Exploring the world of samurai manga yourself in stories filled with honor, epic battles, and intense moral dilemmas. Therefore, we've selected the 15 best samurai manga of all time, ranked from 15th to 1st.
15. Shigurui
- MAL Grade: 8,06
- Year: 2003-2010
- Serialization: Champion RED
- Chapters: 84
First and foremost, we have Shigurui, which chronicles a deadly tournament between two warriors marked by physical and emotional scars. The plot stands out for its brutality and stunning aesthetic.
Certainly, this manga impacts with its visceral representation of the samurai codes of honor, and its lines are detailed and realistic, reinforcing the dark atmosphere.
14. Azumi
- MAL Grade: 7,72
- Year: 1994-2008
- Serialization: Big Comic Superior
- Chapters: 350
Azumi follows a young assassin raised in secret to eliminate leaders who threaten peace in feudal Japan. The novel explores the weight of choices and violence.
Furthermore, the manga stands out for portraying a strong and complex protagonist, who fights against her destiny, but still remains faithful to her mission.
13. Kurogane
- MAL Grade: 7,42
- Year: 2011-2013
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 70
Kurogane introduces a fragile young man who unexpectedly acquires samurai abilities through a spirit. The narrative blends action, comedy, and self-discovery.
Although it has supernatural elements, the work rescues classic bushido values, namely discipline, courage and honor, while building captivating characters.
12. Gintama
- MAL Grade: 8,64
- Year: 2003-2019
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 709
Gintama subverts the genre by introducing samurai into a futuristic world invaded by aliens. However, it doesn't lose the essence of traditional warriors.
While entertaining with irreverent humor, it also thrills with serious storylines and memorable battles, making it a must-read for samurai fans.
11. Peace Maker Kurogane
- MAL Grade: 7,72
- Year: 2002-Unknown
- Serialization: Comic Blade
- Chapters: Unknown
Peace Maker Kurogane tells the story of Tetsunosuke, a young man who seeks to avenge his parents' death by joining the Shinsengumi, a legendary samurai group.
Like other historical manga, it combines real facts with fiction, delivering intense action but also profound human drama.
10. Samurai Champloo
- MAL Grade: 7,41
- Year: 2004
- Serialization: Shounen Ace
- Chapters: 10
Inspired by the anime of the same name, Samurai Champloo mixes samurai culture with hip hop in a journey of three characters in search of a mysterious florist.
Unexpectedly, the work captivates with its contrast between tradition and modernity, and it also has a vibrant artistic style and striking fight scenes.
9. Rurouni Kenshin
- MAL Grade: 8,54
- Year: 1994-1999
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 259
In short, we have one of the best samurai manga, Rurouni Kenshin, which follows a former assassin who, out of regret, decides to protect the innocent without killing. The series balances action, romance, and philosophy.
Therefore, it became one of the most emblematic works about samurai, especially for discussing redemption, honor and the consequences of violence.
8. Blade of the Immortal
- MAL Grade: 8,41
- Year: 1993-2012
- Serialization: Afternoon
- Chapters: 207
First, Blade of the Immortal follows Manji, an immortal samurai who seeks redemption by killing a thousand evil men. Thus, the journey is brutal and deeply emotional.
Similar to other works of the genre, it explores the endless cycle of revenge, but with a unique and striking artistic style.
7. Lone Wolf and Cub
- MAL Grade: 8,63
- Year: 1970-1976
- Serialization: Manga Action
- Chapters: 142
Next up is Lone Wolf and Cub, which tells the story of Ogami Itto and his son, who roam Japan as hired assassins after a political betrayal.
Undeniably, the manga is a timeless classic, as it features masterfully choreographed battles while addressing themes such as fatherhood and revenge.
6. Hana no Keiji
- MAL Grade: 7,46
- Year: 1989-1993
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 167
Hana no Keiji Rather than the typical restrained warrior, Keiji is impulsive, poetic, and free, living intensely during the Sengoku period.
Furthermore, with striking lines and dynamic action scenes, the manga blends intense combat with reflections on honor and beauty. Ultimately, it's a unique work within the samurai genre, celebrating individuality amidst war.
5. House of Five Leaves
- MAL Grade: 8,04
- Year: 2005-2010
- Serialization: Ikki
- Chapters: 59
In short, House of Five Leaves tells the story of Akitsu Masanosuke, an unemployed samurai who joins a group of kidnappers led by the enigmatic Yaichi.
Although the action is contained, the manga stands out for the psychological depth of the characters and the melancholic atmosphere, in addition, it has a contemplative rhythm.
4. Sidooh
- MAL Grade: 7,54
- Year: 2005-2010
- Serialization: Young Jump
- Chapters: 267
Meanwhile, Sidooh portrays two orphaned brothers who must survive as mercenary samurai during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period, filled with wars and social transformations.
Thus, the manga impresses with its raw violence and authentic portrayal of Japan in transition, as well as the emotional complexity of its protagonists.
3. Samurai Executioner
- MAL Grade: 7,93
- Year: 1972-1976
- Serialization: Shuukan Gendai
- Chapters: 54
On the other hand, we have Samurai Executioner, which follows Yamada Asaemon, a shogunate executioner who deals with those condemned to death, reflecting on justice, duty and morality.
While exploring ethical dilemmas, the work stands out for its human perspective on those who live in the shadow of the sword, that is, those who enforce the law.
2. Hyouge Mono
- MAL Grade: 7,92
- Year: 2005-2017
- Serialization: Morning
- Chapters: 273
Hyouge Mono is a unique manga that focuses on Furuta Sasuke, a samurai passionate about tea ceremonies and aesthetics, but torn between political ambition and art.
Eventually, it reveals how culture and war intertwine in Japanese history, and it presents a sophisticated and visually exquisite narrative.
1. Vagabond
- MAL Grade: 9,27
- Year: 1998-2015
- Serialization: Morning
- Chapters: 327
Vagabond deserves to be highlighted again, as it is, without a doubt, the definitive samurai masterpiece, combining philosophy, art and action like no other.
Although it has already been mentioned, it is undeniable that its grandeur surpasses other titles, mainly due to its narrative depth and impressive realism.
These are the 15 best samurai manga that every fan of the genre needs to know. As with all our recommendations, we value diversity of styles and narratives.
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