6 Manga Series with Epic Sea Adventures (Besides One Piece)
The vast expanse of the sea has always been a source of fascination and inspiration. While “OnePiece” reigns supreme in maritime manga adventures, there’s a treasure trove of other series that invite readers to set sail on captivating voyages. Let’s dive into six manga series that promise epic sea adventures
Full Ahead! Coco
This manga revolves around the adventures of Coco, a young boy who dreams of becoming a pirate. Setting sail on the ship, “Sword of Diablo,” Coco and his crew encounter other pirates, mysterious creatures, and challenges on the high seas.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Not exclusively maritime but features several arcs where characters undertake sea voyages to distant lands, battling sea creatures, pirates, and facing various challenges.
Sinbad no Bouken (Adventures of Sinbad)
A prequel to “Magi,” it centers on the adventures of Sinbad, including his sea voyages, as he lays the foundation for his kingdom and rises to legendary status.
Kaijuu no Kodomo (Children of the Sea)
Kaijuu no Kodomo (Children of the Sea) is a five-volume manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi. It was serialized in Kodansha’s seinen manga magazine Evening from 2006 to 2011, and was collected into five tankōbon volumes. The manga was adapted into an animated film in 2019.
The story follows Ruka Azumi, a young girl who feels alienated from her family and classmates. One day, she meets Umi and Sora, two mysterious siblings who have a deep connection to the ocean. As Ruka gets to know Umi and Sora, she learns more about the world of the sea and her own place in it.
Igarashi’s artwork is one of the highlights of the manga. His drawings are detailed and expressive, and his use of color is stunning. The manga’s depiction of the ocean is particularly impressive, with its swirling currents and shimmering creatures.
Igarashi’s storytelling is also complex and nuanced. He explores themes of identity, family, and our relationship with the natural world in a thoughtful and thought-provoking way.
One of the things that makes Kaijuu no Kodomo stand out is its slow-paced and meditative approach to storytelling. Igarashi takes his time to develop the characters and explore the world of the manga. This can make the manga challenging to read at times, but it is also one of its strengths.
Kaijuu no Kodomo is a manga that stays with you long after you finish reading it. It is a manga that is meant to be experienced, not just understood. If you are looking for a visually stunning and thought-provoking manga series, I highly recommend Kaijuu no Kodomo.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommended for: fans of manga, slow-paced and meditative stories, stories with unique visuals and storytelling.
“Aqua” and “Aria”
Set on a terraformed Mars covered mostly by oceans, the story follows the adventures of female gondoliers navigating the canals of Neo Venezia. Though not a traditional “sea” adventure, its watery setting and themes of exploration fit well with the topic.
Takarajima (Treasure Island)
A manga adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, it brings to life the story of piracy, treasure hunts, and adventures on the high seas with a distinct style.
