In the huge catalog of manga, sometimes these mangas get forgotten for various reasons. And the public never gets to hear anything from the official one. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most popular manga series that do not have an anime yet. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. The Climber

The Climber, also known as Kokou no Hito, is a seinen manga series partially based on the real-life climber Buntarō Katō. The story follows the life of a lonely and “gloomy” high school student named Buntarō Mori, who is introduced to sport climbing after transferring to a new high school.

The manga follows his journey from being part of a high school climbing club to becoming a world-class professional climber. Going through different phases of his life dealing with loneliness, solo climbing, and depression, Mori dedicates his life to conquering the most difficult mountain, K2.

9. Dandadan

The plot and supernatural elements of the Dandadan manga are quite bizarre and out of this world. It bears an uncanny resemblance to the popular shōnen Chainsaw Man, but is much wilder than the latter, including the fact that the main hero has “no balls”. It’s not the best, but it’s certainly one of the best new generation manga without an anime adaptation.

Momo Ayase strikes up an unusual friendship with her school’s UFO fanatic, Okarun. While Momo believes in spirits, she thinks aliens are just nonsense. Her new friend, however, thinks the exact opposite. To settle the matter, the two set out to prove each other wrong. What unfolds next is a beautiful story of young love… and strangely horny aliens and spirits!

8. Lone Wolf & Cub

Lone Wolf and Cub tells the story of Ogami Ittō, a samurai who loses everything, including his entire family, in a conspiratorial war. Disgraced by the false accusations of the Yagyū clan, he is forced to follow the path of the assassin. Together with his three-year-old son, Daigorō, they seek revenge against the Yagyū clan.

First published in 1970, the manga is widely recognized for its breathtaking artwork, well-written characters, and complex plot. While the manga has yet to be adapted into an anime, its influence can be seen in several American dramas, including the Star Wars spin-off “The Mandalorian.”

7. Fire Punch

Tatsuki Fujimoto has become a household name since the anime adaptation of his dark fantasy supernatural manga, Chainsaw Man. However, this isn't the first manga Fujimoto has written, and in fact, it's an even better manga with a much darker and more violent story than its successor.

Fire Punch takes place on an Earth that has become frozen and barren. The protagonist Agni is a young boy who possesses the blessing of regeneration. After his village succumbs to the unquenchable flames, he is constantly on fire, leaving him distressed and vowing revenge.

6. Holyland

Holyland is a martial arts-based manga that has yet to receive an anime adaptation, despite its huge success in other forms of media. The story follows Yū Kamishiro, an outcast who is bullied by his peers at school. Tired of being beaten day after day, Kamishiro begins practicing punching with a boxing guide.

With his new knowledge, he takes to the streets, hoping to find a place for himself in the gang violence of Tokyo at night. His fighting skills progress and he begins to find his first friends, and with them a place to protect, his own “Holy Land.”

5. Psyren

In the early 2000s, Psyren popularized the battle royale genre among shōnen fans. But it never received the attention it deserved, remaining an underrated gem. The manga follows a laid-back teenager, Ageha Yoshina, who is transported to a twisted alternate dimension where she must fight her way back to our world—or die trying.

As he adapts to the strange physics of this new world and the powers it has given him, he discovers that not everything is as it seems, in this world or his own! Psyren has all the potential to be a successful anime if it receives a proper adaptation from a prominent animation studio.

4. Oyasumi Punpun

Oyasumi Punpun is one of the most recognizable works you will ever come across. Best known for its gripping storyline and emotionally engaging characters, the series leaves its readers in a state of awe. The manga explores a very mature and sensitive theme throughout the series that perfectly matches its beautiful art.

Through a young boy named ‘Punpun’, the author has illustrated the journey of his adult life. From elementary school to his early 20s, the author has portrayed Punpun’s struggles that he goes through while dealing with family issues, love life, and many other events that can be mentally challenging for anyone.

3. I Am A Hero

The zombie apocalypse is a subject that has been well-received by mainstream media. While there is a lack of such content in Japanese media, there are still many revered series featuring hordes of the undead. Kengo Hanazawa’s “I Am A Hero” is one such story that takes a subtle approach to explaining how to survive a zombie outbreak.

As a manga artist's assistant, Hideo Suzuki's life seems to be tied to his grueling but low-paying job, until one day, an unknown disease (dubbed ZQN) spreads throughout the city, turning people into homicidal maniacs. Armed only with his sporting shotgun, Hideo runs for his life trying to become a "hero" in a destroyed world.

2. 20th Century Boys

One of Naoki Urasawa’s extraordinary works, 20th Century Boys is a successful science fiction mystery manga. The series follows the story of convenience store manager Kenji Endo who begins investigating a fanatical cult led by a character called “Friends” after one of his old friends suddenly commits suicide.

Starring a group of middle-aged friends growing up in 1960s Japan, they gradually come together to face their childhood club mascot, “Friend,” one last time. Given the success of the Monster anime, should the author decide to embark on an adaptation of 20th Century Boys, all evidence points to another successful anime.

1. Vagabond

Vagabond, by Takehiko Inoue, is one of the best-written 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 manga without an anime deserves an adaptation? Feel free to comment with your opinion and recommend any other manga like the ones listed above. Also, don't forget to share this article with your otaku friends.