Mecha is a genre of manga that focuses on mechanical advancements and is very popular among people of all ages worldwide. With so many technological advances, we often wonder if we will ever have a robot friend or fly through the skies in mechanized suits. Our dreams come true when we read this exciting genre.
Whether it’s teenagers fighting in battle suits against aliens or robots trying to find their place in the world, the Mecha manga genre never fails to entertain us.
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20. Cicatrice of the Sirius (Shinichiro Takada, 1999 – 2001)
Takeru is ten years old when he loses his parents and is severely injured by a bomb attack. To save his life, his sister, Sayoko, sells her brain to a mysterious organization called Albion Corporation. Sayoko’s brain is transplanted into a cybernetic body, which makes her lose her memories and become more fierce. Sayoko’s humanity ends, and she becomes a cyborg called “The White 13.”
The corporation puts her in a cyborg fighting circuit, where she fights against other cybernetics. She was unbeaten for thirty matches and reached the top rank. Takeru is determined to save Sayoko from this world, but her brain has a self-destructing feature that causes it to swell and die in a week if she’s outside of the fight circuit.
Will Takeru be able to find a cure for Sayoko’s condition before she dies in a week, or will he be forced to take her back?
Find volume 1 of this series here on Amazon: CICATRICE THE SIRIUS Vol. 1
You can see other volumes of this manga here: Cicatrice of the Sirius manga series
19. Eureka Seven: Psalms of Planets (Jinsei Kataoka, 2005 – 2006)
Renton Thurston is the 14-year-old son of a military hero who died years ago. Renton lives a peaceful yet mundane life in his village. His cure for boredom is “lifting,” a sport similar to surfing. He idolizes Holland Novak, a talented lifter who leads the lifter group, Gekkostate.
Renton gets a golden ticket to Gekkostate when Nirvash, a legendary mecha piloted by a beautiful girl named Eureka, crashes into his room. Although hesitant initially, Renton joins Eureka in piloting Nirvash when the mecha’s ultimate power, the “Seven Swell Phenomenon,” is released. From that moment onwards, Renton’s life changes forever.
Will Renton become a hero like his father? And what is the truth behind the mysterious girl, Eureka? There’s only one way to find out!
Check out volume 1 of this manga on Amazon: Eureka Seven: Psalms of Planets, Vol. 1
Find other volumes in this series here: Eureka Seven: Psalms of Planets manga series
18. Levius (Haruhisa Nakata, 2012 – 2014)
Levius is a child when his father is killed in the war, and he loses his arm while trying to protect his mother. Set in the 19th century in Imperial City, the war ended, and industrialization took over the world. Years later, a deadly sport called “metal boxing” became popular, where men with mechanical bodies fight against one another.
Levius trains under his uncle to become a boxer in this dangerous sport. One after another, Levius takes down the toughest of opponents and aims to become the best boxer. But what will happen to Levius because of this? Will he become a deadly fighting machine, or does destiny have other plans?
You can get volume 1 of this manga on Amazon here: Levius 1
17. Magic Knight Rayearth (Clamp, 1993 – 1996)
Three high school girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, arrive in Tokyo for their school trip, where they are suddenly transported to another world called Cephiro. Upon arriving, they meet the great sorcerer who tells them they have been summoned as the Three Magic Knights to save this world. They must rescue Princess Emeraude, who was abducted by the high priest Zagato.
Fuu, Hikaru, and Umi have a lot to learn before they become strong enough to protect themselves from Zagato and save the princess. However, rescuing the princess might lead them down a very different path than they expected. Will this trio be able to save the princess? And what will happen if they do? This manga will keep you on your toes with its interesting twists!
Check out the first volume of Magic Knight Rayearth on Amazon here: Magic Knight Rayearth 1 (Paperback)
A 25th Anniversary Manga Box Set with 3 volumes covering the whole first ark along with new translations and designs can be found here: Magic Knight Rayearth 25th Anniversary Manga Box Set 1
16. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Kazuki Nakashima, 2007 – 2013)
Simon lives in an underground village and works as a hole digger. If that doesn’t sound bad enough, all the villagers are isolated without contact with other villages. Since they live underground, earthquakes also are a constant fear for everyone.
