Comedy manga series are widely enjoyed for their humorous and lighthearted content, featuring exaggerated characters and situations designed to elicit laughter from readers. This genre stands out for its unique blend of humor, drama, and action, providing a distinct experience not found in other genres. The popularity of comedy manga can be attributed to its ability to offer an escape from reality, delivering a lighthearted and entertaining experience for readers. You can check our top picks for 13 Best Comedy Manga.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man revolves around Saitama, a compelling character in the manga world. Despite his unparalleled strength, Saitama grapples with a sense of boredom and depression because nothing and no one can pose a challenge to him. His quest for a worthy adversary proves to be more difficult than anticipated.
This manga balances humor and sheer badassery, offering a unique and compelling narrative. Saitama stands out as one of the most overpowering heroes, yet One Punch Man keeps the audience engaged. Thanks to its conceptual brilliance, humor, and intriguing supporting characters, it avoids the pitfalls of becoming just another predictable story of an unbeatable superhero.
The interplay between Saitama's strength, his pursuit of a satisfying fight, and the reactions of those who underestimate him adds layers of entertainment and comedy to the series. Yusuke Murata's exceptional artwork elevates One Punch Man to a league of its own.
Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri by Masao Ohtake is a captivating sci-fi comedy manga that unfolds the hilarious tale of a Yakuza member, Nitta, who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of a girl named Hina with telekinetic abilities. The comedic chaos of a Yakuza living his bachelor life, only to find himself overnight becoming a parent to a middle school girl with unpredictable and destructive powers, forms the core of this engaging story.
Nitta's need to adjust his lifestyle with Hina's presence adds humor and heartwarming elements to the narrative. Like other series on this list, one of Hinamatsuri's strengths lies in its well-developed characters and their dynamic relationships. While a leading group of characters exists, the manga excels at delving into their journeys, allowing readers to witness their collective growth and personal development.
What sets Hinamatsuri apart is its balanced focus on each character, creating a refreshing narrative that doesn't dwell too much on any single individual. Amidst the laughter, there is a strong sense of family as this band of misfits bonds and grows together.
Beelzebub
Beelzebub, an action comedy manga by Ryuuhei Tamura, holds a special place in my favorites despite its unfortunate cancellation in 2015 due to low sales. The story revolves around Tatsumi Oga, a typical delinquent whose life takes a drastic turn when he discovers the baby Demon Lord, Beelzebub IV. In an unexpected twist, Beelzebub chooses Oga as his adoptive parent on Earth.
Beelzebub stands out because of its ridiculous humor, over-the-top scenarios, and hilariously overpowered main character. The manga seamlessly blends comedy with fantastic battles, providing a unique and entertaining reading experience. While it delves into more serious themes as the story progresses, Beelzebub never loses its sense of humor, maintaining a balance that showcases incredible characters.
Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction
Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction by Inio Asano, known for creating Goodnight Punpun and Solanin, stands out on this list as it not only ranks among my top sci-fi manga but is also a favorite in the slice-of-life and comedy genres. However, the comedy in this series, as expected from Inio Asano, is not conventional.
Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is satirical and rich in social and political humor. It carries a tinge of truth that adds depth to its comedic elements. The mood in this manga is not merely for laughs; it cuts through societal issues, offering a comedic lens through which characters with a pessimistic outlook poke fun at the challenges in their lives. Humor becomes a coping mechanism for them.
While Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction is comedic, it maintains Asano's signature melancholic tone and delivers hard-hitting moments. Though not as dark or heavy as some of Asano's other works, it can evoke those emotions, especially given the nature of the events depicted in the manga.
Spy X Family
Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo is a delightful action comedy manga blends thrilling action with an enjoyable narrative. The story revolves around a unique and immensely charming family that defies typical conventions. The father, Loid (Twilight), is a spy, the mother, Yor, is an assassin, and their daughter, Anya, possesses telepathic abilities.
Their unconventional family is brought together by Twilight's mission to infiltrate the prestigious Eden Academy and get close to his target, Donovan Desmond. What makes Spy x Family genuinely exceptional is the remarkable development of its core characters, individually and as a unit. The cast features a plethora of exciting and likable personalities, with Loid and Yor being standout favorites.
However, Anya steals the show with her funny expressions and witty remarks, making her the shining star of the series. Her endearing moments and the family dynamic contribute to the manga's overall charm and appeal.
Prison School
Prison School is undeniably one of my top comedy manga picks. This series is absurd and downright bonkers in the best way, leaving me in uncontrollable laughter. While its raunchy humor might not appeal to everyone, it's a personal favorite of mine. The story unfolds with five boys enrolling in an all-girls boarding school, initially thrilled by the prospect.
However, things take an unexpected turn when they're caught peeping, leading to a surprising and hilarious punishment. For readers new to ecchi, Prison School may be shocking due to its more graphic nature. Yet, if you have a great sense of humor, Prison School is a manga you shouldn't overlook.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya-sama: Love is War by Aka Akasaka is one of the finest romantic comedy manga, particularly in the school genre. The series portrays incredible mind games between the main characters, Kaguya and Shirogane. As the chapters progress, readers are treated to a captivating battle as the two characters engage in a strategic game, each trying to outmaneuver the other into confessing their love.
