Ok..so I started reading manga like 8 months ago..and I have read lots of shoujos, few shounen, some josei, a little bit of horror, lots of yaoi, and some supernatural stuff...I have come to a point where almost nothing surprises me. I know 200 mangas is not that much..but so much stereotype and cliches are so tiring.

So, I am looking for something different, more mature-like, a bit more deep...even if it is not considered as jose or seinen..but I have had a hard time finding good stories only by tags. I mean, I have tried like 4 seinen and they just were too much for me, like too...raw...it is just that I don't like to see a story about only cruelty, or only blood and sex or senseless violence. So I thought I lean more to josei...but the stories kept being so repetitive. (I hope there is someone who understands this hehe, if not I am talking too much, sorry 😛 ).

I want a smart story, here is some descriptions about what I have liked the most 'till now:

I love stories that make you think a lot, like Amatsuki and xxxHolic. These stories not only have a good enough plot, they are well written and there are some parts where you have to stop to ponder the implications of "what about if" in real life. You even have a bit of tech and geek talk in Amatsuki, which is really great! because it is not sci-fi, they are talking about actual things of the brain there..(yeah, I am a bit of a geek) 😉

Stories like Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro, Skip Beat,Half Ouji or Kuroshistsuji (for a darker story) that make me laugh, not with a lame humor, but a crazy one, a sarcastic one, a smart one, situations that manage to amuse you because of the unexpected, without being stupid. (I am sure I haven't seen a character like Neuro or Kyoko in any other story)

Stories that make you actually feel what the characters feel..where love happens not just because, where the feelings are really well conveyed trough words (the way things are written is very important to me) like The cornered mouse dreams of cheese (the only yaoi that deserves a 10 in my lists) and its sequel, After School Nightmare (great and the greatest wtf story so far), Kimi wa pet or Sangen Tonari no Tooi Hito

Btw, I am reading Usagi Drop annd really enjoying it so far..it is well written.

So, if it's not too much to ask, I would like to know about stories like these ones..that you consider really deep and smart, and why you like them. Please, not too much of a drama, angsty stories or really tragic ones..I don't want to cry, maybe feel a little sad, but not in the whole story.

😀    I am really looking forward to your answers..

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My Reviews

These are a few of my favorites. Why don't you try them too:

Reset - great story, makes you think
Genshiken - subtle humor, unique theme
Ludwig Revolution - sarcastic black comedy
The World God Only Knows - smart, satirical and lots of fun!

i was too lazy to read your entire post but the smartest manga i have ever read by far has been Liar Game

@base_coat Ok, thx got your recs..I will try them.
Can you talk to me about Ludwig Revolution? I started to read it but it didn't get to me..I mean, why you liked it? it is like...a little bit absurd for me (I only have read 1 chapter, so that is just a feeling I got), so I want to know, since you are not the only one who has recommended it to me.

@robbit hahaha indeed, I know I overdid it..but I'll try your rec anyways..thanks.

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My Reviews

I like it because it's unique and absurd, and I like the author's art style. It's a twisted and parodic retelling of classic fairy tales. That's why I think it's smart. Classic fairy tales did have origins. The truth was not always flowery, simple, innocent and happy. Old Europen royalties and life of the people in those old times were certainly not what we are told from fairy tales. It may be a bit exaggerating but I think that's basically one of the messages of the manga.

Have you tried Pet Shop of Horrors and it's sequel? I personally like the sequel but I think both could be recommended to you. I haven't read many of the author's other works. But you should try them (esp. the long ones like Genjuu no Seiza, which is a clever comedy/mystery/fantasy)

I wanted to recommend Yunagi no Machi; Sakura no Kuni but I am not sure whether it's considered tragic to you. Not to me at least.

I'm not really sure...but maybe Bara no Tameni (Josei)? The art is a bit old, but it's a great story. Made me cry a couple of times >.> I'm sap, so it's no surprise 😛

Edit: Nngh, I just re-read what you're asking for again, and maybe my rec has a bit too much Drama for your taste. Sorry about that >.>

Read things by Toyoda Tetsuya, one of my favorites. NCIS, I heard, has done an awesome job scanning them. >.> I recommend Undercurrent, GOGGLE, and Coffee Time.

I suggest changing your title into "Mature and smart/humorous stories, without too much drama, cruelty, angst or tragedy" so that you get better recommendations.

these are very serious manga

homunculus
gantz
shigurui
shamo
kaiji
gambling emperor zero
one outs
liar game

why because i am the president of the student council of course

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Quote from tokyo_homi

these are very serious manga

homunculus
gantz
shigurui
shamo
kaiji
gambling emperor zero
one outs
liar game

Have you read her fist post? Some of these are certainly not the types she's looking for (Gantz, Shamo, anyone?)

i don't know if it fits your description but i think that akumetsu is maybe something coz the story is a little bit strange but rather smart and there is a huge amount of critic on non functional and shitty politicians.

these are very serious manga

homunculus
gantz
shigurui
shamo
kaiji
gambling emperor zero
one outs
liar game

Have you read her fist post? Some of these are certainly not the types she's looking for (Gantz, Shamo, anyone?)

actually with Gantz, I think Gantz is exactly what She's looking for... why ~~ ?

Because In all the manga's that I have read Gantz is by far one of the most mind-bending, emotional and thought provoking Manga I have ever come across.

Warning, Gantz gets a really horrible rep because of the excessive nudity, and sickening violence. But if you actually look past those, and actually read the manga, you'll find it to be one of the most beautiful peaces of literature ever written. A manga that truly grabs you my the soul, and asks you about the value and significance of your life and your worth.

ooohhh and Deathnote (it's the manga everybody goes around praising as really really intelligent and awesome, and the best) I'm sure you've heard endless talk and hype about it, but it actually is really amazing

hope my ramblings been helpful = }

CoCo wants to Go GO

OK, she will be the verdict on Gantz then. That's just your opinion. I have no comment. 🤣

@queen2408
I guess Liar Game, Hikaru no Go, Hello Baby and Death Note are good choices. I would also recommend M.C. Law, which is silly at times but does have good parts and important messages and is generally light-hearted.

I haven't read it myself but I think Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei might interest you.

Rust Blaster: by the same author who did Kuroshitsuji

Hotel, I suppose? I thought it was pretty thought-provoking in a sweet way, with a bit of humor...

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