10 Best Sci-Fi Manga
Sci-fi manga is a vibrant and imaginative genre where futuristic technology, alternate dimensions, and deep philosophical questions intersect. As a cornerstone of manga literature, it offers readers an escape to a variety of futuristic worlds, from dystopian landscapes like Akira and space adventures like Planetes to the rebirth of civilization in Dr. Stone.
Each manga in this genre brings something unique—whether it's intricate storytelling, detailed world-building, stunning artwork, or thought-provoking themes. This introduction to some of the best sci-fi manga opens the door to worlds where the boundaries between the possible and the impossible blur, inviting readers on extraordinary journeys beyond reality.
10. Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8, created by Naoya Matsumoto, reinvents the kaiju (giant monster) genre in manga. Set in a world where Japan is frequently attacked by monstrous creatures called kaiju, the story follows Kafka Hibino, a 30-something man who works in monster corpse disposal, cleaning up after the Defense Force's battles.
Kafka's life changes dramatically when he becomes infected by a parasite, gaining the ability to transform into a kaiju himself, thus earning the name Kaiju No. 8. His transformation challenges the typical narrative by blending the human and monster roles, offering a fresh perspective on the kaiju genre.
Why Read Kaiju No. 8?
- Fresh take on the traditional kaiju genre
- Unique perspective on kaiju-human duality
9. All You Need Is Kill
All You Need Is Kill, by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, is a gripping sci-fi manga that features a time loop narrative combined with intense military action. The story follows Keiji Kiriya, a young soldier battling an alien race known as Mimics.
Killed in his first deployment, Keiji finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same battle repeatedly. This manga stands out for its innovative use of the time loop concept, reminiscent of Groundhog Day, and for its detailed and dynamic artwork, particularly in its depiction of combat scenes and the design of the Mimics.
Why Read All You Need Is Kill?
- Time loop narrative with military sci-fi elements
- Thrilling and dynamic combat scenes
8. Orange
Orange, by Ichigo Takano, is a unique blend of sci-fi and romance. The story follows Naho Takamiya, a high school student who receives a letter from her future self, detailing predictions and advice aimed at preventing her future self's biggest regrets, particularly concerning a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse.
Orange stands out for its delicate handling of mental health, regret, and the impact of choices. The sci-fi element—the letter from the future—serves as a narrative device to explore these themes, focusing on the emotional impact and ethical questions rather than the mechanics of time travel.
Why Read Orange?
- Shoujo manga with a sci-fi twist
- Romance interwoven with time-travel elements
7. Knights Of Sidonia
Knights of Sidonia, by Tsutomu Nihei, is a sci-fi manga set in a distant future where humanity, having fled Earth, now drifts through space aboard massive colony ships like Sidonia. The story centers on Nagate Tanikaze, a young pilot from the ship's lower levels, who becomes a key defender against the Gauna—mysterious and hostile alien creatures.
This manga stands out for its unique blend of mecha, biopunk, and horror, with the Gauna's eerie, otherworldly design and exploration of themes like cloning, gender fluidity, and photosynthesis.
Why Read Knights Of Sidonia?
- Mix of mecha and biopunk
- Detailed and eerie artwork
6. Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka
Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, by Naoki Urasawa, is a sci-fi manga that reimagines the classic Astro Boy series with a mature and thought-provoking narrative. Set in a world where humans and advanced robots coexist, the story centers on Gesicht, a highly advanced Europol robot detective, investigating a series of mysterious murders targeting both humans and robots.
The introduction of Pluto, a powerful robot antagonist, adds depth to the plot. Urasawa's detailed artwork captures the futuristic setting and the emotional nuance of the characters, transforming a classic children's story into a noir-style thriller that resonates with adult audiences.
Why Read Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka?
- Noir-style thriller with a robotic detective
- Reimagines Astro Boy with mature themes
5. Planetes
Planetes, by Makoto Yukimura, is a realistic sci-fi manga set in the 2070s, focusing on a team of space debris collectors working on a space station orbiting Earth. The story follows Hachimaki, a young man dreaming of owning his spaceship, and his colleagues as they navigate life in space.
Planetes stands out for its meticulous attention to scientific accuracy and detail, exploring the physics of space, the effects of zero gravity on the human body, and the psychological impact of space travel. Unlike many sci-fi stories centered on battles and advanced technology, Planetes highlights the mundane but crucial aspects of space exploration, such as debris collection.
Why Read Planetes?
- Realistic portrayal of space exploration
- Focus on the mundane aspects of space life
4. Gantz
Gantz, by Hiroya Oku, is a sci-fi manga that starts with Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, two high school students who die in a train accident and find themselves in a mysterious room with a black sphere known as Gantz. Forced to participate in a brutal survival game, they must hunt down and kill aliens hiding on Earth, equipped with high-tech suits and weapons.
Gantz is known for its unflinching approach to violence and adult themes, with intense action sequences and a stark portrayal of the human psyche under extreme stress. Oku's detailed artwork brings the bizarre alien designs and gore-filled battles to life.
Why Read Gantz?
- Intense action in an alien hunting game
- Unflinching portrayal of violence
3. 20th Century Boys
20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa, is an award-winning manga that combines mystery and sci-fi elements. The story revolves around Kenji Endo and his childhood friends, who become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a cult led by a mysterious figure known as "Friend." The narrative begins with Kenji recalling a symbol and a prophecy they made as children, which disturbingly starts manifesting in reality.
20th Century Boys is distinguished by its intricate plot and character development. Urasawa skillfully weaves a narrative spanning several decades, seamlessly transitioning between the characters' childhoods in the 1960s-70s and present-day events. The manga also excels in its detailed artwork and realistic portrayal of characters and settings.
Why Read 20th Century Boys?
- Unique combination of mystery and sci-fi
- Explores themes of friendship, cults, and global threats
2. Akira
Akira, by Katsuhiro Otomo, is a seminal sci-fi manga set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. The story follows two teenage bikers, Kaneda and Tetsuo, in a chaotic, dystopian city ravaged by the aftermath of a massive explosion that triggered World War III.
The plot intensifies when Tetsuo gains telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident. Akira is renowned for its detailed artwork and dynamic panel layouts, which vividly capture the essence of Neo-Tokyo's gritty, neon-lit streets and explosive action sequences. The manga is not just a thrilling story but also a commentary on post-war Japan, making it a landmark work in the genre.
Why Read Akira?
- Stunning cyberpunk visuals
- Exploration of post-war Japan
1. Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone, created by Riichiro Inagaki, begins with a mysterious flash that turns humanity into stone. Thousands of years later, science enthusiast Senku Ishigami awakens to find civilization has collapsed. Determined to revive humanity, Senku, along with his friend Taiju and others, embarks on a mission to rebuild civilization from scratch.
What makes Dr. Stone unique is its blend of accurate scientific principles with adventurous storytelling, educating readers on everything from creating soap and electricity to building simple machines—all woven into the narrative.
Why Read Dr. Stone?
- Science and survival in a post-apocalyptic world
- Educational content on various scientific concepts
