Top 12 Best Manga with Strong Female Lead
Female characters, which are sometimes scarce in today's main genres, have been the driving force behind many of the greatest series ever created. Here is a ... read more...list of the best manga with strong female lead.
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Battle Angel Alita, also known as Gunnm, stars Alita, a strong female protagonist. Alita is a cyborg who awakens in a post-apocalyptic world with no recollection of her life before. She becomes a hunter-warrior, a type of bounty hunter tasked with tracking down and apprehending criminals in the city of Scrapyard. Alita fights various enemies and discovers the truth about her past throughout the series, all while struggling to maintain her humanity in a world that often values strength over compassion. Alita's character is known for her tenacity, bravery, and willingness to fight for what is right, making her a popular and iconic female protagonist in the worlds of manga and anime.
Alita's struggle to maintain her humanity in a world that often values strength and power over compassion is another notable aspect of her character. Despite her cyborg body and combat abilities, Alita is deeply concerned about others and driven by a desire to assist those in need. This internal conflict gives her character depth and makes her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
Overall, Alita is a complex and dynamic female protagonist who has become one of the most iconic characters in manga and anime. Her determination, strength, and compassion have inspired many fans and earned her a place in the pantheon of great female heroes.Author: Yukito Kishiro
Original run: 1990–1995.
Volumes: 9Status: Completed
Buy here:https://www.amazon.com/Alita-Battle-Angel/s?k=Alita+Battle+Angel
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Clare, a strong female protagonist, also appears in Claymore. Clare is a Claymore, a half-human, half-monster hybrid warrior tasked with hunting down and killing Yoma monsters. The series is set in a medieval fantasy world where Yoma preys on humans, and the Claymores are the only ones who can stop them.
Clare is a skilled fighter with exceptional strength and agility. She is also unique among Claymores in that she has a special ability that allows her to regenerate from almost any injury. Clare grows in power as the series progresses, taking on more dangerous tasks and facing more formidable foes. The relationship between the Claymores and the humans they protect is a major theme in Claymore. Many humans fear and revile the Claymores because they are hybrids, and they frequently have to fight to earn the trust of those they are sworn to protect. Clare is no exception, struggling to find her place in a world that regards her as a monster.
Clare is a complex and compelling female protagonist who is motivated by a desire to protect others and learn the truth about herself. Her strength, determination, and compassion make her a beloved character among series fans and have contributed to Claymore's status as one of the most popular and iconic manga and anime series of all time.
Author: Norihiro Yagi
Original run: June 6, 2001 – October 4, 2014
Volumes: 27Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/claymore/s?k=claymore
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The manga series Ghost in the Shell also has a strong female protagonist. Major Motoko Kusanagi is the protagonist, a highly skilled cyborg agent who works for a government agency specializing in cybercrime and counterterrorism. Major Kusanagi is a highly trained combatant with superhuman strength, speed, and agility, as well as advanced hacking and computer skills. She is also a highly intelligent and analytical thinker who can solve complex problems and strategize under duress.
The relationship between humanity and technology is a major theme in the Ghost in the Shell manga. Major Kusanagi is a cyborg whose existence raises philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and free will. She struggles with her own sense of self and the possibility that she is not entirely human.
Major Kusanagi is a relatable and complex character despite her cyborg body and advanced abilities. She is motivated by a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect innocent people from harm. She also experiences feelings of isolation and loneliness as a result of her distinct personality. Overall, Major Kusanagi is a fascinating and multi-dimensional female protagonist, known for her strength, intelligence, and complex inner life. Her character has inspired numerous adaptations and earned her a place as one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the world of manga and anime.
Author: Masamune Shirow
Original run: 1989–91
Volumes: 1
Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/ghost-shell-manga/s?k=ghost+in+the+shell+manga -
Yona of the Dawn, also known as Akatsuki no Yona, is a Japanese manga series about a strong female protagonist named Yona. The series is set in a fantasy world inspired by medieval Korea and follows the story of Yona, a princess forced to flee her kingdom following a coup orchestrated by her childhood friend and crush, Su-won. Yona begins as a sheltered and naive princess, but as the series progresses, she undergoes significant character development and transforms into a fierce and capable warrior. She is determined to reclaim her kingdom and restore her family's honor, and she travels with a band of skilled warriors to assist her.
Yona's personal growth and development are major themes in Yona of the Dawn. She learns to be more self-sufficient and independent, as well as to improve her combat and strategic thinking skills. She also develops empathy for others and grows into a compassionate and just leader.
Yona's relationships with the other characters in the series are another noteworthy aspect of her character. She forms close bonds with her companions, and her interactions with them play an important role in the emotional core of the story. Her friendship with Hak, her childhood friend and bodyguard, is especially important throughout the series as they grow closer.
