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4:22 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 13


I have a certain taste. I'm an open-minded guy when it comes to reading Mangas/Webcomics/etc, which means I enjoy a pretty much every theme except for Sci-fi (the only Sci-Fi I ever truly enjoyed was Gintama, but then again I don't really consider it much of a Sci-Fi) - problem is, recently I haven't found anything "special".

What is special to me? To me special, is when a story manages (usually after I finish it). makes me have a kind of "empty" feeling inside. Not because it's over and I'm sad, but on the other hand because it was done "perfectly" (we all have different tastes, but..). It's kinda hard to explain, but I had that feeling when I finished FMA. To me it was a great story, and after I read the last chapter - I just sat there for a short while, trying to comprehend what I really read. I sat there thinking about things that usually wouldn't even cross my mind during the everyday life. It felt as if I was "outside the box" for real... I hope that some of you are familiar with that feeling. Anyway:

Each time I open any manga-reading website, usually the top reads there are probably the current, "on-demand" mangas like Fairy Tail, Bleach, Naruto, HSDK and One Piece. While I do enjoy One Piece, I can't find myself to enjoy stories like bleach etc. There is no plot, or it's very weak.

When I read Fairy Tail/HSDK I get sick of seeing Fanservice every 2nd page - worst part, if you reread the begginning of those mangas, you'll notice that they don't have nearly as much fanservice as they have nowadays(running short on fuel? /gasp what do we do? Boobs?Boobs). Oh and they twist the word "strong" so much that it's not even funny. I remember the "women are strong" line used in Fairy Tail. I mean honestly? Here we have a violent chick beating the crap out of some last-min villain, only to breakdown in tears when the going gets tough (mentally). To me a strong person, doesn't have to be a walking macho-guy who breaks down in tears when he reaches a crisis he/she have problems finding a solution to.

HSDK just drags too long, here we have almost 600 chapters, and still the story isn't even halfway there - what's worse is that the story isn't on the level of One Piece to justify such length.

Naruto, while it's a great story, recently just got a bit too old for me? I don't consider it trash like I consider Fairy Tail etc, but I didn't see it reaching such climax... Literally, we have a semi-DBZ. Not that I don't hate it, but I would have enjoyed something a bit less overpowered, expecially in manga such as Naruto - where fights used to be very strategic, unlike heavy beatdowns of Fairy Tail.

Bleach? Is just Bleach, it ended or me at Aizen(probably one of my top 10 favorite villains) saga - and no longer do I enjoy the weekly cliffhangers that result in asspulls. Worst part, it's Asspull after Asspull: Damn dude, you just went Bankai and overpowered me - (next chapter) just kidding lel, you just activated my trapcard jpg. - (next chapter) Lol, I also have a trapcard Niggha - (next chapter) Screw you Mofo /finally dies.... I dunno man just isn't my kind of story anymore...

What kind of stories do not fit that "lame category" for me?

ToG: seems pretty decent, I really enjoy Koon as a character + several others. The story is pretty original and the most important thing is that it gives me feel of a journey (something I can't find in bleach, fairy tail etc). Recently however, the quality has been dropping down (although slowly), it no longer feels like season 1 and the beginning of season 2. However I do know that the author has wristproblems, which is why it doesn't take a genious to figure out why the story is not how it was before.

Magician: A true feeling of a journey which I cherish a lot. A never-aging magician on a journey to save his lover picks up a strange duo of kids (magician girl and a swordsman boy). One of the better stories I've come across, which sadly isn't that popular. Perhaps people don't enjoy stories like these? If you haven't read it, I recommend you to try it out - you won't get dissapointed.

Noblesse: Decent read - by no means my favorite, but it's nice. The plot is too obvious, something that is a huge turnoff for me, however Noblesse managed to keep me hooked thanks to the unortodox design of the characters. It's strange actually, a predictable kind of story ( a kind which I hate with passion) managed to keep me hooked, thus it speaks volumes of how well some of the characters are designed. Another problem I had with this story is the "villains". Some of them remind me of the old Saturday-Cartoon villains sad. Luckily, recently there has been a lot more decent villains than it used to be ( talking about post 10th and 11th elders, anything pre that was kinda meh - except for Yuriy, he's kinda awesome).

