, intense storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, it challenges readers’ preconceptions. Many adore this work for introducing them to its complex, well-written characters.
The manga follows a group of children who find themselves trapped inside a virtual world. They must pilot a robot to survive, leading to many psychological confrontations and issues. As the story progresses, each child faces personal traumas, emotional struggles, and moral dilemmas in their battles. Kitoh deftly develops the characters and delves into their fears and desires.
If you’re looking for a thrilling sci-fi tale with high-stakes situations, check out Bokurano.
Death Note – Tsugumi Ooba
Death Note is a captivating Shonen Jump manga that many love for its intricate cast, plot, and themes. The manga’s premise centers on Light, a high school boy who wants to rid the world of criminals and violence. He finds the Death Note, a mysterious notebook that allows its wielder to murder anyone they want by writing their name inside it.
After Light goes on a killing spree as the alias Kira, he gains fame and the attention of a young detective named L. He challenges Light and vows to bring him to justice. A game of cat and mouse ensues between the two. This cat-and-mouse dynamic between L and Light will encourage readers to continue progressing through Death Note.
Both characters utilize their wits and strategies to outsmart the other, making things exciting for readers. In addition to delving into deep topics regarding the nature of good and evil and the limits of justice, Death Note is a must-read.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run – Hirohiko Araki
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of the beloved storyline crafted by Hirohiko Araki. Unlike the previous six entries, Steel Ball Run serves as a reboot for the franchise. However, fans shouldn’t let that information steer them away from this work as it allows Araki to splash his series with a fresh coat of paint many will appreciate.
Steel Ball Run combines elements of Western culture like horse racing with the bizarre Stand abilities found in Stardust Crusaders, Diamond Is Unbreakable, and the other parts. This gives Steel Ball Run a bit of depth and uniqueness compared to those parts.
Moreover, the characters in this part have their own motivations, quirks, and abilities many people will love. From the stoic Gyro to the determined Johnny Joestar, every character is distinct and memorable in their own right.
On top of having imaginative and creative illustrations and stand abilities, Steel Ball Run is a worthy entry in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series.
March Comes In Like A Lion – Chica Umino
March Comes In Like A Lion is a fascinating tale about mental health awareness. This manga follows Rei, a professional shogi player who isn’t living his best life. However, that all changes when he meets a new family who’ll show him enough love and support to help him get by in life.
One of this manga’s best strengths is its ability to delve deep into the complexities of human emotions. Through Rei’s character, Chica Umino explores themes like grief, self-doubt, and how relationships can heal one’s soul. The manga portrays these emotions with authenticity and nuance, allowing readers to connect with and empathize with Rei’s struggles.
Umino’s exploration of the human psyche adds depth to March Comes In Like A Lion, making it a genuinely profound tale.
Space Brothers – Chuya Koyama
Space Brothers is a wonderful manga that deserves recognition. The story follows two brothers named Mutta and Hibito who dream of becoming astronauts. With its engaging storytelling and uplifting themes, Space Brothers is a great manga that’s worth your time. Chuya Koyama does their best to combine elements of drama, humor, and scientific exploration.
They masterfully weave together Mutta and Hibito’s tales, taking readers on a journey filled with multiple trials and triumphs. The manga’s plot is well-paced and balances the tension of space exploration with its characters’ growth and relationships.
In addition to informing audiences why it’s important to strive toward their individual goals, Space Brothers is a remarkable manga from the 2000s era.
So, there we have it, our picks for the 10 best manga from the 2000s!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!