For those looking for manga about assassins or mercenaries, you've come to the right place. This list ranks the best assassin manga of all time, as voted on by manga readers like you. With so many popular manga featuring assassins, it's no surprise that "assassin" has basically become a genre for both anime and manga. Some of these titles might also blend other genres; for example Basilisk is a ninja anime as well a good assassin anime. This list features both old and new assassin manga titles, so vote up your favorites regardless of their age.
If you're new to the assassin genre in manga, then some good jumping off points include CAT, Golgo 13, and Gunslinger Girl. On the other hand if you've already read many of these titles, please vote up the assassin manga that you would recommend to other readers. You can also give something a downvote if you've read it and didn't like it.A diverse group of students at Kunugigaoka Junior High School, who are all part of Class 3-E, have been tasked with killing their alien octopus-like teacher, Koro-sensei, before he destroys Earth. As Koro-sensei teaches them valuable life lessons and academic abilities, the students also learn various deadly assassination techniques to stop his plan of destruction. The students must overcome their personal struggles and form bonds with each other, all while devising new methods to eliminate Koro-sensei and save the world.
In Meiji-era Japan, Kenshin Himura, a wandering samurai and former assassin, strives to atone for his past sins by helping those in need as a wandering swordsman with a vow never to kill again. Battling enemies from both his past and present, Kenshin encounters several skilled fighters and resolves the conflicts through his mastery of swordsmanship and Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style. Alongside a cast of treasured friends and companions, Kenshin navigates political upheaval, confronts his dark past, and attempts to rebuild his life free from bloodshed.
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CAT
In a world of high-stakes espionage and assassination, Agent T, also known as Cat, is a notorious international hitman infamous for leaving a trail of bloody destruction. Navigating the world of hardened criminals and powerful organizations, Cat's missions often intertwine with complicated plots that reveal the true motivations and alliances of various characters. As enemies, allies, and loved ones come and go, Cat must rely on instinct and cunning to ensure survival and uncover the truth behind the shadowy web of intrigue and deception.
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Golgo 13
Duke Togo, known as Golgo 13, is a consummate professional assassin who accepts nearly impossible jobs, never failing to accomplish his objective. Working for various governments, mafias, and organizations, Golgo 13 becomes embroiled in a tangled web of political intrigue, international conflict, and dangerous adversaries throughout his countless missions. As each unique employer seeks to employ the services of the legendary sniper, Golgo 13 remains an enigmatic figure, outwitting enemies and determining friend or foe in his journey through the treacherous world of assassination.
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Basilisk
Masaki SegawaTaking place during Japan's Warring States period, two rival ninja clans, the Kouga and Iga, are engaged in a bitter feud, leading to a battle to the death between their strongest warriors. A tragic star-crossed love story unfolds as the heirs of the two clans, Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro Iga, choose between their love for each other and loyalty to their respective clans. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, the powerful ninjas from both clans must confront their fates as they strive to protect their honor and survive the deadly battle that ensues.
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Azumi
Set during Japan's Tokugawa Shogunate, a young orphan girl named Azumi is raised by a master warrior along with ten other orphans to become master assassins tasked with eliminating the warlords who threaten Japan's peace. Throughout her journey, Azumi faces overwhelming odds and ruthless adversaries but remains steadfast in her fight to carry out her grim duty. As the stakes rise, Azumi struggles with the morality of her role as an assassin while forging connections with those she encounters along the way.
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Nabari no Ou
Miharu Rokujou, an apathetic high school student, learns that he possesses a powerful ninja art within him called the Shinra Banshou, which is desired by rival ninja groups. As battles between hidden ninja villages escalate, alliances are forged, and betrayals are unveiled, Miharu begins to question his strength and the true intentions of those around him. Amidst the chaos, Miharu and his friends must navigate the complex world of assassination and espionage to ensure that the Shinra Banshou doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
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Gunslinger Girl, Volume 2
Yu AidaSet in a dark and futuristic Italy, the Social Welfare Agency takes in young girls who have been left physically broken by traumatic events and transforms them into ruthless, brainwashed killing machines. When the girls are paired with handlers who are responsible for controlling their every move, the relationships between each pair becomes strained. As they continue to carry out brutal missions, each of the girls deals with internal turmoil and the consequences of the violence they inflict on others.
