Top 5 Favorite Female Mangaka You Need To Know | Tea Manga

  3:08 AM    Calantha Andrea

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There are so many women who write manga who are fantastic and deserve recognition so if we were coming up with a female mangaka hall of fame, here would be some must haves:

#5 CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, Wish, Tsubasa series)

Love them, hate them, or just enjoy certain series from them, CLAMP has had a long history in the manga world. Clamp is all-female Japanese manga artist group that came together like an epic girl-band in the mid-80s. It started off as a group of 11 but then dropped to seven by the release of their first debut series RG Veda. As of 1993, the group is made up of four women: Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi.

What is so amazing about Clamp is the range of their work. It goes from cute and childlike works like Cardcaptor Sakura to more adult, mythology-based work like RG Veda and to a degree Magic Knight Rayearth and XXXHolic. They often write characters without sex or gender which is why they have a huge about of LGBTQI+ canon characters across of wide range of ages. The most notable being Syaoran Li from Cardcaptor Sakura who was definitely shown to be attracted to Yukito Tsukishiro, a male character, when he was nine-years-old. Plus Yukito ended up together when Sakura’s brother Toya, who was shown to date men and women. Clamp is fluid as fuck. Wish presents all its angel and demon characters as non-binary, with some coding (much like Rebecca Sugar with Steven Universe’s Crystal Gems). While they sometimes end up with problematic couples, overall Clamp has created some iconic and compelling work.

Clamp has sold over 100 million collected issues of their work worldwide. They also have a canonical Clamp multi-verse, which makes me so so happy.

#4 Yuu Watase (Ceres Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yugi)

One of the biggest name in fantasy and romance, Yuu Watase is most know for Ceres: Celestial Legend and Fushigi Yugi. The former is a supernatural series about a girl named Aya who finds out she is is the reincarnation of a celestial maiden named Ceres who was kidnapped by her human “husband,” who has also been reincarnated into Aya’s twin brother, Aki. The series has really dark moments, but also is a really interesting commentary about relationships between men and women. Fushigi Yugi is about two best friends, Miaka Yuki and Yui Hongo, who find a strange book in the library that transports them both into a world that resembles medieval China. Yui gets sent back, but Miaka is stuck in the world and must survive a bloody and devastating war. It was a huge gateway into fantasy manga and has remained deeply popular.

#3 Keiko Takemiya (Kaze to Ki no Uta, Terra e…)

If you love yaoi and yaoi love stories, then you have Keiko Takemiya to thank for that. Considered to have published one of the first yaoi love stories of all time with In the Sunroom in the 70s, her work really defined that aesthetic which has gone on to influence works like Yuri on Ice. While there are no doubt problematic elements to yaoi, it has also been a way for cis and trans gay men to read melodramatic romance stories about them. Kaze To Ki No Uta was one of the first shoujo manga to focus on a relationship between boys and the first to have sex play a major role in the story. Getting the story out took around nine years because Takemiya refused to censor the sexual elements of the story. Looking back now, there is no doubt that Kaze to Ki no Uta is a problematic series with its use of rape as part of the narrative and the melodrama of it all, but what it did do was open a place for other, more nuanced stories to be told. It’s basically a yaoi version of Les Mis.

Takemiya’s other series Terra e or Toward the Terra is much less problematic, thankfully, and a really cool space opera that takes place in the 31st millennium where humanity exists under the rule of supercomputers.

#2 Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Fullmetal Alchemist is amazing. It has amazing characters, a brilliant story that keeps you hooked and it is illustrated amazingly. Even its two anime adaptations (one with Arakawa’s original ending and one with) are nearly pitch-perfect in their reverence for the series. It is one of the best selling manga series of all time and is yet another reminder that women can write shonen just as well as male mangakas. Just go read Fullmetal Alchemist. It’s amazing.

