I'm looking for something that it mostly character driven, with lots of character development.

Something serious that has a deeper plot that gets you thinking. Preferably with a male protagonist, and hardly any comedy. I would prefer no romance, but its fine if its mostly subtext and not a huge part of the story.


please no ecchi, yaoi, yuri. Shounen-ai is fine if its light.

Thank you in advance.

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Durarara! doesn't really have a main protagonist, but it really is character driven. And since you mentioned shounen-ai, how about Komatta Toki ni wa Hoshi ni Kike!

Hmmm... I hope that I'm interpreting this correctly... something like... Catcher in the Rye? More along the lines of character thoughts, etc... etc...?

I just finished this 1-volume work two days ago: Not Simple... the story is told in a nonlinear fashion (but it makes sense). Though tragic, I felt strangely satisfied... (again, this is probably due to how the mangaka presented the story). Give this a go... definitely not a light read but a note-worthy slice-of-life.

Usagi Drop doesn't have a super deep plot, but (at least for the first 3 or 4 volumes) it shows you how a 30-year-old man's life changes when he decides to adapt a 6-year-old child. It's a more heart-warming read...

The following suggestions have both manga and anime -- (in all cases, I recommend the anime)
Bartender - episodic, slice-of-life style revolving around drinks... a genius bartender who serves drinks to the customer based on his/her situation.

Mushi-shi - episodic, slice-of-life style (don't let the supernatural elements fool you!!). This is extremely deep... you get taken through the problems that people experience.

House of Five Leaves - ONO Natsume tends to write poignant slice-of-life stories. This one was a pretty interesting story... I guarantee you that you will become curious and yearn to learn more about the shady Yaichi-dono...

Natsume Yuujinchou -- this is the most lighthearted story that I'm suggesting... not "light hearted" as in gag comedy or "bwahahaha"... it's pretty deep, but not so... tragic or not such a downer... you'll smile though!!

I hope I was helpful in recommending something!! Please do update if these were not to your liking... or give us examples of what you're looking for...

Seconding Mushishi!

And I think you should try Saikyou Densetsu Kurosawa. Don't let the random jokes at the beginning fool you; the story gets really good after the first couple of volumes.

Though I haven't read these (they're just not my kind of story), Solanin , Oyasumi Punpun and Sangatsu no Lion all sound very much like what you're looking for.

Last edited by calstine at 3:49 am, Feb 22 2011

Definitely Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria (Novel). Despite the vigorously added 'Female Lead' Tags in Categories, it is a male protagonist.

Edit: Oh and agree on Mushishi and Sangatsu Lion.

Last edited by Danbo at 4:29 am, Feb 22 2011

All these are perfect. Thank you for the suggestions. although i have read Mushishi and Natsume Yuujinchou.

I will definitely check out Bartender.

any more suggestions?

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Kuroshitsuji.
He undergoes some great character development.

Death Note
The obvious one. I mean, you watch a good person become a twisted villain. Character development doesn't get much better than that.

I keep suggesting it everywhere but Monster has one of the best character development imho.

And I think also my favorite manga can fit this suggestion: Gunslinger Girl (beside having female protagonists).

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What I like in Trivial Pursuit style. Pick your category:

*handsdown*

7 seeds..Tonnes of memorable characters and character growth. You'll learn to love them

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Rape is imminent.

Thanks!

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