6 Best Shonen Manga to Read If You’re Craving Another Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is not your typical shonen series. Not only is it a bit darker than most titles under Shonen Jump’s umbrella, but it also delves into mature themes with complex, morally gray characters. Though its sudden conclusion in March 2026 left many fans divided, there’s no denying it was one of the most subversive and influential manga of the last decade.

Now that the story is over, fans may be looking for another series that could deliver a similar experience. Even though no other manga will be exactly like Chainsaw Man, here are a few recommendations that may scratch that same itch.

Fire Punch

Fire Punch is the most obvious manga to pick for anyone who wants to enjoy more of Tatsuki Fujimoto after finishing Chainsaw Man. It was the author’s first multi-volume serialization on Shonen Jump+, running from 2016 to 2018, totaling eight volumes. Viz publishes the manga in North America, and the series is available on the Shonen Jump service, but not on MANGA Plus, in the US due to its mature rating. Unfortunately, there’s no anime adaptation, but it surely deserves one.

The story is set in a distant future, after the Earth enters a never-ending ice age. Agni and his sister, Luna, were “blessed” with a supernatural ability of regeneration and use this gift to help the elderly in their small village, offering their own limbs for them to eat. This peace was shattered one day after a man arrived in the village. Horrified by the practice of cannibalism, he sets the village on fire, killing everyone except Agni. Left in a state of constant combustion, Agni sets out on a grim quest for revenge.

Dandadan

Dandadan is another Shonen Jump+ hit, and it’s still in serialization, so fans who want to follow a series with weekly updates might find this manga a great option. Yokinobu Tatsu previously worked as Fujimoto’s assistant, and his style of blending comedy, the supernatural, drama, and a touch of absurdity will definitely sit well with many Chainsaw Man fans. There is also an amazing anime adaptation.

The story follows two main characters: Momo Ayase, a girl who believes in ghosts but not in aliens, and Ken Takakura, also known as Okarun, who believes in the opposite: there are aliens, but there are no ghosts. In order to settle the debate, they start visiting places related to the supernatural and aliens, only to end up discovering that they are both right (and both wrong). And now they need to deal with aliens and ghosts.

Dorohedoro

Dorohedoro is another dark fantasy series with a dark sense of humor, making it a great option for those looking for a good story. The “chaotic” vibes and the complex characters in this manga will definitely feel familiar to fans missing Chainsaw Man.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic urban world, divided into three realms: the Hole, a heavily polluted megacity ghetto mostly occupied by humans; the Magic User World, the sorcerers’ world mostly governed by a crime boss; and Hell, the afterlife realm of all sorcerers, where demons rule (but only introduced later). Magical powers and strength affect status, and humans are subject to the abuse of sorcerers. Amidst this chaos, Caiman is looking for the sorcerer who erased his memories and gave him reptilian features. Nikaido, his friend, assists him in this mission. However, his actions draw the attention of powerful sorcerers.

Zom 100

Just like Chainsaw Man, Zom 100 balances its heavy themes well with a high-energy story featuring charismatic characters. While much more lighthearted than Chainsaw Man, this manga features fast action and a touch of horror that fans will love (and laugh along, since the comedy and parody are also spot-on).

The manga follows Akira Tendo, a young man working for an extremely exploitative company. But everything changes when a zombie apocalypse suddenly strikes the city. Instead of being afraid, Akira sees it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: now that he doesn’t have to work anymore, it’s time to write a bucket list of everything he wants to experience before becoming a zombie.

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Alongside Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man and Hell’s Paradise formed the “Dark Trio” of Shonen Jump: series with a more mature tone, many deaths, complex characters, and gory scenes. So anyone who enjoys the “edgy” nature of Chainsaw Man will love Hell’s Paradise.

After being sentenced to execution, ninja Gabimaru miraculously survives: for some reason, his body resists every attempt to kill him. He and other convicts are then given the opportunity for a pardon, but only if they find the elixir of life in a distant realm. They accept the offer and embark on this dangerous journey.

Sengoku Youko

Sengoku Youko is another fantastic option for those who enjoy complex, morally gray characters like Denji and basically everyone in Chainsaw Man. Despite taking place in a completely different historical fantasy setting, it matches Chainsaw Man’s energy and features charming, relatable characters.

Just like there are humans and demons in Fujimoto’s story, Sengoku Youko features a world where humans and katawara, supernatural beings, are in constant conflict. However, there are always exceptions: Tama is a katawara who wants the two races to finally achieve peace. Meanwhile, her adoptive brother Jinka is a human who hates humans. They travel around the world in a wandering samurai tale, fighting violent humans and katawara who bring suffering to others.