Best Manga About Science
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, our attention this time turns to those with a strong focus on science. From action-adventure tales to those with intricate plots, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them!
Qualia The Purple – Hisamitsu Ueo
Qualia The Purple is a mind-numbing tale that tackles a slew of different genres. It follows Yukari, a girl who sees everyone as robots due to her purple eyes. This allows her to assist the police in evaluating humans’ quirks and physical capabilities. Unfortunately, her eye powers prevent her from having friends, except for Gaku.
When Yukari gets involved with a secret organization, Gaku must navigate through multiple mysteries, experiments, and alternate realities to save her. Qualia’s best quality lies in its deep exploration of various scientific theories and principles. The manga delves into topics like quantum mechanics, the nature of reality, and human consciousness.
It raises questions about the reality and the moral responsibility scientists hold when their knowledge has the power to change people’s lives. Moreover, it handles compelling themes like friendship and self-discovery well, making it an exceptionally thought-provoking work for science heads.
Dr. Stone – Riichirou Inagaki
Dr. Stone is an exceptional shonen manga that weaves together the thrill of adventure with the power of science. The story follows Senku, a young scientist who aims to rebuild society after humanity was petrified for many years. This series is known for educating readers about scientific principles while offering them bits of lighthearted comedy to avoid feeling dull.
This story explores a wide range of scientific fields from chemistry to engineering. Riichirou Inagaki takes scientific concepts and presents them in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable matter to prevent his audience from getting lost. Moreover, Senku and his friends use science in fun and inventive ways, providing readers with a sense of wonder over his scientific achievements.
If you’re after a compelling shonen series that knows how to make science fun, check this out.
Jin – Motoka Murakami
Black Jack – Osamu Tezuka
Black Jack is a beloved science and medical-themed manga written and drawn by the legendary, Osamu Tezuka. This enigmatic tale follows the daily challenges and endeavors of the brilliant surgeon named Black Jack. Many will adore this narrative for providing them with intriguing knowledge about medical conditions and procedures.
Through Black Jack’s knowledge, readers are exposed to complex surgeries, cutting-edge treatments, and in-depth explanations of the scientific principles behind them. Moreover, Black Jack tackles ethical dilemmas that occur in the field like informed consent and the boundaries behind medical experimentation.
On top of highlighting noteworthy human aspects like empathy and compassion, Black Jack is a must-read for science fanatics.
Moyashimon – Masayuki Ishikawa
Moyashimon is a captivating manga with an emphasis on microbiology. The story follows Sawaki, a college student with the unique ability to see and communicate with microorganisms. It’s a tale that provides readers with a wealth of microbiology knowledge in a fun and accessible manner, making it a go-to read for science fanatics.
It introduces readers to different types of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, presenting their role in everyday life, agriculture, and industry. The scientific explanations are given through engaging dialogues and visual representations, making complex concepts easily understandable to readers. The characters are equally fascinating because of the wonderful personalities, motives, and backgrounds Masayuki Ishikawa gives them.
Give this a read if you’re interested in learning more about microbiology.
Fullmetal Alchemist – Hiromu Arakawa
Dr. Stone isn’t the only favorable shonen manga with aspects of science. Fullmetal Alchemist seamlessly blends science, alchemy, and an action-adventure storyline, making it a must-read for everyone. In it, we follow two brothers named Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to return their bodies to normal.
The manga’s exploration of scientific principles, the laws of equivalent exchange, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order make it an enticing and thought-provoking read. Hiromu Arakawa introduces her audience to intriguing concepts like chemical transmutation and the science behind alchemic practices in an entertaining and well-defined manner.
The details never feel overbearing and flow nicely alongside the manga’s simplistic elements. On top of that, Arakawa tackles ideas like human experimentation, value, and responsibility in similar ways.
With drops of action and drama thrown in for good measure, Fullmetal Alchemist provides science fanatics with an incredibly heartfelt tale that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Cells At Work – Akane Shimizu
Cells At Work is a remarkable manga that mixes educational content with an entertaining plot. Set in a fictionalized human body, the manga explores the inner workings of the immune system through its relatable characters. By personifying cells as unique individuals, with distinct personalities, Cells At Work teaches readers about the different types of cells and their functions within the human body.
Moreover, Akane Shimizu incorporated real-world medical knowledge in Cells At Work’s narrative well. From blood circulation to cells defending the body against pathogens, you’ll adore Akane’s stance on the processes that take place inside our bodies.
In addition to having enjoyable humor and adventure aspects, Cells At Work is a must-read for science fans.
Arpeggio of Blue Steel – Ark Performance
Arpeggio of Blue Steel is a captivating manga that seamlessly incorporates scientific concepts and technology in its narrative, making it an exceptional science-themed manga. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are at war with a mysterious fleet of naval vessels called the Fleet of Fog, the manga explores ideas like AI and naval warfare.
Many readers will adore Arpeggio for its detailed, well-researched handling of naval tech and warfare. It delves into the mechanics and principles behind naval vessels, weapon systems, and tactics in a manner that’s accurate and accessible to readers. You’ll cherish Ark Performance’s attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy and will walk away from this tale with a deeper understanding of naval tech.
In addition to having riveting naval battles, Arpeggio of Blue Steel will leave science enthusiasts satisfied.
Steamboy – Katsuhiro Otomo
Steamboy is a remarkable adventure manga from the legendary, Katsurhiro Otomo. It explores the power of steam technology and its impact on society. Set in an alternate version of Victorian England, the manga follows Ray as he discovers the immense potential of steam power and grapples with the moral implications that arise from its development.
This manga wreaks of scientific accuracy and historical detail. It successfully depicts the Industrial Revolution, presenting audiences with a genuine depiction of the tech advancements and societal changes that occurred during the era. From steam-powered contraptions to intricate scientific diagrams, you’ll love how highly detailed this manga’s world is.
On top of giving Ray some exceptional character traits, Steamboy is an adventurous gem that you don’t want to miss.
Planetes – Makoto Yukimura
Next to Vinland Saga, Makoto Yukimura’s Planetes is another enjoyable work from his catalog. This story excels in its portrayal of science and its impact on humanity. It takes place in the distant future and follows the lives of debris collectors working for the Technora Corporation. Beyond its captivating storyline, Planetes contains a realistic depiction of space exploration.
The manga takes a grounded approach, unlike other sci-fi manga. This offers a glimpse of the technical complexities and logical problems that arise from folks who wish to venture through Earth’s atmosphere. You’ll adore learning info about the issues with space debris, the functions and protocols that happen within a space station, and the sacrifices people make during their missions.
In addition to having excellent characters and exploring themes like loneliness, purpose, and identity in sophisticated ways, Planetes is a must-read for anyone who adores slice-of-life tales with depth.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best manga about science through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!