Ranking the Best Manga Written by Women!

The growing popularity of animes goes hand in hand with that of mangas.

Fans rush to follow their favorite series, eager to discover what’s next while the animes catch up with the publications. Productions featuring male main characters achieve great success. What sometimes surprises is that many of these highly appreciated mangas, with male heroes, are actually created by women.

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Today, many female mangakas write stories centered on male protagonists. What often distinguishes their works is the focus on emotional depth and complex relationships. It is not systematic, but a recognized trend in mangas produced by women. Several of the best series, whether shōnen, shōjo, or others, enjoy worldwide success thanks to this sensitive and rich approach.

10. Kei Sasuga considers the characters of Domestic Girlfriend as her children

Kei Sasuga, mangaka of Domestic Girlfriend, explains that each character reflects a part of herself, making the story very personal despite a male hero. She strives to balance the protagonist’s passions and sometimes takes fans’ opinions into account during her creations.

Although she doubted her abilities, Sasuga persevered, creating several mangas and one-shots. She concluded Domestic Girlfriend in 2020 and continues working in the field.

9. Jun Mochizuki, author of fantastic worlds like The Case Study of Vanitas

Jun Mochizuki is behind several titles with male heroes, including Pandora Hearts and The Case Study of Vanitas. Inspired by Hiromu Arakawa, she gained recognition with mystic universes and captivating stories.

After a long path to recognition, her works are now adapted into popular animes. The Case Study of Vanitas continues its development while Mochizuki is still expanding her stories.

8. Kazune Kawahara and Aruko combine talents for My Love Story!!

Kazune Kawahara, specialized in romance, is worldwide known for My Love Story!!, a tender and touching work. She collaborates with Aruko, who handles illustrations. Together, they created one of the most beloved romantic stories.

Aruko, also author of My Love Mix-Up!, shares the passion for sweet and funny love stories.

7. Kazue Kato fulfills her dream with Blue Exorcist

Kazue Kato created several mangas and one-shots; her most famous series is Blue Exorcist. It tells the moving story of Rin Okumura, a young boy confronted with his demonic heritage and struggles to become an exorcist.

Kato dreamed of becoming an animator, but under family pressure, turned to manga. Her determination and passion are reflected in her works, known for their depth and dynamism.

6. Adachitoka, duo of women behind Noragami

Adachitoka, the duo formed by Adachi and Tokashiki, created Noragami. Each focuses on one drawing aspect — characters for Adachi, backgrounds for Tokashiki. The series, concluded after 14 years, marked shōnen fans with its unique universe and characters.

An adapted anime had two seasons, received awards, and fans hope for a future collaboration.

5. Ryoko Kui blends realism and fantasy in Delicious in Dungeon

Ryoko Kui is known for her recent hit, Delicious in Dungeon, where a fantastic world meets realistic situations driven by lovable characters. She also created the new series Terrarium in Drawer, an anthology of independent yet coherent stories, inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons.

4. Yana Toboso, creator of magnificent supernatural characters in Black Butler

Yana Toboso is famous for her flagship work, Black Butler, featuring a demonic butler serving a young boy. She also worked on the short manga Rust Blaster and the Disney game Twisted-Wonderland, showcasing her talent for complex and alluring characters.

3. Paru Itagaki invents unique worlds with Beastars

Paru Itagaki, a mysterious mangaka who hides her face, is known for original mangas like Beastars, which explores the life of a wolf in a society of anthropomorphic animals. Her new series Sanda will soon be adapted into an anime. Daughter of the creator of Baki the Grappler, Paru is recognized for her distinctive artistic style and captivating narratives.

2. Akimi Yoshida challenges conventions with Banana Fish

Akimi Yoshida is celebrated for the crime thriller Banana Fish, which overturns shōjo clichés by featuring a male hero and an American setting. Considered close to classic shōnen, she has a passion for free creation, encouraging aspiring mangakas to follow their desires.

Awarded several times, she continues creating with her latest title, Utagawa Hyakkei, exploring life in a hot spring town, based on her film work Umimachi Diary.

1. Hiromu Arakawa, creator of the famous Fullmetal Alchemist

Hiromu Arakawa, author of the monumental Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2010), is globally recognized as one of the greatest shōnen mangakas. Her story blends adventure and strong emotions, illustrating her passion for drawing and storytelling.

She has also created other successful works such as The Heroic Legend of Arslan, The Demons of the Shadow Kingdom, and Silver Spoon, inspired by her childhood on a dairy farm. Her powerful style and deep characters attract a wide audience.

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