Finding the best gay manga can be quite a challenge, as there are so many wonderful series, characters, and stories to explore. But you don’t need to go digging through tens of thousands of titles when we’ve created this list of the 16 Best Gay Manga ever.
From sweet romances between young adults and high school drama to bittersweet tales involving mature adults, all types of stories will be explored through this top list.
Discover these new worlds with us and get up-to-date on the best reads out there for LGBT manga fans, no matter what genre you’re into, because everyone deserves a chance to experience something exciting and sentimental.
Learn about hilarious comedy, intense angst, powerful psychological storylines, entertaining slice-of-life experiences, and more today in our list of the 16 Best Gay Manga of all times:
Contents
16. Claudine
Claudine is a gay manga series by Riyoko Ikeda that follows the life of Claudine Stratmeyer, a young and energetic Parisian girl coming to age in the early 1900s.
Through her day-to-day activities and budding relationship with classmate Anastasia, Claudine learns and grows as a person. Along her journey, she faces themes such as gender roles and sexuality head-on.
Claudine is an excellent example of how powerful storytelling can transcend any topic or time period. It has become a timeless classic of thoughtful LGBTQ+ literature, garnering numerous critical awards since its publication.
Readers who are looking for an engaging combination of artistry and a thought-provoking story will not be disappointed by this manga masterpiece.
15. Haru o Daiteita
“Haru wo Daiteita” is a classic and beloved gay manga series deeply exploring the topic of male homosexuality in Japan. This groundbreaking work has been cited as an influential cultural point for both the LGBTQ+ community and the mainstream view of modern manga.
Since its release in 2003, this renowned shōnen-ai title written by Youki Kamatanihas touched readers around the world with its captivating story and beautiful artistry.
The plot follows two young male protagonists facing delicate emotions as they confront their feelings for one another.
Set in a vivid creative universe, “Haru wo Daiteita” explores themes of longing, loss, love, and acceptance in a highly empathetic manner. The manga paints a bold portrait of same-sex love that feels deeply resonant throughout its pages.
14. Crimson Spell
Crimson Spell is an exciting and highly engaging Gay Manga series that has captivated audiences for years.
The story follows the adventures of a brave swordsman named Baldrick, who embarks on a mission to rid the kingdom of a magical virus that threatens its inhabitants.
Along his journey, he meets passionate allies and foes alike, which adds to the intrigue of this fantasy manga.
Despite being released some time ago, Crimson Spell continues to charm fans with its captivating characters, gripping plot and colourful artwork.
With intense scenes of action and heart-racing romance between male characters—it is easy to see why it still delights many today.
13. Yume no Kodomo
Yume no Kodomo is a groundbreaking manga series created by Chiharu Adachi and published in 2015. The indie manga focuses on the challenges of coming out as a gay teen in Japan and is praised for its strong and likeable characters, engaging plot, humorous dialogue, and meticulous attention to detail.
This unique manga succeeds in portraying very real issues with tenderness and clarity while also offering the readers an incredibly gripping story.
Yume no Kodomo stands out among queer literature due to its realism and depth, achieving depth that most mainstream gay mangas fail to provide.
With its honest portrayals of LGBTQ+ issues, this series serves as an influential platform for positive visibility in Japan’s media landscape.
12. Loveless
Loveless is a popular gay manga that aims to explore LGBTQ+ themes from an exciting and unique angle. Written by Yun Kōga, the story follows Ritsuka Aoyagi, whose brother has been missing for months.
The search leads him towards a supernatural world, complete with magical creatures and mysterious figureheads. It’s an intense roller coaster of action, romance, and adventure – one of the most beloved mangas in the LGBTQ+ genre.
Just as remarkable is its artwork, Loveless has earned acclaim for its creative representation of characters, subplots, and settings. There’s something revolutionary about its incorporation of gay themes through Ritsuka’s peril-filled journey.
Regardless of plot or style preferences, fans are guaranteed a stellar reading experience with Loveless – no matter how they identify.
11. Our Dreams at Dusk
Our Dreams at Dusk is an LGBTQ manga written by Yuhki Kamatani and published by Yen Press in April 2019. It explores coming of age, identity before and after coming out, and the power of human connections with all its complications.
