Best 10 Historical Manga Worth Reading - retoreview
Discover the Top 10 Historical Manga You Can't Miss
Are you a fan of rich storytelling, immersive worlds, and intricate characters? If so, historical manga might be your next great adventure. Combining compelling narratives with meticulously researched historical settings, these manga series offer readers a unique glimpse into different eras and cultures. From the feudal battlegrounds of Japan to the Viking conquests of Europe, these stories are as educational as they are entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned manga enthusiast or a newcomer eager to dive into the genre, here are the top 10 historical manga that deserve a spot on your reading list.
Historie by Hitoshi Iwaaki
Alexander the Great is globally renowned as one of history's most illustrious military leaders. However, overshadowed by Alexander's monumental legacy, his trusted lieutenant Eumenes remains relatively obscure. Eumenes experienced a tumultuous life, surmounting numerous challenges and journeying extensively to connect with many prominent figures of his era.
Becoming Alexander the Great's right-hand man was no mere accident of birth. Eumenes earned this esteemed position through exceptional talent, sharp intellect, and unwavering confidence. This is his story.
Emma by Kaoru Mori
At the dawn of the 20th century, Victorian England sets the stage for a poignant and emotional love story between two individuals from starkly different social classes. Emma, a working-class maid, and William Jones, a wealthy aristocrat, find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other despite the rigid societal boundaries that separate them. Their relentless efforts to navigate the treacherous landscapes of wealth, power, and unyielding tradition form the heart of Kaoru Mori's gripping drama, "Emma."
The era's strict social hierarchies and the disapproval of the elite, including William's own family, strive to keep the couple apart, condemning their relationship as a breach of proper conduct. Yet, despite these formidable obstacles, William and Emma's bond deepens, their love proving stronger than the harshest judgments.
From the acclaimed author of "Otoyomegatari," this passionate narrative follows two individuals who refuse to surrender their love. Will William and Emma's relationship withstand the barrage of unforeseen challenges, or will they ultimately secure their happy ending?
Ad Astra: Scipio to Hannibal by Mihachi Kagano
In the 3rd century BC, following the First Punic War, Carthage endured a crushing naval defeat by the Roman Republic. The Carthaginian general, Hamilcar, was compelled to accept a humiliating peace treaty, while his son, Hannibal Barca—an unemotional yet exceptionally gifted 6-year-old—was foretold by the Carthaginians to be the future conqueror of Rome.
Years later, the grown Hannibal leads an army of 50,000 into Hispania, a territory under Roman protection, sparking the Second Punic War. The Roman Senate is taken aback, underestimating the Carthaginian threat. However, the young and talented Publius Cornelius Scipio swiftly perceives the danger posed by the brilliant Hannibal. In response to Hannibal's invasion, Scipio mobilizes a formidable Roman force of 100,000, preparing for a decisive clash.
Based on ancient historical events, *Ad Astra: Scipio to Hannibal* chronicles the lives of these two extraordinary military leaders and the pivotal battle that could determine the fate of their empires.
Golden Kamuy by Satoru Noda
Saichi Sugimoto, notorious as "Immortal Sugimoto" for his ruthless prowess in the Russo-Japanese War, is far from being celebrated as a war hero. Discharged from the army for nearly killing a superior officer, he is left to survive on his own. Now, navigating the harsh wilderness of Hokkaido, Sugimoto is in search of gold to honor a promise made to his fallen comrade. His search proves fruitless until a mysterious traveler shares a legend that might end his woes.
The legend tells of a criminal who stole gold from the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people, and hid it in a secret location. The map to this treasure isn't on parchment but tattooed on the skins of escaped convicts.
Joined by a young Ainu girl named Asirpa, Sugimoto embarks on a perilous quest to find these tattooed prisoners. Along the way, they face numerous threats from soldiers and mercenaries also hunting for the gold. With Asirpa's deep knowledge of the land, they journey together through a landscape marked by revenge, murder, and greed in pursuit of the stolen Ainu treasure.
Innocent by Shinichi Sakamoto
Charles-Henri Sanson grows up in a family deeply entrenched in the duties of execution. From a young age, he is exposed to the brutal reality of his family's legacy, a legacy that he is expected to continue. Despite his initial aversion to the gruesome task of taking lives, Charles-Henri is trained to perform executions with precision and dignity.
As he matures, Charles-Henri becomes increasingly conflicted between his familial obligations and his personal morals. The Sanson family’s duty is not just a job but a burden that shapes their lives and perceptions. The weight of this responsibility, combined with the societal and political pressures of the time, forces Charles-Henri to confront the nature of justice, punishment, and his own humanity.
A Bride's Story (Otoyomegatari) by Kaoru Mori
In the 19th century, in a tribal town near the Caspian Sea in Central Asia, life revolves around the customs and traditions passed down through generations along the Silk Road. Amir Halgal, a strikingly beautiful 20-year-old woman, is adept at archery, hunting, and horseback riding. She arrives from a distant village for an arranged marriage with Karluk Eihon, a charming 12-year-old boy.