One Piece: Another feeling of a journey. The only On-demand shounen I currently enjoy. After reading 700+ chapters, I'm amazed how well the author has managed to keep up with the "flow" of the story. Sometimes there are boring parts, but they usually serve as the build up for the great climax. One of the best moments in my reading history was the Whitebeard pirates Vs. The marines. Whitebeard's speech + his flashback: a young whitebeard is shown staring out into the ocean dreaming about a family - I still can't forget that, kudos to the author for creating such a complex journey for the reader.

Kubera: Easily above ToG for me. I don't even know how to describe the /feels I feel for this story (Call of Feels anyone?). My only problem with it that I'm unable to go intro the future and read the complete thing, because god damn it - the cliffhangers man...They burn...burn with the with fires of hell..

FMA: I consider it a masterpiece. A journey that questions the core of our humanity - what is right and what is wrong? Are we blind to the truth, or do we chose to ignore it because of personal reasons? This is but a few questions that popped into my mind once I finished reading it... Seriously is that really a shounen?

Tatakau Shisho: The Book of Batorra (novel): While it is a novel (and anime now I think?). I really did enjoy the complexity of this story. Add to it an amazing and original world pluss several unique characters and you are up for a hell of a journey. Some of the aspects of this story reminded me of FMA.

Berserk: A journey into the madness. Unique MC that is perhaps the most badass guy in the history of MCs. I truly enjoy this story, my biggest problem with Berserk is that recently it's like 3-5 chapters per year - I think the author burned out, a real shame since it's almost impossible to find anything that is like Berserk.

Claymore: There is a BUT here....I did enjoy Claymore untill they finished off the organisation arc (end of organisation), after that the story went downhill for me - honestly it feels like bleach as of lately: asspull after asspull, what's worse is that it's monthly release... Reminded me a lot of Berserk, while being pretty original - a shame it went downhill :/

Death Note: Mindblown, simple as that....Another one of the stories that gave me that special feeling.

Vampire hunter D (novel): Mother of god there are so many of them, worst part I have only read like the first 5 novels (it has 26 in total). Amazing story that follows a "daywalker" a half vampire half human on several journeys to defeat his enemies. A novel that is full of action, however at the same time it's full of drama and sadness as you begin to understand that "D"s journey can never end (if he stops vampire/monster hunting he fears that he will become someone like those he has hunted). The MC reminds me of Raizel from Noblesse

Gintama: There were moments when I had tears, there were moments when I laughed so hard I fell off my chair. Amazing read for a gagmanga: lots of /right in the feels moments and lots of trolololol moments biggrin.


Anyway these are the stories I enjoy, hopefully that is enough info. Can't wait to see what you guys are willing to share! Thanks in advance smile

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Procrastinator
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4:45 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 388


I'm sorry, but that's a ridiculously long post. Care to summarize what you're looking for? (Like maybe 3 paragraphs or so.)

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5:02 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 13


I enjoy Noblesse, ToG, Kubera, Magician, The book of batorra, Vampire hunter D, One Piece, Fma, Berserk, Death Note and Claymore.

I'd like to stay away from stories like HSDK, Fairy Tail, Bleach etc

Is that short enough?

Post #634334
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5:06 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 1792


he likes
  • "special story" leaving you flabbergasted
  • original story
  • adventure
  • good/original characters
  • psychological
  • conveys feelings (happy/sad/etc.)


he doesn't like
  • sci-fi
  • weak plot
  • fanservice
  • emotionally weak women
  • drawn out story (too long)
  • non-reasonable fights/power-ups
  • cliffhangers


well to sum it up, preferably adventure, non-sci-fi, non-generic manga/manhwa.

you could give Yumekui Merry a try. It's not adventure though or Double Arts (axed but adventure).

your best friend, the search engine, gives this:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?perpage=50&ge nre=Adventure&exclude_genre=Ecchi_Sci-fi&orderby =rating

Last edited by Lorska at 5:11 am, Mar 1 2014

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5:21 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 65


okay the manga you have enjoyed are all great manga and they are mostly ones i myself enjoyed (we have really similar taste i think) and i understand why you didn't like the others (like fairy tail) but i'm still not sure what you would like hmm but i think i could still recommend some to you they are mostly shounen but you seem to enjoy shounen so here:

Rurouni Kenshin
Slam Dunk -- best sports manga
Hunter x Hunter -- gets better with every arc
Shingeki no Kyojin
xxxHoLic -- i always consider Clamp's works as something out of this world biggrin
Skip Beat! -- Best shoujo?

