Mangas
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AD Police (1989) by Tony Takezaki & Toshimichi Suzuki
Set in the same universe as Bubblegum Crisis, AD Police follows an elite task force specializing in handling rogue Boomers—cybernetic beings designed for labor and combat that sometimes go berserk. Detective Leon McNichol and his squad navigate the dark underbelly of MegaTokyo, uncovering corruption, corporate conspiracies, and the ethical dilemmas of cybernetic augmentation. With its gritty, noir-style storytelling, AD Police explores themes of law enforcement in a cyberpunk dystopia, the dehumanization of technology, and the blurred line between man and machine. It serves as a darker, more grounded counterpart to its parent series.
Akira (1982–1990) by Katsuhiro Ōtomo
Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, and his childhood friend Tetsuo, who gains uncontrollable psychic abilities after a military experiment. As Tetsuo’s powers grow, he becomes a threat to the city, drawing the attention of the government and underground resistance groups. Meanwhile, Kaneda struggles to save his friend while uncovering the secrets behind the mysterious Akira, a being of immense psychic energy that once caused the city's destruction. Akira is a cornerstone of cyberpunk, with its themes of government control, rebellion, and unchecked technology. Its stunning worldbuilding and cinematic storytelling influenced countless works, cementing it as one of the genre’s defining masterpieces.
Appleseed (1985–1989) by Masamune Shirow
In a post-war future where humanity struggles to rebuild civilization, Appleseed follows Deunan Knute, a highly skilled soldier, and Briareos, her cyborg partner, as they arrive in Olympus—a utopian city governed by artificial intelligence and genetically engineered humans known as Bioroids. As they navigate this seemingly perfect society, they become entangled in political conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and the tension between human nature and technological control, questioning whether Olympus is truly a paradise or just another form of oppression. A cyberpunk classic, Appleseed blends military action with deep political and philosophical themes. Its vision of AI governance and bioengineered societies helped shape the genre’s discourse on technology and power.
Armitage III (1995) by Yoshio Kuroda & Tatsuya Ikegami
In a future where Mars has been colonized, Ross Sylibus, a detective from Earth, is assigned to the Martian Police Department. He partners with Armitage, a rogue female officer with a mysterious past, to investigate a series of murders targeting "Thirds"—advanced humanoid robots indistinguishable from humans. As they uncover a deep conspiracy, Ross learns shocking truths about Armitage and the future of artificial life. Armitage III blends cyberpunk noir with themes of identity, AI rights, and corporate control. Its influence can be seen in later cyberpunk works exploring human-robot relations and societal prejudice.
Battle Angel Alita (1990–1995) by Yukito Kishiro
In the scrapyards beneath the floating city of Zalem, cyber-doctor Ido discovers and revives a broken cyborg girl with no memory of her past. Naming her Alita, he raises her as his own, but she soon discovers her exceptional combat abilities. As she searches for her identity, Alita becomes entangled in brutal battles, underground fighting circuits, and the dark secrets of the world above. A cyberpunk classic, Battle Angel Alita blends intense action with themes of identity, free will, and transhumanism. Its gritty yet emotional storytelling has influenced many cyberpunk works, making it a defining piece of the genre.
Biomega (2007) by Tsutomu Nihei
In a future ravaged by the deadly N5S virus, which turns humans into mindless drones, Zoichi Kanoe, an enhanced agent, is tasked with locating a girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Armed with advanced weaponry and an AI companion, he traverses a desolate, ever-expanding megacity, battling monstrous mutations and corporate forces seeking control over the virus. Biomega blends cyberpunk with biopunk horror, featuring high-speed action, genetic experimentation, and dystopian isolation. Its intense visuals and fast-paced narrative make it a striking evolution of Nihei’s signature cyberpunk style.
Black Magic (1983) by Masamune Shirow
In a distant future where advanced technology and mysticism coexist, Black Magic follows a group of Venusian special agents as they navigate a world of cyborgs, AI, and political conspiracies. The story revolves around Typhon, a skilled warrior caught in a conflict involving rogue artificial intelligence and bioengineered weapons. As tensions rise, the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred, leading to high-stakes battles and philosophical dilemmas about the role of technology in warfare and society. An early work by Shirow, Black Magic introduces themes of AI, cybernetics, and political intrigue that he later refined in Ghost in the Shell. While not as influential, it offers a glimpse into his evolving cyberpunk vision.
Blame! (1998) by Tsutomu Nihei
In a vast, labyrinthine megastructure, Killy, a lone wanderer, searches for humans with the elusive "Net Terminal Gene"—the key to controlling the chaotic, AI-driven world. As he navigates endless corridors and battles deadly cybernetic threats, he uncovers the remnants of a lost civilization buried beneath layers of technology and decay. With its minimal dialogue and haunting visuals, Blame! embodies the essence of cyberpunk isolation and technological dystopia. Its influence can be seen in later sci-fi works, making it a cult classic of the genre.
Clover (1997–1999) by CLAMP
In a dystopian future ruled by a militarized government, Clover follows the story of Suu, a young girl with immense psychic abilities classified as a rare "Four-Leaf Clover." Considered both a weapon and a liability, she is kept in isolation until she is unexpectedly granted a final wish—to see the outside world. Assigned to the reluctant soldier Kazuhiko, Suu embarks on a journey filled with mystery, melancholy, and a sense of inescapable fate, as her true purpose slowly unravels. Unlike traditional cyberpunk, Clover uses a minimalist, poetic style to explore themes of control and isolation. Its fusion of cyberpunk elements with emotional storytelling makes it a unique and introspective take on the genre.