Author: Mizuho Kusanagi
Original run: August 5, 2009 – present
Volumes: 41
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/yona-dawn/s?k=yona+of+the+dawn -
Kagome Higurashi is a female co-protagonist in the manga series Inuyasha. Kagome is a high school student who is transported to Japan during the Sengoku period by a mysterious well in her family's shrine. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon on the hunt for the Shikon Jewel, a powerful artifact that can grant whoever possesses it immense power.
Kagome is taken aback by Inuyasha's appearance and demeanor at first, but she quickly adjusts to her new surroundings and becomes an important member of Inuyasha's group. Kagome has the unique ability to detect Shikon Jewel shards, which are scattered throughout the world and sought after by both Inuyasha and his adversaries. Kagome is a determined and resourceful character who is not afraid to defend herself and her beliefs. She is also caring and compassionate, frequently offering emotional support to her friends and allies. She is a skilled archer who can hold her own in combat, though she is mostly protected by Inuyasha and the other members of her group.
The relationship between Kagome and Inuyasha is a major theme in Inuyasha. They begin as adversaries, but as the series progresses, they form a close bond and eventually fall in love. Overall, Kagome is a complex and multi-dimensional female character who plays an important role in Inuyasha's story. Her bravery, compassion, and determination have made her one of the most adored female characters in manga and anime.
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Original run: November 13, 1996 – June 18, 2008
Volumes: 56
Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/inuyasha/s?k=inuyasha -
Usagi Tsukino, also known as Sailor Moon, is a strong female protagonist in the manga series Sailor Moon. Usagi is a teen who is chosen to be a Sailor Guardian, a group of magical girls tasked with defending the world against evil forces. Usagi is initially portrayed as a clumsy and naive character, but she grows significantly throughout the series and becomes a more confident and capable leader. She learns to control her magical abilities and becomes a skilled fighter, defending her friends and the world from various threats.
One of Sailor Moon's main themes is the power of friendship and teamwork. Usagi develops close bonds with the other Sailor Guardians, and their interactions play an important role in the emotional core of the series. Usagi's relationship with Mamoru Chiba, also known as Tuxedo Mask, is also an important part of the story, as they fall in love and collaborate to keep the world safe.
Usagi's compassion and empathy are also notable aspects of her personality. She genuinely cares about the people around her and is willing to put herself in harm's way to protect them. Her selflessness and kindness inspire others to follow in her footsteps and become heroes in their own right. Usagi is a beloved and iconic female protagonist who is known for her strength, compassion, and leadership. Her transformation from a clumsy and naive adolescent to a confident and skilled warrior has inspired countless fans and earned her a place among the most beloved characters in manga and anime.
Author: Naoko Takeuchi
Original run: December 28, 1991 – February 3, 1997
Volumes: 18 (first edition); 12 (second edition); 10 (third edition)
Status: Completed
Buy here: https://bom.so/69dSMK -
Skip Beat! is a manga series that follows Kyoko Mogami, a strong female protagonist. Kyoko is a teenage girl who is initially portrayed as a meek and submissive character who has dedicated her life to assisting her childhood friend and crush, Sho Fuwa, in his musical career.
When Kyoko discovers that Sho has been using her and does not care about her, she decides to exact her vengeance by becoming a successful actress and surpassing him in fame and popularity. Kyoko is on a path of self-discovery and personal growth as she learns to be more confident and assertive, as well as develop her own talents and interests.
Great comedy, romance, bizarre but relatable events, and, most importantly, a fantastic female MC. Kyoko isn't your typical girl, as she sets out to defeat her backstabbing rival in the harsh world of show business. With the help of mentors and friends, the 16-year-old actress learns to appreciate the less utilitarian aspects of life after spending her entire life working in her parents' inn. Let everyone see if she is successful in her unusual attempt to reach the top.
Author: Yoshiki Nakamura
Original run: February 7, 2002 – present
Volumes: 49
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/skip-beat/s?k=skip+beat -
Matsuri Hino's Vampire Knight is unquestionably a 21st-century shojou manga staple. Yuki (no, not a vampire) is a feisty and righteous student at Cross Academy, a school for both regular humans and vampires who only come out at night. It's an odd system, but it works. Is that correct? This status quo will not last much longer, and it is Yuki's responsibility, with the help of her allies, to reconcile the two worlds and defend the school from outside threats.
Yuki is a determined and strong-willed character who is willing to put herself in danger to protect those she loves. She is also compassionate and empathetic, frequently going out of her way to help others, even if it means breaking school rules.
