Yen Press manga guides

Best Action Manga

Start with Akame ga KILL!, Soul Eater, or The Case Study of Vanitas if you're here for action manga.

Updated March 21, 2026

Top Yen Press Action Manga to Start With

15 recommendations

Start here if you want action manga with real momentum, big fights, and plenty of tension.

Cover for Soul Eater

Soul Eater

OT (Older Teen)

By Atsushi Ohkubo · 2009 · 25 vols · Finished

Death City is home to the Death Weapon Meister Academy, established by Shinigami—the grim reaper himself. Created to maintain peace, the academy trains Meisters and Demon Weapons—people who take on the form of a weapon—to defend humanity against evil.… Read more Show less

Death City is home to the Death Weapon Meister Academy, established by Shinigami—the grim reaper himself. Created to maintain peace, the academy trains Meisters and Demon Weapons—people who take on the form of a weapon—to defend humanity against evil. The ultimate goal of a Meister is to create a "Death Scythe" worthy of being wielded by Shinigami. To do this, their weapon partner must consume the souls of 99 wicked humans and one witch. Maka Albarn and her partner Soul Eater "Soul" Evans are two students who hope to make a Death Scythe. They are joined by the boisterous Black☆Star and his partner Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, as well as the perfectionist Death the Kid—simply known as Kid—and his partners, the twins Patricia "Patty" and Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson. These ambitious students all work towards becoming the ultimate Meister and Demon Weapon team, through misadventures, missions, and many class trials. However, many mysteries surround them, and as new enemies are discovered and secrets are revealed, Maka, Soul, and their friends must fight to protect the academy, Death City, and the world itself from enemies far worse than humans. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as ソウルイーター

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Comedy

Themes

  • Ensemble Cast
  • Magic
  • Shounen
  • Male Protagonist
Cover for The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

OT (Older Teen)

By Jun Mochizuki · 2016 · Currently Publishing

There once lived a vampire known as Vanitas, hated by his own kind for being born under a full blue moon, as most arise on the night of a crimson one. Afraid and alone, he created the Book of Vanitas, a cursed grimoire that would one day take his vengeance on all vampires… Read more Show less

There once lived a vampire known as Vanitas, hated by his own kind for being born under a full blue moon, as most arise on the night of a crimson one. Afraid and alone, he created the Book of Vanitas, a cursed grimoire that would one day take his vengeance on all vampires; this is how the story goes, at least. Vanitas no Karte follows Noé Archiviste, a young man who is traveling aboard an airship in 19th-century Paris with one goal in mind: to find the Book of Vanitas. A sudden vampire attack leads him to meet the enigmatic Vanitas, a doctor who specializes in vampires and, much to Noé's surprise, an entirely ordinary human. The mysterious doctor has inherited both the name and the infamous text from the Vanitas of legend, using the grimoire to heal his patients. But behind his kind demeanor lies something a bit more sinister. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as Vanitas no Carte · Memoir of Vanitas

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Comedy

Themes

  • Vampire
  • Historical
  • Steampunk
  • Medicine
Cover for Solo Leveling (comic)

Solo Leveling (comic)

OT (Older Teen)

By Chugong, DUBU(REDICE STUDIO) · 2021 · Finished

Ten years ago, "the Gate" appeared and connected the real world with the realm of magic and monsters. To combat these vile beasts, ordinary people received superhuman powers and became known as "Hunters."… Read more Show less

Ten years ago, "the Gate" appeared and connected the real world with the realm of magic and monsters. To combat these vile beasts, ordinary people received superhuman powers and became known as "Hunters." Twenty-year-old Sung Jin-Woo is one such Hunter, but he is known as the "World's Weakest," owing to his pathetic power compared to even a measly E-Rank. Still, he hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank Gates to pay for his mother's medical bills. However, this miserable lifestyle changes when Jin-Woo—believing himself to be the only one left to die in a mission gone terribly wrong—awakens in a hospital three days later to find a mysterious screen floating in front of him. This "Quest Log" demands that Jin-Woo completes an unrealistic and intense training program, or face an appropriate penalty. Initially reluctant to comply because of the quest's rigor, Jin-Woo soon finds that it may just transform him into one of the world's most fearsome Hunters. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as Na Honjaman Level Up · I Level Up Alone

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Drama

Themes

  • Dungeon
  • Male Protagonist
  • Super Power
  • Full Color
Cover for The Horizon

The Horizon

OT (Older Teen)

