What is this genre all about? Contemporary fantasy, also known as modern fantasy or indigenous fantasy, is a sub-genre of fantasy, set in the present day. It is perhaps most popular for its sub-genre, urban fantasy.These terms are used to describe stories set in the putative real world (often referred to as consensus reality) in contemporary times, in which magic and magical creatures exist, either living in the interstices of our world or leaking over from alternate worlds. It thus has much in common with, and sometimes overlaps with secret history; a work of fantasy in which the magic could not remain secret or does not have any known relationship to known history would not fit into this subgenre. Occasionally certain contemporary fantasy novels will make reference to pop culture.Novels in which modern characters travel into alternate worlds, and all the magical action takes place there (except for the portal required to transport them), are not considered contemporary fantasy. Thus, C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where all fantasy events take place in the land of Narnia which is reached via a magic wardrobe, would not count as contemporary fantasy; on the other hand, the part of The Magician's Nephew, where the Empress Jadis gets to London, tries to take over the Earth and clashes with police and a crowd of cockneys, would qualify as such.Contemporary fantasy is also to be distinguished from horror fiction, which also often has contemporary settings. When encountering magical events and creatures, the protagonist of a horror novel is horrified, while the protagonist of a fantasy novel (contemporary or otherwise) is filled with a sense of joy and wonder. Horrifying events may happen, but the fundamental distinction is vital.In his preface to That Hideous Strength, one of the earlier works falling within this sub-genre, C.S. Lewis explained why, when writing a tale about "magicians, devils, pantomime animals and planetary angels", he chose to start it with a detailed depiction of narrow-minded academic politics at a provincial English university and the schemes of crooked real estate developers: "I am following the traditional fairy-tale. We do not always notice its method, because the cottages, castles, woodcutters and petty kings with which a fairy tale opens have become for us as remote as the witches and ogres to which it proceeds. But they were not remote at all to the men who first made and enjoyed the tales". The same is true for many of the later works in the genre, which often begin with a seemingly normal scene of modern daily life to then disclose supernatural and magical beings and events hidden behind the scenes.Source: wiki
We present you the list of Contemporary Fantasy manga you should read right now.
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Top 18 Contemporary Fantasy manga you should read right now. [2024 List]
- 18. Sinhwageup Gwisok Item-eul Sone Neoeotda
- 17. Berserk
- 16. World Trigger
- 15. Spice & Wolf
- 14. SSS-Class Gacha Hunter
- 13. Bakemonogatari
- 12. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- 11. Mob Psycho 100
- 10. Jumyou wo Kaitotte Moratta. Ichinen ni Tsuki, Ichimanen de.
- 9. Jahy-sama wa Kujikenai!
- 8. Pandora Hearts
- 7. Again!!
- 6. Mahoutsukai no Yome
- 5. Fruits Basket
- 4. Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san
- 3. Jingai no Yome to Icha Icha suru - Anthology Comic
- 2. Succubus & Hitman
- 1. Vampeerz
18. Sinhwageup Gwisok Item-eul Sone Neoeotda
Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse Mythology, suddenly appeared on Earth. And with it came demonic creatures that ravaged entire cities.
Although not all hope is lost, due to the System that a few special humans had gained.
In this new world where only the strong survived, Jae-Hyun Min scrapes by regretting the wrong choices he’d made in the past… when one day, he gains the only Mythic item in the world.
How will this item help him? And can he change his wretched fate?
I Obtained a Mythic Item is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Sinhwageup Gwisok Item-eul Sone Neoeotda
17. Berserk
His name is Guts, the Black Swordsman, a feared warrior spoken of only in whispers. Bearer of a gigantic sword, an iron hand, and the scars of countless battles and tortures, his flesh is also indelibly marked with The Brand, an unholy symbol that draws the forces of darkness to him and dooms him as their sacrifice. But Guts won't take his fate lying down; he'll cut a crimson swath of carnage through the ranks of the damned—and anyone else foolish enough to oppose him! Accompanied by Puck the Elf, more an annoyance than a companion, Guts relentlessly follows a dark, bloodstained path that leads only to death...or vengeance.
Notes:
- Volumes 1-5 contain the 16 prequel chapters 0A - 0P.
- Chapter 83 was omitted from Volume 13 due to the author’s request.
- Volume 14 includes “Berserk: The Prototype”.
- Due to the author's passing, starting from Chapter 365, the manga is illustrated by Studio Gaga (Miura's assistants) and supervised by Kouji Mori (a close friend of Miura's).
Berserk is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ベルセルク, Berserk: The Prototype
16. World Trigger
A gate to another dimension has burst open, and from it emerge gigantic invincible creatures that threaten all of humanity. Earth's only defense is a mysterious group of warriors who have co-opted the alien technology in order to fight back!
