The presence of strong female protagonists who defy conventional norms reminds readers that strength knows no gender and that anyone, regardless of their background, can overcome challenges. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most powerful manga with exceptional female protagonists. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a bloody manga that offers a surprising plot, entangled with complicated character relationships. The series centers on Lucy, a special breed of human known as “Diclonius,” who was born with a pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands.

Based on the interaction between humans and mutant species, the manga sees inhumane scientific experimentation and a torrent of bloodshed as Lucy escapes her captors! Elfen Lied is truly a manga that can haunt the unprepared for many moons to come.

9. Saga of Tanya the Evil

Saga of Tanya the Evil is a promising manga with a strong female protagonist who is cold, calculating, and selfish, yet still likable. Before being reincarnated as a teenager in the midst of war, Tanya Degurechaff was a salaryman with a tough and self-centered psyche.

Tanya is sent to a magical world by a god she calls “Being X.” Determined to defy, Tanya resolves to rise through the ranks of her country’s military, propelling the mighty Empire to become one of the most powerful nations in human history.

8. Akatsuki no Yona

Shōjo manga built around the tropes of harem, historical fantasy, and adventure is a rare sight, and Yona of the Dawn is one of a kind. The series chronicles Princess Yona and her coming-of-age story as she transforms from a spoiled princess into a badass warrior.

Set in the medieval era, the anime follows Yona’s journey as she gathers allies and becomes a better fighter to reclaim her throne and become the true leader she was always meant to be. This classic epic, low fantasy story of a princess in a dangerous struggle for power is a must-read.

7. Kakegurui

In the age of manga infested with average and nice main characters, Kakegurui takes a slightly different approach by featuring a neutral protagonist. Yumeko Jabami is a transfer student at a prestigious high school, Hyakkaou Private Academy.

A school where spoiled children from wealthy families come to show off their prowess in gambling and deception serves as the perfect stage for Yumeko to prove her worth—exploiting her opponents' strengths against them using her intricate tricks and sheer ingenuity.

6. Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk manga series with a strong female protagonist praised for its dark, psychological, and science fiction elements. The series became a cult hit after the release of its first feature-length film in 1995, however, the story was originally adapted from a manga published in 1989.

Set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world where technology is increasingly blurring the lines between humans and robots, the manga follows cyborg police officer Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. This paves a path for her self-discovery as she explores the norms of a cyborg-human society.

5. Akame ga Kill!

Akame ga Kill! is one of the rarest manga to feature a strong female protagonist as both the protagonist and antagonist. The story is about Tatsumi joining Night Raid and becoming stronger in order to protect his allies and save the people from the corrupt government that almost took advantage of him.

As the manga stands, Tatsumi is the main character with the character growth focused on him, Akame, however, has a more significant character role happening mostly in the background. In short, the series is about Akame seen through Tatsumi's eyes.

4. Darling in the Franxx

Contrary to the idea of the manga being adapted into an anime, the Darling in the Franxx manga version came after the original anime aired. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic setting where children raised to be soldiers must pilot mecha robots, defending mobile cities that cling to survival.

Darling in the Franxx centers on the partnership between Hiro, a former prodigy, and Zero Two, a human hybrid and elite pilot who aspires to become fully human. Although Zero Two is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic character, she serves as the series' strongest asset.

3. Kill la Kill

The Kill la Kill manga was developed at the same time as the anime. The story follows the vagabond high school student Ryuko Matoi wearing a sailor uniform that gives her the power to overcome her enemies and give her the answers she seeks!

The manga is essentially the same as the anime, with some minor changes in pacing and story details. Additionally, the Kill la Kill manga was never completed and was canceled halfway through (shortly after the release of the third volume) before the story could properly end.

2. Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon is a refreshing crime thriller where women rule the battlefield. Featuring a sadistic protagonist, the series follows the Lagoon Company, a four-member crew of pirate mercenaries who smuggle goods in and around the seas of Southeast Asia.

Sometimes the hero of the story may not necessarily be the “good” person – for this reason, Revy and her gang take on various jobs involving criminal organizations and violent shootouts! Black Lagoon manages to feature a colorful cast that appeals in part because of its moral ambiguity.

1. Claymore

Claymore is arguably the best manga with a strong female protagonist ever made. The series chronicles Claire's fascinating journey of revenge as she sets out to find the Yoma responsible for her mentor's death. Starting from the very bottom, the story follows her growth as a warrior.

Even though Claymore is a female-dominated series, the roles of the male characters are also very appealing, which makes this manga even more interesting in terms of presenting the much-needed dynamics between both genders.

Which of the following manga with a strong female protagonist is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other manga like the ones listed above. Also, don't forget to share this article with your otaku friends.