Hooked on manga like Gachiakuta? Though it only began running in February 2022, this dark fantasy series has already secured an anime adaptation set for July 2025 by Studio Bones. The dystopian manga quickly captured fans’ attention with its raw art style, dynamic action panels, and themes of social injustice.
If you’ve devoured every chapter of Rudo’s journey through the deadly world of the pit, you’re probably craving more manga with similar gritty worldbuilding and emotional storytelling.
While Gachiakuta stands out for its provocative exploration of finding value in outcasts and overturning systemic exploitation, there are several other dark fantasy manga that deliver a similar punch.
Specifically, the titles we’ve gathered share Gachiakuta’s tension of unjust systems and protagonists who must adapt to hostile environments.
From action-packed battles to complex power systems, this collection of the best manga like Gachiakuta will keep you engaged long after you’ve turned the last page.
Dorohedoro
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Q. Hayashida’s Dorohedoro presents a grim world where sorcerers experiment on humans, creating a perfect dark fantasy for fans seeking manga like Gachiakuta.
Plot of Dorohedoro
In a post-apocalyptic setting, the story follows Caiman, an amnesiac man with a reptilian head searching for the sorcerer who cursed him. The narrative unfolds across two dimensions: the grimy “Hole” where humans barely survive, and the vibrant Magic User World where sorcerers thrive.
Alongside his friend Nikaido, a restaurant chef, Caiman hunts sorcerers by placing their heads in his mouth, where a mysterious man inside determines if they’re responsible for his condition.
Why Dorohedoro is like Gachiakuta
Both manga excel at balancing darkness with humor. Similar to Gachiakuta’s dystopian world of the pit, Dorohedoro’s Hole features trash-strewn landscapes where human lives hold little value.
Furthermore, both series showcase protagonists navigating unjust social systems – Caiman confronting the sorcerers who exploit humans, much as Rudo challenges his oppressors.
Additionally, both employ emotionally-fueled power systems – Dorohedoro’s magical abilities echoing Gachiakuta’s Vital Weapons.
Art style of Dorohedoro
Hayashida’s art features highly detailed backgrounds expressing the world’s mood through rough, sketchy lines that perfectly suit the dirty environment. The scratchy, gritty style creates a distinctive visual identity, yet showcases moments of surprising beauty.
Despite its griminess, the panels overflow with intricate details – from derelict buildings to overflowing dumpsters.
Deadman Wonderland
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Created by Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou, Deadman Wonderland stands out as another dark manga like Gachiakuta that plunges readers into a world of injustice and survival.
Plot of Deadman Wonderland
The story centers on Ganta Igarashi, a middle school student falsely accused of slaughtering his entire class after a mysterious “Red Man” commits the massacre but embeds a red crystal shard in Ganta’s chest.
Sentenced to Deadman Wonderland, a prison doubling as a theme park, Ganta must wear a collar that continuously injects poison, neutralized only by consuming medicine every three days.
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Throughout his incarceration, he develops the ability to manipulate his blood as a weapon and is forced to participate in brutal gladiatorial matches called “Carnival Corpse.”
First and foremost, his friendship with Shiro, a mysterious albino girl from his past, becomes crucial as he uncovers the prison’s dark secrets.
Why Deadman Wonderland is like Gachiakuta
Similarly to Gachiakuta’s Pit, Deadman Wonderland operates as an allegory for how the powerful abuse the powerless. Both protagonists are framed for crimes they didn’t commit and thrown into hostile environments where they must adapt quickly.
Moreover, both develop unique abilities—Ganta manipulating blood much as Rudo weaponizes trash. Consequently, both series feature protagonists fighting to clear their names while challenging corrupt systems.
Art style of Deadman Wonderland
The manga’s visceral art style perfectly captures the brutal nature of blood-based combat. Within this setting, detailed action sequences showcase the “Branches of Sin” powers in gruesome fashion, enhancing the psychological horror elements that permeate the narrative.
Notably, the dark esthetic amplifies the emotional weight of character struggles and institutional cruelty.
Chainsaw Man
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Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man has quickly risen to prominence as one of the darkest mainstream shonen manga, making it an excellent choice for readers seeking manga like Gachiakuta.
Plot of Chainsaw Man
The story follows Denji, a poverty-stricken teenager working as a Devil Hunter to pay off his father’s debts to the yakuza. After being betrayed and killed, Denji merges with his devil-dog Pochita to become Chainsaw Man.
Under the Public Safety Devil Hunters led by Makima, Denji battles various devils while pursuing simple dreams like eating good food and finding love.
The series is divided into two parts: the completed Public Safety Saga focusing on Denji, and the ongoing Academy Saga introducing Asa Mitaka, a high school student who becomes the vessel for the War Devil.
Essentially, both protagonists navigate a world where humans constantly battle supernatural threats representing humanity’s fears.
Why Chainsaw Man is like Gachiakuta
Both manga feature impoverished protagonists who gain supernatural powers after life-changing events. Just as Rudo becomes a Cleaner in Gachiakuta’s Pit, Denji joins the Public Safety Division as a Devil Hunter.
