Whether it’s the historical accuracy of “Vagabond,” the brutal action of “Shigurui,” or the redemptive journey of “Blade of the Immortal,” these manga offer a rich and immersive experience for fans of the samurai spirit and Japanese history. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best samurai manga. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Sword Of The Stranger

Sword Of The Stranger is a critically acclaimed action-adventure samurai manga adaptation of the original film and follows young orphan Kotaro and his dog who go on the run after a group of Ming Dynasty assassins attack them. However, things change when they meet an unknown Ronin named Nanashi.

Haunted by his past, Nanashi had previously forbidden himself from ever drawing his sword again in his life, but fate sets him on the same path he left off on, and this time he vows to protect them both at any cost. Sword of the Stranger offers a riveting experience with its memorable fight sequences that will stay with you forever.

9. Lone Wolf And Cub

First published in 1970, Lone Wolf & Cub is considered the most influential piece of literature to come out of Japan during the 20th century. Through its exquisite art, deeply disturbing plot, and well-written characters, the manga truly crossed the line between popular media and true literature.

The series follows Ogami Itto, an elite executioner who is falsely accused of brutally murdering his vassals in a conspiracy war. With his name dishonored and his wife murdered, Ogami seeks revenge against the opposing clan while carrying his young son, Daigoro, with him.

8. Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai follows the central plot of holding the number one headband as it is considered the greatest honor a warrior can have. Afro's father, Rokutaro, was number one for quite some time until his old friend, Justice, showed up to take the headband which resulted in his father's unfortunate death.

Filled with vengeance and with a furious heart, Afro begins his quest for revenge. Afro Samurai has something that most martial arts anime and manga fail to offer: the incredible blend of Japanese and American influences that make it a stylish yet historical samurai manga full of breathtaking fighting panels.

7. Drifters

From the author of Hellsing, Drifters is another historical manga mix with the fantasy of Middle Earth and feudal Japan, where prolific figures, unconventional heroes and warriors from different eras are brought to a fantasy setting after they die in order to fight each other.

The story revolves around Shimazu Toyohisa, who is drawn into a new world completely different from his own. Along with other “Drifters,” Shimazu is put to the test in an all-out battle to help the subjects of the Empire while protecting their lands from the fiercest warriors in history.

6. Samurai Champloo

Three protagonists, three different personalities, three goals – Samurai Champloo crafts its story in such a way that it’s impossible not to be captivated by the series. Notably, the Samurai Champloo manga came after the anime concluded, so it’s not an adaptation, but rather an attempt to expand on the original story.

The manga follows fifteen-year-old waitress Fuu, a gruff mercenary Mugen, and a reserved ronin Jin, as the three unlikely companions embark on a grand adventure pursuing their separate goals in a society oppressed by the cynical kindness of nobles and treachery of the underworld.

5. Dororo

Dororo, by legendary manga artist Osamu Tezuka, is a classic samurai manga from the late 1960s that tells the story of a young ronin, Hyakkimaru, who was born without critical body parts because of the pact his greedy father made with demons in exchange for the prosperity of his land.

The worst part? He was left to die in the desert as a newborn. Deprived of a normal life, Hyakkimaru grows up in pain and agony, living a life of gray. Determined to recover parts of his body, he sets out on a quest to slay all demons while learning the true meaning of humanity and what it means to be whole.

4. Shigurui

Shigurui is a rare gem that delivers one of the most well-framed narratives in the samurai manga class. Featuring characters driven by honor and some of the most dramatic plot twists, the series tells the story of how an interesting conflict arose between two beaten and mutilated samurai.

The story begins with a deadly combat between two highly skilled swordsmen, Fujiki Gennosuke and Iraki Seigen, each with an incredibly strong disdain for each other, and then culminates in a flashback explaining how the two came to be. Shigurui offers a brutal take on martial arts and you should definitely give it a try.

3. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical fantasy manga that spawned one of the best live action anime adaptations. The series follows an Ishin assassin whose skill and brutality have become almost legendary in the Restoration era, but one day he disappears without a trace.

Years later, he resurfaces as a wandering swordsman named Himura Kenshin, who seeks to fulfill his vow to protect the weak without killing in order to atone for the lives he took. It is not long, however, before this vow is put to the test and the shadows of his past return to haunt him.

2. Blade Of The Immortal

Set in Japan during the middle Shogunate period, Blade of the Immortal follows the cursed samurai Manji who has to kill 1000 evil men to regain his mortality. Along the way, he meets Rin Asano, a young woman seeking revenge against the murderers of her entire family.

A girl driven by revenge and a man who must kill a varying number of evil men in order to finally die; with this alliance set in stone, the two embark on a perilous journey of bloodshed and revenge, each to fulfill their own life's cause. The added blood and violence make this a modern standout in the samurai manga genre.

1. Vagabond

Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond is one of the best-written samurai manga to date. Seen as a parallel to Berserk and Vinland Saga, Inoue's timeless and realistic art style pairs well with his fantastical storytelling. Even so, it wasn't enough for the producers to consider adapting it into an anime.

Vagabond is an action-packed portrait of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher – the most celebrated samurai of all time! Seeking enlightenment through the sword, it details Miyamoto Musashi’s journey from wanted criminal to legendary swordsman.

Which of the following samurai manga 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.