Over a decade ago, the TV show “Supernatural” first showed up. It shared thrilling stories of the paranormal with the world. As it continued for years, its popularity proved how much people love supernatural topics.
In the supernatural anime and supernatural manga world, you’ll find a lot to love. There are amazing supernatural series waiting to sweep you into paranormal anime and urban fantasy anime. Stories like “Attack on Titan” and “Death Note” are ready to give you thrilling experiences that are out of this world.
Key Takeaways
- The supernatural genre has a strong and enduring global appeal, as evidenced by the long-running success of shows like “Supernatural” and the widespread popularity of supernatural-themed anime and manga.
- Supernatural-themed stories in anime and manga offer a wide range of experiences, from dark fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings to psychological thrillers and urban fantasy.
- Titles like “Attack on Titan,” “Death Note,” and “Re:Zero” have captivated audiences with their unique takes on the supernatural, blending thrilling narratives with fantastical elements.
- The supernatural genre in anime and manga continues to evolve, with upcoming offerings like “Mysterious Disappearances” and “The Youkai Next to Me” promising to explore the paranormal in new and intriguing ways.
- Highly rated supernatural anime series like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Death Note” demonstrate the genre’s ability to produce critically acclaimed and beloved stories.
Introduction to Supernatural-Themed Anime and Manga
Supernatural themes are extremely popular in anime and manga. They whisk viewers to amazing places filled with ghosts, demons, and magic. This offers an exciting break from daily life.
Shows like “Attack on Titan” and “Re:Zero” mix action, fantasy, and thrills in unique ways. They create a wide array of experiences for their fans. In this article, we’ll dive into the best anime and manga about the supernatural. We will look at their special stories, characters, and how they use paranormal elements to hook their audience.
Attack on Titan: Humanity’s Last Stand Against Titans
Intense Action and Gripping Lore
“Attack on Titan” is a manga series full of dark fantasy and post-apocalyptic themes. It’s the work of Hajime Isayama. The story takes place in a world where humans are fenced in by high walls. These walls keep them safe from the terrifying, man-eating Titans. Fans love it for the mix of intense action and deep story about the fight for survival against these monsters.
Themes of Survival and Sacrifice
“Attack on Titan” goes beyond just being an action-packed story. It looks into survival and what people are willing to give up to stay alive. We see characters risking everything to protect their families and friends from Titans. The mystery of where these creatures come from adds more depth to the tale. This makes the show a thrilling watch about human resilience against unbeatable odds.
Fate/Apocrypha: A Clash of Factions in the Holy Grail War
“Fate/Apocrypha” comes from the Japanese game company Type-Moon. It’s part of the big Fate franchise. This story doesn’t follow “Fate/stay night” or “Fate/Zero”. It talks about a fight between the Red and Black factions in the Third Holy Grail War. The story is full of supernatural aspects and heroes from the past. It makes an exciting read about groups fighting for the Holy Grail.
The Red Faction pushes hard to beat the Black Faction. Two powerful knights, Saber of Black and Saber of Red, face off in a deep fight. They know each other well. Saber of Black is skilled, but Saber of Red is stronger. The battle is close because they remember their past fights. In the end, Saber of Red uses a special move, “Blood Arthur”.
Caster of Black, also Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, is part of the Black Faction. He starts making combat homunculi. He’s very good at making things, even better than normal. He plans to make a Philosopher’s Stone. This will help Darnic, a member, do better magic in fights. Darnic wants the Stone to live forever.
There are also fan-made stories in the Fate universe, like Fate/Wrong Attitude. It mixes new characters with ones from other stories. In this version, there’s a big battle of legends in the city. You see many factions, like Red, Blue, and more. Zetisuk Deathfellow and Velvet Crowe lead their groups in a world of friendships and betrayals. They fight with heroes from different stories.
This story gets into big ideas like fate, finding out who you are, and how much your dreams can cost. Each character’s skills and choices are key to the story.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World: Death and Revival
Subaru’s Unique Ability: Return by Death
Tappei Nagatsuki wrote “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World.” Shinichirou Otsuka illustrated it. The main character, Subaru Natsuki, is a high school student who loves staying inside. Suddenly, he is taken to another world. There, he meets Emilia, an elf, and is killed mysteriously. He finds out he can go back in time by dying. This power is key in the story.
