Historical Samurai Epic, Philosophical Volumes: 37 (on indefinite hiatus)

Follows Punpun—depicted as a crudely drawn bird—from elementary school to young adulthood, through depression, abuse, and alienation. Devastating, uncomfortable, and brilliant. A masterpiece about the darkness inside ordinary life. Not for the faint of heart —it can trigger depression.

Psychological Drama, Coming-of-Age, Existential Volumes: 13 (complete)

Shonen (targeted at young teen males) remains the most popular demographic, often featuring high-stakes battles and themes of perseverance.

We hope you find something that piques your interest in this list! Whether you're a seasoned anime and manga fan or just starting out, there's something for everyone.

For those who find the "power of friendship" trope tiresome, these titles offer mature storytelling, moral ambiguity, and complex themes. These are often categorized as Seinen (targeted at adult men) or Josei (adult women).