#1 Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon)

I mean come on. Sailor Moon is a phenomenon, it is a lifestyle. There is a reason why it and its brother series, Dragonball, have managed to be so successful and beloved over the years. With this series, Naoko Takeuchi captured a perfect way to bring together mythology, female power, and action all into the story of 14-year-old Usagi Tsukino, the reincarnation of a moon princess who constantly gives her life to save the world because of her goodness and desire to help others. Sailor Moon is one of the most popular series of all time with billions in merch sales.

From being a struggling artist to creating a cultural sensation, Naoko Takeuchi created a series that was about love, friendship, and the power of being your true self.

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Fullmetal Alchemist Manga: Amazing, interesting, emotional series | Review

  2:50 AM    Calantha Andrea

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Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most amazing, interesting, emotional series I've ever been fortunate to read. The powerful mix of brilliant characters, an outstanding plot, interesting settings, and thoughtful concepts drew me in from the very beginning.

I shed a tear as I read the last chapter of this manga. A manga that I've been following since I was in Primary School has just concluded with the most epic and satisfying finale. I'm sad to see one of my favourite series of all time finish, yet I'm happy to see such a great ending. I really want to procrastinate more, but I should press onwards with the review and leave that for discussion in the forums.

Reasons Why Fullmetal Alchemist Is A Masterpiece Manga

Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most innovative manga I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The concept of Alchemy itself was a superb idea, and in its nine-year run, there has never been a single wasted pages from Arakawa-sensei. The plot was developed with utmost detail into what is arguably one of the deepest and most engaging storylines to ever grace itself to us Manga fans. There is practically no fillers chapters at all, unlike most other shounen manga to reach this calibre of popularity. Also, the entire storyline has been perfectly planned out and stayed linear for the entire nine-year run, a staggering feat when you compare it to other Mangas in the same genre. If you read this manga from start to finish, you will be amazed at the coherency of the chapters and the inter-relations. You won't think that this was drawn over nine years, more like one long movie shown from start to finish. The ending is also incredibly rewarding for those who follow it up to the end. I won't leave any spoilers here, but know that you won't be disappointed, regardless of how high your expectation is.

FMA, in its nine-year run, had plenty of time to develop a large family of colourful characters. Arakawa-sensei is downright masterful when it comes to her characters. From beginning to end, every character was tweaked to perfection and not a single person is wasted. Also, the reader will not have any trouble getting into their shows because they're all so believable and realistic. From Ed and Al's passionate desire to be reunited with their mother to Roy's tragic past in the Ishballian conflict, and how everything was simply a Chesspiece for the Father's master plan, everyone fits right into place. The plot itself is completely character-driven, and is dependent on all of the characters to make it flourish.

The philosophical deepness of this manga is simply mindblowing for a Shounen manga. Behind each fight is a meaning waiting to be explored. Nothing in this manga happens for show. FMA explores the very purpose of existence, consistently refers to "the purpose of fighting" and goes deep into human emotions. From start to finish, as the character discover the answers to their questions, the reader will also be brought into their World and learn with them, just because that every character is so humane and understandable. The homunculi, named after the seven deadly sins, are also testament to the deepness on FMA. Despite their incredible powers and might over humans, all of them show true sadness that are completely delivered to the reader with Arakawa-sensei's masterful storytelling.

As for the Artwork, it isn't anything mind-blowing, but it's clean and efficient. Arakawa-sensei doesn't waste any panels in her chapters and gets straight to-the-point. One page of FMA will easily deliver more content than 3 pages of Bleach, and since FMA is a plot-driven manga, there's no room for complaints here and doesn't do anything to diminish the enjoyment. It should be noted that, despite the simplistic artwork, Arakawa-sensei never failed to express human emotion with the utmost accuracy and precision. You can really feel the characters on the page.

The enjoyment of this Manga is off the charts. Throughout its run, there are few manga that can come close to competing with FMA in terms of my expectation and urgency to read the next chapter. Arakawa-sensei is quite simply one of the best raconteuses in the industry. From the pace of the narration, the structure of the panels, and the distribution of roles amongst the characters - everything becomes relavent when you simply read the manga in front of your eyes and let the story flow into your brain. The process is so natural yet so intense. For a person who just picked it up, he/she will have trouble putting it down until the final chapter is read. It is simply a seamless, perfect experience that most other manga artists can only dream to draw.