Blending Fantasy and Psychological Thriller
“Re:Zero” mixes fantasy and psychological thriller. This makes it a thrilling and deep watch for the audience. Subaru faces much hardship because of his power. He has to deal with his past again and make hard choices. The show’s mix of supernatural elements and deep characters makes it special.
Akame Ga Kill!: A Dark Fantasy with Supernatural Elements
Akame Ga Kill! is a manga by Takahiro, illustrated by Tetsuya Tashiro. It’s about a swordsman named Tatsumi who joins Night Raid. They fight against the Empire in a dark fantasy world with supernatural powers.
Night Raid’s Battle Against the Empire
Night Raid uses cool powers and weapons, spicing up the story. With 48 Teigu, or Imperial Arms, the weapons are strong and unique. This makes fans curious and adds excitement.
The story’s setting is grand, with the palace especially HUGE. This shows how lavish and vast their world is. Spoilers about Night Raid characters create suspense and surprise for readers.
Characters like Najenda, a disabled leader, show different kinds of people. Akame shows off her skills, like dodging bullets. This lets us see their amazing abilities in combat.
The manga does talk about fan service, including how characters look and act. This adds to the series’ depth and enjoyment for fans.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride: A Captivating Blend of Fantasy and Supernatural
“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” is a manga by Kore Yamazaki. It’s about Chise Hatori, who gets taken in by Elias Ainsworth at an auction. Soon, she finds out she can see things from another world. The story mixes fantasy and supernatural stuff and shows Chise learning magic. This makes “The Ancient Magus’ Bride” a special tale in the world of anime and manga.
Chise’s Journey as an Apprentice Mage
Chise learns magic from Elias in “The Ancient Magus’ Bride.” She goes through a lot, facing the supernatural boldly. Along the way, she grows powerful and faces tough situations. The mix of fantasy and magic makes her story captivating. And the deep look at her as a person draws fans in.
Most people love “The Ancient Magus’ Bride” for its fresh take on magic. A review gave it 8 out of 10 and hoped it’d get even better. They loved its strange charm and how it feels new. They said it’s great for fantasy lovers. The story’s pace, the world it creates, and its characters are its main strengths.
Some, though, think it’s too simple and overrated. They don’t like how Chise uses magic a lot or that the story doesn’t change much. But many others still see it as a great and beautiful show. They love the characters, the emotions, and how it mixes fantasy with our real world.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Manga Volumes | 20 |
| Original Animation DVD Episodes | 3 |
| Anime Television Series Episodes | 48 |
| “The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Jack Flash and the Faerie Case Files” Manga Volumes | 4 |
| “The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Wizard’s Blue” Manga Volumes | 9 |
| “The Ancient Magus’ Bride: The Boy from the West and the Knight of the Blue Storm” Animation DVD Episodes | 3 |
| Second Season Anime Release Date Range | April to July 2023 and October to December 2023 |
| Number of Characters Described | 9 |
Goblin Slayer: A Dark and Gritty Supernatural Adventure
“Goblin Slayer” is a series written by Kumo Kagyu and drawn by Noboru Kannatsuki. It’s set in a dark world. This story follows a character known as the Goblin Slayer who is dedicated to fighting goblins. After saving a priestess from goblin attacks, he continues his dangerous mission.
It combines dark fantasy and horror, making it a thrilling choice. The Goblin Slayer faces dangerous supernatural threats. This makes it great for those who enjoy mature supernatural stories.
Goblin Slayer stands out for its realistic, intense fantasy world. Goblins are shown as serious dangers. This is different from how they’re usually shown in stories.
The first season got mixed reviews. It was criticized for how it showed violence. But these tough moments made the story deeper. The second season focuses more on the characters and their world.
Goblin Slayer has light novels, manga, and an anime. Together, they give a deep look at its universe. The story is about dealing with tough situations, forming relationships, and the ethics of fighting monsters.
It’s not for everyone, because it’s intense and has mature themes. But if you like dark, complex stories, it’s a great choice.
| Anime Series | Seasons and Feature Films | Noteworthy Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” | 2 seasons and 1 feature film | Immensely popular among the shonen audience |
| “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” | Over 3 decades of episodes | Features a dark edge to its storyline with rampant death and chilling villains |
| “Goblin Slayer” | 2 seasons | Gained notoriety for its dark themes, with violent content surpassing that of “Demon Slayer” |
| “Parasyte: The Maxim” | 1 season | Showcases loss and a horrific threat, with a focus on the bond between the protagonist and the alien entity |
| “Elfen Lied” | 1 season | A sci-fi series filled with pain, nihilism, and brutality, ending in a pessimistic manner |
The manga also got a lot of attention. Yen Press started publishing it just six months after its debut. The manga captures the story well, although the style is a bit different. It focuses more on action and graphic elements.
