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. [2026 List]
- 18. Kagurabachi
- 17. Sinhwageup Gwisok Item-eul Sone Neoeotda
- 16. BLEACH
- 15. Berserk
- 14. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
- 13. Jahy-sama wa Kujikenai!
- 12. World Trigger
- 11. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: The JOJOLands
- 10. Pandora Hearts
- 9. SSS-Class Gacha Hunter
- 8. Mahoutsukai no Yome
- 7. Monogatari Series: Final Season
- 6. Fei Ren Zai
- 5. Jumyou wo Kaitotte Moratta. Ichinen ni Tsuki, Ichimanen de.
- 4. Bakemonogatari
- 3. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- 2. Boku wa Mari no Naka
- 1. Nito no Joreishi
18. Kagurabachi
Young Chihiro spends his days training under his famous swordsmith father. One day he hopes to become a great sword-maker himself. The goofy father and the serious son--they thought these days would last forever. But suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark day soaked in blood. Chihiro and his blade now live only for revenge.
Kagurabachi is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: カグラバチ, 神樂鉢, KGB, คากุระบาจิ
17. 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
16. BLEACH
Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia— who is slowly regaining her powers— it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.
Note: Chapter count includes the 12-chapter “Turn Back The Pendulum” side story and 8 extra chapters.
BLEACH has finished publishing and it has 706 Chapters. It is also Known as: ブリーチ, Bleach
15. 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
14. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
It's been 68 years since the Culling Game. In 2086, an alien race known as the Simurians arrive on Earth in a spaceship. The fate of the world lies in the hands of two jujutsu sorcerers, Yuka and Tsurugi Okkotsu. Jujutsu sorcerers and aliens, what chaos will be born from this meeting?
Note:
- Includes one extra chapter
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo has finished publishing and it has 26 Chapters. It is also Known as: 呪術廻戦≡, 呪術廻戦 モジュロ, Jujutsu Kaisen Mojuro
13. Jahy-sama wa Kujikenai!
The Great Jahy, the Dark Realm’s second-in-command, cuts a frightening figure, feared and revered by all. But when a run-in with a magical girl results in the destruction of the precious mana crystal, the Dark Realm falls, transporting the newly puny and powerless Jahy to the human world! Unfortunately, plotting the revival of the Dark Realm from a cramped, crumbling one-room apartment is no easy feat when you have rent to pay and a job to keep!
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!
12. 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
11. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: The JOJOLands
The stage is set on a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii. Jodio Joestar, a young boy living on Oahu Island, harbors the ambition to become a great millionaire. The clue to his goal lies in reaching the pinnacle of the mechanisms of this world. What means will he choose to achieve his objective?
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 9: The JOJOLands is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 Part9 THE JOJOLANDS, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 9: The JOJO Lands
10. 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
9. 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
8. 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
7. Monogatari Series: Final Season
This entry includes the final season of the Monogatari series:
Vol. 1: Tsukimonogatari
Vol. 2: Koyomimonogatari
Vol. 3-5: Owarimonogatari
Vol. 6: Zoku Owarimonogatari
Monogatari Series: Final Season has finished publishing and it has 231 Chapters. It is also Known as: 〈物語〉シリーズ ファイナルシーズン, Tsukimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, Zoku Owarimonogatari
6. Fei Ren Zai
Chinese mythical beasts living in modern China.
Myth of Chinese Monsters is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: No God No Human, Non-Human
5. 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
4. 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
3. 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
2. Boku wa Mari no Naka
The manga follows an "angel-like" beautiful high school girl with a certain secret she has been hiding from everyone, and an idle hikikomori (one who abnormally avoids social contact) young man; the highlight of his day is seeing Mari at the convenience store. The story begins as Mari wakes up in her room, but something feel amiss about the room and even her own body.
Inside Mari has finished publishing and it has 80 Chapters. It is also Known as: ぼくは麻理のなか, I'm in Mari
1. Nito no Joreishi
Exorcists Gotsuji and Uruka spend their days exorcising evil spirits on request, inching ever closer to their goal: to cut down a specific spirit as a means of mourning the woman it killed. Uruka, mystified by Gotsuji's actions, accompanies him in his quest for revenge, but where will their journey lead...? Bunny outfits or traditional garb—doesn't matter! Just cut those spirits down! The curtain rises on a new and exciting story full of action and the occult!
The Nito Exorcists has finished publishing and it has 56 Chapters. It is also Known as: 二兎の除霊師, Nito no Joreishi