Complex stories intertwine seamlessly to give readers an engaging reading experience. All types of modern relationships are accurately portrayed with notes about gender expression, family ties and societal expectations in Japan.
The settings are both real-world and fantasy, featuring two main characters dealing with life’s hardships. Our Dreams at Dusk is a thoughtful look at teen life for any reader, not just those with an interest in LGBTQ themes—the gripping narrative provides an intriguing adventure from start to finish.
With beautiful artwork, colourful characters, solid plots, and creative storytelling techniques, the series carry a universal message that appeals to all ages.
10. Until I Meet My Husband
Until I Meet, My Husband is a romantic comedy gay manga series by Takatoshi Shiozawa, illustrated by Nao Serizawa.
It follows the story of Makoto Nasuka and his best friend, Eigo Soryu, two college students who are looking for love. As they both conduct their search, they find themselves drawn together even more closely through their heartfelt conversations and funny trials and tribulations.
The pair soon realizes that they may have found the one they were looking for all along in each other, though a few tears, misunderstandings, and secrets have to be figured out first.
However, with its endearing message of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery wrapped up in an enjoyable comedic setting, Until I Meet My Husband continues to make readers laugh as it paints an engaging portrait of finding true love.
9. Kuroneko Kareshi no Asobikata
Kuroneko Kareshi no Asobikata is an amazing gay manga that captures the beauty and complexity of love between two men.
It follows the story of Mio and Reiji, two high school sweethearts who find themselves struggling to stay together despite traditional expectations of society.
The manga also explores themes such as loyalty, depression, violence, filial responsibility and friendship in an incredibly genuine way. The artwork is breathtakingly beautiful, which helps set the tone for a romantic story that deeply resonates with readers.
Kuroneko Kareshi no Asobikata gives readers the unique opportunity to explore their own complex emotions by experiencing the struggles faced by Mio and Reiji; it ultimately gives LGBTQ+ couples hope that there is space for them in society and reminds them to always hold onto love above all else.
8. Sweet Blue Flowers
Sweet Blue Flowers is a critically-acclaimed, award-winning manga series by Shimura Takako that follows the journeys of Fumi and Akira, two high school girls in the process of discovering their sexuality.
Fumi—decorous and reserved—has recently reunited with her best friend Akira after years apart and is ready to learn what it means to love another woman for the first time.
Their story allows readers to witness both characters experience moments of fear, trepidation and joy as they navigate their newfound feelings.
Sweet Blue Flowers tackles themes of adolescent growth and coming out in an honest and meaningful way, making it one of the most beloved LGBTQ+ manga series on the market.
Masterfully crafted by Takako, each page contains exquisite artwork that brings emotional intensity to this modern classic.
7. Love me for who I am
“Love me for who I am” is an exciting and thought-provoking Gay Manga that delves into the LGBTQIA+ community with warmth and understanding.
The story follows Nana, a young gay woman who moves to Tokyo in pursuit of her dreams. Despite facing adversity from those around her, she stays true to herself, all thanks to the vibrant drag culture of Tokyo nightlife.
With beautiful artwork and deeply human characters, “Love me for who I am” captures a side of the LGBTQIA+ community that can feel empowering and liberating.
Often heartwarming, yet unafraid of exploring more serious topics, this manga is an exceptional piece of work—one that simultaneously introduces readers to new ideas while also making them laugh and cry along the path of life they follow together.
6. Blue Flag
“Blue Flag,” a Japanese manga series written by KAITO and illustrated by CHOMOWA, has quickly become the must-read of LGBTQ+ readers all over the world.
The story follows Takao, an ace student struggling to understand his complex feelings for his classmate Taichi.
Alongside them, the story of “Blue Flag” also follows their circle of classmates as they navigate high school and its accompanying dramas through their own individual lenses.
Filled with heartfelt moments, first loves, and challenging conversations on identity and sexuality, “Blue Flag” is a realistic snapshot into modern day Japan’s queer youth society that engages both its characters’ reality and its readers’ perspectives.
5. Doushitemo Furetakunai
“Doushitemo Furetakunai” is an empowering gay manga that follows its characters as they learn how to navigate their relationships and the world around them.
