Hey all

I'm looking for manga recs which subvert/deconstruct cliches and common ideas. Maybe it shows another side to magical girls, maybe it presents tsunderes as violent assholes, maybe it speculates on magic 'laws' or focuses on the glorification of war...

However, I am not looking for simple gag manga-- the manga needs to:

* FOCUS on whatever idea it is parodying (or the manga premise as a whole already subverts...in some way) --so not some brief comment or passing idea
* Therefore be rather long (10+ chapters, please) in order to explore the ideas
* Have an element of 'depth' to it

Can be comedy, tragedy, action, adventure, romance, BL/ GL/ yaoi etc but please no ecchi or hentai. When reccing, please write why you recommend it.


Some examples (mostly fulfils criteria)

Action/comedy: One punch man, Gintama, Devil King is bored, Violinist of Hameln, Legend of Sun Knight, Kyou kara ore wa, Angel,
Seinen: Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa, Tepuu, Afterschool war activities
Shoujo/romance: Carat!, Cheese in the Trap, Don't touch me!, Ludwig Kakumei,
BL/yaoi: Kizudarake no Airabuyuu, Cruel God Reigns

Thankyou!


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Simply another normal human being...

This line reminds me of Mozuya-san Gyakujousuru. Only 6 chapter has been released, but each chapter is quite long.

I remember Ratman subverting the idea of the hero and the antagonist, and I'm sure it went to explore this matter, but I haven't read much of it for now.

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My current top 3:
Fullmetal Alchemist
Pandora Hearts
3-gatsu no Lion

Magical Exam Student, but I haven't read enough to know if it has the depth you're looking for. I do remember it being amusing and also having a strong focus on what it was supposed to parody.

You could try Sekai Maou--it's classified here as a gag manga, but it subverts your typical action/fantasy genres. Not only is the hero incapable, but the demon lord has to secretly help him become stronger.

Thanks for the rec! I've just gotten up to date with this one--it's enjoyable, hilarious ands takes itself surprisingly seriously (though it seems to be heading towards ecchi, I hope it won't become mindless fan service)



Looks very long! I'll be right onto this!



Just started on a few chapters of both. M.E.S is quite entertaining with its deadpan/logical mc. I'm still consciously suspending my disbelief, though. I'll read on a bit just to see where the story takes us.
Sekai maou is pretty damn funny, i guffawed a few times reading it. but its art style does detract from its 'seriousness'.

Thanks for those who replied!

Any more recs?



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Simply another normal human being...

I second Mozuya-san Gyakujousuru and it made me think of Koharu no Hibi. It isn't as serious but it's another manga where a stock character, here a yandere, is made more believable : the MC dating her discovers really soon her weird attitude and it freaks him out; and both characters talk about it which is rather rare.

Seigi no Mikata : not really a parody but it subverts the good/angel type of characters, which explains the title (in english Ally of Justice). Whatever the MC's sister does, everyone think she's perfect and some kind of hero, even though she's one of the most selfish person ever.

If you like parodies of super heroes you could also check Akaten Hero!. It's short, but it parodies all those japanese super heroes TV shows. It isn't deep though, but mostly comedy/romance.

A more recent one on the same theme is Rising x Rydeen. It has ecchi but I found it funny. The MC is the typical hot blooded male character wanting to be a super hero but his ability is completely useless and lame.




Last edited by oneeyed at 6:26 am, Jun 21 2014