With their evocative art styles, compelling characters, and exploration of profound themes, post-apocalyptic manga continues to haunt the readers, taking them on journeys through desolate landscapes, exploring the resilience of the human spirit, and questioning the very essence of what it means to be human in the face of catastrophe.
Whether it’s the gripping battles against Titans in “Attack on Titan”, the exploration of power and identity in “Akira”, or the haunting journey through a labyrinthine city in “BLAME!”, these manga titles offer immersive and thought-provoking narratives. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
10. Rebuild World
Based on the light novel series by Nafuse, Rebuild World follows Akira, a young hunter who strives to escape the slums and the deadly wastelands surrounding it. Relic hunting offers his only hope of clawing his way to a better life outside the slums and he takes the job.
In a world where hunters are trying to overcome the legacy of the old civilization, Akira comes across an unearthly girl that turns his life around. Rebuild World is a mix of sci-fi and adventure elements that explore themes of survival, technology, and the resilience of humanity, making it a stellar example of post-apocalyptic manga.
9. 7 Seeds
7 Seeds is a critically acclaimed shojo manga set in a world where humanity faces extinction due to a global catastrophe. As a result, the Japanese government launches the “7 Seeds” project to ensure the survival of humanity by selecting groups of young people and cryogenically preserving them.
The manga sees a dynamic story of the survival of multiple groups facing unique challenges while uncovering the mysteries of the disaster that befell humanity. 7 Seeds capitalizes beautifully on human unification in the face of grave danger.
8. Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone is one of the most popular post-apocalyptic manga that combines the elements of science and technology to deliver a compelling story. The series imagines a future world afflicted by a peculiar beam of light that petrifies all of humanity, turning them into stone statues.
Thousands of years later, a young scientific genius named Senku decides to embark on a mission to unlock the secrets of petrification and restore civilization. Dr. Stone is an adventurous tale of scientific discoveries, human ingenuity, and the power of knowledge in shaping the world.
7. Biomega
Mature manga readers might find Tsutomu Nihei’s sci-fi series “Biomega” up to their taste. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic setting, the series highlights a virus-infected world resulting in the mutation of humans into monstrous creatures known as “Drones”.
The story follows Zoichi Kanoe and his AI companion Fuyu Kanoe who are agents sent by TOA Heavy Industries to retrieve humans with the ability to resist and transmute the infection. Biomega is an intricate piece of work exploring the themes of cyberpunk, horror, and dystopian society.
6. Blame!
From the same author of “Biomega”, the story of Blame! is set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The manga follows the stoic protagonist Killy as he explores a chaotic megastructure called “The City” in search of a human with the Net Terminal Gene to restore order.
The manga’s narrative primarily focuses on Killy’s exploration, battles, and encounters as he navigates the dangerous and enigmatic world of “Blame!”. To top it off, the series offers a dark and oppressive atmosphere that blends smoothly with its intricate art making it a good-to-go post-apocalyptic manga.
5. Eden: It’s An Endless World
A very common attribute of a post-apocalyptic manga is that it concerns the readers with an unsettling atmosphere depicting the future ravaged by a pandemic or calamity. Eden: It’s an Endless World shares a similar plot as the series takes place in a world devastated by a deadly virus called “Closure Virus”.
On the brink of the extinction of humanity, the manga follows Elijah Ballard and his quest for the truth about the virus. The nuanced character-building, geopolitical tensions, and riveting storytelling in the series reinforce both flaws and virtues of humanity at its darkest hour.
4. I Am A Hero
The zombie apocalypse is a very well-received subject in the mainstream media. Although, there’s a lack of such type of content in Japanese mediums still there is plenty of revered series featuring hordes of the undead. Kengo Hanazawa’s “I Am A Hero” is one such story that takes a subtle approach to explain how to survive a zombie outbreak.
Manga artist assistant, Hideo Suzuki’s life seems to be stuck around his exhausting but low-paying job until one day, an unknown disease (nicknamed ZQN) spreads into the city turning people into homicidal maniacs. Armed with only his sporting shotgun, Hideo runs for his life in trying to become a “hero” within a destroyed world.
3. Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind
Written and illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli film centered around the themes of environmentalism and the complexities of war. Set in a post-nuclear futuristic world, the film follows a young princess named Nausicaä.
After Earth’s ecosystem is ravaged by a deadly toxin caused by a global war, she presides over an island in the future. However, Nausicaä becomes embroiled in a struggle with Tolmekia, a kingdom that tries to use an ancient weapon to eradicate a jungle full of giant mutant insects.
2. Attack On Titan
Coming from the brilliant mind of Hajime Isayama, Attack On Titan is arguably the most well-known dark fantasy post-apocalyptic manga ever made – a brutal and ravaging series that’s not afraid to kill off the main cast if that’s what the story requires.
Set in a dystopian world, the manga sees the struggle of humanity to protect themselves from the mindless humanoid predators called Titans while living behind a series of protective walls. Full of mysteries to uncover, Attack On Titan is worth checking out manga for beginners.
1. Akira
In the seinen manga category, Akira is acknowledged for its thought-provoking narrative and exploration of themes such as power and identity. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, the series revolves around Shotaro Kaneda, a cyberpunk motorcyclist, and his childhood friend with telekinetic abilities, Tetsuo Shima.
Focusing on the story of Kaneda and Tetsuo, the series recounts the conflict of the duo against the anti-government elements to free Tokyo from the oppression of greedy politicians, activists, and irresponsible scientists backed by powerful military forces.
Which one of the following post-apocalyptic manga is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other manga like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.
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