Kamina, Simon’s friend, dreams of going to the surface. One day, Simon finds a small drill object while digging, and the next day he finds a mecha head called Gunmen. The same day, a huge Gunmen breaks through the surface and attacks his village; soon, a girl named Yoko arrives to fight it.
To save everyone, Simon decides to ride the Gunmen, and he surprisingly defeats it. Kamina’s dream comes true as he and Simon finally begin living on the surface.
However, life on the surface is much more complicated than they had imagined. With unpredictable dangers and enemies in their lives, can Kamina and Simon guide humanity to its survival?
You can find the first volume of this manga here on Amazon: Gurren Lagann Manga Volume 1
15. Full Metal Panic! (Shoji Gatoh, 2000 – 2005)
Sousuke Sagara is a member of a military organization assigned to protect Kaname Chidori, a high school student. Sousuke starts going to Kaname’s high school and is always around her, but since he is not used to socializing with others, he needs help fitting in.
Chidori is unaware of Sosuke’s background in the military, which makes her highly annoyed by his overprotectiveness and militant actions. But Sosuke must always be by her side because mysterious organizations keep coming after Chidori, putting her life in danger.
Why is Chidori being targeted by these people? And can Sosuke protect Chidori while facing the emotional consequences of pretending to be an average student?
You can find volume 1 on Amazon: Full Metal Panic! Volume 1
14. Darling in the Franxx (Code:000, 2018 – 2020)
Large, powerful monsters called “Klaxosours” roam the Earth and leave humanity nearly extinct. Humans have protected themselves by creating safe zones called “Plantations.” The world has turned upside down as humans no longer reproduce, and children are created through biochemical cloning.
These children are known as “parasites,” and their only purpose is to pilot a mecha called “Franxx,” which is humanity’s force of defense against klaxosours and can only be powered by a team of males and females (a boy and girl pair pilots one Franxx). Any child incapable of piloting the Franxx is considered useless.
One day, a group of 10 parasites are sent to plantation 13 to begin piloting the Franxx. However, one of the parasites, Hiro, aka code 016, fails his training program and is considered worthless as he can no longer fulfill his purpose. Then, one day, he meets Zero Two, a special parasite known to get her partners killed. She’s called the “Partner Killer” because if anyone rides with her for the third time, he dies.
Hiro is about to leave Plantation 13 when the area is suddenly attacked. Zero Two’s current partner dies, and Hiro suddenly decides to ride with her. Hiro and Zero Two are perfectly compatible with each other. However, can Hiro and Zero Two find a way to work together and save humanity?
You can get the first book containing volumes 1 & 2 here on Amazon: DARLING in the FRANXX Vol. 1-2
You can find other volumes of this manga here: Darling in the Franxx manga series
13. Astro Boy (Osamu Tezuka, 1952 – 1968)
Even decades later, Astro Boy remains one of the best-selling manga ever, making it a must-read title.
Dr. Tenma is devastated after his child’s death and creates a robot like him. He builds a powerful robot boy and names him after his son, Tobio. Tenma loves him like a father, but after some time, he realizes that a robot can never replace his son.
Hence, he sells Tobio to a man who uses him as a circus performer, and he’s renamed Astro Boy (in the original version). One day, Astro Boy catches the eyes of Professor Ochanomizu, who adopts him. Astro Boy’s true powers are unleashed thanks to his love and care, such as speaking multiple languages, flying, and having 100,000 horsepower strength.
The manga follows the Astro Boy’s adventures as he uses his strength to protect those in need, whether humans, robots, or aliens. Can Astro Boy prove that robots have a place in this world?
Check out book 1, with volumes 1 & 2 in it on Amazon: Astro Boy, Vol. 1 & 2
You can also get volume 1 of the ominbus version, which contains 688 pages here: Astro Boy Omnibus Volume 1
You can find other volumes of this manga here: Astro Boy manga series
12. Broken Blade (Yunosuke Yoshinaga, 2006 – Present)
In a world where everything operates by magic, Rygart Arrow is born as a rare “un-sorcerer.” This means he can’t use magic, which makes his life very difficult. He can’t do normal, “everyday” jobs that require magic, so he works as a farmer on the outskirts of the Country of Krisna.