They are all pretty popular so you might have read them already but still biggrin and here are some that are not as popular but still pretty good

Saiyuki (the entire series) -- especially Saiyuki Gaiden is a master piece but it's better if you read Saiyuki first imo
Pandora Hearts
D.Gray-man -- also gets better with every arc
The Demon Ororon -- my personal favorite
Ouran High School Host Club
Fruits Basket

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SpitFire_
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5:35 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 185


I think i have smt for you .. .Have u read Bio Meat confused If not try it ... there isnt like characters with super powers etc but the first time I saw it i was like nahhh this is not gona be interesting but i started to read it and i finished it in a single day (100+ch) ..... it was that good. And when i finished it i was like staring in one point in the room and just trying to process all of it

EDIT: Read some of the User Comments biggrin

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5:40 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 33


mostly some novels come to mind...and they're pretty known by now - i believe. so i assume you've read them. anyway...

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei (Novel)
While it might not have an orignal story. it's "world" is very well build and has a unique magic system - which i personally love (always disliked how magic restricted themselves through that popular element system). not adventurous, nor does it have a strong plot. however, the characters are good enough considering this series took it's time to develop the world.....do i have to give a description? give the first two to four volumes a try.

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (Novel)
also not original - i think. but the MC can be very entertaining. somewhat awe-inspiring if you're good at imagining the sculptors he makes. mostly adventurous...



.....i'm horrible when it comes to describing. here one last thing. that also is entirely different.

http://www.lfgcomic.com/archives/
This is a webcomic that follows the "Dungeon & Dragon" rules. probably because i've read that recently, nothing else comes really to mind.....i believe this also will suit your taste. maybe...

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6:31 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 36


Yeah, I also feel like you mainly read shounen but i'm just going to recommend three mangas that managed to make me feel 'empty' at one point of the story or at the end.
Annarasumanara
The character progression in this was just, argh, awesome I guess. There are a few things in the character design that makes you go 'huh? seriously? this is weird..' at first but when the character progression sets into play, it's pretty nice/
Also, I really enjoyed how colour was used to an advantage in this webtoon to impact the tone.
Akumetsu
I am aware this is tagged as sci-fi but it isn't much (unless i'm seriously wrong, sorry). I'm somewhat on the same boat as you when it comes to sci-fi and I can't really handle too much (this is the same case for me and fantasy as well haha x__x)
It can get wordy when it comes to the politics/economics side, but the main thing that stuck to me about this manga had to do with the protagonists motiv to end corruption. It's a little bit down the road (or pretty far) but I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it out to see if you like it?
Oyasumi Punpun
Wow, punpun.. Phew. It was really an enjoyable rollarcoaster ride.
To be honest, i'm kind of recalling everything that happened in Oyasumi Punpun right now. It still leaves me speechless...
Oyasumi Punpun let me closely watch the age progression of Punpun, the protagonist, and seriously, ... i'm sorry but I cannot even explain cry cry

I'm not too sure if any of these fit your taste, but i'd just like to put it out there haha

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6:59 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 13


Wow a thanks for everyone! Great suggestions guys!

I'm really glad that there are some good stories out there biggrin . Man now I have a lot read smile

Post #634349
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7:26 am, Mar 1 2014
Posts: 19


wow....
i love how you describe those manga...
i could certainly relate to them~
you should try

kuroshitsuji
beelzebub
until death do us part
city of dead sorcerer

there's also this webcomic at tapastic called fisheye placebo

other than that...

another
diamond dust
shingetsutan tsukihime

try like four or five chapter first before you decide wether you like it or not~

biggrin

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Kigurumi
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1:43 pm, Mar 3 2014
Posts: 537


Looks like you enjoy rather long, action-filled Shounen or Seinen with a captivating storyline and sound characterisations, right? Let's see what I can fish out of my memory for you. By the way, thanks a lot for the summary, Lorska.

