Good josei manga?

Dec 9, 2012 8:50 PM

Offline

Sep 2011

I'm okay with a more mature shoujo title, something like 6 Half. Not Kaichou wa maid-sama and every other shoujo titles aimed at thirteen year old girls that squeal when their favorite couple finally kisses at the end of twenty chapters filled with weird sexual tension and mean dudes with mommy issues.

I'd also prefer if the manga was a longer one, something that lasts longer than ten chapters? Something that has a chance of being completely scanlated? I'm sick of reading one volume longer titles where the only thing that happens is the main character introspects about her relationship, job, and life and at the very end the main character decides that they're an existentialist and have some sort of emotional rebirth. I'm okay with nothing happening, but I want that nothing to be long enough for me to remember the main character's name for at least the next hour! ! ! ! !

Also, please don't recommend Nana. Knowing that I'd probably catch up within a day isn't too great of a thing when I'm probably never getting another chapter.

okay wait scratch good i'm okay with mediocre i won't be too picky * u *

Dec 9, 2012 9:22 PM

Pirating_Ninja

Offline

Nov 2009

14588

Well lets see what I can dig up here:

- Ai wo Chodai! (this is like what I would say belongs to the more light hearted Josei category, not too heavy on the drama (not a comedy though... It is about comedians so...) but probably not exactly what you are looking for due to it being rather short)
- Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu (shoujo, nice and long, dramatic though... very dramatic... good series and has a more mature tone to it)
- Gokusen (really like the male lead, more of a slice of life / comedy as opposed to a romance, but a good series (if you can get past the art) and again a really unique male lead)
- Hapi Mari (think scanalations are on like either 37/40 or 39/40 so it should be done relatively soon (as in not 4 years from now), good series, like the art (though never really too picky about art, though when its good I do appreciate it... if I notice), another more "light-hearted" Josei so doesn't have the doom and gloom feel that some josei romances have)
- Kimi wa Pet (if you want a true Josei romance I recommend this, very good series (even w/ me hating love triangles I loved it) and over all a very unique and enjoyable read, also should note that it is rather long too ^_^)
- Mars (My favorite romance manga of all times, it has a more mature tone to it although is a shoujo, the characters also may seem cliche however it uses a dash of psychological to truly develop and make extremely unique characters, also it is a manga that includes things like their individual pasts, as well as their dreams and obstacles they face (sometimes alone and sometimes together), loved the series alot)
- Midnight Secretary (a smut manga, a bit more dramatic and plot driven than the typical smut, also while being a supernatural it really didn't bother me too much, if you do like it then let me know cause I (sadly) have read alot and if you don't find one too childish or retarded chances are you won't find any of them too childish (though some are WAYYY more retarded in plot and characters than others))
- Momoiro Heaven (this is labeled as Shoujo (just realized) however is more of a Josei, however having said that it is still on-going, but the scans do come out every month right on schedule so now having to wait 3 years for the next chapter, I personally love the female MC in this series, It's hard to explain but I think she is just perfect all around (not like perfect meaning superhuman at everything) but her personality is just golden)
- Orange Yane no Chiisana Ie (technically a seinen however has many similarities to a Josei, however the male lead is very typical of your average Seinen manga and the female is too some degree as well)
- Private Prince (a Josei smut... just recommending it cause if you find yourself ok with smut I could recommend shoujo smut as well (since the only thing that usually changes in smut between shoujo and josei is whether they are in highschool or older), the series in this case is more comedic with little plot, I will say that while both smut Midnight Secretary is like a completely different type of smut)
- Red River (if you want a fucking long series that is more mature than look no further, 28 volumes, it starts off sort of more childish however honestly is a great series, also it isn't solely romance and really does a good job of integrating the setting (which is usually a weakness of shoujo/josei if they try for a fantasy/historical setting))
- Silver (first little bit starts off like a shoujo but this is intentional since the guy she is in love with ultimately just used her with the false pretense of love to inherit her fortune and even goes as far as killing her father and almost killing her, the majority of the series as well as the plot is her becoming the "perfect woman" to exact revenge on him, rather dramatic but somehow even with a plot like that never too dramatic)
- Spicy Pink (similar to Ai Wo Chodai, only difference being the fact that it is about a female mangaka, sadly it is only 12 chapters (believe it was cancelled which depresses the hell out of me since I really liked it))

Would say start with Kimi wa Pet since imo that is a superb example of a good Josei with the more mature relationships (not going to say realistic in this case because nobody would ever take in a 18 or however old kid they find chilling in a cardboard box) ... Any questions or comments feel free to ask here or you can message me or post on my profile.

Though having said that should definitely check out Mars at some point. Don't worry about the cliche sounding characters (shy girl x rebel guy) doesn't sound very unique, instead sounds extremely unoriginal however there personalities are greatly developed so they truly are unique.