The manga's charm lies in portraying Kaguya and Shirogane's interactions, resembling a chess match between highly talented and intelligent individuals. However, the added drama and theatrics infuse a delightful spice into the narrative. The irony of the series is evident in the characters' reluctance to confess, treating it as a battle where admitting love is akin to conceding defeat. In reality, both would win, but their stubbornness and unwillingness to admit their feelings add humor and purpose to the manga's premise.
The Daily Lives Of High School Boys
For those looking for a shorter yet impactful comedy manga, The Daily Lives of High School Boys by Yasunobu Yamauchi is a must-read. Spanning seven volumes, this gag-humor manga unfolds in a school setting. It follows the daily lives of three high school students—Tadakuni, Hidenori Tabata, and Yoshitake Tanaka. With this trio, you can expect many funny moments and entertaining situations. The humor largely stems from the interactions between the main characters.
Still, the absurd situations they find themselves in and the people they encounter contribute to the comedic richness of the manga. While somewhat slice of life in nature due to its focus on daily lives, The Daily Lives of High School Boys is an episodic and relatable read with a touch of the absurd.
Grand Blue Dreaming
If you're seeking a top-tier comedy manga, Grand Blue Dreaming undoubtedly takes the crown. This manga has left me in stitches more times than any other, inducing tears of laughter with its absurd and downright ridiculous humor.
Be aware of the diving theme; while it's present, Grand Blue Dreaming is more comedy than a sports manga. The series revolves around Iori Kitahara, our optimistic protagonist, who moves in with his Uncle at a diving shop for college. His vision of glamorous college life takes a hilarious turn when he encounters a group of naked men playing rock-paper-scissors in his Uncle's shop.
As Iori joins the diving club, he finds himself entangled in their uproarious antics, blending partying and diving in equal measure. Grand Blue Dreaming is a riotous journey combining humor, college life, and unexpected shenanigans.
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun by Izumi Tsubaki is a delightful romantic comedy and 4-koma manga, utilizing the format of four-panel equal-sized panels often associated with gag comic strips. While it maintains the humor characteristic of gag manga, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun also ventures into romance.
The story revolves around Umetarou Nozaki, a dedicated manga artist who immerses himself in research for his work. His daily life and various endeavors become fodder for gaining understanding and experiences that contribute to his manga. The comedic essence of the story intensifies when he encounters Chiyo Sakura, who develops feelings for him.
However, Nozaki remains utterly oblivious to her affections. What sets Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun apart is its well-crafted characters. While the relationship between Chiyo and Nozaki takes center stage, the manga introduces a diverse cast of colorful and exciting personalities, enhancing the comedic and lovable nature of the series.
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a standout comedy manga set in a school with an exceptionally overpowered main character. What grabbed my attention is Kusuo Saiki's psychic powers, an extensive list of abilities that make him one of the most overpowering protagonists in manga. The catch is that he has no desire to use these powers and is attempting to keep them a secret from his classmates, adding an extra layer of humor and charm to the story.
For those who enjoyed manga like Hinamatsuri and Mob Psycho 100, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. will likely be a perfect fit. What sets it apart is its fantastic pacing—swift yet never rushed. The events in the manga align with Saiki's everyday life, mirroring the unpredictability of life itself. This manga's unique blend of humor and unpredictability makes it a delightful read.
The Eminence In Shadow
The Eminence in Shadow stands out as one of the most unique isekai manga, offering a self-aware take on the genre and using its tropes as a source of comedy. This manga playfully pokes fun at the isekai genre in a lighthearted and humorous manner, making it a standout among new isekai releases. Despite being a parody, The Eminence in Shadow doesn't sacrifice a good story for its comedic elements.
The narrative revolves around Cid Kagenou, who reincarnates into a fantasy world. However, instead of assuming the role of the typical main character or a flashy hero, Cid opts to be an "eminence in the shadow" — a puppeteer operating from the shadows, pulling the strings to shape events. This unique twist adds a refreshing layer to the isekai formula, making The Eminence in Shadow an engaging and entertaining read.
Mieruko-chan
Mieruko-chan is a captivating horror comedy manga that skillfully weaves laughter and thrills into its narrative. An ordinary girl, Miko can see ghosts everywhere while her friends and family remain oblivious to their presence. Adding to the humor, Miko attempts to pretend these apparitions aren't there.
The comedic essence of Mieruko-chan lies in the situations Miko finds herself in, creating a lighthearted yet eerie atmosphere. What sets Mieruko-chan apart is its ability to blend amusement with horror seamlessly. While it offers a humorous reading experience, the pages are filled with nightmarish monsters that add a spine-chilling element to the narrative. The manga's monster designs and artwork contribute to its unique and compelling appeal.