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Flame of Recca, Vol. 27 (Flame of Recca
Nobuyuki AnzaiIn this action-packed series, high school student Recca Hanabishi inherits the powers of a flame manipulator from an ancient ninja clan and vows to use his new abilities to protect his friends. As he grows into his newfound powers, he faces off against numerous enemies, including fellow members of his ancient clan, who wish to bring him down or control him. With the support of his comrades, Recca must overcome adversity and confront his own past in order to defend his loved ones and keep his unwavering commitment to protect those he cares about.
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Sidooh
Set during the Bakumatsu era, the tale follows the journey of two orphaned brothers, Toma and Gen, who become skilled swordsmen and seek a purpose amidst the turmoil that surrounds them. Through their experiences, the siblings learn the true meaning of loyalty, family, and friendship, as they overcome the adversities of the violent world they inhabit. As they traverse the complex, politically charged landscape of their time, relationships formed with various factions test their resolve, forcing them to confront their own destinies and make difficult choices.
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Souten no Koumori
Shinobi no Kuni tells the tale of the adventurous life of Gennosuke, a ninja with extraordinary agility and powers. The story explores his missions, the complex relationships he shares with other members of his clan, and his journey to uncover the hidden truths about his own abilities. Amidst the chaos and mystery that surround him, Gennosuke grapples with the true responsibility that accompanies his powerful gifts.
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Shigurui
The rivalry and hatred between two master swordsmen, Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen, are explored throughout this intense and bloody tale. Set in early Edo-period Japan, the skilled warriors battle amidst a violent and treacherous world, where loyalty and deceit are intricately intertwined. As the story unfolds, the bloodthirsty ambition and relentless rivalry of the two swordsmen threaten to tear apart the very fabric of their lives and the lives of those around them.
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Crying Freeman
Kazuo Koike, Ryoichi IkegamiYō Hinomura, the titular Crying Freeman, is a highly skilled assassin for the 108 Dragons, an infamous Chinese mafia group. While his body carries out brutal assassinations, his heart weeps for the victims he's forced to kill. Freeman and his allies must navigate the dangerous criminal underworld and confront their own humanity, even as the threat of betrayal and death looms large over their lives.
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Assassin Story
A mysterious agency, the Assassination Bureau, seeks to control the fates of its members by assigning them a target, with death as the ultimate price for disobedience. As the members of the bureau become entwined in missions and secretive plots, the threat of betrayal and internal conflict emerges, with alliances precarious and navigation through the complex web of intrigue challenging at every turn. Each assassin's personal struggles, as well as the motivations of supporting characters, are brought to light as the true nature of the Assassin Bureau and its members are revealed.
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Tista
A mysterious young woman named Tista, living a double life as a sweet, innocent nun and a deadly assassin, uses her incredible fighting skills and abilities to bring down criminals all around the world. Caught between two lives and the consequences of her actions, Tista must reconcile her desire for peace and her duty as an assassin. As she fights her own internal battle, Tista faces external threats, including dangerous enemies, betrayal, and her own past.
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Renka
Centered around a young female assassin named Renka belonging to the Kagerou clan, she embarks on deadly missions to take out powerful figures in the criminal underworld. As she interacts with various fascinating characters, alliances are formed and allegiances are tested, all while different groups seek to manipulate her. In her pursuit of vengeance, Renka balances her commitment to her missions with her inner moral compass, ultimately deciding who she trusts and what she fights for.
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Sekai Saikyou no Assassin
In a world filled with assassins and deception, a man known as "The Legendary Assassin" strives to leave behind a bloody legacy. As he carries out his high-stake missions, he comes face-to-face with equally deadly adversaries and battles through complex schemes. In the end, the struggle for supremacy in the assassination world will test the resolve and skills of all those involved in its dangerous game.
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Ninku, tome 6
Gainax, Koji KiriyamaThe story revolves around Fuusuke and other survivors of the once powerful Ninku ninja empire, now hunted for their world-renowned fighting techniques. Fleeing persecution and constant threats on their lives, Fuusuke and his friends must navigate the treacherous paths that lie before them and uncover the darker truth behind their hunted status. Through camaraderie, the rekindling of lost arts, and formidable allies, the remaining Ninkus will confront their destiny and reclaim their honor.
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Kurenai Hanafubuki
A highly skilled female assassin, Kurenai, is tasked with infiltrating the criminal underworld and eliminating the most dangerous criminals that stand in her way. Along her journey, she forms uneasy alliances with other equally skilled warriors, each with their own goals and motivations. As a deeper plot unravels, Kurenai must navigate treachery and betrayal while staying true to her own convictions and loyalties.
