Hello, I'm looking for a manga that is similar to The Breaker. Basically, I like manga where the protagonist starts out powerless or even just uncool and develops into a hero/something impressive. I know that there are a lot of shonen out there like that, but I am looking for something with a little more romance. Great art is an excellent plus.

Other mangas that I have read that are similar (that I can think of...)
Veritas
Naruto
History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi

Examples of situations could be:

• a scrawny guy becomes a powerful fighter for the girl he loves (this is probably the most classic situation)
• a nerd becomes a star on a sports team
• an outcast/delinquent who has hidden strength and uses his powers for good (maybe for a girl, maybe because he's in debt, maybe because he's trying to become good)

....all with a touch of romance. Romance need not be the main focus of the story. In fact, I would prefer if it wasn't. But, it would be nice to see the protagonist end up with someone in the end. I like happy endings.

There are some cases where the description of the manga does not do the manga justice. If you feel this is the case, PLEASE let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Please no yao, yuri, smut, ecchi or the like.

I think Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru might be what you are looking for.

Do but despise reason and science,
The highest of all human gifts -
Then you have surrendered to the Devil
And must surely perish. - J.W. von Goethe

These are all really good manga:
Alive
Eden no Ori
Gantz: This one, definitely.
Kiseijuu: Maybe, but less of the weak character becoming strong storyline.

[img]http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh9/xsaranghaex/seigaku.gif[/img]

Angel Densetsu

@The Guy: Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru looks great! Definitely what I am looking for.

@xgloriOHz: I am reading Alive and love it! The other ones look good too.

@bookworm94: I have been putting off Angel Densetsu. Will I like it?

Keep 'em coming!

Quote from mecopoly

@bookworm94: I have been putting off Angel Densetsu. Will I like it?

Keep 'em coming!

Dont really think you will. its sorta about a strong confused guy realizing he's strong. I also personally hated the artwork, although it is one of the most hilarious mangas ive read because of all the misunderstandings in the beginning.

Hoshi no Samidare
Honestly I don't think any description will do this manga justice. This is all assuming you haven't read it already though. ^^

eyeshield 21 is in this niche, only with a sports angle (as opposed to martial arts)

Wee little skinny main-character grows up to be pretty nifty at football. A little bit of hinting at romance, but nothing really comes of it. Also complete, so you don't have to wait 30 years for an ending (like many on going series).

Seconding hoshi no samidare so much it hurts.

Hanza Sky

Quote from wittleD

Quote from mecopoly

@bookworm94: I have been putting off Angel Densetsu. Will I like it?

Keep 'em coming!

Dont really think you will. its sorta about a strong confused guy realizing he's strong. I also personally hated the artwork, although it is one of the most hilarious mangas ive read because of all the misunderstandings in the beginning.

The artwork is really the strangest part about the series, but it visibly improves throughout. The biggest problem with the artwork is that it doesn't really seem the kind that is usually associated with something so comedic.

To the topic creator, although Angel Densetsu isn't really what you're looking for, it does have fighting, romance, and comedy, which are also present in the similar series you mentioned. And it's a great series, which I can't suggest highly enough. Stop putting it off, read the first two volumes, and by then you'll probably know whether you want to read any more.

This signature was recovered from Hades to serve in my rotting armies.

Quote from x0mbiec0rp

Quote from wittleD

Quote from mecopoly

@bookworm94: I have been putting off Angel Densetsu. Will I like it?

Keep 'em coming!

Dont really think you will. its sorta about a strong confused guy realizing he's strong. I also personally hated the artwork, although it is one of the most hilarious mangas ive read because of all the misunderstandings in the beginning.

The artwork is really the strangest part about the series, but it visibly improves throughout. The biggest problem with the artwork is that it doesn't really seem the kind that is usually associated with something so comedic.

To the topic creator, although Angel Densetsu isn't really what you're looking for, it does have fighting, romance, and comedy, which are also present in the similar series you mentioned. And it's a great series, which I can't suggest highly enough. Stop putting it off, read the first two volumes, and by then you'll probably know whether you want to read any more.

Thanks! Mangas with unique (for lack of a better term) artwork can suit the storyline nicely. Gokusen, for example. Reading through the comments on Angel Densetsu, it looks like the jokes are hilarious and then sort of repetitive. I will give this series a try.

Dafat-MKII and daed, your suggestions seriously make me want to read it. And lol at daed's comment about mangas taking 30 years to finish. I hate that 🙁 . There's manga that I want to read but are only a few chapters in. It's rough to get hooked on a series at the very beginning. 🤢

Ryogo, Hanza Sky certainly matches my criteria. It's sad to see that this series has only 4 volumes so far.

For anyone else that may be interested in this thread, there is a Weak to Strong category. Here's the link:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?category=Weak+to+Strong

Quote from mecopoly

Ryogo, Hanza Sky certainly matches my criteria. It's sad to see that this series has only 4 volumes so far.

Well, Hanza Sky currently has 50 chapters and is a weekly =)