Each year there are countless manga’ to anime adaptations that bring to life sensational stories for entertainment. Anime series like Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (and this new anime announced by the author) and Attack On Titan leave strong impacts on fans that last a lifetime and shine a light on how incredible animation can be, though sometimes the source material can be wasted or even overlooked in anime adaptations.
More often than not, countless Manga’ slip through the cracks and do not receive anime adaptations or even recognition outside of the East. Here are some of the best Manga’ that have no Anime worth reading from the 2000s.
10 Skyhigh
Skyhigh is a single-volume supernatural horror manga by author Tsutomu Takahashi also known for Jiraishin (Ice Blade). The main character, Izuko, is an immortal guardian of the gate of grudges. She guides mortal souls to acceptance by offering reconciliation in a number of different ways.
Unfortunately, these scenarios do not always end well as humans are unsure of what they truly need versus what they truly desire. Skyhigh contains over two hundred pages of beautiful story and art and is definitely worth the look for fans of Ghost Hunt.
9 Doubt
Fans of survival Horror and Suspense genres similar to Netflix: Squid Game will enjoy Doubt by manga author Yoshiki Tonogai also known for Higurashi (When They Cry). A very short but bloody manga series that surrounds several individuals trapped together as one among them must be outed as a killer before they all perish.
The story plays on paranoia and distrust and how it twists the mind. Doubt hooks readers and keeps them turning pages at every twist and turn of the story, taking the position of a true nail-biter.
8 Sun-Ken Rock
Perhaps one of the most visually striking manga on the list, Sun-Ken Rock by Manga author Boichi (also known for Dr. Stone), is a true rebel without a cause story. It follows Ken and his love interest in his high school friend, Yumi.
Ken tries to obtain Yumi’s affection by living up to her standards after she leaves Japan to become a police officer, but the tables flip when Ken follows her and ends up becoming the leader of a gang (if that doesn't sell you, there's even a dance sequence!). While not for everyone, Sun-Ken Rock is a high-quality manga filled with breath-taking art and outlandish scenarios that fans of mangas like GTO will enjoy.
7 Hell's Paradise
A callous story filled with blood and chaos, Hell's Paradise is published in Shonen Jump by author Yuji Kaku. Set in Japan's Edo period, the story follows the assassin Gabimaru, a heartless ninja captured and nearly executed by a rival house while out on a mission.
He is offered a second chance at freedom if he can accomplish an impossible task to retrieve the elixir of life hidden somewhere on a hellish island. Hell’s Paradise is a dark and brutal ride, a steep parallel to Shonen's standard catalog, which usually has protagonists that are forgiving at heart. As part of Shonen's "Dark Trio" along with JJK and Chainsaw Man, Hell’s Paradise is a highly recommended read.
6 Jackals
Jackals, authored by Kim, Byung Jin (Art), Murata, Shinya (Story), takes place in a somewhat dystopian era in Cicero City where crime pays and criminals rule. Jackals is a high octane hack and slash story totaling 56 chapters revolving around Nichol, an orphaned mercenary. Nichol tries to make a living while surrounded by death and destruction at every turn while keeping down the demons of his abandonment issues.
However, everything comes crashing down as Nichol, and his comrades show up in the crosshairs of the most dangerous criminal syndicate in the city and must now fight for their lives to try and escape. With jaw-dropping art and intense dramatic moments, Jackals is definitely worth the look for fans of Claymore.
5 NO. 5
NO. 5 is an eight-volume manga authored by Taiyō Matsumoto. The story takes place in a dystopian pseudo-Middle East where an organization called the Rainbow Council governs over the world.
The main character, who shares his name with the title, is a top-ranked soldier and member of the Rainbow Council who has gone rogue, seemingly with no rhyme or reason. NO. 5 is a uniquely told story that immaculately pulls the reader out of their comfort zone to relay emotion and forward-thinking. Visually stunning and mentally jarring, NO. 5 is a worthwhile cover to cover read.
4 Innocent
Innocent is a manga written by the author Shin-ichi Sakamoto; set shortly before the french revolution & based on the book “The Executioner Sanson.” Innocent follows two siblings down a road of blood, loyalty, and consequence.
Beautiful in both story and art style, having a somewhat gothic theme (here are some more series that match this style), Innocent is a spectacle to traverse with page after page of organic character development and historical references of the world they resided in. Innocent is a must-read for fans of heavy-handed symbolism that doesn't overtake the story or its characters and honors historical culture.
3 Fire Punch
Fire punch by Tatsuki Fujimoto (who also authored Chainsaw Man) is a unique revenge tale following Agni, a superhuman with a strong ability to regenerate. After a gruesome tragedy, Agni sets out to claim vengeance on his sister's killer.
The kicker? His sister’s murderer can cast flames that do not extinguish unless what they burn is turned to ash. Agni, who heals faster than he can burn, is set ablaze and is permanently inflamed, unable to die or be extinguished. This man on fire leaves a chard trail of bodies as he gets closer to his goal. Fans of Berserk will enjoy this Manga.
2 Blue Lock
Blue Lock is a manga by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura that centers around a team of soccer players and their journey to represent their country in the world cup. Blue Lock is a story about hard work, the struggles of competition, self-improvement, dedication, and camaraderie.
Fans of Haikyu, Koroko no Basket, and similar sports Manga will enjoy following this team of layered characters till the end. While blue lock does not yet have an anime, it has been announced for release sometime next year.
1 Prince of Karate
Authored by Yasushi Baba, Karate Shōkōshi Kohinata Minoru is an action/martial arts manga following a young college student, Kohinata Minoru. Minoru is roped into the world of Martial arts after being bullied and saved by a classmate.
Having been a gymnast, Minoru struggles at first to grasp the concept of his own style, but gradually he comes into his own and becomes a serious contender. Karate Shōkōshi Kohinata Minoru has exciting characters and dazzling art that highlights the elegant forms and motions of Karate. Fans of Hajime no Ippo, and similar manga will not regret picking this series up.