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Kozure Ookami
Set in feudal Japan, former samurai Itto Ogami becomes an assassin for hire, traveling with his young son Daigoro in search of revenge after the murder of his wife. Facing various criminal syndicates, skilled assassins, and dangerous political figures, the father-son duo navigates a world of ever-present danger and shifting allegiances. As Itto continues his quest for vengeance, complex relationships and moral dilemmas challenge him and his unwavering bond with Daigoro.
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Hanzou no Mon
The skilled assassin Hanzou Hattori must face numerous challenges and adversaries as he utilizes his incredible skills in order to protect the people he's sworn to serve. As the story progresses, the true extent of Hanzou's abilities and the darker motivations of some of those he encounters become clear. Throughout the tale, Hanzou is forced to redefine his loyalties and confront the harsh realities of his dangerous profession.
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Magatsuhi
In a dystopian future, a war between humans and powerful divine beings rages on, forcing a pair of siblings named Magatsuhi and Hikari to embark on a perilous journey. Struggling to survive in an increasingly dangerous world, the duo faces numerous enemies and supernatural threats that push them to the brink. As they unravel the secrets of their world, the siblings must come to terms with their own histories and loyalties, confronting the true consequences of their quest for survival.
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Yongbi The Invincible Book 2
Jeawoon Yu, Jungwho MoonThe story follows the adventures of Yongbi, a skilled bounty hunter, who embarks on a perilous mission to recover a powerful artifact that could throw the nation into chaos. Along the way, Yongbi encounters numerous enemies and skilled adversaries, including the treacherous Biryong Brotherhood. As he delves deeper into the conspiracy surrounding the artifact, Yongbi must test his loyalties, confront his inner demons, and navigate the dangerous path he's chosen.
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Fuuma no Kojirou
Centuries after the legendary rivalry between the Kouga and Iga ninja clans, high school student Kojirou, a descendant of the Fuuma ninja clan, fights to reclaim his noble family's heritage and protect his loved ones. As Kojirou uncovers the secrets of his clan's past and confronts modern-day enemies, he discovers friendships, love, and the true cost of power. With each new challenge, Kojirou must decide where his loyalty lies and who he can ultimately trust as he navigates the treacherous world of ninjas and powerful adversaries.
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Kamui Gaiden
Kamui, a skilled ninja formerly belonging to the Iga clan, finds himself on the run after turning his back on his brethren. In this dangerous world, treachery is never far away, and Kamui must rely on his skills and cunning to evade enemies seeking his capture and death. As the legendary Kamui confronts his grim past and uncertain future, he finds both enemies and allies in a tale fraught with violence, betrayal, and discovery.
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2x2=Shinobuden
Parodying traditional ninja tales, this comedic series follows the feudal-era adventures of Shinobu, a naive young girl training in the hidden arts. Alongside her skilled mentor, Onsokumaru, and an eclectic group of friends, Shinobu tackles zany challenges, tests her abilities, and navigates the humorous world of ninjas. As Shinobu discovers the true meaning of her training, lasting bonds grow between her and the unorthodox cast of characters surrounding her.
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Kurogane Communication Volume 1
Tomomasa TakumaIn a post-apocalyptic world, young girl Haruka relies on a group of robots for survival after losing her family. As she embarks on a journey to rediscover the humanity that was lost, she encounters other survivors seeking answers, as well as androids posing significant threats. Along the way, Haruka faces both internal and external battles, with her relationships with the robots ever-evolving and her own resilience tested.
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Himawari Den!
A young ninja named Himawari dreams of studying at the prestigious Shinobi Gakuen and following in the footsteps of her idol Yonezawa Yusura. As she overcomes various obstacles in her journey to prove her worth, Himawari encounters eccentric friends and foes, embarks on exciting missions, and faces her challenging destiny. As she learns to accept her unique capabilities and limitations, Himawari discovers the true nature of friendship, loyalty, and her role within the greater shinobi world.
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Karate Shoukoushi Kohinata Minoru
A former competitive gymnast, Kohinata Minoru becomes involved in karate as a means to hone his fighting skills and navigate the complexities of high school life. As he becomes increasingly engrossed in the world of martial arts, Minoru faces opponents with a range of styles and formidable abilities, pushing him to find his own path in the discipline. Along the way, he confronts personal challenges and gains the support of friends, as he works to make a name for himself in the world of karate.
