Must-Read Mangas for Diehard Demon Slayer Fans

Demon Slayer has achieved immense cultural popularity in recent years, primarily due to the highly successful anime adaptation by Ufotable. There is no doubt about the impact it has had. The anime's success has been so remarkable that it has greatly contributed to the manga's sales, surpassing a staggering 150 million copies sold and establishing itself as one of the top-selling manga series of all time.

The story of Demon Slayer follows a classic shonen narrative. Set in early 20th-century Japan, it revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a young man who tragically lost his family to a powerful demon overlord named Muzan. With only his sister Nezuko surviving, though now transformed into a demon herself, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corp with the aim of eliminating Muzan and finding a way to restore Nezuko's humanity. This storyline adheres to a familiar formula.

Following this, in no particular order, these ten series will be of interest to fans of Demon Slayer.

Ten manga series for Demon Slayer fans

1) Saint Seiya

Toei Animation has depicted an underrated influence in the shonen genre.

Compare Demon Slayer to Saint Seiya in the 80s and one may argue that they share similar traits, disregarding the influence of social media. Both series feature a group of youthful warriors affiliated with an organization. Furthermore, they both have a female character who serves as a figure in need of protection. Additionally, each organization boasts a remarkable crop of elite fighters.

The content fragment that needs to be

The series focuses on a group of warriors called 'Saints,' they have been trained for years to get their Cloths, which are based on astrology. They are tasked with protecting the goddess Athena and have to deal with many threats over the years, including other Gods and even threats within the Saints as well.

2) JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Result:

2) JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

The narrative revolves around a band of formidable fighters known as the 'Saints,' who undergo rigorous training for years to acquire their astrological-based armor called Cloths. Their ultimate mission is to safeguard the goddess Athena, facing numerous perils along their journey, including duels against other divine beings and even internal conflicts among the Saints themselves.

Demon Slayer (Image via David Production) is directly influenced by JoJo's Bizarre Adventure's Hamon, as stated by author Koyoharu Gotouge. This connection can be seen in both stories, particularly in the conflict between Hamon users and vampires in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood, which parallels the conflict between the Demon Slayer Corp and Muzan's demons.

The remarkable aspect of JoJo's lies in its exceptional creativity and innovation, evident through its character designs, unique abilities, and dynamic battle systems. Furthermore, the series is enhanced by its division into nine distinct parts, each with its own compelling storyline, diverse characters, and captivating protagonists. Undeniably, this accomplishment stands as one of the manga's greatest artistic triumphs, deserving immense praise for author Hirohiko Araki.

3) Bleach

If you're a Demon Slayer fan, there's another manga that might catch your interest: Bleach. It was considered one of the Big Three of shonen manga for a reason. Author Tite Kubo managed to create a story with depth and substance, even if he didn't always receive the recognition for it. His phenomenal artwork showcased pristine and clear visuals, which played a significant role in the franchise's enduring popularity. This is evident from the recent anime adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc by Studio Pierrot.

4) Black Clover

Conversely, Bleach presents an interesting contrast. While many enthusiasts praise the Demon Slayer anime for surpassing the manga, there is an argument to be made that the opposite is true for Bleach. Although Studio Pierrot's adaptation is commendable, it fails to capture the exquisite artwork and intricate use of black and white found in Kubo's manga. Consequently, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals who express a preference for the manga over the anime.

Both Demon Slayer and Black Clover share a common trait - their simplistic and enjoyable shonen plots. However, Black Clover stands out with its expansive world and a touch of ambition. Despite its ups and downs, the series has managed to endure, just like Asta's unwavering determination to become the Wizard King.

5) Magi

The story initially follows a familiar pattern before evolving into a more intricate plot. Our protagonist, Asta, aspires to become the Wizard King in a world where the majority of individuals possess magical abilities. Interestingly, Asta himself lacks this gift. Yuki Tabata, the author, complements the narrative with artwork that, much like Tite Kubo's style, effectively communicates the story visually.

Written by Shinobu Ohtaka, an underrated mangaka, Magi presents fans of Demon Slayer with a refreshing blend of familiarity and uniqueness. While Demon Slayer boasts a straightforward world and story, Magi stands out with its captivating battle system and intricately woven dual worlds that truly deserve greater recognition.

