10 Books/Manga Like The Girl From The Other Side
Written and illustrated by Nagabe, The Girl From The Other Side is an exceptional manga series that oozes style and substance. The manga follows two characters named Shiva and Sensei. The former is a human while the other is a monster. Despite airing from different realms, Sensei and Shiva develop a wholesome connection that’ll leave a lasting impression on folks. For those who adore fantasy tales that delve into their protagonists’ relationship to the utmost degree, this one will satisfy.
If you’re in the mood for more drama, mystery, or fantasy books/manga that offer a similar vibe, fear not! We’ve gathered together 10 books/manga to check out when you’ve caught up with The Girl From The Other Side. Of course, if you feel we’ve missed any of your favorites, do comment below and let us know!
Witch Hat Atelier – Kamome Shirahama
Similarities – Drama & Fantasy
Witch Hat Atelier is a fantastic series that delves into the realm of magic and wonder. Like Nagabe, Kamome Shirahama excels at immersing her audience in Witch Hat Atelier’s fully realized world that’s brimming with folklore and intrigue. Our story follows Coco, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch, and her journey is filled with many highs and lows.
However, readers will enjoy seeing Coco persevere through the obstacles that stand in the way of her dreams. To that extent, Witch Hat Atelier and The Girl From The Other Side explore themes of magic, mystery, and the importance of establishing close ties with others. While Witch Hat Atelier offers a semi-cheery magical world, The Girl From The Other Side presents a hauntingly beautiful world.
On top of having fantastic character development and excellent drama, Witch Hat Atelier is a must-read.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride – Kore Yamazaki
Similarities – Characters, Themes, Supernatural
If you ever wondered what a romantic version of The Girl From The Other Side would look like, then look no further than The Ancient Magus’ Bride. This manga centers around the bond between Chise and her magical instructor Elias. What starts off as a sensei-student relationship blossoms into something heartwarming, captivating, and dramatic.
That said, both stories tackle concepts regarding forbidden relationships and the supernatural. Like Shiva, Chise becomes drawn to the gentlemen she resides with over the course of her tale. From their subtle interactions to the scenes where they’re fighting alongside each other, you’ll adore it when Kore Yamazaki centers a chapter around these two phenomenal protagonists.
Furthermore, these stories have rich fantastical worlds that are brimming with unique life forms. From water horses to talking felines, you’ll adore the level of depth and creativity Yamazaki implemented in The Ancient Magus’ Bride’s world. Therefore, if you love Sensei and Shiva’s relationship in The Girl From The Other Side, but want something that leans toward the love spectrum, check out The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
Somari and the Guardian of the Forest – Yako Gureishi
Similarities – Characters & Supernatural
Somari and the Guardian of the Forest is another series that features a wholesome child and adult pairing. This manga focuses on the relationship between two different species, similar to The Girl From The Other Side. It takes place in a realm where humanity is at its breaking point and examines the bond between a golem and a human girl named Somali.
Like Nagabe’s work, Yako Gureishi’s artwork in Somari and the Guardian of the Forest is breathtaking. You’ll adore the level of detail Gureishi put into designing the story’s creatures, characters, and landscapes. Furthermore, Somali and her golem companion’s journey mirrors that of Shiva and Sensei to an extent. Both groups travel to seek a place to call home but encounter numerous problems.
Give this a read if you’re after another tale with a genuine atmosphere and a fantastic pair of protagonists.
Land of the Lustrous – Haruko Ichikawa
Similarities – Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Land of the Lustrous is another tale that tackles identity, self-discovery, and the boundaries between humans and non-humans. It’s set in a world where crystal organisms (Gems) must defend their homeland from evildoers called the Lunarians. At the center of this tale is Phos. She’s a Gem who wants to assist in the battle but gets denied the chance to serve.
We examine her journey to find a position that’s better suited to her skillset. Like The Girl From The Other Side, Land of the Lustrous features a unique world that wreaks creativity and grandeur. Nagabe and Haruko Ichikawa tackle their character’s identity issues in profound and enticing manners.
In addition to both tales having underlying mysteries that are built up over time, Land of the Lustrous is a great option for The Girl From The Other Side fans to read.
Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light – Yuki Midorikawa
Similarities – Characters & Supernatural
Another tale of wholesomeness and magic awaits you with Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light. Like The Girl From The Other Side, readers follow the journey between a charming adult and toddler duo named Gin and Hotaru. While Gin can’t physically connect with Hotaru, Hotaru showers Gin with enough kindness that’ll surely warm any manga enthusiast’s core.