Furthermore, both series explore dark themes with plenty of violence and death while maintaining moments of humor.
In essence, both protagonists bear tremendous burdens—Rudo as a vengeful Cleaner and Denji as a half-devil—while fighting supernatural threats. Both works also examine societal inequality, albeit Chainsaw Man focuses less on pollution and more on existential fears.
Art style of Chainsaw Man
Fujimoto’s distinctive art features thick, loose, and somewhat chaotic linework that perfectly captures the manga’s gritty atmosphere.
Particularly notable is his approach to facial expressions, often contorting faces into exaggerated forms that convey intense emotions.
In contrast to the anime adaptation’s smoother esthetic, the manga embraces a sketchy, rough style that enhances the impact of its gory action scenes.
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Throughout the series, the art evolves across distinct stages, with later chapters featuring thicker lines that some fans find messier yet others consider more polished.
Fire Force
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Written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo, Fire Force presents a post-apocalyptic world where spontaneous human combustion creates fire-wielding monsters, offering another thrilling manga like Gachiakuta.
Plot of Fire Force
Set in year 198 of the Solar Era, the story unfolds in an alternate Tokyo—one of few habitable places after the Great Cataclysm that engulfed the world in flames 250 years ago.
The narrative follows Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic nicknamed “Devil’s Footprints” for his ability to ignite his feet at will.
After losing his family to a suspicious fire twelve years prior, Shinra joins Special Fire Force Company 8.
As he battles Infernals (humans turned into living infernos), Shinra uncovers that his brother wasn’t killed but kidnapped by the White Clad, a doomsday cult behind the Infernal attacks.
Why Fire Force is like Gachiakuta
The connection runs deeper than surface similarities—Kei Urana, Gachiakuta’s creator, worked as Ohkubo’s assistant on Fire Force.
Both series feature protagonists wrongfully labeled as killers who join organizations seeking truth and justice. Each manga explores dark themes with institutional corruption.
Even the character designs share a stylistic resemblance, appearing simultaneously high-fashion yet casual. Characters in both stories wear similar white, uniform-like attire.
Art style of Fire Force
Ohkubo’s distinctive artistry features characters with lanky bodies and expressive faces. His geometrically constructed facial features during emotional moments create “loud” drawings that capture viewers’ attention.
The animation, handled by David Production, stands out for its hand-drawn flames that appear almost like characters themselves.
During fight scenes, Fire Force showcases exceptional choreography. Unlike traditional manga noses, Ohkubo focuses on the shadow beneath rather than detailed features.
Soul Eater
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Atsushi Ohkubo’s iconic Soul Eater series stands as a direct predecessor to Gachiakuta, providing the perfect starting point for anyone seeking manga with similar dark fantasy elements.
Plot of Soul Eater
Set at the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA), the story revolves around three teams consisting of weapon meisters and humans who transform into weapons.
The academy, run by Shinigami (the Grim Reaper), trains students to create “death scythes” by collecting 99 evil human souls plus one witch soul.
The narrative primarily follows Maka Albarn and her weapon partner Soul “Eater” Evans as they battle the witch Medusa and her followers who aim to revive Asura, the first kishin (evil god), threatening to plunge the world into madness.
Why Soul Eater is like Gachiakuta
Kei Urana, Gachiakuta’s creator, worked directly as Ohkubo’s assistant during Fire Force, inheriting much of his artistic sensibilities. Both series share animation connections—Bones Film handles Gachiakuta whereas Bones created Soul Eater’s anime.
Furthermore, both feature character designer Yoshiyuki Ito and composer Taku Iwasaki, making Gachiakuta feel like Soul Eater’s spiritual successor. Each manga showcases protagonists fighting against corrupt systems with unique powers.
Art style of Soul Eater
Ohkubo’s distinctive style features:
- Lanky characters with wide-ranging facial expressions
- Geometric facial structures during emotional moments
- Simplified nose designs focusing on shadow contours
- Evolution throughout the series, becoming increasingly refined
Remarkably, his art creates a gothic-inspired whimsical atmosphere with muted tones and unforgettably distinctive elements like the leering moon.
Attack on Titan
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Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan revolutionized dark fantasy manga, making it an ideal recommendation for readers fascinated by Gachiakuta’s gritty world and complex themes.
Plot of Attack on Titan
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, humanity survives behind three concentric walls protecting them from man-eating giants called Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager who witnesses his mother’s death when Titans breach Wall Maria.
Vowing vengeance, Eren joins the military’s Survey Corps alongside friends Mikasa and Armin. Following a shocking twist, Eren discovers he can transform into a Titan himself.
Throughout the series, characters uncover dark truths about their world—the Titans’ origins, the history before the walls, and complex political conspiracies spanning 2,000 years. Eventually, what begins as humanity’s struggle against monsters evolves into an examination of cycles of hatred and discrimination.
Why Attack on Titan is like Gachiakuta
Both series feature angry underdog protagonists fighting horrific monsters within societies divided by discrimination and walls.
Just as Rudo feels trapped in the tribal area outside Gachiakuta’s walls, Attack on Titan’s characters experience confinement within their walled society. Both protagonists are determined to tear down unfair systems that caused them immense suffering.