By JH · 2023 · 3 vols · Finished

In a world ravaged by war, a young boy walks down a lonely road in the aftermath of his mother's death. Along his journey, he witnesses military tanks, dead bodies, and his beloved city in ruins. With eyes clouded by anguish, he pushes himself to keep moving forward.… Read more Show less

In a world ravaged by war, a young boy walks down a lonely road in the aftermath of his mother's death. Along his journey, he witnesses military tanks, dead bodies, and his beloved city in ruins. With eyes clouded by anguish, he pushes himself to keep moving forward. One morning, he meets a girl in an abandoned bus where he spent the night. Moments after their encounter, the area turns into a battlefield, and the pair escapes into a long abandoned lane. The two strangers decide to walk together to the end of the road, thus beginning a companionship that will ignite new hope inside their shriveled hearts. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as Supyeongseon · El horizonte

Genres

  • Dark
  • Drama
  • Dystopian

Themes

  • Survival
  • Philosophy
  • Post-Apocalyptic
  • Religion
Cover for Battle Royale Deluxe Edition

Battle Royale Deluxe Edition

18+ M (Mature)

By Masayuki Taguchi, Koushun Takami · 2026 · 15 vols · Finished

Every year, a class is randomly chosen to be placed in a deserted area where they are forced to kill each other in order to survive. Initially believing to be on a graduation trip… Read more Show less

Every year, a class is randomly chosen to be placed in a deserted area where they are forced to kill each other in order to survive. Initially believing to be on a graduation trip, Shuuya Nanahara and the rest of Shiroiwa Junior High's Class B find that they have been chosen to participate in this game of life and death known as The Program. Waking up to the realization that they have been quarantined on an island, the 42 students discover they have been fitted with metal collars which will detonate if certain conditions are not met. In order to obtain freedom, they must slaughter everyone else by whatever means necessary, and the last one standing is deemed the winner. As each member of the class heads down their own path, Shuuya makes it his goal to get off the island without playing the game in order to put an end to this madness once and for all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as バトル・ロワイアル

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Book Tie-in
  • Dark
Cover for Ubel Blatt

Ubel Blatt

18+ M (Mature)

By Etorouji Shiono · 2014 · 23 vols · Finished

When Wischtech threatened to invade the fiefs of Szaalanden, the Emperor dispatched fourteen youths. Of these, the Seven Heroes halted the invasion to herald a time of prosperity while the four Lances of Betrayal were supposedly defeated.… Read more Show less

When Wischtech threatened to invade the fiefs of Szaalanden, the Emperor dispatched fourteen youths. Of these, the Seven Heroes halted the invasion to herald a time of prosperity while the four Lances of Betrayal were supposedly defeated. Two decades later, the Lances of Betrayal have reappeared and formed a bandit militia near the frontier fief Gormbark. A man with the black sword and a scar over his left eye slays an entire troop of that militia. He is identified as a boy, Kóinzell, and becomes as much an object of fear as of hope even as his own past, motivations, and purpose are a mystery to those he meets in his travel. (Source: MU)

Also known as Evil Blade

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Drama
  • Fantasy

Themes

  • Revenge
  • Seinen
  • Elf
  • Military
Cover for BTOOOM!

BTOOOM!

18+ M (Mature)

By Junya Inoue · 2013 · 27 vols · FINISHED

Sakamoto Ryuuta is an unemployed 22-year-old who lives with his mother. In the real world, there may be nothing really special about him, but online, he's one of the world's top players of the combat game "BTOOOM"!…

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Dark

Themes

  • Battle Royale
  • Survival
  • Video Games
  • Seinen
Cover for Revenge of the Baskerville Bloodhound

Revenge of the Baskerville Bloodhound

T (Teen)

By S.arang, TO WALK(REDICE STUDIO) · 2026 · Currently Publishing

Raised to kill like a pack of loyal hounds, the Baskerville children took countless lives as a band of fearsome assassins. Despite being the shunned illegitimate son of the brood, Bikir served his family faithfully, only to meet his untimely demise at his father's hands.… Read more Show less

Raised to kill like a pack of loyal hounds, the Baskerville children took countless lives as a band of fearsome assassins. Despite being the shunned illegitimate son of the brood, Bikir served his family faithfully, only to meet his untimely demise at his father's hands. But when he is inexplicably reborn with a second chance at life, Bikir, armed with the memories and knowledge of his past, swears to rise above the pack and take his revenge. This time, he's ready to bite the hand that feeds. (Source: Tapas Media)

