Summary
Übel Blatthas made a notorious debut in the anime world, andthis dark fantasy serieshas collected a reasonable amount of fans ever since its release as a manga more than a decade ago.
Following the format of a dark hero seeking revenge, in a dark fantasy/grimdark setting with lots of gore and incredible battle scenes, this list spotlights some series that might suit the tastes of those who enjoyed this dark fantasy universe. Some of them are well-known, and others have remained underrated and sidelined for too long, so readers will be pleased to find one or two hidden jewels on this list.
8Immortal Regis
Prequel To One Of The Best Grimdark Series
Immortal Regishas a lot of the primary aspects of a good Dark Fantasy adventure, and many good features such as unique art that diverts from the typical mainstream fantasy manga and combines certain elements of sci-fantasy to create a unique setting.
The story follows the misadventures of Regis Nex and his faithful magical sword, Depore Magnasetia in a struggle for supremacy that has nothing to envy from other referents of the dark fantasy genre such asBerserk, orÜbel Blatt.Curiously, both author and artist are Korean, though the influence of Japanese comics in this series is strong enough to consider it a proper manga. Its stylish art style evolved throughout the series into a unique and spectacular form.
7Cavalier Of The Abyss
An Underrated Series With A Great Setting
Cavalier of the Abyssis the continuation ofImmortal Regis,with a more mature setting, a definitive inclination for the Japanese manga style, and impeccable worldbuilding that has grown into one of the most complex Dark Fantasy series in existence. This follow-up is also much more mature and stylized than the previous series.
The story takes a dark twist, with Regis slowly becoming a tyrant and exerting his Iron Fist rule over the land of Chaos, In this continuation, the protagonist from the former series assumes therole of main antagonist and anti-hero, which is something strange for a fantasy manga, but proved to be the author’s best decision. If fans enjoyed the intense battle scenes and complex psychological drama ofÜbel Blatt,they would also love this series.
6Berserk
A Powerful Referent Of The Dark Fantasy Genre
The incredibly detailed and beautiful art of Kentaro Miura is constantly in conflict with the dark andtwisted setting of his opus manga,Berserk, a series that has as many fans as detractors. In this profound and mature story about friendship, love, loss, and revenge, Guts plays a formidable role as the vagrant hero of the giant broadsword.
A representation of the spirit of vengeance, the MC is seen slaying demons in bloody (and often R-rated) battles that appear to pop out of the pages. It is no wonder thatBerserkis considered one of the best Dark Fantasy series of the last decades, and a must-read for every fan of Seinen manga.
5Trinity Blood
A Lost Jewel That Combines Dystopian Narrative With Dark Fantasy
This complex, mature, yet enthralling series holds a special place in the hearts of the fans of Gothic Horror and Dark Fantasy. Its plot might seem convoluted and extremely religious at first, but it has a great combination of the best aspects of manga series likeHellsing, Übel Blatt, andBerserk.
The protagonist is duplicity itself, constantly struggling between his destructive and vengeful nature and his desire to nurture and protect humans from his kindred. A series that has gained thousands of fans, and even has its anime adaptation, though fans of light novels and manga are not satisfied with it. This is one of thoseunderrated series that deserves a second chance.
4Lost Seven
A Classic Grim Tale Reimagined
Lost Sevenis a great manga series that has been buried and underrated for years.It narrates the story of the fugitive princess Snow White, and seven members of a secluded clan of warriors that have been cursed and exiled for protecting her.
This retold version of the classic tale of the Grimm Brothers is a fantastic example of the storytelling power of folk tales when they’re adapted to different media. With an enthralling and action-packed setting and impeccable worldbuilding, this is a series that is meant for Dark Fantasy enjoyers.
3Record Of Lodoss War
The Manga That Redefined The Dark Fantasy Genre
Record Of Lodoss War, is a well-known series that redefined the sword and sorcery genre and was heavily inspired by theDungeons & Dragonsboom from the 80’s. It comes from an original novel set in the world of Forcella, and has been adapted from video games, to anime, and, of course, manga.
Its mature narrative tone and deep worldbuilding are something truly appealing, especially for those who enjoy twisted plots that involve love, revenge, and loss. Sadly, the series has seen a decline in popularity in the last few years, but it is definitely worth re-reading (and re-watching) before somebodytakes the hint and pushes the remake button.
2Goblin Slayer
Unapologetic And Bloody
The mature and often gory world ofGoblin Slayerhas been seen carrying the banner of Dark Fantasy manga for mature audiences for a while now, but that doesn’t make it any less viable for those who enjoy a good and dynamic plot witha similar setting to manyD&Dadventures.
Though its unapologetic storytelling has created some controversy (and several cases of censorship), it remains a great example of a Dark Fantasy tale with low-stakes. The protagonists are simply adventuring, they’re not on an epic quest to save the world: only slaying goblins, and the occasional dragon.
1Claymore
Brutal, Gory, And With Strong Narrative
If fans lovedÜbel Blatt’s unique taking on sword fighting, the design of its Dark Fantasy world, and its more-than-human/less-than-demon main character, then they will surely enjoyClaymore.This series has apowerful female protagonist, and a mature setting that surely will satisfy most of the fans of battle manga, and also a lot of gory action.
If fans are particularly into this sword & sorcery/action-horror mix, then they will surely enjoy Claymore. Its adaptation to anime is also quite good, so they should give it a chance as well if they would like to hold the fort while moreÜbel Blattchapters get released.