I strongly second Until Death Do Us Part.
Pair up a prosecuted ten-year-old girl who can predict the future with a blind swordsman, and the stage is set for an action Shounen. Now add a secret vigilante organisation, an international crime-hunting unit, a hidden terrorist group, a mysterious police inspector and a suspicious corporation dealing with bio-technology among others, and you'll get the complex contemporary Seinen thriller named UDDUP. Concerning the Science-fiction part, you'll come across a few advanced gadgets, but that's all.
The series' strong points lie in its intriguing plot and characters as well as the artist's knack for crisp action scenes. The male lead might possess extraordinary skill, but he has made his share of mistakes and has paid dearly for them. Another trait I appreciate about his characterisation is his ambiguity: You can hardly tell where his morality ends and where his ruthless ambition as a swordsman sets in.
As for the female lead: She may look like the damsel in distress from the description, but don't underestimate her. Of course, she is physically powerless and therefore dependent on her protector - she is but a child after all - however, her willpower empowers her keen mind to save her partner's life more than once.
One last thing: Once you've started, try not to interrupt your reading flow, or you might not get to savour the story's excellent pacing; you'll find yourself flying through the pages.

I also second Shingetsutan Tsukihime.
This Type-Moon series may be based on an eroge, but it doesn't contain any fanservice, so rest assured. This compelling supernatural thriller equiponderates battles with character growth instead of bare skin.
A young man who has denied a part of himself ever since he got involved in a bizarre accident as a boy is re-awoken when he meets an ancient vampiress. Starting off on the worst imaginable terms, the two quickly draw closer as calamities befall his hometown. Their strange bond remains vital to the series as the plot advances, and their lives are put to the test along with their inexplicable fondness for each other. Slightly gory.

Oyasumi Punpun is unquestionably a work of high artistic and literary quality as well as psychological depth, but ASANO Inio uses such an eccentric form of slice of life that I'm not sure if I should support HeheSmile's recommendation. I'd suggest that you read the first five chapters, and then judge for yourself.

Kosuke's Gangsta.
My personal favourite among the action Seinen. The story revolves around two handymen, a hooker and an addict - to use the mangaka's intended titles - make their living in a city's underworld full of crime, corruption and prostitution.
Our protagonists are polar opposites: One of them a one-eyed Mr. Handsome from a good family who woos ladies left and right when he isn't pointing a gun at someone, the other one a deaf and lonesome swordsman who carries the heavy burden of his birth along with his blood-stained katana.
Yet, they cannot exist without one another, which makes them a personification of life in the fictional ghetto: No sworn loyalty to anyone but doing jobs for everyone, be it a mafia family, the police or the old lady who runs a kiosk next door. Longing and trying to be brothers at home and on the job but unable to change their past. Like two sides of the same coin, tragedy and joy are irrevocably joint in Kosuke's masterpiece.
Even her style blends both aspects effortlessly: Rough but never messy while retaining a somewhat mellow note. Highly recommended.

Iryuu - Team Medical Dragon by NAGAI Akira and NOGIZAKA Tarou
An aspiring professor teams up with a very able surgeon to reform the corrupt Japanese health care system. Sounds extremely dull? Well, it isn't - not when the ambitious doctor is willing to do whatever it takes in order to accomplish her aim while she constantly clashes with her rebellious and exiled partner in crime. To top it off, almost the whole hospital is reigned by vicious old men hungering for prestige and power. And if there's someone who hates to let a young lady take over, it's them.
So expect never-ending intrigues interjected by badass operations and a pinch of social commentary. Not your usual setting for an action series but entertaining although some parts are of questionable medical correctness.

Kieli by KABEI Yukako/ TESHIROGI Shiori
Skilfully executed, dark road trip. It may be short with only two volumes and not your usual demographic - it's a Shoujo - but give it a try nonetheless; you won't be disappointed. Originally a light novel, the story starts off slowly because of its complex background story, but it picks up the pace after a few chapters until you won't be able to take your eyes off the pages anymore.
I appreciated how the mangaka depicts the (morally) ambiguous characters: They are lost and haunted in more than one way, but they still struggle to make sense of their lives. Don't worry, the story doesn't drown in dread and misery; the mangaka threw in some bickering, banter and bits of humour to keep it balanced.

