Top 8 Manga Featuring Compelling Criminal Protagonists, Ranked
Explore a collection of manga that delves deep into the world of crime, steering away from the typical 'silly' portrayals of criminal characters. These gripping stories center around complex themes and captivating criminal protagonists.
The crime trope is a prevalent theme in Japanese action manga and anime, often extending into genres with no apparent connection to it. There are numerous slice-of-life comedy yakuza anime and manga that offer a light-hearted take on criminal elements, adding a touch of fun and cuteness to the genre.
However, the majority of these anime and manga revolve around organized crime and mafia activities, particularly focusing on white-collar crimes. Instances of more severe crimes are less common and are usually handled with greater sensitivity.
Kurosagi
MyAnimeList Score: 7.39/10
main character of the manga Kurosagi - MyAnimeList Score: 7.39/10
Author(s) | Natsuhara Takeshi (Story), Kuromaru (Story & Art) |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Thriller |
Even amidst the vast array of manga focused on criminal activities, the 2003 manga Kurosagi stands out for its explicit portrayal of fraud and swindling, although not as extreme as some other titles in this genre. Despite its dark subject matter, the manga maintains an oddly noble premise and strives to convey a sense of wholesomeness.
The story revolves around Koshiro Kurosaki, whose life was forever altered by a tragedy involving a white swindler, known as a 'Shirosagi', who targeted his family. In the world of Kurosagi, swindlers are categorized into different factions: white swindlers deceive anyone they can, red swindlers specifically target the opposite gender, and black swindlers are the most dangerous, preying on other swindlers and leaving them devastated. Motivated by his traumatic past, Kurosaki embarks on a path as a black swindler, aiming to protect others from experiencing the same fate as his family.
Ryuko
Anime Planet Ratings: 3.74/5
Ryouko from manga Ryouko - Anime Planet Ratings: 3.74/5 - Ryuko
Author(s) | Yoshimizu Eldo |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Action, Drama |
Ryuko, a highly underrated crime thriller of today, is a 2010 manga that originally began as a self-published project before being picked up by an official publishing company. It stands out in the industry as a rare crime manga featuring a tough, battle-hardened, and experienced female protagonist who defies the typical "tough but cute" female lead stereotype that has become popular in recent manga trends.
The story revolves around Ryouko, a prominent member of the Japanese Mafia, who is assigned to protect the King's daughter in the fictional Kingdom of Forossyah following a violent coup d'état. However, what starts as a straightforward mission takes a personal turn for Ryouko as she uncovers long-buried secrets about her supposedly deceased mother.
Jormungand
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79/10
both main characters of Jormungand - MyAnimeList Score: 7.79/10
Author(s) | Takahashi Keitarou |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Action |
Jormungand, a manga from 2006, presents a premise that offers a surprisingly realistic and unexaggerated portrayal of illicit multinational arms dealing businesses that could easily be seen on the big screen. It is also one of the manga on this list that features a strong, level-headed female protagonist with a hardcore history and reputation.
Koko Hekmatyar, the main character, is an arms dealer and the leader of an international shipping corporation. Much of her work involves traveling around the world, often with a group of mercenaries that she has personally chosen. The newest member of her team is a child soldier with a troubled past and a deep-seated hatred for arms dealing.
Brutal
MyAnimeList Score: 7.80/10
Dan in Brutal - MyAnimeList Score: 7.80/10
Author(s) | Koga Kei (Story), Izawa Ryou (Art) |
|---|---|
Status | Hiatus |
Genre | Drama, Psychological |
Most of the entries on this list focus on non-violent, white-collar crimes, but Brutal stands out. Released in 2019, this manga delves into heavy themes such as life, death, crime, punishment, and human morality. It presents a psychological aspect that leaves readers grappling with ethical dilemmas.
The story revolves around Hiroki Dan, a young and successful detective with a seemingly perfect life. With good looks, professional achievements, and the privilege of being the son of a former commissioner, Dan appears to have it all. However, beneath this facade of perfection lies a dark and brutal secret. He is a ruthless and potentially sinister individual who has quietly taken justice into his own hands by eliminating vile criminals who escaped punishment due to legal technicalities.