Dec 9, 2012 9:25 PM

Ston3_FreeN7

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Jun 2009

15181

Mars. It's Shoujo, but it's definitely on the mature end of the spectrum.

"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."

- Geralt of Rivia

Dec 9, 2012 9:50 PM

Emmrys

Offline

Dec 2011

2006

Big yes to Mars, Kimi wa Pet, and Hapi Mari.

In Publishing with good chance of being completed:
Diamond Life
Piece of Cake
& (Okazaki Mari)
Sekine-kun no Koi
Natsuyuki
Cousin

Completed/Completely scanlated:
Sakamichi no Apollon
Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru
Angel Nest
Ningyo Ouji
Taiyou no Uta -more mature shoujo
Yuru Koi
Darling wa Namamono ni Tsuki (smut)
Venus ni Arazu
Sensei, Mou Ichido... -like adult shoujo, i guess
Ai no Koe (smut)
Aisuru Hito (smut)
Oboretai (smut)
Midnight Secretary (smut)

Nov 30, 2013 9:13 AM

AkiraWolf

Offline

Nov 2013

I know what you mean. I also had problems with finding manga/manhwa with more adult/realistic story and not in sexual context. Usually those are smut/ecci, bit I wanted some good story that I can relate to, since I'm not teenager anymore. So far, only story that meet the most of my requirements is Hellsing, but there are some more that are quite good:
* Dr Frost (ongoing),
* Horimiya(ongoing)- mybe a little bit shoujo but the main characters are not sleazy
* Kakukaku Shikajika - it just started recently
* Kimi to boku - there is no romance at all but it's very cute manga about everyday life
* The Wrong Room - it's short, but sweet
* Annarasumanara
* Body & Soul
* Nineteen, Twenty-One
* Sunadokei
* Yuru Koi
* Zebra

From fiction part, I would recomend
* Kubera (my favorite)
* Noblesse
* Orange marmalade
* Remei no arcana (update is slow)
* The bride of the water god
* Anata ni Hana wo Sasagemashou
* Melody Drifting in the Rain
* Shinobi Life
* Twelve Nights

Jan 7, 2014 3:59 PM

rainbowniji

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Aug 2011

I highly recommend Hapi Mari, Sand Chronicles, and Red River. Although Sand Chronicles is classified as shoujo, it feels quite mature. If anyone knows other mangas similar to these, please recommend them to me! I've been looking for a good manga and tried many of the recommendations, but I wasn't interested in them either because I didn't like the art or the story wasn't good enough.

Feb 23, 2014 11:04 AM

Narfin

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Dec 2012

I just want to emphasize Silver and recommend Red( trigger warning: deals with sexual assault)

To rainbowniji: If I base it on Red River (I haven't read the other 2) I would say try Basara,Saver and Legend of Nereid

Feb 23, 2014 11:34 AM

Trequartista

Offline

Jan 2013

11680

Honey and clover
mars
my girl
solanin

Kagami_Hiiragi said:
Idc if you think its weird, I have a life and friends and an income of money.

Feb 23, 2014 12:15 PM

Mayuka

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Jul 2012

48248

Honey and Clover
Nodame Cantabile
Kuragehime (ongoing)

underneath the stars

Aug 10, 2014 10:26 AM

#10

projectEVE

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Aug 2014

oh my, nobody here knows Chihayafuru? it's the best josei i've seen so far.. realistic, exhilarating,.. very exhilarating.. it has a good storyline and a very good romantic sub story. it has a lot of chapters in the manga- it's still ongoing but it's update gaps are bearable. actually, i watched the anime first, two seasons of it, then (since i got hungover) i read the manga but i started from where the anime ended (from chapter 93). it's a lot better that way, you'll see what i mean...
*shrugz*

Aug 10, 2014 10:41 AM

#11

Baqa

Offline

Oct 2012

444

Hatenkou Yuugi is the only josei/shoujo manga I'm currently reading, so... I guess I'll recommend it :p

Edit: oh wait, I lied :p I'm also reading Senichiya Drop, it's pretty new though, with only 4 chapters translated.

BaqaAug 10, 2014 10:49 AM

Oct 23, 2014 8:19 AM

#12

mahoyaji

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Feb 2009

Oishii Kankei is definitely up there. It's pretty well-written with a great female cast.

Jul 3, 2015 2:55 PM

#13

JLynn

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Jul 2015

I have some I'd recommend that I consider are for an older female group, or at the very least, easily enjoyable by older women, regardless of whatever tags they have (I believe most are tagged as shoujo, but the content does NOT include squealing teenagers and childish drama. They are instead heartwarming and memorable).