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Y-I-M
Yuri Ishtar, an experienced assassin known as "Y-I-M", works to eliminate adversaries, carry out specialized missions, and protect his city. Careening between intricate plots, betrayals, and complex relationships, Yuri must find a way to stay one step ahead of his enemies while not sacrificing everything he values in his search for the truth. As each mission unfolds, Yuri must rely on his formidable skills and the relationships he forges along the way to confront the challenges that test his loyalties and resilience.
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Iga no Kabamaru
Kabamaru is an upbeat and clumsy ninja-in-training who must leave his home and embark on a journey to master his skills. Navigating the urban landscape of Tokyo, Kabamaru encounters friendships, culture shocks, and new experiences alongside the ever-present risk of hidden adversaries. As Kabamaru's adventures progress, his unique strengths and loyalties evolve, and a complex web of intrigue involving his past begins to unfold.
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Trash.
In a dark and dystopian future, society is split into the privileged who live inside the walls of "Eden," and the less fortunate who dwell in the "Trash" lands outside. The Black Airborne Brigade, an elite group of assassins, must navigate the dangerous world of politics and conspiracy to protect the interests of their benefactors amidst the chaos. As the stakes become higher, allegiances are formed and tested, with each character faced with their own moral struggles and choices.
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Shura Yukihime
Focused on the journey of young Princess Yuki, who masters the art of assassination and seeks vengeance for her father's murder, the tale unfolds amidst the chaos of Japan's late Edo period. Faced with powerful adversaries and unpredictable allies, Yuki navigates the treacherous world of politics and assassination to foil the schemes of her enemies. As the story culminates in a series of dramatic encounters, Yuki must come to terms with her desire for vengeance and the repercussions for those close to her.
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Kagetora 1
Akira SegamiKagetora, a skilled ninja assigned to protect his young and spirited charge Yuki, faces the challenges of modern life in Tokyo whilst carrying out his primary duties. Encountering various threats, conspiracies, and supernatural powers, Kagetora walks the line between maintaining his identity as a ninja and fitting into the contemporary world. In fulfilling his mission, he must overcome internal and external conflicts, learn the true meaning of loyalty, and determine his place in the world.
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Soshite Kozure Okami: Shikaku no Ko
In an alternate universe, Daigoro, the son of Itto Ogami, must confront his past and the legacy of his father, who was a legendary samurai and assassin. As Daigoro discovers the truth about his family and his own abilities, he grapples with the consequences of his lineage and the responsibility thrust upon him. Throughout his journey, Daigoro encounters allies and enemies alike, testing his loyalties to family, honor, and tradition in a world steeped in political danger and ancient rivalries.
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Shin Kozure Ookami
The adventures of samurai-turned-assassin Itto Ogami and his young son Daigoro continue, packed with action, danger, and intrigue. As they traverse the perilous lands of feudal Japan, their intense escapades bring them ever closer to their ultimate goals of revenge and redemption. Along the way, they navigate treacherous alliances, test their loyalty and resolve, and face powerful enemies armed with incredible skills in their relentless pursuit of justice.
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Kaze no Sho
Set during the Warring States period, Kamui, a formidably skilled ninja who defected from the Iga clan, balances his quest for vengeance with his fight for survival. Cultivating uneasy alliances and defying lethal enemies, Kamui navigates a treacherous landscape where one's skills, loyalty, and wit determine the outcome. As the tale unfolds, Kamui perseveres throughout his difficult path, with each challenge revealing new layers of his character and his destiny.
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Akusaga
In a tale of systematic assassination and calculated deception, a skilled group of assassins known as the Ziganos must navigate the intricate and treacherous world they find themselves in. Finding themselves caught up in a web of conspiracy, infighting, and hidden motivations, the Ziganos must adapt to these challenges while preserving their own agendas and allegiances. As events unfold, friendships are tested, alliances are formed, and the Ziganos confront the treachery behind their mission.
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Igazukin
Centered around the adventures and challenges faced by a ninja-in-training, a girl called Igazukin, there are various bizarre encounters and mysterious happenings as she navigates the perils of pursuing the path of a ninja. Along her journey, friendships and rivalries are cultivated, while alliances are forged and tested in the heat of battle. As the story unfolds, Igazukin confronts her own limitations, desires, and responsibilities, which shape the world and who she is within it.
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Nazo no Murasame-kun
Teenage descendant of a prestigious samurai family, Murasame Hideyori, attracts unique attention due to his striking appearance and a supernatural curse. As he navigates high school, he encounters various challenges, confronts cruel rumors, and discovers unexpected friendships, all while trying to uncover the truth about his buried past. As events unfold, Hideyori must come to terms with his lineage, the curse, and its implications for his present.