Manga has a unique ability to weave intricate narratives filled with suspense, enigma, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. At AnimeKing, we celebrate the latest popular anime adaptations and the original manga series that inspired them, especially those that delve into the mysterious realms of storytelling. This genre captivates not only through its compelling characters but also through the secrets and puzzles that unfold with each chapter, inviting readers to embark on a thrilling intellectual journey.
In this guide, we present the 15 most mysterious manga series you need to read in 2024. Each title in our anime ranking embodies a blend of captivating plots, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the genre, these must-read series promise to ignite your curiosity and keep you guessing until the very last page.
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1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 – Steel Ball Run – A Race Across America with High Stakes and Twists
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
Steel Ball Run is one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved parts of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series, even though it started as a standalone story before being officially included in the JoJo universe. Set in 1890, it follows Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar as they race across America in the Steel Ball Run for a grand prize of 50 million dollars.
The stakes are incredibly high in this race, but it’s not just about speed; Gyro wields powerful spinning steel balls, and Johnny, a former jockey, uses his newfound Stand ability to keep up. The blend of action, supernatural powers, and deep character development makes Steel Ball Run a thrilling adventure filled with twists and intense confrontations. The expansive setting across America provides a fresh and exciting backdrop for the bizarre events that unfold, and fans praise this installment for its mix of historical references and supernatural elements.
2. Monster – A Deep Dive into Psychological Horror and Morality
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
Monster is a masterpiece in the psychological thriller genre, exploring the complex morality of human life. Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant Japanese surgeon in Germany, faces an ethical dilemma when he chooses to save the life of a young boy over a political figure. Unbeknownst to him, this boy grows up to become Johan, a sociopathic serial killer whose actions will haunt Dr. Tenma for years.
Set against the backdrop of post-reunification Germany, Monster deftly weaves a chilling narrative filled with suspense, exploring the philosophical battle between good and evil. The anime presents questions about fate, guilt, and the moral consequences of one’s choices. Dr. Tenma’s pursuit of Johan takes him on a journey through the darkest recesses of the human psyche, and the tension is masterfully sustained as the series slowly reveals the horrifying truth behind the “Monster” that Johan has become.
3. Umineko When They Cry Episode 8: Twilight of the Golden Witch – A Twisted Tale of Family Secrets and Supernatural Horror
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
The Umineko When They Cry series is a psychological and supernatural puzzle, and Episode 8: Twilight of the Golden Witch delivers one of its most dramatic and emotionally charged arcs. The story once again brings the Ushiromiya family together on Rokkenjima island, where tensions run high during their annual family gathering. At the heart of the narrative is Ange Ushiromiya, who navigates the mysteries and dark secrets that surround her family.
What makes Umineko stand out is its intricate blend of fantasy and reality, where supernatural elements coexist with logical puzzles. As the series unfolds, the lines between what is real and what is magical blur, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The story delves into themes of truth, deception, and human nature, forcing viewers to question everything they see.
4. Land of the Lustrous – A Shining Tale of Fragile Beauty and Fierce Battles
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi
Set in a world inhabited by crystalline beings known as The Lustrous, Land of the Lustrous is an anime that beautifully merges action, philosophy, and stunning visual artistry. The protagonist, Phosphophyllite (Phos), is one of the weakest and most fragile gems, constantly yearning for a greater purpose. While others defend their world from the Lunarians, who seek to turn them into decorations, Phos is given a seemingly dull task of compiling a natural history.
However, this assignment brings Phos into contact with Cinnabar, a gem who lives in isolation due to their toxic powers. Through their interactions, Land of the Lustrous explores deep questions of self-worth, identity, and purpose, all while delivering breathtaking action sequences as the gems fight for survival.
5. 20th Century Boys – A Gripping Mystery of Nostalgia and Global Catastrophe
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi, Thriller
20th Century Boys is a sprawling, genre-defying tale that spans decades and intertwines the past with the present. It tells the story of Kenji, a convenience store manager who is suddenly thrust into a life-or-death battle against a mysterious cult known as “Friend.” As events unfold, Kenji realizes that the sinister plans of this group are rooted in the innocent games he played with his friends back in 1969.
The series masterfully weaves a complex narrative that jumps between timelines, slowly revealing how a childhood symbol of friendship has grown into something that threatens the entire world. Filled with mystery, suspense, and psychological depth, 20th Century Boys is a gripping ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
6. Dorohedoro – A Violent, Bizarre Adventure with Dark Comedy
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Set in a grim, dystopian city known only as “the Hole,” Dorohedoro is a dark fantasy that fuses grotesque violence with bizarre humor and captivating mystery. The story centers around Caiman, a man with a lizard head and no memory of his past, as he hunts down sorcerers with his partner, Nikaido. Their goal: to find the sorcerer responsible for Caiman’s current condition and exact revenge.
The world of Dorohedoro is a chaotic blend of horror and absurdity, with its eclectic cast of characters and surreal, nightmarish landscapes. Despite its grim setting, the anime often veers into dark comedy, providing moments of levity amidst the bloodshed. The show’s unique art style and unpredictable story make it a refreshing departure from typical fantasy anime.