Gangsta
MyAnimeList Score: 8.06/10
Worick Arcangelo and Nicholas Brown in Gangsta - MyAnimeList Score: 8.06/10
Author(s) | Kohske |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Crime, Thriller |
Released in 2011, Gangsta is a manga that delves into the world of organized crime with a unique twist. Unlike other similar manga, Gangsta incorporates fantasy elements into its narrative, giving it a distinct edge. It could be seen as a more mature version of Psycho-Pass, catering to an adult audience with its dark themes.
Set in the fictional city of Ergastulum, the manga paints a grim picture of a place plagued by crime and lawlessness. The city is under the control of four powerful mafia families who exploit the rampant crime to exert their dominance. However, beneath the surface lies a chilling truth - Ergastulum is essentially a massive prison designed to contain a group of 'superhumans' called twilights.
Sanctuary
MyAnimeList Score: 8.24/10
Main characters of Sanctuary - MyAnimeList Score: 8.24/10
Author(s) | Ikegami Ryouichi (Art), Buronson (Story) |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Drama, Political |
Sanctuary, a classic manga released in 1990, gained popularity for its mature depiction of politics and Japanese mafia syndicates. It stands out for its sophisticated storyline that remains grounded in realism, drawing comparisons to films by Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino.
The manga follows the intertwined lives of two friends, Akira Hojo and Chiaki Asami, who share a past marked by trauma, brutality, and a strong will to survive. Despite witnessing the worst of the world, they are determined to bring about change by any means necessary. Their fate is decided through a game of rock-paper-scissors, leading Hojo to become a mob boss and Asami to enter the political arena.
Black Lagoon
MyAnimeList Score: 8.29/10
Revy in Black Lagoon - MyAnimeList Score: 8.29/10
Author(s) | Hiroe Rei |
|---|---|
Status | Ongoing |
Genre | Action, Thriller |
Black Lagoon, an ongoing manga since 2002, has garnered a dedicated fan base due to its unique premise and intricately developed characters. Among the genre of crime manga, Black Lagoon stands out for its depth, avoiding mindless action sequences that lack purpose or substance.
The story revolves around a group of mercenaries who unexpectedly recruit a Japanese salaryman, Rokuro Okajima, into their unconventional gang. Okajima finds himself in a perilous situation when the ship he is on is seized by ruthless pirates. Realizing he is unlikely to be saved, Okajima makes the bold choice to join the very mercenaries who have taken him captive.
Banana Fish
MyAnimeList Score: 8.61/10
cover art of Banana Fish - MyAnimeList Score: 8.61/10
Author(s) | Yoshida Akimi |
|---|---|
Status | Completed |
Genre | Drama, Thriller |
Banana Fish, a timeless crime thriller, was initially released in 1985 and concluded in 1994. The manga is primarily set in the gritty streets of the United States during the 1980s, beautifully capturing the essence of that era. Despite its appeal, Banana Fish is an emotional rollercoaster that can leave readers feeling overwhelmed, making it a good idea to have a tissue box nearby.
The tragic tale of Banana Fish follows seventeen-year-old gang leader Ash Lynx, a beautiful yet unfortunate individual with a haunting past. As Ash delves into uncovering dark secrets as a more mature version of himself, he is pulled deeper into a world of organized crime, sending him spiraling down a rabbit hole of danger and intrigue.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most notable crime-themed anime and manga. It delves into the various subgenres within the crime genre, showcasing titles that range from light-hearted slice-of-life comedies to dark and thought-provoking psychological thrillers. The article effectively highlights the unique aspects of each entry, including their premise, characters, and themes. It also provides valuable information such as ratings and release dates, making it a helpful resource for readers who are interested in exploring crime-themed anime and manga.
The article's exploration of the different ways in which crime is portrayed in these works is particularly insightful. It notes that while many titles focus on non-violent, white-collar crimes, others tackle more heavy topics such as life, death, and human morality. This diversity demonstrates the versatility of the crime genre and its ability to captivate readers with a wide range of interests. Overall, the article offers a well-rounded look at the crime genre in anime and manga, providing readers with a solid foundation for further exploration.
