Exploring the universe of samurai manga is primarily plunging into stories full of honor, epic combat and intense moral dilemmas. So we selected the 15 best samurai manga of all time, listed from 15th to 1st place.
15. Shiguuri
- Evil Note: 8,06
- Year: 2003-2010
- Serialization: Champion Red
- Chapters: 84
First of all, we have Shigurui who tells a deadly tournament between two warriors marked by physical and emotional scars. The plot stands out for its impressive brutality and aesthetics.
Certainly, this manga impacts its visceral representation of Samurai codes of honor, and its traits are detailed and realistic, reinforcing the dark atmosphere.
14. Azumi
- Evil Note: 7,72
- Year: 1994-2008
- Serialization: Big Comic Superior
- Chapters: 350
Azumi accompanies a secret murderer created in secret to eliminate leaders who threaten peace in feudal Japan. The work explores the weight of choices and violence.
In addition, the manga stands out for portraying a strong and complex protagonist who fights his destiny, but still remains faithful to his mission.
13. Kurogane
- Evil Note: 7,42
- Year: 2011-2013
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 70
Kurogane presents a fragile young man who unexpectedly acquires samural skills through a spirit. The narrative mixes action, comedy and self -discovery.
Although it has supernatural elements, the work rescues classic values of the bushido, that is, discipline, courage and honor, while building captivating characters.
12. Gintama
- Evil Note: 8,64
- Year: 2003-2019
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 709
Gintama subverts the genre by inserting samurai into a futuristic world invaded by aliens. However, it does not lose the essence of traditional warriors.
While entertaining with irreverent humor, it also thrills with serious arches and memorable combat, so it is a mandatory reading for samurai fans.
11. Peace Maker Kurogane
- Evil Note: 7,72
- Year: 2002-Desknated
- Serialization: Comic Blade
- Chapters: Unknown
Peace Maker Kurogane tells the story of Tetsunosuke, a young man seeking to avenge his parents' death by joining Shinsengumi, a legendary samurai group.
Like other historical manga, it combines real facts with fiction, delivering intense action, but equally a deep human drama.
10. Samurai Champloo
- Evil Note: 7,41
- Year: 2004
- Serialization: Shounen Ace
- Chapters: 10
Inspired by the homonymous anime, Samurai Champloo mixes Samurai culture with hip hop on a journey of three characters in search of a mysterious florist.
Unexpectedly, the work conquers for the contrast between tradition and modernity, and has a vibrant artistic style and striking fight scenes.
9. Rurouni Kenshin
- Evil Note: 8,54
- Year: 1994-1999
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 259
In short we have one of the best samurai manga, Rurouni Kenshin accompanies a former Assosino who, sorry, 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
- Evil Note: 8,41
- Year: 1993-2012
- Serialization: Afternoon
- Chapters: 207
First, Blade of the Immortal follows Manji, an immortal samurai seeking redemption by killing a thousand bad men. Thus, the journey is brutal and deeply emotional.
Similar to other works of its kind, explores the endless cycle of revenge, but with a unique and striking artistic style.
7. Lone Wolf and Cub
- Evil Note: 8,63
- Year: 1970-1976
- Serialization: Manga Action
- Chapters: 142
Then we have Lone Wolf and Cub that tells the saga of Ogami Itto and his son, who roam Japan as rent killers after political betrayal.
Undeniably, manga is a timeless classic as it has masterfully choreographed battles while addressing topics such as paternity and revenge.
6. Hana no Keiji
- Evil Note: 7,46
- Year: 1989-1993
- Serialization: Shounen Jump (Weekly)
- Chapters: 167
At first, Hana no Keiji is a manga based on the life of Maeda Keiji, an eccentric samurai and passionate about the arts. Thus, instead of the typical warrior contained, Keiji is impulsive, poetic and free, living with intensity in the period Sengoku.
In addition, with striking features and dynamic action scenes, the manga mixes intense combat with reflections on honor and beauty. Anyway, it is a unique work within the genus Samurai, celebrating individuality in the midst of war.
5. House of Five Leaves
- Evil Note: 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 enigmatic Yaichi.
Although the action is contained, the manga stands out for the psychological depth of the characters and the melancholy atmosphere, and has a contemplative rhythm.
4.
- Evil Note: 7,54
- Year: 2005-2010
- Serialization: Young Jump
- Chapters: 267
Meanwhile, Sidoh portrays two orphaned brothers who need to survive as mercenary samurai during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period, full of wars and social transformations.
Thus, the manga impresses with the raw violence and authentic portrait of Japan in transition, as well as the emotional complexity of the protagonists.
3. Samurai Executioner
- Evil Note: 7,93
- Year: 1972-1976
- Serialization: Shuukan Gendai
- Chapters: 54
On the other hand, we have Samurai Executioner accompanies Yamada Asaemon, an executor of the oil that deals with those condemned to death, reflecting on justice, duty and morality.
While exploiting ethical dilemmas, the work differs by the human look at those who live in the shadow of the sword, that is, those who apply the law.
2. Hyouge Mono
- Evil Note: 7,92
- Year: 2005-2017
- Serialization: Morning
- Chapters: 273
Hyouge Mono is a unique manga that focuses on Furuta Sasuke, a samurai in love with tea ceremonies and aesthetics, but divided 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.
- Evil Note: 9,27
- Year: 1998-2015
- Serialization: Morning
- Chapters: 327
Vagabond deserves the prominence again, because it is undoubtedly the definitive masterpiece about samurai, combining philosophy, art and action like no other.
Although it has already been quoted, it is undeniable that its grandeur exceeds the other titles, especially for the 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 the diversity of styles and narratives.
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