His father sent him to the military, and though Rygart didn’t gain any magical powers, he made great friends there, including the country’s King, Queen, and Zess, who is from Athens.
One day, Rygart is suddenly invited to the palace, where he is shocked to learn from his friends that Athens is invading Krisna, and their beloved school friend, Zess, is helping lead troops to attack them.
Rygart is disheartened, mainly because he has no power to help them. However, an ancient Golem is found, which is more powerful than Golems of this era, and only un-sorcerers can pilot it. The fate of the Country of Krisna and his friends lies in the hands of Rygart. Rygart has to fight for his friends and against his friend, Zess. Will he do what he needs to do to win the war?
Volume 1 can be found here on Amazon: Broken Blade Vol. 1
Other volumes of this series can be seen here: Broken Blade manga series
11. 86-Eighty-Six (Asato Asato, 2018 – 2021)
San Magnolia and the Giad Empire have been at war for 9 years. San Magnolia gained a military advantage by developing an army of machines called “Juggernauts.” The eighty-six districts of San Magnolia lived peacefully inside walls, and “no causalities” were reported.
However, the juggernauts were piloted by humans known as “86.”. These people were stripped of their human rights by the government and were banished to the country’s eighty-sixth district. To live, they were forced to fight on the front lines.
Major Vladilena “Lena” Milizé is a noble who hates the treatment the 86 received. She becomes the Handler of the Spearhead Squadron, a squadron whose handlers previously committed suicide.
What secrets will Lena learn about her country? And can she change the life and injustice towards the 86?
You can check out volume 1 of this series on Amazon here: 86–EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 (manga)
Check out other volumes of this manga here: 86-Eighty-Six manga series
10. Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs (Yomu Mishima, 2018 – Present)
A Japanese salaryman is relieved after finishing the otome game his sister forced him to play. Unfortunately, he dies in real life and is reincarnated into the game as Leon Fou Bartford. Even worse, the world discriminates against men, where men work and put their lives on the line, while women control everything.
Leon is forced to marry a much older woman but is determined to change his life. Thanks to his knowledge of this game, he works hard as an adventurer and gets his hands on Luxion, a very old cheat item. He then attends the Holtfort Academy—the capital academy, where he meets the nobles and “someone of interest.” But Leon’s life troubles have only started. Can Leon survive this unjust world and find a wife before becoming “too old”?
You can find volume 1 of this unique-titled manga on Amazon here: Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs (Manga) Vol. 1
You can check out other volumes of this manga here: Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs manga series
9. Getter Robo Devolution (Eiichi Shimizu, 2015 – 2019)
Getter Robo Devolution is a remake of the original infamous Getter Robo series (created by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa) with updated creativity in art style and characters.
The world is in grave danger as alien creatures called Devolved attack the world. Ryoma Nagare is a high school student who lost his parents and has his life ruined once again when a Devolved attacks his high school.
Dr. Saotome asks him to join forces with him and fight against Devolved by piloting Getter Robo, an ancient Mecha suit, humanity’s only survival weapon.
Ryoma Nagare, alongside his comrades Hayato Jin and Musashi Tomoe, pilots the Getter Robo and dedicates their life to protecting humanity from these strange creatures. Will they succeed in winning against such a powerful species?
Find more details about volume 1 on Amazon here: Getter Robo Devolution Vol. 1
You can see other volumes of this series here: Getter Robo Devolution manga series
8. Knights of Sidonia (Tsutomu Nihei, 2009 – 2015)
A thousand years ago, the Earth was attacked by large, regenerating aliens known as Gauna, who made the Earth incapable of living for humans. Humans boarded spaceships for survival and left the Earth to settle in space.
While other ships are unknown, Sidonia might be the only settlement left of humans, comprising of 500,000 people. But even Sidonia is at constant risk of attack by Gaunas. Hence, the humans developed mecha called “Gardes,” piloted by a team of selected individuals. The only way they can kill the Gaunas is by destroying their core before they regenerate.