Dominion (1986) by Masamune Shirow
Set in a future where pollution has reached catastrophic levels, Dominion takes place in Newport City, where the Tank Police—a heavily armed law enforcement unit—enforces the law with extreme firepower. The story follows Leona Ozaki, a passionate officer who commands a miniature tank named Bonaparte, as she battles criminals, terrorists, and the infamous catgirl duo, Annapuma and Unipuma. While the world is grim due to environmental decay, the manga maintains a comedic and action-packed tone, blending cyberpunk elements with satire and over-the-top firefights. Mixing cyberpunk with satire, Dominion critiques militarization and environmental collapse through over-the-top action and dark humor. While lighter in tone, it remains a distinctive entry in Shirow’s body of work.
Eden: It's an Endless World! (1998–2008) by Hiroki Endo
After a deadly virus wipes out much of humanity, the world is dominated by the ruthless Propater organization. Elijah, the son of a rebel scientist, is forced into a life of crime and survival, navigating a world of cybernetics, political conspiracies, and brutal warfare. As he struggles to define his own path, he becomes entangled in a battle between power and resistance. Blending cyberpunk with socio-political themes, Eden explores oppression, bioengineering, and survival in a dystopian future. Its mature storytelling and philosophical depth set it apart as one of the most thought-provoking cyberpunk mangas.
Ex-Vita (2003) by Masakazu Amahisa
In a future where biotechnology has blurred the line between human and machine, society is ruled by powerful corporations seeking to control life itself. A mysterious entity known as "Ex-Vita" emerges, possessing the ability to manipulate organic and synthetic matter. As various factions hunt for its secrets, a lone protagonist becomes entangled in a conflict that could reshape the nature of existence. Ex-Vita explores themes of artificial evolution, corporate dominance, and the ethics of genetic engineering. With its fusion of cyberpunk and biopunk elements, it presents a thought-provoking vision of a future where humanity itself is on the verge of transformation.
Gantz (2000) by Hiroya Oku
After dying in a train accident, Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato awaken in a mysterious room, where a black sphere known as Gantz forces them into deadly missions against bizarre alien creatures. Equipped with advanced weaponry and high-tech suits, they must fight for survival while unraveling the secrets behind their resurrection and the brutal game they are trapped in. Gantz blends cyberpunk with extreme violence and existential horror, exploring themes of mortality, technology, and human nature. Its fast-paced action and philosophical undertones have made it a cult classic in sci-fi manga.
Ghost in the Shell (1989–1991) by Masamune Shirow
Set in a near-future world where cybernetic enhancements and AI are widespread, Ghost in the Shell follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a highly skilled cyborg operative of Public Security Section 9, as she hunts down cybercriminals, rogue AI, and political conspiracies. Her latest case leads her to the Puppet Master, a mysterious hacker who challenges the very definition of consciousness and identity. As Kusanagi delves deeper, she begins to question the nature of her own existence, blurring the lines between human and machine. A defining cyberpunk masterpiece, Ghost in the Shell explores AI, transhumanism, and identity. Its deep philosophical themes and futuristic vision influenced countless works, from anime to Hollywood sci-fi.
NOiSE (2001) by Tsutomu Nihei
Set before the events of Blame!, NOiSE follows detective Musubi Susono as she investigates a series of kidnappings in a city on the brink of dystopia. Her pursuit leads her into the depths of a corrupt system controlled by a mysterious techno-cult, where she uncovers the origins of the megastructure and the rise of AI dominance. Darker and more narrative-driven than Blame!, NOiSE explores themes of control, cybernetic augmentation, and the loss of humanity. As a prequel, it provides key insights into the world’s transformation, making it essential for fans of Nihei’s cyberpunk universe.
Psycho-Pass (2012) by Hikaru Miyoshi
In a future where the Sibyl System governs society by analyzing individuals' mental states, law enforcement officers use Dominators—guns that judge a person’s threat level in real time. Inspector Akane Tsunemori, a rookie in the Public Safety Bureau, begins questioning the system’s morality as she hunts criminals deemed dangerous before they even act. Her pursuit of the enigmatic Shogo Makishima forces her to confront the dark side of a society built on absolute surveillance. Blending cyberpunk with crime thriller elements, Psycho-Pass explores themes of free will, authoritarian control, and justice. Its psychological depth and dystopian vision make it a standout in modern cyberpunk storytelling.
The Legend of Mother Sarah (1990–2004) by Katsuhiro Ōtomo & Takumi Nagayasu
After Earth is devastated by nuclear war, humanity is forced to live in massive space stations controlled by a tyrannical regime. Sarah, a determined mother, embarks on a dangerous journey across the war-torn planet to reunite with her lost children. Battling oppressive forces and ruthless scavengers, she becomes a symbol of resistance in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world. While leaning toward post-apocalyptic themes, The Legend of Mother Sarah incorporates cyberpunk elements such as authoritarian control, advanced weaponry, and corporate dominance. Its powerful storytelling and Otomo’s signature worldbuilding make it a compelling entry in dystopian sci-fi.