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. Berserk
- 15. BLEACH
- 14. Yomi no Tsugai
- 13. Monogatari Series: Final Season
- 12. Fei Ren Zai
- 11. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: The JOJOLands
- 10. Juingongui Kkotgire Ollataneun Bangbeop
- 9. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo
- 8. Mob Psycho 100
- 7. Bakemonogatari
- 6. Spice & Wolf
- 5. Ano Hito no i Ni Wa Boku Ga Tarinai
- 4. Mahou Shoujo Site
- 3. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
- 2. Mahoutsukai no Yome
- 1. Fruits Basket
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. 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
15. 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
14. Yomi no Tsugai
The manga centers on Yuru, a boy who lives in a remote mountain village, spending his time hunting birds and being one with nature. But one day, Yuru's younger twin sister Asa is called to serve in the jail at the heart of the village, her duty also confining her there. Yuru slowly unravels the unnatural mystery hidden beneath his quiet village.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 黄泉のツガイ, Yomi no Tsugai
13. 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
12. 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
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. Juingongui Kkotgire Ollataneun Bangbeop
Life never goes the way you plan it, but back then, I didn’t know that. ‘Kang Nahyun’ found herself reincarnated inside a male-oriented fantasy novel (a.k.a. harem story) she had grudgingly read because of a friend in her past life. Special perks usually granted to reincarnators? Not a chance! With no money and no backing, she had to endure a hardcore life. But in the winter before entering high school, after awakening to the role of “sniper”, she was given the chance to enroll in the Awakeners’ Academy. “If I can’t be the main character, why not just sneak onto the protagonist’s path to success?” So she stuck close to Na Yuhan, the protagonist attending the Academy, planning to grab some crumbs from his achievements and quietly vanish afterward... But something feels off. Day by day, it seems she’s drifting further and further from her original plan… The tumultuous academy life of Kang Nahyun, the sunshine heroine! How to Hop on the Protagonist’s Path to Success begins now!
How To Ride the Hero's Coattails is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: How to Get On the Main Character's Flower Path, How to Walk the Protagonist’s Path to Glory
9. 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
8. 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
7. 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
6. 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
5. Ano Hito no i Ni Wa Boku Ga Tarinai
Makie's a boy in love, with his tall, older classmate Sachi. As a sign of his affection, he makes Sachi a special lunch every day. Sachi loves Makie, too, but she has a secret... she's actually a shapeshifting monster called a watari, and she was drawn to Makie because he smells...delicious! But it's not just Sachi who's drawn to Makie's scent, and soon, he realizes the entire monster world is after him. Fortunately, Sachi's a watari who eats watari, and she pledges to protect him. But how long can Makie survive, with Sachi's appetite the only thing between him and a monster's belly?
Sachi's Monstrous Appetite has finished publishing and it has 38 Chapters. It is also Known as: あの人の胃には僕が足りない, Her Appetite's Too Big for Me Alone
4. 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
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. 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
1. 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