Despite the simple artwork, the engaging plot, deep characters and perfect enjoyment easily overshadows this to earn FMA a very solid 10/10. You've wasted enough time reading this review. If you haven't started reading FMA yet, you should start right away. Regardless of your gender and age, Fullmetal Alchemist is a manga that no one should leave this World without reading first.

>>> Read Fullmetal Alchemist Manga online here: https://www1.teamanga.com/manga/fullmetal-alchemist-2rw6m/

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Top 8 best Shoujo Mangas, you need to read (2) - Tea Manga

  3:23 AM    Calantha Andrea

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So when it comes to the best Mangas, we seem to see Naruto and One Piece etc dominate, having our poor Shoujo Manga being forgotten. So this is a list of the best Shoujo's out there! I hope you enjoy!

Top 8 best Shoujo Mangas, you need to read (1)

Best Shoujo Mangas List

Gakuen Alice

I completely agree that Gakuen Alice should be top 3. It was also my turning point in life to manga and just wow. Since I'm terrible with words I don't know where to explain how amazing and wonderful it truly is. If a character is sad you'll cry, if a character is angry and mad and just feeling alone, you'll be feeling that characters loneiness and anger, and then you'll cry. If a character is semi with their expressions but honestly cares for the good of someone very dear to them, you'll care for their immense compassion for them and their friend, and then you'll cry. If there is a character who is happy and a bit ditzy, you'll feel just as stupid and ditzy, and you'll be happy, and then crying. 

If a character if being humorous and just right out amazingly outgoing, you'll want to be outgoing just as much, and will want to make people laugh, and then you'll be crying because the comedy in this manga is just over the top. If a character is in love or has one of the strongest love for a friendship, you'll feel that love and you'll want it and possibly already have it, and you'll understand that all of this can happen and it is possible. And then you'll cry because its all so beautiful, warm, and has the desired feeling of love and caring that anyone could desire unselfishly. Wrote a bit much oh well I loved it that much. And I agree Natsume would be my everything if he existed. Even still, since he doesn't, I still see him as my everything.

Read here: https://www1.teamanga.com/manga/gakuen-alice-dow9p/

Hana Yori Dango

Why is this not in the top five!? This manga is incredible. The characters go through so much development and the emotions they evoke from the reader... the feels are strong with this one. Left me wallowing in the feels weeks after I finished it.

Although the art style can be hard to read, it really improves as the story progresses. The plot is interesting and keeps you on the edge of your chair- the tears, the laughter, the frustration, the 'hurry-up-and-kiss-already! -' it's all there. I loved it and you will too!

Read here: https://www1.teamanga.com/manga/hana-yori-dango-lgp6e/

Kamisama Hajimemashita

This manga should totally be higher on the list. It's a very good manga, especially for those who want a nice, long manga. The main heroine faces problems that are very realistic and I love that the main couple doesn't just fall in love at first sight. I admit that I first looked at this story because I was bored, but I'm definitely a fan now. I'll be one of the first to cry and scream if ever this story gets put on permanent hiatus or ever stops getting scanlated.

Read here: https://www1.teamanga.com/manga/kamisama-hajimemashita-9o3lw1/

Fruits Basket

This shoujo manga has just the perfect mixture of romance, life lessons, comedy, drama, and other psychological stuff. Reading this feels like you are actually with the Sohma family, you'll be heartbroken and won't wish to leave them so soon. Unlike those typical shoujo mangas where the problem is only about getting the hottest guy in school, this manga truly depicts how people are actually emotional because of real serious life problems. The author creates such that you grow with them, since she draws the characters as if their features mature at some point of the story. The chemistry between the characters doesn't feel rushed, so you'll understand completely about how they develop feelings for each other. Overall, it's the best shoujo manga I have ever read, strongly recommended!