Another noteworthy aspect of Yuki's character is her growth and development throughout the series. She grows more assertive and self-sufficient, and she becomes more aware of the complex political and social dynamics that exist between humans and vampires. Overall, Yuki is a complex and multi-dimensional character who plays an important role in The Vampire Knight's story. Her bravery, compassion, and determination have made her one of the most adored female characters in manga and anime.Author: Matsuri Hino
Original run: November 24, 2004 – May 24, 2013
Volumes: 19Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Knight/s?k=Vampire+Knight
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Akame ga Kill! is a manga series that follows Akame, a strong female protagonist. Akame is a skilled assassin and a member of the Night Raid, a group of rebels fighting against the Empire's corrupt government. Akame is initially portrayed as a stoic and emotionless character, but her backstory is revealed throughout the series, and she becomes an increasingly complex and multi-dimensional character. She is shown to have a tragic past, having been raised as an assassin since childhood, and she is plagued by guilt and trauma as a result of her actions.
Akame is a skilled fighter with incredible speed, agility, and reflexes. She wields the Murasame sword, which can kill anyone with a single cut but drains her life force with each use. Despite this, she is a fearless and determined warrior willing to put herself in harm's way to protect her friends and allies.
The cost of violence and the toll it takes on the characters is one of Akame ga Kill!'s major themes. Akame is shown to be deeply affected by the violence she has witnessed and perpetrated, and she wrestles with the moral ramifications of her actions. Despite her young age, Akame is a hardened fighter with nerves of steel. Given her creator’s murderous intentions towards his characters, she’s really going to need those.
Author: Takahiro
Original run: March 20, 2010 – December 22, 2016
Volumes: 15
Status: Completed
Buy here: https://bom.so/P9aQo9 -
Junji Ito's manga "Remina" was written and illustrated by him. From December 2020 to April 2021, it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine before being collected into a single volume. The plot revolves around Remina, a teen who becomes the center of a global phenomenon after a newly discovered planet is named after her. However, as people believe Remina is to blame for the impending disaster, the planet begins to move toward Earth, causing chaos and destruction.
As the planet approaches, Remina and a small group of survivors must fight for their lives against a hostile environment. As with much of Junji Ito's work, "Remina" features horror and science fiction elements, as well as themes of isolation, paranoia, and human nature. "Remina" is notable for its striking and often grotesque artwork, as is much of Junji Ito's work. Ito's use of body horror and surreal imagery throughout the story creates a sense of unease and dread.
Overall, "Remina" is a disturbing and thought-provoking manga that explores some of humanity's darkest impulses and fears. This is a truly disturbing manga that you just can’t stop reading.Author: Junji Ito
Original run: September 16, 2004 – July 24, 2005
Volumes: 1Status: Completed
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Remina-Junji-Ito/dp/197471747X
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Homura Kawamoto's manga "Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler" is illustrated by Toru Nakamura. It first appeared in Square Enix's Monthly Gangan Joker magazine in 2014, and it has since been adapted into anime and live-action television series. Hyakkaou Private Academy, a prestigious school for the wealthy elite, is the setting for the story. However, the school's social hierarchy is determined by gambling ability rather than academic achievement or athletic prowess. Students compete in high-stakes games of skill and chance, with the winners gaining status and power over their peers.
Yumeko Jabami, a transfer student who quickly becomes involved in the school's gambling culture, is the story's protagonist. Yumeko is a compulsive gambler who is motivated by a desire to compete against the best players at the school. She forms alliances and rivalries with a variety of other students, including Kirari Momobami, the cold and calculating student council president. "Kakegurui"'s artwork is notable for its detailed character designs and dynamic depictions of various gambling games. The use of psychological and strategic elements in the manga's depiction of gambling distinguishes it from other manga with similar themes.
Author: Homura Kawamoto
Original run: March 22, 2014 – present
Volumes: 16
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/kakegurui-manga/s?k=kakegurui+manga -
Kaoru Mori's manga series "A Bride's Story" is written and illustrated by him. It was first serialized in Monthly Afternoon magazine in 2008, and Yen Press published it in English. The story is set in nineteenth-century Central Asia and follows the lives of various characters, mostly women, as they navigate the challenges and joys of marriage and family life. Amir Halgal, the story's protagonist, is a young woman who is sent to marry a young man named Karluk Eihon, who is eight years her junior.
As Amir adjusts to her new life with Karluk and his family, she gets involved in various adventures and meets other characters like Pariya, a young woman who is looking for a suitable husband, and Talas, a skilled hunter, and warrior.
"A Bride's Story" is distinguished by its stunning artwork, which is rich in detail and captures the beauty of the Central Asian landscape and traditional clothing. The manga also delves into themes such as cultural identity, gender roles, and the difficulties of preserving tradition in a changing world. Overall, "A Bride's Story" is a beautifully crafted manga that provides a unique perspective on women's lives in a historical context. It is a must-read for fans of slice-of-life and historical manga due to its engaging characters, detailed artwork, and thoughtful themes.
Author: Kaoru Mori
Original run: 14 October 2008 – present
Volumes: 14
Status: Ongoing
Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Brides-Story-Vol-1/dp/0316180998