7. Umineko When They Cry Episode 7: Requiem of the Golden Witch – Unraveling the Mystery of the Golden Witch
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller
In Requiem of the Golden Witch, the Umineko When They Cry series shifts its focus to the revelation of the truth behind the enigmatic Beatrice. Game master Bernkastel invites Will Wright, the Mage-Hunter, to step onto the board and solve the ultimate mystery: who killed Beatrice?
As Will revisits past events and pieces together the clues, Requiem of the Golden Witch dives deeper into the mythology of the series, offering fans long-awaited answers while maintaining the tension and mystery that has defined the series. The psychological and supernatural elements intertwine, creating a narrative that is as much about uncovering hidden truths as it is about the complex relationships between the characters.
8. Pluto – A Robot Detective on a Mission for Justice
Genres: Drama, Mecha, Mystery, Psychological, Sci-Fi
In Pluto, Naoki Urasawa reimagines Osamu Tezuka’s classic Astro Boy story arc, “The Greatest Robot on Earth,” and transforms it into a mature, gripping sci-fi mystery. The series takes place in a future where robots and humans coexist, but peace is shattered when a powerful robot, Mont Blanc, is destroyed. Soon after, key figures advocating for robot rights are also murdered.
Robot detective Gesicht is assigned to investigate these murders, and as he digs deeper, he realizes that he, too, is a target. The narrative unfolds like a noir detective story, exploring themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of artificial intelligence. Pluto is not only a thrilling mystery but also a profound commentary on the blurred lines
9. The Apothecary Diaries
Drama, Mystery
In the luxurious yet confining halls of the imperial palace, Maomao finds herself stuck as a servant, despite her sharp mind and knowledge of herbal medicine. What begins as a mundane existence soon takes a sharp turn when she uncovers a mysterious “curse” affecting the royal heirs. Her skills don’t go unnoticed, especially by the enigmatic eunuch Jinshi, who has grander plans for her. As she ascends to the role of food taster, Maomao is thrown deeper into palace intrigues, mixing potions and solving mysteries that few dare to face.
This manga’s charm lies in its complex portrayal of court life and the engaging mystery that weaves through its storylines. Maomao is no typical palace servant — her wit and independence make her a standout protagonist. This award-winning series marries historical drama with suspense, offering fans a journey filled with twists and clever deductions.
Awarded: Grand Prize in the Printed Manga category at the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Awards (2019).
10. Mushishi
Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Imagine beings that lurk just outside your perception—mushi, neither living nor dead, but entwined with nature itself. Few can see them, but Ginko can. As a mushishi, he wanders the world to help those affected by these ancient, ethereal creatures. His journeys reveal that mushi are more than mere pests; they are life forms that shape and are shaped by the world, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
With stunning art and contemplative storytelling, Mushishi blends the supernatural with the serene. The series invites viewers into a world where nature’s mysteries take center stage, offering a sense of wonder, but also danger. Ginko’s calm demeanor and open mind create a perfect contrast to the strange and sometimes haunting world of mushi.
Awards: Excellence Prize for Manga at the 7th Japan Media Arts Festival (2003), Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga (2006).
11. Bungo Stray Dogs Beast
Action, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
In an alternate universe of the Bungo Stray Dogs series, we witness a thrilling “what if?” scenario. Ryuunosuke Akutagawa, known for his ruthless demeanor, takes on a desperate mission to save his sister. His journey pulls him into the orbit of the Armed Detective Agency, setting the stage for an explosive story of loyalty, power, and redemption.
This spinoff adds layers to the original Bungo Stray Dogs universe by exploring characters from a different angle. If you’re a fan of action-packed, supernatural stories where heroes and villains blur, this is a compelling alternative perspective on familiar characters.
12. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
In a world of cultivation, where the balance between good and evil is fragile, the infamous Wei Wuxian returns from death in a body not his own. Only his sworn brother, Lan Wangji, believes in his innocence. Together, they seek to uncover the dark secrets that led to Wei Wuxian’s tragic end, all while rekindling old bonds.
Mo Dao Zu Shi balances its action and adventure with deeply personal stakes. The vibrant, mystical world is filled with sword fights, political intrigue, and a touch of romance. Fans will appreciate the intricate relationships and the dual narrative that mixes Wei Wuxian’s past with his present quest for justice.
13. Billy Bat
Drama, Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
Set in the turbulent post-war era of 1949, Billy Bat follows comic artist Kevin Yamagata as he uncovers unsettling truths about his own creation. What starts as a simple journey to get permission for using an image in his comic spirals into a tangled web of conspiracy, murder, and prophecy. The eponymous Billy Bat is more than just a cartoon; it’s the key to an ancient mystery that has roots far deeper than anyone could imagine.
Dark, complex, and filled with gripping suspense, Billy Bat isn’t just a comic within a comic; it’s a masterclass in layered storytelling. If you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing from page to page, this manga delivers with a punch.
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Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of manga, the allure of mystery continues to captivate readers. The 13 most mysterious manga series highlighted in this article offer thrilling plots, intricate character development, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, these titles are essential reads for anyone looking to delve into the enigmatic realms of storytelling.
As we explore the latest popular anime adaptations, many of these manga have gained recognition for their unique narratives, solidifying their place in the anime ranking of 2024. Don’t miss out on these remarkable stories—grab a copy and immerse yourself in the mysteries that await! For more recommendations and insights into the fascinating world of anime and manga, stay tuned to Animeking!