Nagate Tanikaze is a young boy residing in the underground area of Sidonia. He often practices the pilot simulators and perfects them. After his grandfather’s death, Tanikaze joins the Garde pilot force and is given the legendary Tsugumori mecha.
Little did he know that he had skills that would make him an essential asset for humanity’s survival. But what are the Gaunas? Why are they attacking humans? And can humanity win against these ruthless predators?
Find the first volume on Amazon here: Knights of Sidonia Vol. 1
A Master Edition is also available, containing 2.5 volumes of the original volumes: Knights of Sidonia, Master Edition 1
You can find other volumes of Knights of Sidonia here: Knights of Sidonia manga series
7. Voices of a Distant Star (Makoto Shinkai, 2004 – 2005)
Also known as Hoshi no Koe in Japanese, it is one of the most beautiful and heart-touching manga ever.
Humans are threatened by aliens called “Tarsians.” To fight against them, the U.N. Space Army recruits a group of youngsters.
15-year-old Mikako is living a peaceful life in middle school when she is selected and sent to space in a spacecraft called Lysithea. Mikako is separated from her middle school sweetheart, Noboru. They try to stay in contact, but as she goes deeper into the space, her messages take years and years to reach Noboru. They desperately yearn to see each other, and Noboru’s aging much faster than Mikako as time and war have become the enemy against their love.
Will Mikako and Noboru continue loving each other despite being years and miles apart? Will they ever have a chance to hold each again and express their love for one another?
You can get this manga here on Amazon: Voices of a Distant Star
6. Bokurano: Ours (Mohiro Kitoh, 2003 – 2009)
Fifteen children have happy, everyday lives and go to the beach together for a science trip in their summer camp. The trip becomes the worst turning point of their lives when they find a man named Kokopelli in a room hidden in a cave. Kokopelli offers the kids to play a game that they accept and then are made to sign a contract.
The kids are transported to the cockpit of a giant mecha, where they see Kokopelli fight against an enemy which keeps reviving until its core is defeated. After winning the battle, Kokopelli instantly disappears.
At first, the kids are thrilled; they name their mecha “Zearth” and are excited to save the Earth by piloting a cool mecha and fighting enemies.
However, soon they discover the horrible reality that the mecha uses their life energy to work, and each time someone pilots it, they die.
The children have no choice but to give up their lives to save the world.
Are all of these children only fated to sacrifice themselves?
You can find volume 1 here on Amazon: Bokurano: Ours, Vol. 1:
Check out other volumes in this series here: Bokurano: Ours manga series
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (Ichirō Ōkouchi, 2006 – 2010)
The Holy Britannian Empire took control over Japan and renamed it Area 11. The Japanese were forced to live in poor conditions, and their lives were considered meaningless, while the Britannians lived in peace and harmony.
Lelouch was the successor of the Britannian empire, but his mother is killed, and the incident blinds his sister. They are then sent to live in Japan. Infuriated by the lack of action by his father, the king, regarding his mother’s death, Lelouch vows to destroy the Britannian empire.
Seven years later, Lelouch is caught in the middle of a wreck, and Britannian soldiers are about to kill him. Luckily, C.C., a mysterious girl, saves him and grants him the power of “Geass.” An extraordinary power through which Lelouch can force anyone to follow his commands just by meeting eyes with them.
That begins Lelouch’s rise as Zero, the leader of a Japanese revolutionary army named Black Knights. Lelouch is blinded by the thirst for revenge from his father. However, can Lelouch handle the consequences of leading a rebellion even against his own family?
You can see volume 1 of this series here on Amazon: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Vol. 1
Find other volumes of manga here: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion manga series
4. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, 2001 – 2011)
In the Universal Century 0079 (how time is measured in this series), over half a century after the Earth had become too populated, humans had left and settled on various colonies in space. Humans reproduced and lived peacefully in their new homes until the Principality of Zeon started a war against the Earth Federation Government. The destruction began on both sides, and thousands were killed in a month.