Furthermore, Yuki Midorikawa’s illustrations are on par with Nagabe’s in a cuteness factor. You’ll adore the amount of detail she puts into the terrain, creatures, and characters’ designs. Like The Girl From The Other Side, Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light’s world is lively and enchanting enough to appease the most critical fantasy enjoyer.
On top of having rich emotional segments to shake things up, Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a stellar manga with enough joyous content to keep you cozy.
Shadows House – Soumatou
Similarities – Tone, Characters, Mysterious Universes
Shadows House is a mysterious tale that’ll pique The Girl From The Other Side fans’ interest. In it, we follow Emilico, a living doll who serves as the face of a well-acclaimed household. One day, she and her friend Kate discover the truth about this place and its administrators, leading to many strange occurrences.
Like The Girl From The Other Side, Shadows House’s residents struggle to find their place in the universe they inhabit. Our characters will contemplate if they exist or serve as shadows for a higher power. Moreover, both manga carry a sense of unease and suspense. They have gorgeous art styles and their authors apply incredible storytelling techniques that’ll make readers anxious.
On top of delving into themes concerning friendship and compassion, Shadows’ House is a great manga to read.
Girls’ Last Tour – Tsukumizu
Similarities – Themes & Desolate Worlds
Girls Last Tour is an interesting tale that can teeter between feeling spooky and cheery. This manga examines the journey between two girls who end up exploring a desolate landscape that was once home to an intense war. Despite the terrain’s terrifying background, our females will strive to make the best out of their situation.
Like Shiva and Sensei, Girls’ Last Tour’s protagonists Chito and Yuri, are another wholesome pair who must navigate a world devoid of civilization. They both excel at capturing the sense of isolation and loneliness felt throughout their respective worlds. Furthermore, readers will enjoy Chito and Yuri’s compassion toward each other as they lean on one another for support.
If you’re looking for a series that’ll provide you with comfort and tension, give this one a read.
Made In Abyss – Akihito Tsukushi
Similarities – Exploration, Daunting Worlds, Mystery
Made In Abyss by Akihito Tsukushi may look like a pleasant read at first glance, but it’s a tale that holds a lot of suspense, mystery, and graphical horrors that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, its tale contains excellent world-building, characters, and themes, so it’d be foolish not to give it a shot if you love The Girl From The Other Side.
Our tale follows Riko and her robotic companion Reg on their journey through a deep abyss. Riko hopes to find her mother while Reg seeks knowledge about his origin. Like The Girl From The Other Side, Made In Abyss shares the idea of its protagonists exploring an unknown land filled with hidden secrets and gorgeous sights. Sensei and Reg act as fine protectors toward both tales’ female leads too.
Moreover, both stories’ protagonists display remarkable resilience and courage during their expeditions. Riko and Reg are determined to explore the abyss and will do their best to conquer every hurdle, creature, and evildoer who blocks their path. This mirrors how steadfast Shiva and Sensei are in the quest they embark on in The Girl From The Other Side.
If you’re after something that can be more darker and gruesome though, definitely read Made In Abyss.
To Your Eternity – Yoshitoki Ooima
Similarities – Drama & Fantasy
Yoshitoki Ooima is a fabulous author who received much praise for her work, A Silent Voice. It made sense for her to create another work that many find equally fascinating. Enter To Your Eternity, a fantasy series that follows a mysterious shape-shifting lifeform named It. After arriving on Earth, taking a boy’s form, and taking the alias Fushi, we examine Fushi’s journey on the planet.
Like The Girl From The Other Side, To Your Eternity delves into the transformative power of relationships on otherwordly individuals. Over time, Fushi develops through his interactions with Earth’s natural environment and its inhabitants. It’ll experience love, loss, and other human emotions, allowing readers to grow attached to it’s character.
This resembles the growth displayed by Shiva and Sensei as they explore their world together. If you’re after another tale about companionship and how it can have a profound impact on one’s life, check out To Your Eternity.
Bibliomania – Obaru
Similarities – Drama & Fantasy
Bibliomania is a bizarre, thought-provoking tale that’ll take readers for a ride. It centers around Alice, a girl who wakes up and learns she’s in the 431st room of a weird residence. A serpent informs her that she can’t leave the room. However, Alice disobeys its warnings and departs, resulting in her body deforming. We’ll examine Alice’s quest to reach the place’s entrance as she loses her complexion.
Like The Girl From The Other Side, Bibliomania has incredible illustrations that capture its horrid tone well. You’ll love seeing how well-drawn the story’s environments and characters are in this work. Furthermore, both stories contain scenes that make you feel uneasy and interested to learn more about each tale’s world.
If you’re okay with a work that’s surrealist in nature and may require several re-reads to understand, then give this one a shot.
So there we have it, our 10 books/manga to read after you’re caught up with The Girl From The Other Side.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!