The narrative unfolds in a world that draws heavily upon the enchanting tapestry of Arabian myths. It revolves around the intriguing exploits of Alibaba Saluja and Aladdin, two youthful protagonists. United by a common purpose, they embark on a perilous adventure known as "Dungeon Diving," driven by the desire to harness the extraordinary abilities bestowed by these enigmatic labyrinths. Little do they know that their journey will surpass the ordinary expectations of most individuals.

6) Berserk

Berserk is not just another manga – it is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time (Image via Hakusensha).

No matter if you are a die-hard Demon Slayer fan or simply appreciate a good story, Berserk is a must-read for everyone. Crafted by the late Kentaro Miura, this manga has achieved legendary status thanks to its breathtaking artwork, thought-provoking themes, compelling storytelling, and epic action sequences.

7) Vagabond

Guts, a nomadic warrior, embarks on a quest to track down Griffith, the man who betrayed him and his comrades, with the intention of exacting his revenge. However, his path is strewn with formidable demonic beings called Apostles. Although the premise appears straightforward, Guts' profound journey, unfolding from his very birth, imparts a captivating character development that ranks among the finest in storytelling, offering a valuable lesson in triumphing over trauma.

Vagabond ranks alongside Berserk in debates about the greatest manga series ever created, making its inclusion on this list unsurprising. While it shares a setting in Japan and a strong emphasis on swordsmanship with Demon Slayer, the two works diverge greatly in terms of their stories, themes, and narrative styles.

8) Yu Yu Hakusho

The content centers around the journey of Musashi Miyamoto, a renowned samurai, as he evolves from an individual driven by a selfish desire for violence to a more multifaceted character. The manga's supreme quality art and gripping fight scenes stand as unparalleled accomplishments within the genre. However, it is Musashi's personal growth and profound philosophical perspectives on life that truly captivate and serve as the manga's primary allure.

Studio Pierrot presents an often overlooked masterpiece.

Yu Yu Hakusho is a timeless treasure that holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those who grew up during the 90s. This epic shonen series chronicles the captivating journey of Yusuke Urameshi as he evolves from a reckless teenage troublemaker to a responsible and honorable spirit detective. Witnessing this remarkable transformation is a truly remarkable experience, and it was with Yu Yu Hakusho that author Yoshihiro Togashi marked the beginning of his successful career.

The manga and the anime differ in their approach, with the manga presenting a rawer and more violent style. Although Studio Pierrot made some changes to certain scenes in the anime, the overall quality of the story remains intact. For fans of Demon Slayer seeking a shonen classic, the manga is always the recommended choice.

9) Rurouni Kenshin

Liden Films presents an intriguing blend of shonen and seinen anime, bridging the gap between the two genres.

Similar to the captivating world of Demon Slayer, Rurouni Kenshin transports viewers to a bygone era of Japan, immersing them in a world steeped in the art of swordsmanship. However, this thrilling series distinguishes itself by its profound grounding in reality.

Follow the remarkable journey of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin turned vow-bound pacifist. Witness the transformation from a killer burdened with guilt to a man who resolutely renounces the act of taking life. Earning its rightful place in the annals of manga history, this narrative arc is a testament to the enduring power of personal growth and redemption.

(Note:

would remain at the same position as the original)

10) Jujutsu Kaisen

The manga features exquisite artwork and seamlessly transitions between each arc, enhancing the overall reading experience. With a plethora of compelling characters, their well-crafted portrayal fosters a strong sense of connection with the audience.

Currently reigning as one of the most beloved anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA) has surpassed the popularity of Demon Slayer in recent times. Gege Akutami's manga not only adheres to certain shonen norms but also ingeniously defies expectations, thereby adding depth to his narrative.

Final thoughts

Demon Slayer is a series that has gained immense popularity in recent years. For fans who have enjoyed Tanjiro's journey, there is good news – there are numerous other fantastic shonen series available. While the selection here has been chosen with care, there is a vast array of captivating manga for readers of all genres.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the resurgence of interest in manga, and the Demon Slayer series has undoubtedly played a significant role in this revival. The captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork have captivated audiences worldwide, and I believe it will continue to inspire future generations of manga creators.

Moreover, the exploration of themes such as family, sacrifice, and determination resonates deeply with me and many other Gen Z fans. We are a generation that values strong bonds and is willing to fight for what we believe in, and Demon Slayer embodies these values beautifully. The series encourages us to embrace our inner strength and face our fears, reminding us that even the darkest of times can be overcome with love and support.