The Federation Government developed new mobile suits held at the research base. Zeon attacks the base, and a battle starts between the Zeon and the Federation. Unfortunately, caught in the crossfire are innocent civilians.
Amuro Ray, a young boy, is at the scene and cannot bear seeing his friends and family die. He gets into the cockpit of a mobile suit which turns out to be the new mobile suit Gundam, and starts fighting against the invaders. But can Amuro drive away the skilled squad of enemies without experience operating a Gundam?
Go to Amazon to check out the first volume on this manga here: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Vol. 1- Activation
You can find other volumes in this series here: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga series
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion (Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, 1994 – 2013)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a manga focusing on complex human relationships and battles with the inner self; it is a story with a profound message for humans.
Half of the world’s population was killed after a “meteorite” crashed into Antarctica, which led to drastic climate changes. But in 2015 A.D., humanity was again at risk of extinction when deadly creatures known as “Angels” began attacking the Earth.
Shinji Ikari is a 14-year-old boy who his father abandoned. Shinji’s father, Gendo Ikari, is the commander of NERV, a U.S. organization that builds Evangelions, giant mecha created by humanity to defend themselves against Angels. Gendo meets Shinji for the first time in many years and puts on his shoulders the weight of saving humanity by piloting the Evangelion, as he’s the only pilot they have.
Shinji constantly has to fight his inner demon’s depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, often making him lose sight of his goals. Battling the Angels consumes Shinji both physically and emotionally.
Humanity’s enemy seems to be Angels, but many more secrets are to be unfolded. Can Shinji handle all the challenges that life will throw at him?
Find the first volume on Amazon here: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 1
You can also find a set with all 5 omnibus editions here: Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga Set
Other indivdual volumes can be found here: Neon Genesis Evangelion manga series
2. Pluto (Naoki Urasawa & Takashi Nagasaki, 2003 – 2009)
Pluto is based on the manga Astro Boy but interprets the story extraordinarily dark and suspensefully.
Pluto is set in a world where advanced robots are created and are provided the same rights equal to humans but are strictly prohibited from killing a human. One day, Mont Blanc, a robot that led to peace in the 39th Asian war and is loved by millions worldwide, is brutally destroyed. An exceptional detective, Gesicht, begins investigating the murder of Mont Blanc.
Gesicht finds that Mont Blanc’s head had objects embedded in it to imitate horns. All the other murders committed worldwide also carried this signature—horns related to the Roman god, Pluto. Things become more complicated when Gesicht learns that a robot might be committing all these murders, the first to murder a human after eight years. He further finds that his motive is to murder all seven of the most advanced robots in the world, including Gesicht and the humans related to these robots’ creation and lawmakers.
Can Gesicht find the criminal before he murders more humans and robots? All while battling the demons inside his head?
Get the first volume of Pluto here on Amazon: Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1
You can check out other volumes in this series here: Pluto manga series
1. All You Need is Kill (Ryōsuke Takeuchi, 2014 – 2014)
Alien creatures known as Mimics have evaded the Earth and are establishing their bases by destroying countries one after another. The United Defense Force has been set up to fight against these monsters before they end all of humanity.
Keiji Kiriya is a first-year cadet at the UDF (United Defense Force). He brutally dies on the battlefield during this first deployment. Right after his death, he wakes up again to the day before the battle, and each event is repeated the same way. Keiji realizes he is in a time loop where he’s brought back to the day before fighting if he dies. Hence, he has no choice but to survive.
With each loop he goes through, Keiji learns from his mistakes and trains harder to help him survive. He doesn’t do this alone, though. He finds another soldier who is also stuck in the time loop. Rita Vrataski tells Keiji about the Mimics and how they can escape the time loop. As they fight together, they grow closer. Just when you think they will escape the time loop, Keiji learns something that will change him and Rita forever.
If you want to know if the two of them made it out of the time loop, you’ll need to read this exciting 2-volume manga to find out.
You can get the omnibus edition containing volumes 1 & 2 on Amazon here: All You Need Is Kill (manga)
If you prefer to buy the 2 volumes separately, you can find them here: All You Need is Kill manga series