Also known as Cheolhyeolgeomga Sanyanggaeui Hoegwi · Revenge of the Iron-Blooded Sword Hound

Genres

  • Action and Adventure

Themes

  • Age Regression
  • Male Protagonist
  • Full Color
  • Revenge
Cover for Goblin Slayer (manga)

Goblin Slayer (manga)

18+ M (Mature)

By Kumo Kagyu, Kousuke Kurose · 2017 · Currently Publishing

In a world stalked by great beasts and frightening monsters, a more common creature is often overlooked: the goblin. While not as outright threatening as some of the larger nightmares out there, goblins are capable of grotesque feats of brutality in their own rights… Read more Show less

In a world stalked by great beasts and frightening monsters, a more common creature is often overlooked: the goblin. While not as outright threatening as some of the larger nightmares out there, goblins are capable of grotesque feats of brutality in their own rights, often joining together in large bands and spreading destruction. Enter the justly titled Goblin Slayer, whose sole mission in life is to wreak havoc on goblins, murdering as many of them as he possibly can. Utilizing the realm's reigning mission system for adventurers, Goblin Slayer makes sure to accept any and all goblin-related missions. One of these quests brings him into contact with a young Priestess, who he rescues from an assault at the hands of a particularly nasty group of goblins who have raped and slaughtered her entire party. Although initially averse to human connection, Goblin Slayer begrudgingly finds himself developing an attachment to Priestess and the other party members that they gain along the way. Often tugged into massive adventures that pull him away from his goblin-murdering comfort zone, Goblin Slayer works to keep his party safe from harm and gradually overcomes the childhood trauma that crafted him into the killing machine he has become. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as ゴブリンスレイヤー · Убийца Гоблинов

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Fantasy

Themes

  • Revenge
  • Seinen
  • Goblin
  • Gore
Cover for Until Death Do Us Part

Until Death Do Us Part

OT (Older Teen)

By Hiroshi Takashige, DOUBLE-S · 2012 · 26 vols · Finished

Haruka Touyama is a twelve-year-old girl with incredible precognitive abilites. But her accuracy in predicting the future has made her a target for any number of greedy corporations that would use her power for their own profits.… Read more Show less

Haruka Touyama is a twelve-year-old girl with incredible precognitive abilites. But her accuracy in predicting the future has made her a target for any number of greedy corporations that would use her power for their own profits. After she is taken from her family, Haruka uses her gift to seek out someone who can help her escape her captors and fixes upon a blind man making his way through the busy streets of Tokyo. Though it may seem an odd choice, Haruka's powers have not led her wrong. Despite his inability to see, her chosen protector's fighting skills become apparent when he draws a sword from his walking stick and takes out a corporation's thugs. Haruka knows she will always be pursued and begs the mystery swordsman to keep her safe..."until death do us part." (Source: Yen Press)

Also known as Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made · UDDUP

Genres

  • Drama
  • Romance
  • Science Fiction

Themes

  • Seinen
  • Male Protagonist
  • Martial Arts
  • Swordplay
Cover for Karneval

Karneval

18+ M (Mature)

By Touya Mikanagi · 2015 · 28 vols · Finished

Naive boy Nai has been looking for someone important to him, with only an old bracelet and the name "Karoku" as his clues to their whereabouts. Along the way, he becomes ensnared by a monstrous woman hellbent on keeping him as a pet.… Read more Show less

Naive boy Nai has been looking for someone important to him, with only an old bracelet and the name "Karoku" as his clues to their whereabouts. Along the way, he becomes ensnared by a monstrous woman hellbent on keeping him as a pet. But soon, he is saved by a clever and crafty thief named Gareki, who has broken into the woman's house to loot it. The two find themselves labeled as wanted criminals and end up entangled in the affairs of "Circus"—the country's most powerful defense organization. Circus is responsible for protecting the nation's citizens from entities known as "varuga"—monsters who consume human flesh—as well as uncovering the operations of a mysterious organization called Kafka. Circus has taken an interest in Nai upon learning that the bracelet he possessed turns out to be an old Circus ID. While Nai decides to stay in Circus' care, Gareki struggles to find his place aboard the ship. As their search for Karoku deepens, the pair encounter more dangerous varuga who all seem to gravitate toward Nai. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as カーニヴァル · ล่าทรชน

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Crime and Mystery

Themes

  • Circus
  • Josei
  • Amnesia
  • Super Power
Cover for Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

T (Teen)