Read here: https://www1.teamanga.com/manga/fruits-basket-wvz18/

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Top 8 best Shoujo Mangas, you need to read | Tea Manga

  3:10 AM    Calantha Andrea

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So when it comes to the best Mangas, we seem to see Naruto and One Piece etc dominate, having our poor Shoujo Manga being forgotten. So this is a list of the best Shoujo's out there! I hope you enjoy!

Best Shoujo Mangas List

1. Ouran Highschool Host Club

Ouran is a classic that simultaneously parodies and utilizes the shoujo genre. I adore the characters and their natural chemistry. The host club creates a really great atmosphere and truly convince you of their unbreakable friendship, but I especially love the two main leads Haruhi and Tamaki. They inspire you to be exactly who you truly are while making no apologies for it, but also to be wholeheartedly kind to others without holding grudges.

Haruhi shows that being a strong female character is not about being physically kickass or violent - it's about not losing sight of yourself and what's important to you as an individual. She is surrounded by gorgeous host club members but she can look past their appearances and see who they really are, much to their initial surprise. She is blunt, witty and intelligent and she actually has dreams for her future that she works hard for instead of drooling over hot guys (even letting romance take over her life). And what I love about Tamaki is that though he is overtly labeled as then princely type, his character refuses to let itself be defined by his outward appearance. It's quite obvious that he is in no way perfect. He's obnoxious, annoying, whiney, dramatic, narcissistic, air headed and crazy in his antics, but he is also nothing short of a genuine person who possesses a heart of gold towards everyone in life.

2. Kaichou Wa Maid Sama

Maid Sama! is a shōjo manga series by Hiro Fujiwara. It is serialized in Hakusensha's monthly shōjo manga magazine, LaLa. There are currently 18 published volumes under the Hana to Yume Comics imprint in Japan.

Honestly this should have been in the first place. This is one Manga which made me laugh and cry at the same time in many places. I've read the whole Manga thrice and seen the anime twice but I still can't enough of misaki and usui. All the dialogues have been beautifully written and hire is an amazing mandala. 

3. Skip Beat

Never once did I think acting was like fighting! Skip Beat is without a doubt amazing! Revenge? Hell yes says Kyoko Mogami!

I don't see how you couldn't love Kyoko, I really don't. One minuet she's yelling like she's going to battle, then the next she's crying at how cute something is!

So you see, Kyoko has given her life to a guy right? And then it turns out he didn't give a shiz about her... So what does she do? Get revenge of course! But that's not all, the lovable but scary Ren get's involved, just giving it even more edge! I'd love to give Skip Beat a higher place, but I don't want to be biased, so I give it 9th place. Please don't send your demons onto me Kyoko! I'll give you first place next time I promise!

4. Dengeki Daisy

Oh my goodness. I am completely hooked on this manga. Teru is one of the few female protagonists I have actually come to love rather than grown to hate. This manga has largely become a coming of age story for her and not just a romance. I have also really appreciated the "my pace" approach to Kurosaki and Teru's relationship. It feels very natural and it's so good to see characters who aren't rushing to fall into bed with each other before the relationship is ready for it. Now I just have to wait for the next volume.

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Top 10 good manga like Tales of Demons and Gods - Part 2 | Tea Manga

  3:14 AM    Calantha Andrea

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If you’re here, then that means you were pulled in by the great story of Tales of Demons and Gods.  With the story in mind, I’m sure you were left flabbergasted. You were so amazed that you’re here now to look for more titles similar to it.

Top 10 best manga like Tales of Demons and Gods - Part 1 | Tea Manga

Manga/Manhwa Similar to Tales of Demons and Gods

6. Transcending the Nine Heavens

The Story: Transcending the Nine Heavens tells the legendary tale of the ninth master of the Nine Tribulations Sword, Chu Yang. All his life, Chu Yang trained to perfect his martial arts. Then, it eventually came—the day he was going to die. Surprisingly, after he performed an unimaginable feat, he laid to rest only to wake up in the existence of his 16-year-old self. Moreover, he has a newfound power. With his second lease on life, he’s going to try to fulfill his absolute destiny once and for all.

