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Top 10 Manga Without Anime Adaptation

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Every day, several manga are adapted into a TV anime series. In the summer of 2023 alone, more than 30 anime are scheduled to premiere soon! And the number is growing every day. But even after all this excitement, there are still many well-written manga without an anime adaptation.

In the vast manga catalog, sometimes these manga are forgotten for various reasons. And the public never gets to hear anything official. In this section, we'll take a look at some of the most popular manga series that don't yet have an anime. So, without further ado, let's get started.

10. The Climber

The Climber - Mangá sem anime

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

The manga follows his journey from 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

Dandadan - Mangá Sem Anime

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 series Chainsaw Man, but is much wilder than the latter, including the fact that the main character is "ballless." It's not the best, but it's certainly one of the best manga of the new generation 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 nonsense. Her new friend, however, thinks the exact opposite. To resolve the issue, the two set out to prove each other wrong. What unfolds next is a beautiful story of young love… and strangely excited aliens and spirits!

8. Lone Wolf & Cub

Lone Wolf & Cub - Mangá sem anime

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 Yagyū clan's false accusations, 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 art, 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

Fire Punch - Mangá Sem Anime

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

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

6. Holyland

Holyland - Mangá Sem Anime

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

With his newfound knowledge, he takes to the streets, hoping to find a place for himself in the nighttime gang violence of Tokyo. His fighting skills improve, and he begins to find his first friends, and with them a place to protect—his own "Holy Land."

5. Psyren

Psyren - Mangá Sem Anime

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 the potential to be a successful anime if it receives a proper adaptation from a prominent animation studio.

4. Oyasumi Punpun

Oyasumi Punpun - Mangá Sem Anime

Oyasumi Punpun is one of the most recognized works you'll ever see. Best known for its captivating plot and emotionally engaging characters, the series leaves its readers in a state of awe. The manga explores very mature and sensitive themes throughout the series, perfectly matched by its beautiful art.

Through a boy named 'Punpun,' the author illustrated the journey of his adult life. From elementary school to his early 20s, the author portrayed Punpun's struggles as he navigates family issues, his love life, and many other events that can be mentally challenging for anyone.

3. I Am A Hero

Eu sou um herói - mangá sem anime

The zombie apocalypse is a topic that has been well-received by mainstream media. While this type of content is lacking 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 exhausting but low-paying job, until one day, an unknown disease (dubbed ZQN) spreads through 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

Meninos do século 20 - mangá sem anime

One of Naoki Urasawa's extraordinary works, 20th Century Boys is a successful science fiction mystery manga. The series follows 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 reunite to face their childhood club's mascot, "Friend," one last time. Given the success of the Monster anime, if the creator decides to tackle an adaptation of 20th Century Boys, all the evidence points to another successful anime.

1. Vagabond

Vagabundo - Mangá Sem Anime

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 narrative. Even so, it wasn't enough for the producers to consider adapting it for 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.