OZAKI Kaori's Touhou Shinigami: Meteor Methuselah Gaiden, prequel to her acclaimed adventure, Immortal Rain.
While I cannot assess if the main series caters to your taste, I can certainly vouch for the mini-series.
Set in a fantasy world, a feared assassin encounters his rumoured, immortal bounty - who turns out to be quite different from what he imagined. Great character interactions embedded into a discretely bleak plot. The art is clean and Shounen-ish and delivers action scenes and humorous dialogues equally well.


My following recommendations stray a little from the action/ adventure path. They lean more towards Death Note but not quite. Mystery thriller is probably the right genre to put them into, so I won't write much about them to avoid possible spoilers.

"Bungaku Shoujo" to Shi ni Tagari no Douke and its sequel "Bungaku Shoujo" to Ue Kawaku Yuurei by NOMURA Mizuki/ KOUSAKA Rito
The "Book Girl" series follows a high schooler's and a youkai's investigations about incidents connected to crimes from the past.

Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan - Totteoki no Uso by IRUMA Hitoma/ SATOU Atsuki
About a kidnapping case, serial murders in the past and the present and a fateful reunion. Skilfully narrated.

Boogiepop wa Warawanai by KADONO Kouhei/ OGATA Kouji
Part of the Boogiepop franchise: When two strange entities face off in a certain city, a bunch of students gets irreversibly caught in their ominous schemes. Solid mystery story although not quite as suspenseful as the two mentioned above.


Huh, looks like this thread may become the next candidate for the topic-with-the-longest-posts award.

Last edited by Tripitaka at 12:31 am, Sep 18 2014

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"Stories are what death thinks he puts an end to.
He can't understand that they end in him, but they don't end with him."
- Ursula K. Le Guin, Gifts


To be savoured:
- Blood Alone by TAKANO Masayuki
- Otoyomegatari by MORI Kaoru
- Gangsta. by Kohske
- Seishun Kouryakuhon by AKIZUKI Sorata
Post #634642
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2:29 pm, Mar 3 2014
Posts: 1


Try Vagabond , it gave me that empty feeling you were talking about , long story short it's about the way of the sword , it's full of meaning and concepts and it's a journey.

Post #634645
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Allen!! fan scream
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3:05 pm, Mar 3 2014
Posts: 382


if your looking for something really Psychological try -Monster

ill also strongly second Kuroshitsuji -Ceil is a very deep character in my opinion, one minute he can be very cute and kind, and the next mercilessly kill someone

and if you like novels here are some great ones
Legend of the Sun Knight (Novel) -if you want one that will make you laugh your head off, and yet sometimes make you cry, this one is amazing at doing just that, plus I'm all about the unique characters and this one is just full of them cool

Rakuin no Monshou (Novel) -strangely one of my favorite novels seeing how i like ones with comedy and this one doesn't have an once of that, but still awesome just the same. this one has a lot of politics and strategy mixed with some psychological too, a bit of a heavy read but if your up for it it wont let you down biggrin

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Only Human
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7:23 pm, Mar 3 2014
Posts: 272


So, a few of these have already been suggested, in which case I'm seconding them. bigrazz All very good reads, though. Some are also more slice of life than adventure, but they will yank at your heartstrings. Some are complete, some are ongoing projects.

Deadman Wonderland
Maybe Immortal Rain
Annarasumanara is gorgeous, will leave you breathless.
Sarashi Asobi is a favorite of mine, but it's also shoujo. I found it very touching, though.
Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan
Dokuhime
Can't See Can't Hear But Love
Itsuwaribito Utsuho maybe, similar to Naruto but better in my opinion.
Anonymous
Hakuji, perhaps.


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When I said 'death' before 'dishonor', I meant alphabetically.

Imagine what would happen if there were no more hypothetical situations.
Post #634799
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I have a big
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11:55 am, Mar 4 2014
Posts: 1029


You don't like sci-fi, huh? So I now challenge you to read Battle Angel Alita and BAA LO (sequel). It's intense, philosophical, highly detailed and executed impeccably. The sequel has some insane art that blows my mind. See if it tickles your fancy.

Did anyone mention Hoshi no Samidare yet? It has great fluidity and a satisfying ending.

Last edited by sunder at 10:31 am, Mar 6 2014

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