The Similarity: Going back to your previous self and life? Sounds like a very interesting thing to do. By going back, one could correct past mistakes and mold the future to their liking; it’s a convenient power to have. And with this story, the opportunity is to be used to succeed and fulfill one’s own destiny—just like in Tales of Demons and Gods.

>>> Read Transcending the Nine Heavens online here <<<

7. The Gamer

The Story: Real life is a game—well at least for high school student Han Jee-Han. He recently found out that he has a peculiar ability. It’s an ability called “The Gamer.” With this ability, everything around Han Jee-Han is like a game. Everyone levels up, including him. Also, he gains new skills by gaining experience and leveling up by any means. It doesn’t end there though. Even though his life and his world are now essentially part of a game he can play, there’s actually more to everything than they seem.

The Similarity: For “The Gamer,” it also is a story of starting a new life. Well, in this case, living life not as an ordinary human but someone who has a very powerful unique ability. Of course, even if the main character has a very overpowered skill here, he still has to train from scratch and use it with his wits. With that, the fun ensues with the readers following the quirky antics of the main character and taking delight in the action and story.

>>> Read The Gamer online here <<<

8. Battle Through the Heavens

The Story: Xiao Yan was considered a genius from the moment he was born. As such, he had everything. But, as he was growing up, a dire circumstance suddenly hit him. With a flick of a finger, everything was gone, Xiao Yan lost everything he had. It’s not the end for him though. Starting from zero, he shall try to rise again and learn the meaning behind everything that has happened to him thus far.

The Similarity: No one is ever in the same position in life. Sometimes, one is at the lowest valleys, and sometimes, one is at the highest peaks. Most of the time, one’s always in-between. Such is the truth about life. Similarly, this is what happens in Battle through the Heavens. With the action, the struggle, and the truth, this is a one-of-a-kind tale you shouldn’t miss.

>>> Read Battle Through the Heavens online here <<<

9. Against the Gods

The Story: In a certain world, there’s a boy who possesses a rare treasure that many other people covet. As a consequence of having the treasure, the boy is always on the run. All until one day, when the boy decides to throw himself off a cliff while keeping the treasure with him. Then suddenly, he finds himself in the body of another boy with the same name and in a different world. And the good thing is—the treasure is still with him.

The Similarity: If you’ve noticed, there’s also the scenario of living a new life in Against the Gods. The boy is in the body of another boy with the same name and in a different world. And just like Tales of Demons and Gods, the boy in this story possesses something valuable from his previous self—in this case, his treasure. Also, this manga/manhwa has a really strong main character. As for itself as a whole, you’ll definitely fall in love reading it.

>>> Read Against the Gods online here <<<

10. Tower of God

The Story: Somewhere out there, there exists a mysterious tower with floors holding tremendous challenges and shady secrets. Underneath the tower lives a boy called Twenty-Fifth Bam. Bam is clueless about everything in the tower and the world. But then, his only companion suddenly disappears into the tower. With the determination to find her and finally live away from the darkness, Bam shall enter the tower and face the trials that loom within.

The Similarity: Tower of God is something that hooked me instantly. Just like Tales of Demons and Gods, it’s very exciting and exhilarating. The characters are so robust that it’s a thrill to watch them train and grow stronger. The battle scenes really please the eye. And did I ever mention that this is a manga/manhwa as well? Just read it now and enjoy.

>>> Read Tower of God online here <<<

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Top 10 best manga like Tales of Demons and Gods - Part 1 | Tea Manga

  3:36 AM    Calantha Andrea

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If you’re here, then that means you were pulled in by the great story of Tales of Demons and Gods.  With the story in mind, I’m sure you were left flabbergasted. You were so amazed that you’re here now to look for more titles similar to it.

Manga/Manhwa Similar to Tales of Demons and Gods

• Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!)
• Douluo Dalu (Combat Continent/Soul Land)
• Re:Monster
• Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
• Campione!
• Transcending the Nine Heavens
• The Gamer
• Battle through the Heavens
• Against the Gods
• Tower of God
• Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!)