Through their respective journeys, Eren and Rudo challenge established power structures, albeit via different paths. Indeed, both manga share a “humanity sucks” outlook, examining social injustice and systemic exploitation.
Art style of Attack on Titan
Isayama’s distinctive art features raw, emotional line work that effectively conveys intense feelings. His bold, detailed style uses cross-hatching techniques for shading, creating clean, crisp images without smudging.
Accordingly, he employs minimal grayscale tones, bringing emphasis to characters’ features, especially facial expressions.
First criticized for being “depressingly” simple or “ugly,” Isayama turned this into an advantage—his uniquely gritty style became immediately recognizable and perfectly suited the manga’s dark themes.
Jujutsu Kaisen
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Among the most influential dark fantasy titles of recent years, Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen offers captivating storytelling that resonates strongly with fans seeking manga like Gachiakuta.
Plot of Jujutsu Kaisen
The narrative centers on Yuji Itadori, a high school student with exceptional physical abilities who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers after ingesting a cursed finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna, an ancient evil sorcerer.
Initially sentenced to execution, Yuji receives a postponement until he consumes all twenty Sukuna fingers, allowing for the demon’s complete destruction upon his death.
Throughout his journey at Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yuji trains alongside classmates Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki while battling increasingly dangerous Cursed Spirits.
The story escalates when a group of intelligent Curses led by Mahito and the mysterious Kenjaku (possessing Suguru Geto’s body) launch a devastating attack in Shibuya, resulting in the sealing of Yuji’s powerful mentor, Satoru Gojo.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen is like Gachiakuta
Both series excel in portraying protagonists thrust into hostile environments where they must adapt quickly to survive. Much like Rudo’s journey through the Pit, Yuji navigates the dangerous world of curses and sorcery.
Each manga features protagonists fighting against unfair systems – Yuji battling curses born from negative human emotions, paralleling how Rudo confronts a world built on exploitation. Furthermore, both titles embrace their dark themes without hesitation, regularly depicting violence and death alongside moments of surprising humor.
Art style of Jujutsu Kaisen
Akutami’s distinctive art style perfectly complements the series’ dark fantasy elements. The detailed action sequences showcase fluid movement and impact, primarily during curse technique battles and Domain Expansions.
Character designs balance uniqueness with consistency, featuring expressive faces that effectively convey intense emotions. As the series progresses, the artwork evolves—becoming increasingly refined yet maintaining its raw emotional impact during pivotal scenes.
Comparison Table
| Manga Title | Creator | Main Protagonist | Key Themes | Art Style Characteristics |
| Dorohedoro | Q. Hayashida | Caiman | Social inequality, human exploitation | Rough, sketchy lines; highly detailed backgrounds; gritty style |
| Deadman Wonderland | Jinsei Kataoka & Kazuma Kondou | Ganta Igarashi | Injustice, survival, corruption | Visceral, detailed action sequences; dark esthetic |
| Chainsaw Man | Tatsuki Fujimoto | Denji | Poverty, supernatural threats, existential fears | Thick, loose linework; chaotic style; exaggerated facial expressions |
| Fire Force | Atsushi Ohkubo | Shinra Kusakabe | Institutional corruption, justice | Lanky bodies; geometric facial features; expressive faces |
| Soul Eater | Atsushi Ohkubo | Maka Albarn | Corruption, power systems | Gothic-inspired; whimsical atmosphere; geometric facial structures |
| Attack on Titan | Hajime Isayama | Eren Yeager | Discrimination, cycles of hatred, systemic exploitation | Raw emotional linework; bold detailed style; cross-hatching technique |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | Gege Akutami | Yuji Itadori | Survival, unfair systems, dark fantasy | Fluid action sequences; detailed battle scenes; expressive character designs |
Conclusion
Finding dark manga that captures the same gritty atmosphere and complex themes as Gachiakuta can be challenging. Thankfully, these seven recommendations offer plenty of dystopian worlds, morally complex characters, and stunning artwork to satisfy your cravings for dark fantasy storytelling.
Each title shares Gachiakuta’s core elements – protagonists thrust into hostile environments, battles against corrupt systems, and exploration of social injustice.
Whether you prefer the chaotic, sketchy lines of Dorohedoro or the raw emotional artwork of Attack on Titan, these manga deliver compelling visual styles that perfectly complement their dark narratives.
Though each series takes its own unique approach, all seven titles balance moments of brutality with surprising touches of humor. Additionally, they feature elaborate power systems, from Deadman Wonderland’s blood manipulation to Fire Force’s pyrokinetic abilities, that echo Gachiakuta’s Vital Weapons.
Therefore, while waiting for the next chapter of Rudo’s journey through the Pit, you might discover a new favorite among these recommendations.
Essentially, fans drawn to Gachiakuta’s uncompromising vision will find familiar yet fresh storytelling in these dark fantasy masterpieces.
Which of these manga will you pick up first? Although each offers something special, all provide that perfect blend of emotional depth and visceral action that makes Gachiakuta so captivating.
