Mangaka who have a penchant for killing off their characters could be classified as their own sub-genre. They use their pens with no mercy, evoking deep emotions from unsuspecting readers. These authors are skilled in crafting harrowing tales that demonstrate how death can strike at any moment, leaving even beloved characters vulnerable.
Despite the heartbreaking deaths in both the Attack on Titan and Berserk manga, it is undeniable that the mangaka behind these stories possess a remarkable talent for storytelling. Below is a list of ruthlessly skilled mangaka who are not afraid to kill off their beloved characters.
This article contains spoilers and is solely the opinion of the writer. Please proceed with caution.
Akutami Gege, Miura Kentaro and Others: Mangaka Who Love Killing Off Their Characters
Esuno Sakae – no change needed
With expertly crafted twists, Esuno Sakae keeps readers on the edge of their seats in Future Diary, creating an unforgettable and gripping reading experience. Consisting of 59 chapters, this thrilling battle royale story is filled with impactful character deaths that add to its intensity.
Despite the numerous deaths that occur in the game, Yuno Gasai’s stands out the most. Her descent into madness, as an initially innocent protagonist, ultimately results in a tragic demise. This emphasizes the ruthless nature of the game and the sacrifices that must be made in order to triumph. Each death adds to the suspense and keeps readers on edge until the final showdown, cementing Esuno Sakae’s place among mangaka who are not afraid to kill off their characters.
Yoshitoki Oima
“In To Your Eternity, Oima Yoshitoki delves into themes of life, death, and transformation through 175 chapters. Throughout the manga, there are nearly 49 heart-wrenching character deaths that have a profound impact on both the readers and the main character, Fushi. This establishes Oima Yoshitoki as a mangaka who is not afraid to explore the concept of loss and mortality in their storytelling.”
The death of March, a young girl who sacrifices herself to save Fushi, is a standout moment in the story. This event serves as a turning point for Fushi, forcing him to grapple with the value of life and the devastating effects of loss. The author, Oima, is unafraid to take bold narrative risks, further intensifying the emotional impact of the story. Through her delicate exploration of mortality, To Your Eternity becomes a captivating and unforgettable journey.
Ishida Sui
Ishida Sui, the mastermind behind Tokyo Ghoul, weaves a somber and chilling tale spanning 143 chapters in the original series and 179 chapters in its sequel, Tokyo Ghoul: re. Adding to the intense storyline is a staggering death count of around 145. This world is plagued by death and sorrow, with one of the most pivotal moments being the presumed death of Hide, the closest friend of protagonist Kaneki Ken.
Kaneki’s character arc and fans alike are significantly impacted by Hide’s death. Ishida boldly delves into the themes of violence and the fragility of life, resulting in a powerful resonance with the end of each character.
Despite its high death count, Ishida Sui’s storytelling prowess shines through in his use of intricate plots and emotional depth, captivating readers and intensifying the impact of the narrative. This is a common trait among mangaka who enjoy killing off their characters, and Ishida Sui is no exception.
7. Writer Urobuchi Gen
Despite their relatively short runtimes, Urobuchi Gen’s works, Fate/Zero with 25 chapters and Madoka Magica with 12 episodes, are known for delivering impactful character deaths. The tragic ends of Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern in Fate/Zero serve as motivation for the characters’ pursuit of the Holy Grail.
Similarly, Madoka Magica portrays a continuous onslaught of hopelessness, as characters such as Mami Tomoe and Sayaka Miki meet tragic ends in their efforts to protect others. Urobuchi’s boldness in pushing characters to their limits results in haunting and unforgettable moments.
This explains why Urobuchi Gen is one of the mangaka who enjoys killing off their characters, as his profound storytelling and emotional depth leave a lasting impression on audiences.
6. Yagi Norihiro
Yagi Norihiro’s merciless storytelling is evident across 157 chapters of the manga Claymore, where characters are met with untimely demises in the face of unimaginable horrors, resulting in approximately 65 deaths. The death of Teresa, a renowned Claymore, serves as a defining moment that shapes the struggles of the remaining characters. It is this aspect that places Yagi Norihiro among the ranks of mangaka who are known for their penchant for killing off their characters.
Yagi’s unflinching approach to sacrificing beloved characters, such as Teresa, highlights the harsh reality of the world he has created, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn. From facing their innermost fears to building tension, the characters in the series constantly remind us that no one is immune. Yagi’s resolute storytelling style truly makes Claymore an enthralling adventure.