Ran to Haiiro no Sekai
This manga made it to my favorites because of the incredible art. It is intense, detailed, beautiful. The story is of a charming family of sorcerers. Although I wouldn't normally consider sorcery or anything of a mystical/magical theme to be Josei (mostly as those themes are unrealistic), the underlying framework in this story is definitely realistic (family, love, adventure...). Ran, the female MC, and her family will steal your heart. It is extremely charming and fun. No shoujo drama and annoying high school issues involved. I shed a tear or two toward the end.

Otoyomegatari
I guess I really appreciate beautiful art, because this one is the same as the first one as far as quality in artwork. This manga is about an arranged marriage between an older woman and a younger male in an ancient village/nomad type setting. It has an almost educational feel to it, with many little tidbits on how life was for their culture: feast and bridal preparations, wedding ceremonies, war among tribes. etc. The manga introduces more than just the original couple, and all of the character's stories are excellent, imho.

UnTouchable
This manhwa is just for fun entertainment, nothing deep. It has a unique twist on vampires (hint: no messy blood sucking). The art is colorful and it deals with adults, attraction, mental disorder (OCD), and relationships. A light, quick read meant for moments you want something semi brainless, but more adult than high school (although the physical contact in this one between the main characters has been more limited so far than most high school manga/manhwa).

Others I consider worth reading that do not have typical whiny shoujo drama, and are worth the free down time we busy ladies finally get to ourselves:

7 Seeds (LOVE this one, but it is a detailed and complex world you have to be prepared for, not a quick, light read)

Black Bird (sweet romance, but very mythical. The high school part is just in the beginning. No squealing girls. Some smut)

Koe no Katachi (Realistic. School aged characters, but deals expertly with some difficult things, such as having a disability, bullying, and forgiveness)

Kyou mo Uchi de Machi Awase

Yoru Cafe and Biyaku Cafe (both smut)

The One (worth a read through at least once. The characters are good, although the drama is heavy and similar in adult themes and drama as Nana, except that this one is actually finished)

Jul 3, 2015 10:25 PM

#14

dodoo

Offline

Jul 2010

154

melancholy world

Jul 4, 2015 2:11 PM

#15

avelys

Offline

Sep 2013

456

Mature Shoujo

-Completed-

Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou - Long running, amazing character development, great writing, lovely romance, characters have dark past. The manga focuses on the side characters but then comes back to the main story. I like that it took a break. One of my fave shoujo. Both leads are developed and written with depth.

Mars - Dark, mature. Great romance. Written really well.

The One - Very long but it was an enjoyable read. Funny, romantic, everything I could ask for. A much better version of Skip Beat.

The Flowers of Evil (Link) - Really great story. If you like screwed up characters and forbidden love, this is for you.

100% Perfect Girl - Highly recommend if you like dramatic stories. I loved every bit of it. Good romance although sometimes the barriers preventing them to be together gets a little too dragged out. Satisfying end.

Cat Street - Same writer as Hana Yori Dango (which is also great). Short, great characters, great story.

7Seeds - Very mature themes and excellent story. The romance is not the main focus but it's a really good read. Read if you like apocalyptic stories.

Tenshi Nanka ja Nai - Same writer as Nana. Shoujo classic. Very sweet. Characters are really well written.

-Ongoing-

Oboreru Knife - Has some mature and dark themes, first love, nicely written. Not finished, though ;_;

Bitou Lollipop - I really like this love story. Doesn't feel like popular manga but I don't know if you'll find the love triangle stuff annoying. I enjoyed it. Written well, especially the characters.

Josei

-Completed-

Paradise Kiss - Same writer as Nana. Beautiful art, mature themes, great love story. I like the ending.

Hapi Mari: Happy Marriage!? - This was a pretty fun josei. Nice romance and reaaaally funny.

-Ongoing-

Hotaru no Hikari - One of my favorite josei. Made me laugh sooo much.

Scanlator: Shoujohearts | Dessert Scans

Jul 4, 2015 3:36 PM

#16

ichainsaw

Offline

Jul 2014

146

I dont know if anyone has said this yet but I highly recommend :
Kanerval (http://www.mangahere.co/manga/karneval/)
Spotted flower (http://www.mangahere.co/manga/spotted_flower/)
Deep Love - Ayu no Monogatari (http://www.mangahere.co/manga/deep_love_ayu_no_monogatari/)
Kuragehime(http://www.mangahere.co/manga/kuragehime/)
Real Clothes (http://www.mangahere.co/manga/real_clothes/
Stretch(I really like this one) (http://www.mangahere.co/manga/stretch/)
So yea give it a go

Sep 30, 2015 5:05 AM

#17

riightmexx

Offline

Aug 2015

This isn't only for the person who started the topic but for all the people who are searching manga/anime that are mature/realistic/dark/deep. This is how I ended up on this site and I really wanted to thank you Pirating_Ninja for you list , I read most of them or at least checked them out :) . I really enjoyed them

So here goes my recommendation list for mature josei/shoujo manga and anime

Ergo proxy http://myanimelist.net/anime/790/Ergo_Proxy - I really liked this anime from the first episode it got me hooked , the atmosphere is surreal and the covered theme of the anime is unique and mature plus the little romance going on between the main characters is engaging too .