Many praise the manga’s art. Artist Kousuke Kurose did a great job bringing the story to life. If you like dark fantasy, this manga is worth checking out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OmXGvZjj1A
Overlord: An Isekai with a Twist
“Overlord” is a captivating light novel series by Kugane Maruyama. It’s illustrated by so-bin. The story starts with a character named Momonga. He becomes the Overlord, leader of Great Tomb of Nazarick, in the Yggdrasil game world. After the game servers shut down, he’s stuck there.
Momonga’s goal is to find his old guildmates and become a powerful force in this new world. The supernatural elements, like his transformation into an undead overlord, make the story stand out. It’s a must-read for fans of supernatural tales.
Momonga’s Quest in the Game World
In the game world, Momonga starts to create an unbeatable force. He gains loyal friends and uses his supernatural powers. The story looks at the difficult choices he has to make. These choices show the line between being a hero and a villain isn’t always clear.
The unique powers and strong characters in “Overlord” change how we see the isekai genre. It offers new insights and is a special story in the supernatural anime world.
Building an Unstoppable Force
“Overlord” stands out in the isekai genre with its unique tale. It follows Momonga’s journey to power as the Overlord. This story explores deep moral questions and shows the complexity of his character. Momonga’s supernatural abilities and his team of powerful characters truly make “Overlord” special in supernatural anime.
Berserk: A Legendary Dark Fantasy Manga
Guts and the Band of the Hawk
“Berserk” is a manga series by Kentaro Miura. It stars Guts, a roaming soldier, and Griffith, the chief of the Hawks. Miura’s artwork and storytelling are famed for their quality and dark themes, weaving in supernatural foes that Guts and his crew battle. The manga is an exemplar of world-building and character growth, capturing readers’ interests in the supernatural.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Berserk Manga Copies Sold | Over 50 million globally since 1989 |
| Manga Episodes | 364 |
| Volumes Published | 42 as of September 2023 |
| Total Manga Circulation | Over 60 million copies, including digital |
| Anime Adaptations |
|
| Awards | Award for Excellence at the 6th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (2002) |
| Manga Pricing | Original price: $13.82 – $330.94 Current price: $13.82 – $330.94 |
| Manga Weight | 0.1 kg |
| Shipping Time | 5 to 7 business days after purchase |
Blue Exorcist: Demon Hunters in Training
“Blue Exorcist” is a manga series by Kazue Katou. It tells the tale of Rin and Yukio Okumura. The twins learn they are Satan’s sons. Rin joins True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and fight his own father.
This story is about the brothers’ fight with their supernatural roots. It’s a thrilling narrative for fans of the supernatural.
Rin and Yukio’s Demonic Lineage
The twins’ demon heritage is key in “Blue Exorcist.” The story dives into their struggles and self-discovery. It’s about finding peace with both human and demon sides.
Exorcist Cram School
Rin and Yukio study at the Exorcist Cram School at True Cross Academy. They learn to fight demons and hone their powers there. The school and its challenges are the series’ dynamic backdrop.
“Blue Exorcist” mixes action, drama, and the supernatural well. It’s a top pick for those into thrilling anime with supernatural elements.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – A Classic Supernatural Adventure
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. They want to fix their bodies. This comes after an alchemy experiment to bring back their mom goes wrong. This series is full of supernatural events tied to alchemy, a science that changes matter. The heart of this tale is the Elric brothers’ journey to get the Philosopher’s Stone. This stone is said to have the power to help them.
The Elric Brothers’ Quest
The story highlights alchemy’s supernatural side and the importance of the Philosopher’s Stone. It offers a close look at the power and risks of alchemy. For the Elric brothers, finding the Stone means fixing what’s been lost. This search drives the thrilling story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s a tale that’s won the hearts of fans around the world.