5. Kentaro Miura
Miura Kentaro’s Berserk, which spans approximately 364 chapters, is known for its high death toll that can rival even the most merciless of mangaka. The series is renowned for its explicit and savage deaths, immersing readers in a grim and gritty medieval fantasy realm. One of the most memorable moments is Griffith’s betrayal and betrayal of the Band of the Hawk, which propels protagonist Guts on a quest for revenge.
Miura’s dedication to portraying realism and tackling challenging topics results in a haunting journey where even the toughest individuals are forced to confront the harshness of fate. This solidifies Berserk as an unforgettable descent into darkness, cementing Miura Kentaro as one of the mangaka who fearlessly sacrifice their characters for the sake of their storytelling.
Author Profile
Despite the fact that Akame ga Kill! only spans 78 chapters, Tetsuya Tashiro is not afraid to eliminate characters. The manga continually shocks readers with its significant death toll of approximately 127, demonstrating Tashiro’s daring to break norms and surpass expectations.
Tashiro’s willingness to sacrifice characters adds a raw realism and an element of unpredictability, guaranteeing that readers stay captivated. Sheele, a beloved member of Night Raid known for her kindness and loyalty, left a lasting impression with her tragic departure.
The death of a member of Night Raid served as a poignant reminder of the dangers they constantly face in their harsh world. These occurrences further solidify Takahiro’s reputation as a mangaka who does not shy away from killing off characters.
Hajime Isayama
Isayama Hajime’s Attack on Titan has gained fame for its extensive use of character deaths throughout its 139 chapters, driving the captivating storyline forward. From the very beginning, these major deaths serve to establish a constant sense of danger and unpredictability, as humanity fights against insurmountable odds. This is why Isayama is often grouped with other mangaka who have a penchant for killing off their characters.
The passing of Erwin Smith, the Survey Corps’ beloved leader during the Battle of Shiganshina, had a profound impact and was a crucial turning point in the battle against the Titans. Isayama’s willingness to remove significant characters such as Erwin and Sasha Braus solidifies his reputation as a merciless mangaka who takes pleasure in the death of his characters. Additionally, this ensures that Attack on Titan will continue to be regarded as a timeless masterpiece for future generations.
Fujimoto Tatsuki
With approximately 153 chapters, Chainsaw Man is a prime example of Fujimoto Tatsuki’s tendency to fearlessly eliminate characters, resulting in a total of around 60 deaths.
Power, a half-human, half-devil being, is known for her fearless attitude and heartbreaking past, making her a standout character whose passing left a profound impact on fans. Her death serves as a poignant reminder of the dangerous path the protagonists must face and the brutal truths of their world.
Fujimoto’s bold storytelling decisions not only make Chainsaw Man an exciting and unpredictable adventure from start to finish, but they also showcase why he belongs among the ranks of mangaka who enjoy taking risks and sacrificing their characters.
Akutami Gege
In the 267 chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen, Akutami Gege masterfully crafts a storyline filled with unrelenting character deaths, propelling the narrative with shocking losses. Each death, from Junpei Yoshino to Nanami Kento’s heartbreaking fate, serves as a powerful reminder of the perilous realm of curses and the sacrifices required in combat.
Akutami’s unique approach to storytelling, characterized by daring choices and a refusal to conform, enthralls readers and transcends the boundaries of the manga, garnering both praise and intimidation.
Despite facing challenges, Akutami remains determined, constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre and captivating audiences with the captivating narrative and exploration of the human experience in Jujutsu Kaisen. Gege is undoubtedly one of the most unapologetically ruthless mangaka who has a penchant for killing off their characters.
In Conclusion
In the world of manga, there are few things more recognizable than mangaka who boldly eliminate their characters. Whether it be the intense drama of Death Note or the haunting ambiance of Tokyo Ghoul, these artists fearlessly use their pens to take down beloved characters without any hesitation.
Despite their merciless approach, these mangaka have a special talent for drawing readers deeper into their narratives with each tragic loss. Obata Takeshi’s intricate plotting and Ishida Sui’s grim exploration of humanity make them stand out as mangaka who have a penchant for killing off their characters. As fans turn the pages, they are constantly reminded of the unpredictable and harsh realities within these manga worlds, creating an emotional rollercoaster that is one of a kind.
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