By Magica Quartet, Hanokage · 2012 · 3 vols · Finished

Fourteen-year-old Madoka Kaname has a surreal dream about a strange creature and a girl in trouble. The next morning, a mysterious girl named Homura Akemi transfers into Madoka's class; to her surprise, Homura appears to be the exact same girl that she saw in her dream.… Read more Show less

Fourteen-year-old Madoka Kaname has a surreal dream about a strange creature and a girl in trouble. The next morning, a mysterious girl named Homura Akemi transfers into Madoka's class; to her surprise, Homura appears to be the exact same girl that she saw in her dream. Later that day, Madoka hears a plea for help in her head. It turns out that the cries belong to an injured Kyuubey, the cat-like creature who was also in her dream. But she finds Homura at Kyuubey's location, who warns Madoka to get away from the small entity. Making the connection that her new classmate attacked the helpless creature, Madoka takes Kyuubey and runs away with the help of best friend Sayaka Miki. After their escape, Kyuubey offers the girls an enticing opportunity: become a magical girl in exchange for having any wish granted. However, not everything is as it seems, as the weight of their wishes may be a lot heavier than they might have expected. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica · Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Drama

Themes

  • Primarily Female Cast
  • Magic
  • Seinen
  • Henshin
Cover for Tomb Raider King

Tomb Raider King

T (Teen)

By 3B2S, SAN.G · 2022 · Finished

Undercover behind enemy lines, Jooheon's newest plan to torment TKBM will involve taking them down from the inside! Stealing their relics and causing infighting is just the tip of the iceberg on what he'll do to make the group pay for their sins.… Read more Show less

Undercover behind enemy lines, Jooheon's newest plan to torment TKBM will involve taking them down from the inside! Stealing their relics and causing infighting is just the tip of the iceberg on what he'll do to make the group pay for their sins. But with the appearance of the Tower of Pride, Jooheon's skills in rage-baiting will truly be tested as he must pit the most fearsome warlords against each other! Will Jooheon Suh come out on top in the battle of the greatest conquerors of history? (Source: Yen Press)

Also known as Dogul Wang · Der König der Grabräuber

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Fantasy

Themes

  • Male Protagonist
  • Anti-Hero
  • Full Color
  • Mythology
Cover for The Color of the End: Mission in the Apocalypse

The Color of the End: Mission in the Apocalypse

OT (Older Teen)

By Haruo Iwamune · 2025 · Currently Publishing

A girl walks alone in a world without humans. Her mission—to search for survivors and cleanse the land. But is anyone still out there in the lonely, beautiful ruins, waiting to be found? (Source: Yen Press)

Also known as Usuzumi no Hate · Mission In The Apocalypse

Genres

  • Dark
  • Science Fiction

Themes

  • Post-Apocalyptic
  • Female Protagonist
  • Seinen
  • Urban

Lesser-Known Yen Press Action Manga Worth Reading

5 recommendations

These are good action picks if you want to look past the biggest crowd-pleasers.

Cover for Spy Classroom 2nd Period: Daughter Dearest (manga)

Spy Classroom 2nd Period: Daughter Dearest (manga)

T (Teen)

By Takemachi, Benishake · 2025 · 3 vols · Finished

In a world torn apart by war and ruled by intelligence, Lily—code name Flower Garden—is determined to become a master spy and help bring peace to the nation. So, when she's offered to join an elite squad that takes on Impossible Missions with 90 percent mortality rates… Read more Show less

In a world torn apart by war and ruled by intelligence, Lily—code name Flower Garden—is determined to become a master spy and help bring peace to the nation. So, when she's offered to join an elite squad that takes on Impossible Missions with 90 percent mortality rates, she's ecstatic...until she finds out that said "elite squad" is made up entirely of spy academy washouts, like her. But each and every one of them has the potential to change the world, and under the tutelage of master spy Klaus, it's time for them to bloom! (Source: Yen Press)

Also known as Spy Kyoushitsu 2-bu: Manamusume · Spy Kyoushitsu

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Crime and Mystery
Cover for The Asterisk War Manga

The Asterisk War Manga

T (Teen)

By Yuu Miyazaki, okiura · 2016 · 5 vols · Finished

The Academy City on the water, Rikka (otherwise known as Asterisk) is the world's largest stage for the integrated battle entertainment, "Star Wars Festival." The young boys and girls of the "Starpulse Generation" belonging to the six academies made their wishes with Shining… Read more Show less