World Trigger is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ワールドトリガー, World Trigger
15. Spice & Wolf
With his carthorse as his only companion, the young merchant Kraft Lawrence slowly wends his way through dusty back roads in search of profitable trade. But this monotony screeches to a halt when, one night, he encounters a harvest goddess in the guise of a beautiful young girl…with wolf ears and a tail! Longing for the northern lands of her birth, Holo the Wisewolf joins Lawrence as he follows the ebb and flow of trade through the countryside. And when the two come across a compelling but suspicious opportunity for profit, will Lawrence with his mercantile chops and Holo with her ancient instincts be able to separate the truth from the lies — and make some coin while they’re at it?!
Spice & Wolf has finished publishing and it has 108 Chapters. It is also Known as: Ookami to Koushinryou, 狼と香辛料, Spice and Wolf, Okami to Koshinryo
14. SSS-Class Gacha Hunter
On the worst day of my life, I received a miracle as a present from the ‘real universe’.
On the worst day of my life, I got the strongest skill from the universe! The luck game that overturns the class begins. SSS-class hunter who became stronger by drawing lots.
SSS-Class Gacha Hunter is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: SSS-Class Gacha Hunter
13. Bakemonogatari
One day, high-school student Koyomi Araragi catches a girl named Hitagi Senjougahara when she trips. But—much to his surprise—she doesn’t weigh anything. At all. She says an encounter with a so-called “crab” took away all her weight …
Monsters have been here since the beginning.
Always.
Everywhere.
Bakemonogatari has finished publishing and it has 193 Chapters. It is also Known as: 化物語, Monster Tale, Monogatari Series: First Season, MonStory
12. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Yuta Okkotsu is a nervous high school student who is suffering from a serious problem—his childhood friend Rika has turned into a Curse and won't leave him alone. Since Rika is no ordinary Curse, his plight is noticed by Satoru Gojo, a teacher at Jujutsu High, a school where fledgling exorcists learn how to combat Curses. Gojo convinces Yuta to enroll, but can he learn enough in time to confront the Curse that haunts him?
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 has finished publishing and it has 4 Chapters. It is also Known as: Jujutsu Kaisen 0: Tokyo Toritsu Jujutsu Koutou Senmon Gakkou, 呪術廻戦 0 東京都立呪術高等専門学校, Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical School, Toritsu Jujutsu Koutou Senmon Gakkou
11. Mob Psycho 100
Kageyama Shigeo (a.k.a. "Mob") is a 8th grader with psychic abilities. He could bend spoons and lift objects with his mind from a young age, but he slowly began to withhold from using his abilities in public due to the negative attention he kept receiving. Now, the only thing he wants is to become friends with a girl in his class, Tsubomi. With his psychic "mentor" (who has no psychic powers), he continues his daily life, attempting to realize his purpose in life.
Mob Psycho 100 has finished publishing and it has 101 Chapters. It is also Known as: モブサイコ100, Mob Psycho One Hundred, Mob Psycho Hyaku
10. Jumyou wo Kaitotte Moratta. Ichinen ni Tsuki, Ichimanen de.
A twenty-year-old with little hope for the future discovers a shop that buys lifespan, time, and health. This is a story dealing with the ensuing consequences.
Note:
Volume 2 contains the side story "Sonzai no Iu made mo Nai Karusa".
Volume 3 contains the side story "Chiisana Negai".
I sold my life for ten thousand yen per year. has finished publishing and it has 18 Chapters. It is also Known as: 寿命を買い取ってもらった。一年につき、一万円で。, Mikkakan no Koufuku, Three Days of Happiness
9. Jahy-sama wa Kujikenai!
Jahy-sama is an existence to be feared and respected throughout the Demon Realm.
Well, was.
The (former) Demon Realm No. 2 is now busy with house chores and work...in the human realm! Her dinner is just beansprouts, and she can't afford anything except water at cafes, but she won't get discouraged!
The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ジャヒー様はくじけない！, Jahy-Sama Ha Kujikenai!, Jahy-sama Won't Be Discouraged!
8. Pandora Hearts
The air of celebration surrounding fifteen-year-old Oz Vessalius’s coming-of-age ceremony quickly turns to horror when he is condemned for a sin about which he knows nothing. He is thrown into the eternal prison known as the Abyss, from which there is no escape. There, he meets a young girl named Alice, who is not what she seems. Now that the relentless cogs of fate have begun to turn, do they lead only to crushing despair for Oz, or is there some shred of hope for him to grasp on to?
Included one-shot:
Volume 8: Pandora Hearts (pilot)
Pandora Hearts has finished publishing and it has 107 Chapters. It is also Known as: PandoraHearts, Pandora Hearts
7. Again!!
Imamura Kinichiro reluctantly wakes up one day to attend his high school graduation. He'd made no friends in high school and joined no clubs. Everyone was afraid of him, due to his long blond hair and surly attitude. Reflecting on his awful high school years, he remembers a girl from the Japanese cheering squad that he saw in the welcome ceremony three years ago. Searching for the old cheering squad's clubroom, he accidentally startles a classmate, causing them both to fall down a flight of stairs...