The significant age difference makes their relationship awkward at first. However, through their daily interactions, Amir and Karluk gradually develop deep feelings of love and respect for one another, strengthening their bond. "Otoyomegatari" depicts the everyday lives and challenges of Amir and Karluk, along with other couples across Central Asia, offering a captivating portrayal of the era's culture and traditions.
Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki
A decade has elapsed since the culmination of Bakumatsu, a turbulent era marked by the populace's rebellion against the Tokugawa shogunate. The insurgents aimed to usher in an era of tranquility, envisioning a flourishing nation liberated from tyranny. Despite the advent of the Meiji period, peace remains elusive. While swords are outlawed, violence still plagues the streets, and the progeny of war veterans find themselves abandoned. Meanwhile, governmental corruption festers as officials prioritize personal gain over societal welfare.
Amidst this backdrop, Kenshin Himura, a wandering samurai once feared as the infamous Hitokiri Battousai, endeavors to ensure the ideals he once espoused are upheld. Tortured by remorse for his past deeds, Kenshin has renounced his lethal ways, vowing never to take another life. Yet inner peace eludes him as long as bloodshed persists.
In the 11th year of Meiji, Kenshin encounters Kaoru Kamiya, the proprietor of a modest dojo on the brink of closure due to threats from a self-professed Battousai imitator responsible for a spate of murders. Halting his travels, Kenshin allies with Kaoru to clear their names and confront the shadow of his past. But with his history looming over him, how long can he evade its grasp?
Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara
In ancient China's tumultuous Warring States era, Xin and Piao, two closely bonded youths, harbor aspirations of rising to the ranks of esteemed generals, despite their humble origins as orphaned slaves. Their fate takes a turn when they cross paths with a nobleman, who presents Piao with an opportunity to serve a vital role in the royal palace of Qin. As they part ways, Xin and Piao pledge to each other their shared vision of becoming the most eminent generals the world has seen.
However, tragedy strikes when a violent coup rocks the palace, leaving Xin to witness Piao's final moments. Fuelled by his friend's dying words, Xin embarks on a quest that leads him to encounter Zheng Ying, the young prince soon to ascend as the king of Qin.
Though their initial interactions are strained, Xin and Zheng forge an alliance, embarking on a journey fraught with challenges and bloodshed. Zheng's ambition is to unify the warring states under the banner of Qin, while Xin strives to ascend to the pinnacle of military leadership. Amidst a landscape of relentless warfare and intricate political intrigue, both within the palace and beyond its walls, the duo tirelessly pursue their audacious dreams, poised to reshape the course of history forever.
Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
In the heart of Viking territory, Thorfinn, born of legendary lineage, stands as one of the most skilled warriors amidst a band of mercenaries led by the cunning Askeladd. Despite his youth, Thorfinn's prowess is unmatched, a testament to his innate talent. However, his presence among the mercenaries is not driven by the lust for spoils, but rather by a deep-seated desire for vengeance. Haunted by a past tragedy inflicted upon his family, Thorfinn is determined to confront Askeladd in a fair duel and avenge their suffering.
Though Thorfinn's skills continue to sharpen on the battlefield alongside the war-hungry Danes, he remains unable to best his adversary. Yet, he refuses to abandon his quest for retribution. As events unfold, Askeladd devises a daring scheme upon learning of Danish prince Canute's capture—a plan that will not only shape the destiny of England's throne but also intertwine the fates of Thorfinn, Canute, and himself.
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 11th-century Europe, "Vinland Saga" paints a visceral portrait of a brutal era, where violence, chaos, and injustice reign supreme. In this unforgiving landscape, battle becomes a way of life, offering solace to some and torment to others who dwell within its unforgiving grasp.
Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue
In 16th-century Japan, Shinmen Takezou embodies a rugged, untamed spirit, both in his appearance and actions. His aggressive demeanor earns him the collective disdain and fear of his village, prompting him and his closest companion, Matahachi Honiden, to embark on a quest for a life beyond the confines of their provincial existence. They join the Toyotomi army, driven by dreams of glory. However, their aspirations are dashed when the Toyotomi suffer a devastating defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, leaving the friends on the brink of death.
Separated in the chaos, Shinmen returns home with a mission to inform the Hon'iden family of Matahachi's survival. Instead, he finds himself branded a criminal, falsely accused of his friend's murder due to his violent past. Captured and left for dead, Shinmen is rescued by the compassionate monk Takuan Soho, who renames him Musashi Miyamoto to elude authorities.
"Vagabond" intricately weaves the fictionalized tale of Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan's legendary swordsmen known as the "Sword Saint." It chronicles his evolution from a lone swordsman fixated on achieving invincibility to a enlightened warrior who discovers the value of friendship, self-awareness, and the essence of life itself.
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