7 Dark Manga Series That Will Never Become Anime (But Should)

Many fantastic manga series never receive widespread recognition, and getting adapted into an anime often feels random rather than based on quality. Some truly amazing stories are overlooked, while others quickly become anime simply because they appeal to studios and advertisers.

Anime adaptations are primarily driven by business considerations. Studios choose stories they believe will attract many viewers, make a lot of money, and fit well with the typical anime season. They often prioritize manga that are already popular and have ongoing chapters, as this guarantees an existing fanbase and a better chance of success. While unique and thought-provoking stories like Homunculus or Oyasumi Punpun might not be as commercially promising, they’re often the most deserving of adaptation.

7. Spirit Circle

Spirit Circle explores the idea of reincarnation and how our past lives can affect us. The story centers around Fuuta Okeya, a typical high school student, whose life is turned upside down when a new student, Kouko, arrives and claims they are lifelong enemies. The narrative then becomes a complex look at Fuuta’s past lives, taking him through different historical periods as he faces the consequences of his previous actions and the tragedies he experienced. While Spirit Circle might not seem like a typical anime due to its unconventional nature, that’s precisely why it deserves to be adapted into one.

6. MPD Psycho

MPD Psycho is a disturbing and captivating story about murder, the human mind, and the depths of darkness within us – a story that would be perfect as an anime. However, its graphic violence and challenging themes make it difficult to adapt. Created by Eiji Otsuka and Shou Tajima, this psychological thriller centers on Yosuke Kobayashi, a detective who struggles with dissociative identity disorder (DID).

A detective encounters a brutal serial killer, which causes his multiple personalities to surface – one of them being the chillingly efficient Kazuhiko Amamiya. An anime based on this story could be groundbreaking, exploring the darkest parts of the human mind in a way similar to how Perfect Blue and Paranoia Agent did.

5. Dead Tube

Mikoto Yamaguchi’s Dead Tube centers on a disturbing online platform where users compete for views and popularity by uploading increasingly shocking and extreme videos. The story follows Tomohiro Machiya, an ordinary high school student, as he’s drawn into this dark world by his classmate, Mai Mashiro, who convinces him to film her increasingly disturbing videos.

What makes Dead Tube stand out is its honest and critical look at our culture’s obsession with online fame and how far people will go to get it. The story tackles difficult subjects like watching others’ lives and becoming numb to violence – issues that feel particularly relevant today with the popularity of viral videos and social media controversies. This makes Dead Tube both important and a bit unsettling.

4. Fire Punch

Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, also wrote Fire Punch, which originally appeared in Shonen Jump+ from 2016 to 2018 and spans 8 volumes. While there are currently no plans for an anime adaptation, Fire Punch is a story set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world where people struggle to survive. It’s a brutal and desperate setting, but the story uses its harshness to delve into surprisingly thoughtful and philosophical themes.

Despite how much fans want to see Fire Punch as an anime, it’s difficult to picture any animation studio taking on the challenge. The main issue is the series’ intense and graphic content. Key story arcs – like the Doma arc, the extended Togata storyline, and the complex philosophical themes – would need careful pacing and development. Trying to adapt it into just one season would feel rushed, and a two-season adaptation would require a significant investment for a series that isn’t expected to sell a lot of merchandise.

3. Homunculus

I have to tell you about this incredible film, Homunculus! It’s a truly disturbing and brilliant psychological horror. The story centers around a man down on his luck, living in his car, who takes a chance on a really strange medical experiment for some quick cash. They basically drill a hole in his skull – it’s called trepanation – hoping to access hidden parts of his brain. But things get weird. Afterwards, he starts seeing these warped, unsettling visions of everyone’s deepest emotional pain and psychological baggage. It’s a wild ride and seriously messes with your head!

Initially, Homunculus feels like a strange and dreamlike journey into unusual visions. But it quickly becomes a disturbing story about a man losing his grip on reality as he fixates on discovering hidden truths about himself and those around him. This manga is special because it powerfully uses its artwork to show what’s happening inside characters’ minds – something that would be lost if it were made less intense. The recent Netflix adaptation proves this point: by simplifying the story and removing its most difficult parts, it turned a deep exploration of the human psyche into a muddled supernatural thriller.

2. I Am a Hero

Unlike most zombie stories, I Am a Hero isn’t about a strong, capable protagonist. It centers on Hideo Suzuki, a 30-year-old manga artist who lacks confidence and often experiences hallucinations. When a strange infection turns people into monstrous creatures across Japan, Hideo—who isn’t a hero at all—is forced to fight for survival, armed with a shotgun and a lot of uncertainty.

The story follows a journey with Hiromi, a teenager changed by a bite, and later, Nurse Yabu, as they struggle to survive in a Japan falling apart. While there’s been one Japanese live-action movie (2016) and some international adaptations, the original manga is perfect for mature animated storytelling. It’s probably not something traditional studios would greenlight, but that’s precisely why it should be made – because this raw and unflinching horror deserves a medium that won’t shy away from the difficult moments.

1. Oyasumi Punpun

Oyasumi Punpun tells the story of Punpun Punyama, a boy who looks like a simple cartoon bird but lives in a very realistic world. Despite the cute art style, this manga is incredibly dark and emotionally challenging. It follows Punpun from childhood through adulthood, showing his difficulties with love, past trauma, and the struggles of growing up in an imperfect world.

Punpun’s life is marked by hardship, stemming from a troubled family and an all-consuming first love. The story follows a downward spiral of often self-destructive choices, honestly portraying the darker sides of human nature and the weight of simply existing. Oyasumi Punpun isn’t a lighthearted story – it doesn’t have clear heroes or villains, exciting adventures, or happy endings, which makes it difficult to broadly appeal to audiences or attract commercial support. However, despite these challenges, Oyasumi Punpun deserves to be adapted because it tells a profoundly important story.

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2025-10-21 00:41