The captivating blend of storytelling and historical setting makes these period sagas simply fresh and engaging for readers. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best historical manga that you shouldn’t miss. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Basilisk

Basilisk is a great historical manga for those who enjoy martial arts, especially ninja culture. Set in 16th century Japan, the story focuses on the rivalry between two ninja clans, the Iga and Kouga, as they are drawn into another bitter war to determine the next shogunate.

However, their rivalry does not stop the heirs of their respective clans, Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro Iga, from falling in love. Torn between their love for each other and their duty to their clans, the duo must ultimately decide the fate of their clans in an action-packed romantic saga.

9. Buddha

Coming from the “father of manga” himself, Buddha is Osamu Tezuka’s reimagining of the teachings of Gautama Buddha, who gave up his life of luxury to teach compassion to all. The manga takes us through the life of Buddha, from birth to enlightenment and death.

Through his artistic brilliance, Tezuka offers a unique blend of historical fiction, religion, and philosophy to bring to life a visually explicit, yet humorous and thought-provoking portrayal of the Buddha's life. It is a creative masterpiece and is recommended for fans of historical manga.

8. Arslan Senki

Before being turned into a manga, Heroic Legend of Arslan started out as a light novel series that was widely popular for its cultural setting, characters, and overall plot. Later, it gained fame as Fullmetal Alchemist, Hiromu Arakawa, came onto the scene when he decided to illustrate a manga version of this historic series.

Set in the fictional kingdom of Pars, inspired by ancient Persia, the series follows the journey of Crown Prince Arslan, who finds himself at the height of a nation that has been destroyed by its neighboring country. Burning with enmity, Arslan sets out to reclaim his throne and restore Pars to its former glory.

7. Mushishi

Mushishi is a seinen manga series written by one of the prolific manga writers Yuki Urushibara. Using various inspirations for its occult nature, the series is an episodic anthology with no overarching plot, in which the only common elements are Ginko and the Mushi.

Ginko’s encounters with the eclectic Mushi, supernatural creatures, act as a catalyst as he progresses through the story. Reflecting on what it truly means to be alive and to be, Ginko’s exploration takes readers into intimate and spectacular settings from mythology that define life at its strangest and most basic.

6. Otoyomegatari

Otoyomegatari, better known by its English title “A Bride's Story”, is one of the rare historical manga whose overall narrative is built around short chapter-long stories that focus on the minutiae of the daily lives of several young women who are married to men from different tribes and villages.

Set in Central Asia during the 19th century, the manga explores the challenges and joys of married life in a patriarchal society through its beautifully detailed art and well-developed characters. Otoyomegatari should be given a chance for its diligence in the customs and culture of nomadic people.

5. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical fantasy manga that spawned one of the best live-action anime adaptations. The series follows an assassin Ishin 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.

4. Golden Kamuy

To the surprise of many readers, Golden Kamuy beautifully crafts a story that is not only culturally rich but also adds educational value to the premise. The series is set in Hokkaido, Japan in the early 1900s and features Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russo-Japanese War.

On a rip-roaring adventure journey, he teams up with a local Ainu girl named Asirpa to locate a stolen hoard of Ainu gold hidden by a group of escaped convicts. Vivid characters, plenty of violence and bloodshed, and intricate historical details make Golden Kamuy an extremely good historical manga.

3. Kingdom

The Shōnen Jump historical catalog has proven to be a successful genre in recent years, thanks to the success of “Kingdom.” Written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara, the manga provides a fictionalized account of the Warring States period in China during the Zhou Dynasty era.

This epic war saga tells the rise and fall of kingdoms in ancient China through the eyes of a war orphan, Xin, who fights alongside his comrades to become the greatest general under the heavens. Through a path fraught with trials and bloodshed, Xin seeks to unify the territories of China for the first time in 500 years.

2. Vinland Saga

Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is a sweeping historical epic of staggering proportions. The series has everything it needs to be considered the greatest enterprise story ever told, including rich and textured storytelling, morally grey characters, gripping battles, and breathtaking art.

Vinland Saga takes us through the Viking world of Northern Europe (primarily England) and sees the historical rise of King Cnut the Great to power with a revenge plot centered on the historical explorer Thorfinn. The story progresses through several story arcs beyond this one, eventually culminating in an expedition to "Vinland".

1. Vagabond

Takehiko Inoue's Vagabond is one of the best-written historical 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 historical 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.