When he wakes up, it's the morning of his first day of high school, three years ago. As he confusedly goes through his day, he's able to correct a lot of the mistakes he made the first time around, such as actually interacting with the cheering squad girl, Usami Yoshiko! But did he really travel in time, or is this all just a dream he's having while his body is lying unconscious somewhere? Could he really have the chance to go through his high school years again?
Again!! has finished publishing and it has 136 Chapters. It is also Known as: アゲイン!!, Again!!
6. Mahoutsukai no Yome
Hatori Chise has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise's life will never be the same again.
The man is a "magus," a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice–and his bride!
The Ancient Magus' Bride is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 魔法使いの嫁, The Magician's Bride, Mahoutsukai no Yome
5. Fruits Basket
Tohru Honda is a high school freshman who is having a serious bout of misfortune. Not only was she recently orphaned with the tragedy of her mother's death, but she also has no where to live and is currently residing in a tent! However, when her luck to seems to be at its worse, she meets the Sohma family - and is invited to stay with them in exchange for taking care of the household chores.
But it isn't long before Tohru discovers the Sohmas have deep a secret. The family is cursed by the spirits of the Chinese Zodiac, and some of the children born into the Sohma family are possessed by these spirits. When possessed, they cannot be "huggled" by the opposite sex, or they transform into their respective Zodiac animal!
However, this doesn't phase Tohru, who promises to keep their secret. She continues living with them, and her grave humbleness and thankfulness never wanes. As a result, they come to be very important people in her life, and the Sohmas begin to realize how very lucky they are to have her.
Fruits Basket has finished publishing and it has 136 Chapters. It is also Known as: フルーツバスケット, Furuba
4. Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san
The everyday life of Nakano, a salaryman working for an exploitative company, is suddenly intruded upon by the Kitsune, Senko-san (800 Years Old - Young Wife). Whether it be cooking, cleaning, or special Service(?)... she'll heal his exhaustion with her tender "care".
Meddlesome Kitsune Senko-san is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 世話やきキツネの仙狐さん, Meddlesome Kitsune Senko-san
3. Jingai no Yome to Icha Icha suru - Anthology Comic
A collection of oneshots about monster girl wives (and more!).
Volume 1:
1. ,,Heart-wringing Yamanba-sensei'' by Hattori Mitsuru,
2. ,,The Youth of Haruse, the Dullahan'' by Rishin,
3. ,,An Odd Pair for Life'' by Amatou,
4. ,,Our Mascot Cat'' by Gum,
5. ,,Rise up! Mandragora-senpai!'' by Yuugo,
6. ,,A Human, a Tiger and a Wizard'' by Takaho Tadachika,
7. ,,I'm Dating a Vampire'' by Kagamitsuki,
8. ,,A Life in the Shadow'' by Soropip B.
Volume 2:
9. ,,Wankomplex'' by Mintarou,
10. ,,Living with a Fox'' by Amatou,
11. ,,My Sluggish Wife Leannan-san'' by Nishizono,
12. ,,The Dullahan Haruse and Her Friends'' by Rishin,
13. ,,Legend of Ogres'' by Hiyama Daisuke,
14. ,,Good Luck, Shitori-chan!'' by Takaho Tadachika,
15. ,,I'm Dating a Vampire'' by Kagamitsuki,
16. ,,Soul-sucking Demon'' by Rage,
17. ,,The Yearning of the Forgotten Bones'' by Soropip B.
Jingai no Yome to Icha Icha suru - Anthology Comic has finished publishing and it has 17 Chapters. It is also Known as: 人外の嫁といちゃいちゃする アンソロジーコミック, Jingai no Yome to ichaicha suru - Ansorojii Komikku, Jingai no Yome to ichaicha suru - Anthology Comic, Jingai no Yome to Icha Icha suru - Ansorojii Komikku
2. Succubus & Hitman
The "violence gun action" manga's story centers on a dual gun-wielding protagonist who makes makes a deal with the devil to reap the souls of sinners.
Succubus & Hitman is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: サキュバス＆ヒットマン, A Young Hitman Between Heaven And Earth., Succubus and Hitman
1. Vampeerz
On the day of her grandmother's funeral, Ichika meets Aria, a beautiful foreigner who claims to be her grandmother's friend. But Ichika soon finds that Aria is no normal human; she is a vampire, and their relationship has just begun...
Vampeerz, My Peer Vampires is currently publishing and has 46 Chapters. It is also Known as: ヴァンピアーズ, Vampeerz