But before we go further, let’s have a quick breakdown of the story.

Tales of Demons and Gods tells the epic tale of Nie Li—a human who mysteriously claims a second chance in life. After his death at the hands of the Sage Emperor, he wakes up as his 13-year-old self. This time, he is going to start from scratch, armed only with invaluable knowledge from his previous life experiences, and protect everything that is dear to him.

1. Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!)

The Story: This is the story of the opposing forces of fortune and misfortune. On fortune’s side is Ichiko Sakura. She has everything in life: wealth, health, talent, luck, you name it! It all comes at the expense of others though. On misfortune’s side is Binboda Momija. She’s a god of poverty, and she has come to restore balance in the world by opposing Sakura and draining her of her good fortune.

The Similarity: Although “Binbougami ga!” is more of a comedy manga and much less of an action manga, the similarities are there, mainly because a god is trying to balance the world by sucking off fortune from a very fortunate entity. The major difference? The gender of the main characters! Truthfully, both are actually polar opposites. But, that’s what makes them so similar. The same things are going on but on a different level of seriousness and significance.

>>> Read Binbougami ga! online here <<<

2. Douluo Dalu (Combat Continent/Soul Land)

The Story: Douluo Dalu follows the tale of Tang San as he gets reborn in the world of Douluo Dalu and strives to become a great Spirit Master. In his previous life, he committed an unforgivable crime. After achieving his desires, he threw himself from Hell’s Peak. But, it didn’t end there, as he was reborn in a new world. He was reborn in Douluo Dalu—the battle continent and the soul land where mystical soul battles take center stage.

The Similarity: Reincarnating seems to be a thing in manga now. And Douluo Dalu is no exception! There’s also the thing about starting from the bottom. Yeah, I know the characters do have an edge in terms of having memories of the past, but still, they have to start from zero! And it’s fascinating that way. Due to this setting, you’ll see the main characters slowly grow and be engulfed by the brilliance of their second lives.

>>> Read Douluo Dalu online here <<<

3. Re:Monster

The Story: Rou is a former human. With one thing leading to another, he reincarnates into one of the weakest races in the world—goblins! He is now a goblin, and he has to live with it. What’s weird is that he still has his memories from his previous life, the time when he was still a human. But he’s a goblin now, and he’s going to live his life to its fullest this time around.

The Similarity: Speaking of reincarnations, Re:Monster is one heck of a manga that should never be brushed off. I mean, from being a human, the main character turned into a goblin—the weakest racial entity there is! Seems like a challenge for the main character. But well, the main character is the main character, so he must persist until he stands atop everything.

>>> Read Re:Monster online here <<<

4. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

The Story: Rudeus Greyrat is a prodigious mage who was born with great intellect and a special sense of being. As to why he was born the way he is, he actually already lived a life before. Luckily for him, he retained his previous memories. And so, with all the experience he garnered from his previous life, Rudeus pledges to himself not to commit the same mistakes again and live his second life with no regrets.

The Similarity: Here we go again! The focus on rebirth seems neverending. And this is yet another example! Die in a previous life, get reborn, retain memories, and do everything to make the best out of the second life. I’ll say one thing: if you liked Tales of Demons and Gods, then you definitely have to read this!

5. Campione!

The Story: A Campione is a god slayer. In the world, nothing is more powerful than a Campione. And the newest Campione; he’s none other than the 16-year-old boy, Kusanagi Godou. His involvement in the slaying of a heretic god garnered him the title. And so, his fate is sealed. Goudo is now an all-powerful Campione, and his job is to vanquish devious gods who are running amok in the world.

The Similarity: This one’s a harem/action manga, and the genre “harem” existing here doesn’t make it any less of a good manga. Actually, it works with the story well. As for the likeness, the main character transcends and becomes an all-powerful Campione—a god slayer. And as we all know: with great powers come great responsibilities.

>>> Read Campione! online here <<<

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