If we had to name a cult manga that reminds us of the post-apocalyptic genre, our choices would go to Akiraa work by Katsuhiro Ōtomo dating from 1984, published in France by Glénat.
Whether in animated film (1988) or manga, Akira has made an impression until today. His perfect blend of post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk and dystopia has created a rich and complex universe, a source of inspiration for many pop culture works from around the world over the years.
So, if you like post-apocalyptic universes, we have prepared you a selection of 5 titles more or less known to dive into this genre.
1. Terrarium at Glénat (4 volumes)
If we had to describe terrarium in one word: poetic.
In this post-apocalyptic seinen, we follow the story of Chico, an investigative technologist, and her brother Pino. Their goal will then be to accompany the robots of this universe in their last wishes, finally allowing them to rest. However, in a world nearing its end where everything is doomed to disappear, are these actions of any use?
Greatly inspired by NieR automata, this small contemplative series in 4 volumes reminds us of the fragility and the ephemeral aspect of humanity. Let’s add a special mention for the covers which are sublime.
2. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind at Glénat (7 volumes)
You surely know this title via its author, Hayao Miyazaki, the master of Japanese animated films.
Before the creation of the famous Ghibli studio which rocked our childhood, Miyazaki created Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, his only manga to appear to date. Much more complete than its film adaptation, it presents us with a post-apocalyptic future where the madness of men has led to the loss of humanity. The survivors then having to live in a world where nature has reclaimed its rights.
While the few remaining civilizations are at war, the heroine Nausicaa, peaceful princess, is then embarked on a war where good and evil do not exist. Only the survival of his own people counts.
3. Tsugumi Project at Kioon (3 volumes in progress)
In a Japan abandoned for more than 200 years, the hero Léon is sent with his comrades to the archipelago to recover the weapon. Tsugumi. Although little is known about this one, it seems powerful enough that the whole world decided to bomb Japan before he finished it.
However, the plane in which Leon is traveling crashes, ensuing a struggle for survival in a world that has become hostile and above all, populated by strange creatures.
The adventure of the protagonist, as well as the bestiary composed of multiple chimeras, will remind you of many video games. Which is not surprising when you know that Ippatu, author of Tsugumi Project, worked as a chara designer for a video game studio.
If you are fond of post-apocalyptic, adventure and survival, this work is made for you.
4. Dragon Head at Pika Edition (5 Deluxe volumes)
This time, we offer you a post-apocalyptic manga of a completely different genre than those previously mentioned. Here it is the theme of horror and survival which is highlighted.
When 3 students escape death during a train derailment, their minds will be put to the test. This simple school trip will turn into a real nightmare. dragon head has a double questioning: how far do the limits of humanity go when survival is at stake? Or precisely, does the fear of death not reveal the true human nature?
It is thanks to Dragon Head that its author Minetaro Mochizuki was able to become known, winning many titles such as the winner of the Tezuka prize.
A nugget that will delight you with its 5 Deluxe edition volumes.
5. Blame at Glénat (6 Deluxe volumes)
How not to end this selection with Blame!, the cult manga by Tsutomu Nihei. This work is quite difficult to describe since there is very little dialogue and the scenario does not take us by the hand.
Finally it is over the pages and volumes that we understand the story little by little thanks to the post-apocalyptic and futuristic architecture of the world but also with the few interactions of Killee, the main protagonist. This one is in search of “network access genes”, the genome which escaped the global contamination of the world.
Blame! is a work in contemplation. The features of its author stand out from other mangakas, giving the work a unique aspect. Once immersed in the story, you will have a hard time not devouring the 6 volumes.
Thus ends our selection of 5 post-apocalyptic manga. Remember that there are many others of very good quality – we can cite Gunnm or Eden for example. If you like the theme, we can only advise you to explore new nuggets and why not, to recommend them to us!
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