I always had a tough time finding the best action manga around. But if you want serious butt-kicking action, look no further than this list. This list does NOT list Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Claymore, Dragonball, yada yada yada... That list is well known. THIS LIST is on the same level if not better(depending on your taste). Berserk, Vinland saga are more period-type action stories, and the rest are all action, action and (damn)ACTION!!! I have provided information at the end, as to where you can read all the manga here for free, so be sure to have fun... Without further adieu...
1. Berserk(ongoing) - This series is dark, intense, filled with fantasy, a bit of adult content, but definitely a great read. The series starts out a bit aimlessly, but the moment it starts providing the background of the characters, the story turns out extremely engaging. Cannot be said the same about the anime version. Guts, around which the story revolves has been an orphan since birth, taken in by mercenaries, and is a ruthless fighter who wields a giant sword. He is branded by a curse mark from hell, and every night he has to fight off all the ghosts from hell which want to eat his soul up, just that he is not selling.
2. Vinland Saga(ongoing) - Intense, just like Berserk, without the fantasy elements. Great characterization, and good twists and turns. The releases are a bit far apart for my taste but I have a lot of other manga to read so, does not bother me much. Tale of a young kid who becomes a mercenary to avenge his father and wants to find out what true strength is about.
3. Gantz(ongoing)- Very dark manga.. Sits right up there with Berserk and Vinland Saga as far as pace of the manga and the intensity goes. It has gotten a bit slower currently but expect it to be back up on its feet pretty soon. Great story line, lots and lots of action, and superb plot twists. Must read. People who are going to die, are pulled out of the situation right before they die and are pulled into a game where you get to kill aliens or get killed.
4. Beelzebub(ongoing)- Hilarious is the word for this manga. Very evil and stupid protagonist, and equally stupid storyline with great fights make this manga unavoidable. Not dark like the ones I have mentioned till now, but is not in anyway less fun to read. An evil school delinquent is forced to take care of a baby (who happens to be the Demon Prince from hell) and he will be electrocuted to death if he tries to get more than 15m away from the Devil baby(Beelzebub). He is to raise the baby in a fit way so the baby can destroy our world once he grows up.
5. Hajime No Ippo(ongoing)- Who does not know about this manga? or anime? If you are into the world of manga or anime, this series is right up there at the top of all sports manga and anime. Its been going on for long, and has every reason to continue. I keep checking its updates with fervor and it has never disappointed me. This is a manga about Ippo, a bullied kid who wants to find out what does it mean to be strong, and enters the world of boxing. Its funny, and it has everything to keep your blood pumping and the laughs coming.
6. Psyren(complete)- Psyren starts out by people disappearing from this world. It starts out by random people who have received a red calling card vanishing in thin air. The protagonist uses his card so he can save his friend and enters a world; a futuristic world full of death,surprises and fights. This story is interesting right from the start and keeps you hooked on to it. The writer keeps the suspense going and unravels the story gradually.
7. Akumetsu(Complete)- Awesome, phenomenal and very original. Striking a perfect balance between science fiction and social issues, this is a story about a young man vexed with the corruption in the society. He finally decides to take things into his hands; but hang on, this guy is no ordinary person. With fantastic story telling, plots and twists, this is the most exhilarating manga I have come across till date.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist(complete)- This manga has a couple of different anime versions, but Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is the original anime adaptation of the manga. Action packed, fast paced and foreboding, this manga and anime tell the story of two brothers practicing alchemy. They are Ed and Al, and they have tried to resurrect their dead mother. But human transmutation is one of the most forbidden arts, and Al had to sacrifice his physical body and Ed his arm and a leg.Now they are on a journey to regain their bodies.
9. Katekyo Hitman Reborn!(ongoing)- I have only been recently following this manga, but this manga is action oriented and seems promising enough. It tells the story of tsunayoshi sawada, who is supposed to be the 10th generation boss of the Vongola family(mafia yada yada yada..)How he protects his friends and rises up to his duties is the story. Some people think this manga is STUPID, but I wanted to introduce some playful action into the list.
10. History's strongest Disciple(ongoing)- Very VERY hilarious, this is a story about a weakling who decides to get stronger in order to protect the girl of his dreams. The only problem is she is a superb martial artist herself, so he has a lot of work ahead of him. Enter the five masters of Ryozanpoku(with whom the girl lives btw..), and their murderous training and all the people who want to fight him because he is the only disciple these five masters have ever taken.
Phew.. that is it folks. The websites currently hosting these great manga for free are(TADA!!!)
1. Spectrum nexus- http://www.thespectrum.net/ -- Berserk,Vinland Saga,Gantz, Hajime No Ippo
2. Mangafox- http://www.mangafox.com/ -- Beelzebub, Psyren, Akumetsu, History's Strongest Disciple , full metal alchemist.
