7 Underrated Manga
Beyond the most mainstream series, fantastic Japanese manga remains overlooked and underappreciated by wider global audiences. But devoted readers understand – some of Japan’s greatest graphic novels exist quietly in obscurity. Let’s spotlight 7 sensationally underrated manga begging for more attention.
NOTE: ITS NOT TOP 7 UNDERRATED BUT 7 UNDERRATED MANGA.
A Bride’s Story
Set in 19th century Central Asia, this exquisitely researched historical fiction follows young women entering arranged marriages. Deeply human, A Bride’s Story intricately captures cultural and romantic intricacies through sumptuous art across four ongoing arcs spotlighting unique protagonists. Beyond a fascinating fusion of slice-of-life drama against a vivid historical backdrop, these stories share meaningful wisdom on womanhood’s complexities regardless of era.
Delicious in Dungeon
This comedic fantasy action series follows adventurers plundering ingredients from dangerous dungeons to craft mouthwatering meals. Alongside inventive cooking concepts from fishy taiyaki to herbaceous stir-fries, creative battles unfold exploiting monsters’ natural defenses. But friendship remains the true feast, as teams bond battling beasties between camping sessions overflowing with delectable reactions. Behind the drool-worthy artwork, Delicious in Dungeon serves delightful characters growing together through literal trial-by-fire. A true hidden gem.
The Ancient Magus Bride
Abandoned and despondent, teenage Chise sells herself into slavery to an inhuman mage, initiating her shadowy coming-of-age within magical realms. As the Magus’ apprentice and unwilling bride, Chise’s otherworldy arc unfolds hauntingly through beauty and pain, sorrow and joy. Exquisitely illustrated with Celtic-inspired designs, The Ancient Magus’ Bride alluringly blends romance, lore, and personal growth into a modern fairy tale about reclaiming hope after trauma, wonderfully written for young adult audiences.
Witch Hat Atelier
Magic dazzles in this fantasy adventure about a girl’s wondrous journey mastering spellcraft at a prestigious academy for witches. As an eager apprentice deficits initially dash dreams of spellcasting, perseverance and creativity unlock fantastical talents and deeper purpose. Beyond the academy, harsh realities brew as magical disruption from her rural hometown entangles personal quests for betterment and belonging. Wholly imaginative worldbuilding met with endearing friendships (and an adorable talking crow!) makes Witch Hat Atelier cast an irresistible spell for fans of all ages.
Planetes
In this realistic sci-fi drama, ragtag protagonists are responsible for the critical yet undervalued job of clearing Earth’s orbit of dangerous space debris as interplanetary travel booms. An unglamorous but exciting niche career juxtaposes against relatable adult struggles with relationships, health issues, better pay, etc. Its authentic forecasting of humanity’s plausible near-future in space stands out in the best way. Planetes demonstrates superior sci-fi need not rely on alien encounters, instead finding infinite intrigue and charm chronicling authentic human narratives.
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness
Through one author’s honest illustrations and reflections, this autobiographical manga offers thoughtful introspection on modern womanhood as she discovers her attraction to other women. Juggling anxiety, family dysfunction, sexuality confusion, and societal pressures proves painfully complex for young Japanese women. My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness earns immense praise presenting diverse, resonating personal experiences that readers globally connect with.
Heaven’s Design Team
In this ingeniously funny afterlife comedy, teams of eccentric celestial engineers face nightmarish deadlines preparing newly created worlds for inhabitation. Educational tidbits on designing safe ecosystems seamlessly blend with their playful hijinks. No animal escapes absurd enhancements like infrared-tracking moles, indestructible cockroaches, or explosive flatulent camels eliciting nonstop laughter. Absurdity aside, the admirable cooperation and passion driving the harried staff of Heaven’s Design Office radiates care for all creatures great and small.
Beyond the most mainstream heavy hitters, the wondrous world of manga overflows with phenomenal graphic novels flying wrongly under the radar. But devoted readers understand – some of Japan’s greatest stories exist quietly in obscurity waiting to captivate fans who simply give them a chance. So do yourself a favor and discover what fantastical journeys, captivating characters, and insightful reflections on the human experience that these 7 underrated manga have in store for you!