In this manga series, readers can relate with protagonists Makoto, his partner Haru, and their friends in their quest to find acceptance and understanding.
While the manga tackles difficult topics such as love, loss, identity crisis, depression and more, it also showcases themes of self growth and understanding within LGBTQ+ characters.
The story is told from each character’s perspective which allows readers a powerful look at the highs and lows of being LGBT+ in today’s society.
With beautiful illustrations and gripping storylines, “Doushitemo Furetakunai ” stands out as one of the most dynamic gay mangas for both seasoned fans of LGBT+ stories and newcomers interested in exploring these topics further.
This manga presents an incredibly unique take on the age-old tale of growing up queer that will leave readers captivated from start to finish.
4. Rutta to Kodama
Rutta to Kodama is a shounen-ai gay manga series by Hiroki Kusumoto. It follows the story of a teenage boy named Rutta, who miserably stumbles into a stranger’s life when his father suddenly leaves him alone.
Along the way, he meets another teen, Kodama, who is full of curiosity and bright ideas. The two gradually build a strong bond as they navigate their own crises and learn more about each other’s pasts.
Rutta and Kodama journey of commensurate growth brings joy to readers as we are invited to take part in their realization that no matter how hard it may seem at times, it’s never too late to make brighter days with a company that truly cares for you.
With its focus on compassion and acceptance, Rutta to Kodama provides an inclusive go-to for fans of gay manga everywhere—a tale that offers hope and lightheartedness into our daily lives.
3. Honto Yajuu
With its gripping narrative and amazing artwork, Gay Manga “HontoYajuu” has become one of the most popular titles in the LGBTQ genre.
This exciting story is set in a fictional world where the characters navigate their personal lives while also dealing with complex themes such as peer pressure and social criticism.
The two main protagonists, Juu-hen and Takai, struggle to secure their love despite facing family expectations. Their passionate romance has touched many readers and remains a powerful statement on love in a prejudiced society.
“HontoYajuu” breaks new ground as it weaves together compelling story-telling with an incredibly detailed art style that captures the drama of its characters’ lives. Its success has spawned several film adaptations, a sequel and even a stage adaptation in Japan.
2. Ten Count
Ten Count is a romantic genre gay manga created by Abe Takao and published by Daria Magazine. This series tells the story of Shirotani, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Kurose, a professional psychotherapist.
It reveals how far some people would go to comfort their loved ones, even when mental illness and personal struggle are involved.
Ten Count themes revolve around mental health, emotions and romance between two men, which makes it appealing to many LGBTQ+ readers out there.
Not only that beauty and attention to details capture the reader’s hearts as well, but observing the characters’ development throughout Ten Count will surely keep you engaged every step of the way.
Ten Count also got great reception and achieved immense success both locally in Japan as well as overseas, with various awards nominations in Japan’s Manga Taisho Awards such as one in 2015.
1. Otokogokoro
Otokogokoro, also known as Otoko♥Gokoro (“Boyish Heart”) is a type of gay manga, created by Touko Machida. It is both a powerful and touching story that follows the developing relationship between two high school males, Seiichi and Hideaki.
Seiichi comes to terms with his sexuality as his feelings for Hideaki grow stronger. On top of being an LGBTQ+-themed piece of work, Otokogokoro talks about the struggles related to self-acceptance and identity in modern times.
Otokogokoro is a worthwhile read for any lover of manga who is looking for something different. Its detailed art style, interesting characters, and captivating story make it stand out from other gay manga titles currently on the market.
Conclusion
If you are looking for LGBTQ+ representation in manga, then the 16 best gay manga of all time are a great place to start. With all the genres, art styles and stories, there is something to satisfy everyone’s preferences.
Manga has been an important medium for displaying relationships, feelings, and acceptance that may have been too taboo to be openly talked about before.
It can break down barriers between different types of people, unite them through shared experiences and finally change opinions on difficult topics.
So go ahead and read one of these fantastic titles – they will help you get a better understanding not only of queer culture but also the lives of people around us in general.
All this makes it essential to have more titles like these as they give readers a wealth of insight into the LGBTQ+ world. Thanks for reading.
