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.
Try our anime quiz: Anime Characters Guessing Quiz/Game
Top 19 Contemporary Fantasy manga you should read right now. [2024 List]
- 19. Berserk
- 18. Mahou Shoujo Site
- 17. Sinhwageup Gwisok Item-eul Sone Neoeotda
- 16. SSS-Class Gacha Hunter
- 15. Aphorism
- 14. Mahou Shoujo of the End
- 13. World Trigger
- 12. Jumyou wo Kaitotte Moratta. Ichinen ni Tsuki, Ichimanen de.
- 11. Bakemonogatari
- 10. Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san
- 9. Jahy-sama wa Kujikenai!
- 8. Kako to Nise Tantei
- 7. Mob Psycho 100
- 6. Fruits Basket
- 5. Mahoutsukai no Yome
- 4. Boku wa Mari no Naka
- 3. Natsume Yuujinchou
- 2. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- 1. Shin Elf-san wa Yaserarenai.
19. 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
18. Mahou Shoujo Site
Asagiri Aya, a girl bullied at school and at home. One day, an eerie website, Mahou Shoujo Site, flashes on her computer screen and welcomes her to the Mahou Shoujo World.
Magical Girl Site has finished publishing and it has 141 Chapters. It is also Known as: 魔法少女サイト, Mahou Shoujo Site
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. 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
15. Aphorism
Nara Shika High School, is a seemingly normal school. However, unknown to the public is the cruel truth of what really goes on in the school's halls. Rather than studying, students are forced to struggle for their very survival. And the strong bonds of friendship may be the only difference between life and death.
Aphorism has finished publishing and it has 84 Chapters. It is also Known as: アホリズム, Aphorism
14. Mahou Shoujo of the End
One day, ordinary high school student Kogami Kii finds himself caught up in a strange kind of zombie apocalypse, involving 'magic girls.' While idly looking out of the school window, Kii sees what looks like a little girl hitting a teacher, causing his head to explode violently. Convinced he's dreaming, he goes to the restroom to get his act together.
Unfortunately, its not a dream, and he arrives to find the creepy little girl repeatedly saying "magical" as she slaughters his friends and classmates. Soon, Kii and his childhood friend—a quiet, often-bullied girl called Tsukune—are witness to the resurrection of their friends' corpses into a zombie-like murderous mob crying the single word "magical." Now Kii and Tsukune must try to endure with the other survivors, and try to find out what has happened to their world.
Magical Girl Apocalypse has finished publishing and it has 64 Chapters. It is also Known as: 魔法少女・オブ・ジ・エンド, Mahou Shoujo OTE, Magical Girl of the End
13. 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
12. 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
11. 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
10. 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
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. Kako to Nise Tantei
Satoru earned a name as a genius boy detective, and the police rely on his reasoning skills. His secret, though, is that he is able to see the ghosts of the dead, and they provide him with the hints that lead him to solving cases. Now that he's a teenager, he has attracted a strange "ghost" named Kako, who claims that she is actually a god. She goads him into taking more mysterious cases, in the search for a vengeful spirit that wants to kill humans. Now they are a team, where he solves the cases and she purifies the vengeful spirits!
Kako to Nise Tantei has finished publishing and it has 38 Chapters. It is also Known as: カコとニセ探偵, Kako & Fake Detective, Kako and the False Detective
7. 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
6. 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
5. 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
4. 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
3. Natsume Yuujinchou
Takashi Natsume can see spirits and demons that hide from the rest of humanity. He has always been set apart from other people because of his gift, drifting from relative to relative, never fitting in. Now he's a troubled high school student who has come to live in a small town where his grandmother, Reiko, grew up. And there he discovers that he has inherited more than just the power of Sight from the mysterious Reiko. When Reiko was Takashi's age, she bound the names of demons and spirits in her Book of Friends, enslaving them to her every capricious whim. Now Takashi is the owner of the book, and the creatures will do anything to get their names back.
Natsume's Book of Friends is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 夏目友人帳, The Natsume Book of Friends, Manabiya no Sumi, Natsu ni wa Tameiki wo Tsuku
2. 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
1. Shin Elf-san wa Yaserarenai.
The sequel to Elf-san wa Yaserarenai (Plus-Sized Elf), set up as the manga switched publishers from Wani Books to Akita Shonen.
You know the drill by now - Naoe is a massage therapist whose life is turned upside down when he starts dealing with girls from another world and their weight issues. But this isn’t called Shin Elf-san for nothing. You’re going to get fully-colored pages due to its digital release, as well as new scenarios involving your favorite chubby elf.
Get ready to get down with the thiccness!
Plus-Sized Elf: Second Helping is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 新・エルフさんは痩せられない。, New Elf Can't on a Diet., Shin Plus-Sized Elf, New Plus-Sized Elf