Alchemy and the Philosopher’s Stone
The Philosopher’s Stone is special in the series, made through human sacrifice. Its strength grows with each soul added to it. No one knows the most souls it can hold. It appears bright red and aids in alchemy, breaking the rules of equivalent exchange. Many characters seek its power, like Edward Elric and Prince Ling Yao. The Homunculi are beings fueled by the Philosopher’s Stone. They have unusual skills and can heal fast. This stone shapes many events in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, from key turning points to character journeys.
Supernatural Anime Recommendations for Spring 2024
Mysterious Disappearances
Spring 2024 brings us some thrilling supernatural anime, one of which is “Mysterious Disappearances.” It stars Sumireko Ogawa and Ren Adashino, where Sumireko’s encounter with a mysterious book changes her life. They end up embroiled in the world of the supernatural after this incident. The show is like a “Dark Gathering” for its eerie vibe.
Sumireko and Ren find themselves deep in the exploration of supernatural phenomena. Right now, the mysteries they face may not be mind-blowing. However, the show’s premise promises a deeper dive into the supernatural world.
The Youkai Next to Me
“The Youkai Next to Me” is another anime for Spring 2024. It’s about a town where youkai and people live together. The story focuses on a nekomata cat and a Tengu creature living their daily lives.
The manga that inspired this anime isn’t well-known globally. But, the anime, taken on by the respected studio LIDENFILMS, is aiming for something special. It’s set to bring a peaceful yet captivating supernatural experience to the table.
Top Supernatural Anime Series of All Time
Death Note: A Psychological Thriller
“Death Note” stands as a top supernatural anime. It centers on Light Yagami, a smart high schooler. He gets hold of a “Death Note.” This notebook lets him end anyone whose name he writes in it.
The anime mixes intense psychological thriller aspects with the supernatural. It crafts a story that delves into ethics and the outcomes of Light’s deeds. For anime fans, “Death Note” is a must-watch due to its thrilling story, deep characters, and ponderous look at the supernatural.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Curses and Sorcerers
In “Jujutsu Kaisen,” cursed spirits threaten people in their world. Yuuji comes across a dangerous cursed object. He soon learns about Jujutsu Sorcerers, fighters who battle these supernatural forces.
This anime offers fast-paced action within the shonen genre. It’s enhanced by well-developed characters and an intriguing supernatural power system. “Jujutsu Kaisen” has quickly won over fans with its exciting plot and engaging themes.
Conclusion
Anime and manga are full of supernatural stories that fascinate fans. They offer unique views on things like the occult. Series like “Attack on Titan” and “Death Note” show just how varied this genre can be.
This world mixes intense action, deep stories, and moral challenges with supernatural themes. These stories really connect with people everywhere. The genre is always growing, so fans can expect more exciting adventures in the future.
The supernatural themes in these stories make us think about the hidden parts of our world. They also touch on big ideas like spiritual devotion and living with purpose. Through these tales, they hint at lessons from the Bible, inviting readers to explore its teachings more.
FAQ
What are some of the most popular supernatural-themed anime and manga series?
Some loved supernatural-themed stories in anime and manga are “Attack on Titan” and “Fate/Apocrypha.” There’s also “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World -” and “Akame Ga Kill!”.
“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” and “Goblin Slayer” are quite famous too. Fans also enjoy “Overlord,” “Berserk,” and “Blue Exorcist.” Finally, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is a big hit.
What themes and elements are often explored in supernatural-themed anime and manga?
These shows and books dive into survival and the tough choices characters have to make. They’re often about deep moral questions and have a dark, thrilling vibe.
You’ll find characters with magical powers and eerie creatures like demons. They’re full of supernatural surprises.
How do supernatural-themed series set in fantasy worlds differ from those set in the real world?
Stories like “Attack on Titan” build fantastic worlds with unique creatures and magic. They take you on amazing journeys.
On the other hand, series like “Death Note” tell stories that feel closer to home. They’re about the scare of supernatural power in our everyday lives. This can be very thrilling and thought-provoking.
What are some of the standout supernatural-themed anime and manga series that have been released recently?
Recently, fans have been loving “Jujutsu Kaisen.” It’s all about fighting cursed spirits. Another hit is “Mysterious Disappearances.” It follows a worker as he delves into the hidden world of the occult.
How do supernatural-themed anime and manga often differ from Western supernatural stories?
Anime and manga focus a lot on building rich worlds and deepening characters. They mix supernatural stories with thrillers or fantasy in a special way. This makes them stand out and draws fans in.
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