10 Mystery Manga We Recommend You To Read

Manga has always been a popular medium for mystery storytelling, captivating readers with its intriguing plot twists and enigmatic characters. With countless titles available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 Mystery Manga We Recommend You To Read which are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic whodunits to mind-bending psychological thrillers, these recommendations offer something for every mystery lover. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by these thrilling tales.

Case Closed

Gosho Aoyama’s popular manga series, Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, has not only withstood the test of time but has also become a cultural phenomenon, even almost 30 years after its debut. The series follows the story of high-school detective Jimmy, who occasionally assists the police in battling the dangerous Black Organization. However, things take a drastic turn when he is fed an experimental drug that regresses him to a child’s body, prompting him to continue his work under the pseudonym “Conan.” Although the series focuses on crime-solving, it is far from being purely lighthearted, often surprising readers with its dark and intense plot twists.

Death Note

The manga’s popularity speaks for itself. Instead of relying on flashy action or sentimental romance, Death Note presents a series of gripping mental battles that could determine the fate of the world. The story revolves around a power-hungry adolescent who thinks he’s a deity and a cryptic detective with extraordinary intellect, making it difficult to predict the winner. Without a doubt, Death Note is a compelling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

20th Century Boys

Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys is a pinnacle of storytelling, character development, and mystery. This gripping thriller follows a group of friends embroiled in a geopolitical conspiracy that spans decades, from 1969 to 2017. With a non-linear plot that shifts back and forth along the timeline, the series centers around Kenji, a determined convenience store owner who is determined to stop a nefarious organization’s machinations. Despite his humble profession, Kenji is committed to the cause, and the tension never lets up. Urasawa’s skillful mastery of suspense and enigma is evident throughout the series, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

MPD Psycho

For fans of intense and unsettling mystery manga, MPD Psycho is an excellent choice. This series was even adapted into a TV miniseries directed by the infamous Takashi Miike, known for his similarly brutal and disturbing films. The plot begins with a detective investigating a series of murders, but things take a twisted turn when the killer becomes fixated on him. This leads to a chain of events that ultimately result in madness, murder, and imprisonment. As the title suggests, the story heavily features dissociative identity disorder. Prepare for a gripping and unsettling read with MPD Psycho.

Doubt

Doubt is a timeless locked-room mystery that delves into the repercussions of a mobile game turning into a life-threatening reality. The story commences with a popular cell phone game, Rabbit Doubt, which requires players to identify the wolf in their rabbit community before it preys on them. However, imagine if the game’s rules were applied outside of the virtual world. The manga is akin to Assassins, a popular ice-breaker game in colleges, with the exception that the stakes are much higher here, and players face a genuine risk of losing their lives.

Monster

“Monster” is a chilling thriller that will send shivers down your spine. The story follows Tenma, a once-successful surgeon who loses everything after a risky operation on a child goes wrong. Life moves on, until nine years later when people involved in the tragedy start to get murdered. The perpetrator is someone Tenma knows all too well, and the series becomes a cat-and-mouse game with the protagonist taking matters into his own hands while the police pursue him. It’s clear that this won’t end well for everyone involved.

Beastars

Beastars by Paru Itagaki is a well-known manga series, thanks to its unique take on a society filled with anthropomorphic animals. However, readers may be surprised to discover the dark and disturbing nature of this thrilling tale. Alongside the relatable slice-of-life content, teenage drama and cute moments lie bloody action, crime syndicates, and murder. Despite these darker themes, the manga boasts deep and nuanced character development, making it a perfect mystery read that will have you binging it for hours on end. So, while the series may be familiar, the intensity and complexity of Beastars make it a standout in the mystery genre.

Pluto

While Urasawa’s Monster is often the go-to when it comes to his mystery manga, his series Pluto offers a fresh take on a classic. The story is a futuristic thriller that reimagines Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, where robots are able to pass as humans and live among them. The plot follows a serial killer who sets out to murder the seven greatest robots in the world, including Detective Gesicht, who has been assigned to the case. However, there’s a twist – Gesicht is one of the targets. With its unique premise and intense plot, Pluto is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre.

Billy Bat

Kevin Yamagata, a Japanese-American comic book artist, wrote the mystery series called Billy Bat after unknowingly taking inspiration from images he saw during World War II in Japan. Overwhelmed with guilt, he travels back to the country to make amends with the possible true creator of his main character. However, what he discovers is a complex web of deceit, conspiracies, and killings, all related to the Billy Bat persona. Trapped and engulfed in the mystery, Kevin must find a way to unravel the truth before it’s too late. With every chapter, the series grows increasingly eerie and ominous, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Spy x Family

Tatsuya Endo’s Spy x Family manga has been gaining widespread acclaim from fans for its unique blend of humor and thrills. The series follows the story of Twilight, a renowned spy on a mission to infiltrate the life of a corrupt politician. In order to accomplish his task, he must create a family, leading him to adopt a telepathic six-year-old named Anya and cross paths with a trained assassin named Yor. The comedic aspects of the series are expertly woven throughout, largely thanks to the charmingly witty Anya. The manga boasts impressive artwork, striking a perfect balance between action and comedy with detailed character designs and stunning environments. Spy x Family is an exciting combination of mystery, action, political intrigue, and humor, positioning it as one of the must-read shonen manga titles. It is a complete package that is sure to leave readers entertained and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

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