The Academy City on the water, Rikka (otherwise known as Asterisk) is the world's largest stage for the integrated battle entertainment, "Star Wars Festival." The young boys and girls of the "Starpulse Generation" belonging to the six academies made their wishes with Shining Armaments in their hands, vying for supremacy—Amagiri Ayato is one of them. Ayato arrived at Rikka at the invitation of the Student Council President of the Seidoukan Academy, Claudia, and right after that he incurred the wrath of the "Petalblaze Witch" Julis, and ended up having to duel her. The greatest academy battle entertainment begins here! (Source: jCafe24)

Also known as Gakusen Toshi Asterisk · Academy Battle City Asterisk

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Comedy

Themes

  • School
  • Shounen
  • Swordplay
  • Male Protagonist
Cover for Pandora Seven

Pandora Seven

OT (Older Teen)

By Yuta Kayashima · 2023 · Currently Publishing

"I wish I could meet other humans." That is the secret wish of Ria Frontier, who grew up as the sole human amid a veritable melting pot of other fantastical races on a small island.… Read more Show less

"I wish I could meet other humans." That is the secret wish of Ria Frontier, who grew up as the sole human amid a veritable melting pot of other fantastical races on a small island. As she prepares to celebrate the turn of the thousand-year cycle, that wish is granted—in the form of a war party of humans that arrives on a flying ship to ransack her home and hurt her friends and adoptive family in search of "Pandora's Box." Pushed too far by the cruelty of her race, Ria somehow manages to unseal the terrible power of what the humans have been looking for, unleashing a tragedy that will change her life forever... (Source: Yen Press)

Genres

  • Drama
  • Fantasy
  • Science Fiction

Themes

  • Seinen
  • Female Protagonist
  • Dragons
  • Magic
Cover for Aldnoah.Zero Season One

Aldnoah.Zero Season One

T (Teen)

By Olympus Knights, Pinakes · 2015 · 4 vols · Finished

During Apollo 17's 1972 space exploration mission to the moon, humanity found a strange hypergate that led to Mars. Upon entering the gate, the astronauts discovered an ancient technology known as "Aldnoah," which would soon cause mass migration to the planet… Read more Show less

During Apollo 17's 1972 space exploration mission to the moon, humanity found a strange hypergate that led to Mars. Upon entering the gate, the astronauts discovered an ancient technology known as "Aldnoah," which would soon cause mass migration to the planet, resulting in the creation of the Vers Empire to govern Mars. Descendants of this new civilization grew to resent Earthlings for their bountiful resources. These feelings led to a declaration of war, an event that ended with the hypergate's destruction in what would come to be known as the infamous "Heavens Fall." The effects were catastrophic, causing the obliteration of the Moon and irreparable damage to Earth through multiple meteor impacts, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Fifteen years later, a ceasefire has established a fragile peace, and Princess Asseylum Vers Allusia arrives on Earth in order to promote lasting friendship between the two races. However, not everyone is satisfied with the abrupt end of the first battle; certain forces have been waiting for such a moment in order to ignite the spark that will lead to a new war. When a group of terrorists attempts to assassinate the young princess, Martian soldiers retaliate by launching an assault, descending from space ready to enslave Earth's inhabitants once and for all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Also known as Aldnoah.Zero · ALDNOAH.ZERO アルドノア・ゼロ

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Anime Tie-in
  • Drama

Themes

  • Real Robot
  • War
  • Military
  • School
Cover for Almark (manga)

Almark (manga)

T (Teen)

By Hiyoto Yunoki, Posuka Demizu · 2025 · Currently Publishing

In the northern lands where war continues without end, young Almark hopes to be a mercenary like his father one day. Thinking the timid boy ill-suited for such a life, however… Read more Show less

In the northern lands where war continues without end, young Almark hopes to be a mercenary like his father one day. Thinking the timid boy ill-suited for such a life, however, his worried father envisions a different future for him—all the way at the Nork Magical Academy in the peaceful South, once he's old enough to attend. And so, despite Almark's efforts on and off the battlefield, he eventually sets out for the academy to respect his father's wishes. But what lies ahead on his journey to becoming a magician? (Source: Yen Press)

Also known as アルマーク · 알마크

Genres

  • Action and Adventure
  • Fantasy
  • Sword and Sorcery

Themes

  • Seinen
  • Magic
  • Male Protagonist
  • School

Why These Picks

These picks use the ranking system to balance page fit with outside reader signals, which makes the list more consistent and less arbitrary than a pure vibes roundup. How recommendations work.