8 Dark fantasy manga with better horror than Tokyo Ghoul

Back in 2014, the world of anime and manga changed forever after the release of an adaptation of a lesser-known series. Tokyo Ghoul. Its dark atmosphere, philosophical questions, and wonderful world created by Sui Ishida quickly captured the attention and hearts of millions of fans, who decided to pick up the manga series after finishing the show, before the anime turned into one of the most surprising adaptations of all time.

While there's no denying that Kaneki's story is a mainstay of horror fiction across the industry, for many fans, it's still missing some of the elements that are present in most of the best supernatural horror stories. Most readers agree that there are at least a handful of series that use horror elements within Tokyo Ghoul In a very effective way. These fantastic and unforgettable stories have taken the dark fantasy genre to a whole new level, and fans have never been the same after delving into their pages.

8

Uzumaki

Hailed by many as the best horror story published by world-renowned manga author Junji Ito, Uzumaki Takes viewers to the city of Kuroju-cho. In what seems to be a quiet and boring place where nothing happens, the protagonists Kiri and Shuichi, a couple who have very different opinions about the town, begin to notice strange things happening. Strangest of all, these supernatural occurrences all seem to be related to the spiral, a symbol that is becoming more and more prominent on the streets of this once peaceful place.

reading Uzumaki It is an indescribable experience as it is a real and terrifying process. While the manga focuses on small incidents, each more terrifying than the last, Junji Ito manages to bring them together to create an epic story of pain and fate that is unmatched. Its characters, monsters, and Junji Ito's unique and unsettling style are a testament to why many fans consider the author a master of horror.

7

The Promised Neverland

Grace Field House may seem like a cozy and cute orphanage where children grow up to be kind and exemplary adults. However, when Emma witnesses one of her friends being killed by a monster, the true and dark nature of the building becomes apparent. Children soon learn that they are not given a new chance at life; They are being used as food for demons who run the world outside their walls.

Possibly the best psychological series fans will ever enjoy, The Promised Neverland Hides a story full of twists and losses that haunt those who search its pages. No corner of the world is safe for Emma and her friends, as the tensions of this already brutal world become clearer with each new chapter. The story, while forgiving and cruel, can't help but instill hope in the audience, thanks in large part to the writing of one of the best shonen heroines.

6

Made in the Abyss

Riko's entire life is full of mystery and suspicion of the great abyss outside her home, also known as the Abyss. According to the people who raised her, entering this place is tantamount to death, as only the bravest and most prepared adventurers can survive its merciless monsters and dangers. After discovering a robot named Reg created within the Abyss, the duo sets out to find the android's origins and Rico's mother.

Although the series may seem cute and innocent at first, fans should not be fooled, e.g Made in the Abyss One of the few series that destroys them emotionally. As the heroes journey down the titular abyss, they encounter monsters, enemies, and even natural hazards that plague them in ways no human could imagine. It's a gut-wrenching manga that plays perfectly with its horror elements, making each of its characters' dire fates feel both depressing and memorable.

5

Berserk

Life has never been easy for Gut since he was born from the corpse of his hanged mother. From being taken in by a group of criminals who train and abuse him daily, to becoming a mercenary who risks his life to survive, there isn't much the world can take from the famous black swordsman. However, can his life change for the better when Griffith, the leader of the Band of the Hawks, recruits him? Or will fate play with him again?

A classic and objectively the best fantasy manga ever released, Berserk is a series that has been held as the gold standard of the genre for decades. Its story, while magical and alive, is also filled with loss, pain and trauma so deep that it can leave even the most hopeful of readers. Even though Guts' story is one of the saddest stories in manga, there is something captivating about the plot that keeps viewers engaged.

4

Fire Punch

In the midst of a post-apocalyptic world caused by the rise of people with special powers known as Blessings, one finds a small village survived by the kindness of two siblings: Agni and Luna. They use their abilities to reincarnate to feed their flesh to the poor people in their homes. This lasted until Doma, a man who could summon eternal flames, feared the city's cannibalism and burned it, its inhabitants, and Luna to a crisp.

Now, surrounded by a never-ending flame that consumes his body and with a desire for revenge, Agni sets out on one of the most gruesome and difficult adventures to read. Created by the same horrible mind behind the lover The Chainsaw Man Manga, Fujimoto, This series will force readers to confront the ugliest side of humanity in a world that feels overrun with magic and devoid of all joy. It's a devastating story that unfortunately doesn't deserve the anime adaptation it deserves.

3

After God

The lives of the citizens of Japan changed forever when all-powerful and sadistic beings nicknamed Gods began to appear in the country. After many years of these monsters establishing themselves in the land, what's left of humanity works to find a way to stop and kill them. A girl named Waka, who hates the gods because one of them caused the death of her best friend, is not discovered to have god-like powers, the citizens of Japan find hope, they plan to use the woman as a weapon.

After GodWho's world already sounds like one no one wants to live in, and that's before learning about the cruel ways in which the gods mock and torture humanity. Sadly, Waka's experience with her friends isn't very good, as she soon learns what despair can drive a person to do. It's a dark story, with great use of body-horror and complex philosophical questions that stay with readers.

2

Ubel Blatt

Long ago, a mighty empire was threatened by a dark force called Wischtech. Desperate to save his people, the emperor sent 14 heroes to fight the enemy, three of whom fell in battle, seven returned as saviors of humanity, and four were killed and disgraced for their treachery. This last group was labeled the Lances of Betrayal. Although the world has enjoyed peace for many years, the sudden return of the Great Traitors threatens all.

Furthermore, a young swordsman, easily one of the best in anime and manga history, is ready to kill the seven heroes, claiming he is seeking revenge. Ubel Blatt It may sound like a typical fantasy story with a hero seeking revenge, but the audience is not prepared for the brutality within its pages. It's a series with one of the most unique world builds, creating a land where the worst of humanity seems to thrive, each chapter becoming more violent and bloody.

1

hell's heaven

Due to the shogun's desire to become immortal, a group of death row inmates are sent to a remote island in search of the legendary elixir of immortality. Each of these criminals, like the hero They are tasked with exploring the land under the watchful eye of Gabimaru, a soldier who is responsible for killing them if they break their oath. While the island may seem like a beautiful and peaceful place at first, the adventurers will soon discover the horrors that await them.

hell's heaven It's a series that perfectly blends epic fights and one of the best and most complex power systems in anime with high caliber body horror. The monsters that inhabit the island are the stuff of nightmares, and how they hunt and kill humans will make almost all readers uncomfortable. The Quest for Gabimaru is not for the faint of heart, as the series' art and atmosphere can send shivers down almost any reader's spine.

Release date

2014 – 2018-00-00

network

Tokyo MX

directors

Shin Matsuo, Taiji Kawanishi, Seo Hae-Jin, Masayuki Matsumoto

The authors

Chuji Mikasano

• 

  Natsuki Hanae

  Ken Kaneki (voice)

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  Sora Amamiya

  Touka Kirishima (voice)