Death Parade http://myanimelist.net/anime/28223/Death_Parade - Wow just wow
this anime is not josei or seinen or any other type is an anime for all genders out there . Yes it's about love but not the shallow superficial love , I don't know how to put it in words ... hmm It's about adjusting and learning to love every little thing in your life including yourself :) It's a story about recognizing a deep connection between souls.

Paradise kiss http://myanimelist.net/anime/322/Paradise_Kiss - It's one of my favorite anime , I like the art and the story , very mature and realistic .

Nana http://myanimelist.net/anime/877/Nana - I know I know ... but still it's one of the best

Aku no hana http://myanimelist.net/anime/16201/Aku_no_Hana - True masterpiece , the anime beats the manga in my opinion , even though it's moving in a slow pace it has it's charm by creating a unique atmosphere , the art style is so real and the music is breath taking .
- Don't be afraid to express your true feelings and thoughts , don't make your life more complicated. The manga story is exaggerated on purpose so we can see in "real time" how fast one thing can lead to another .

Sukitte Ii na yo http://myanimelist.net/anime/14289/Sukitte_Ii_na_yo. - well it's a cute one :)

Ao haru ride http://myanimelist.net/anime/21995/Ao_Haru_Ride - I liked the innocent feelings and actions of the characters , and the style of art too .

Bokura ga ita http://myanimelist.net/anime/1222/Bokura_ga_Ita - I don't know why it's rated as shoujo ... I read the manga first and then watched the anime. I think it's better this way so you can understand it better .
I believe such love exists in this world , two person can be this dedicated to each other . When you meet someone so sincere and who's not afraid of speaking out his mind about the fear of losing the person he/she loves and how to - not repeat the mistakes every couple does ... you can't pass that , you recognize and accept it because you know that what's hurting you it's hurting others , so you try to be best you can be ! I know it;s sounds ambiguous what I';m trying to write here but the powerful words they say to each other ( Yano and Nanami ) really made me treasure the person I have next to me - my ally.

Manga

Futago http://myanimelist.net/manga/16732/Futago - One of my favorite manga :)

Orange http://myanimelist.net/manga/35573/Orange - I liked the parallel worlds idea , my imagination played along with the story .

Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan http://myanimelist.net/manga/11734/Watashitachi_no_Shiawase_na_Jikan

Solanin http://myanimelist.net/manga/3731/Solanin
This mangaka is a sensitive soul with a deep deep message for all of us

Umibe no Onnanoko http://myanimelist.net/manga/17353/Umibe_no_Onnanoko
By the same mangaka as above

Kimi wa petto - http://myanimelist.net/manga/392/Kimi_wa_Pet
This manga was so cute and nice , it made me so fluffy :)

Knock your heart out - http://myanimelist.net/manga/9251/Knock_Your_Heart_Out!

Ao haru ride http://myanimelist.net/manga/24294/Ao_Haru_Ride - typical shoujo manga but I don't know why it made me read it all

Paradise kiss http://myanimelist.net/manga/29/Paradise_Kiss

Aku no hana http://myanimelist.net/manga/24705/Aku_no_Hana

Bokura ga Ita http://myanimelist.net/manga/1031/Bokura_ga_Ita Deep emotional realistic love even though it may seem stereotypical it has that something something which made my heart comfortable and melt sometimes .

Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu http://myanimelist.net/manga/4207/Boku_no_Hatsukoi_wo_Kimi_ni_Sasagu Loved it , dunno why but it touched my sensitive part

Tomodachi no Hanashi http://myanimelist.net/manga/24821/Tomodachi_no_Hanashi The art style made all the difference for me

Sekine-kun no Koi http://myanimelist.net/manga/18896/Sekine-kun_no_Koi
It's ... not that special

Oyasumi Punpun http://myanimelist.net/manga/4632/Oyasumi_Punpun I'm still reading it , but I can tell that this is a masterpiece . Can't wait to read the next chapter and the next one and to never finish it in the same time :)

Feel free to correct me :) and sorry if I didn't made any sense.

riightmexxNov 5, 2015 11:13 AM

Sep 30, 2015 5:27 AM

#18

Hello

Offline

Jun 2015

3165

Honey and Clover
Usagi Drop
Oyasumi Punpun
Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan

May 23, 2017 11:21 PM

#19

PeachiP

Offline

May 2017

Any good shouta josei/shoujo manga like seikon no qwaser, please save my earth, or bitou lollipop? Preferably the shouta who likes the main chacter girl whos older! Thanksss I don't like super shoujo for girls manga but more for older, ^_^

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Good josei manga?

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