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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.

As someone who is a fan of science fiction and dark fantasy, I love stories that contain action-packed and terrifying adventures that lead to character development that is simultaneously heartwarming and tragic. All mixed and blended with bits of comedy and drama. 

This is only my personal opinion, but I’ve found that only stories created by female writers have been able to find that perfect balance. Especially within the world of anime and manga. 

There are some works that have garnered a lot of attention and praise, most notably Fullmetal Alchemist. But there are some lesser known works and authors that are of similar quality, that I am obligated to recommend to anyone that I bump into:

girl reading on train
Photo by Will Tarpey from Unsplash

Ron Kamonohashi: Deranged Detective

Written & illustrated by Akira Amano

The titular character is a former ace detective who has a fatal flaw and has been banned from participating in criminal investigations after his involvement in a case-gone-wrong. When a struggling police officer named Totomaru Isshiki, comes to him for assistance with an unsolved case, they make a deal: Ron will help solve the cases while Toto takes all the credit. But there’s a mystery lurking in the shadows; one that may be connected to Ron and his fatal flaw…

eyeglasses with gray frames on the top of notebook
Photo by Dan Dimmock from Unsplash

Mushi-Shi

Written & illustrated by Yuki Urushibara

This anthology series follows a laidback wanderer named Ginko. He can see spirits called Mushi, which exist within all walks of life. Each story has Ginko act as a mediator between the Mushi and anyone who has been negatively impacted by them, and helps to find a peaceful solution that benefits both parties.

paths
Photo by Jens Leslie from Unsplash

The Case Study of Vanitas

Written & illustrated by Jun Mochizuki

Noe Archiviste is a vampire who has been looking for the Book of Vanitas; a book that belonged to Vanitas, an outcast vampire born under the blue moon.

It’s currently being used by her human apprentice, also called Vanitas, who uses it to cure vampires and return their “true names” to them. Together, Noe and Vanitas work to help other vampires, while searching for the “Charlatan” behind it all.

Fall, marshmallows and mug and book
Photo by Alisa Anton from Unsplash

Honorable Mentions

D.Gray-man

by Katsura Hoshino

Noragami

by Adachitoka

Witch Hat Atelier

by Kamome Shirahama

Dorohedoro

by Q Hayashida

Pandora Hearts

by Jun Mochizuki

book with purple flowers
stocksnap.io photographer: Suzy Hazelwood
Portia Coulter is a writer at Indiana University of Pennsylvania's HER Campus chapter. She covers topics in the entertainment industry, ranging from video games to animation. Portia is also an editor for Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s New Growth Art Review, having joined earlier this year. Some of her work has previously been published in the 2023 edition of the New Growth Art Review; they were also submitted to that year’s horror competition: a short story that won 2nd place and an art piece that won 3rd. Currently an English Literature/Culture major with a minor in Communications Media, Portia plans to graduate in May 2024 and pursue her dream of writing an original graphic novel series. In her free time, Portia likes to play video games (she has a crippling Genshin Impact addiction), watch cartoons, sing and dance, and is currently learning how to knit and crochet. She likes to create a plethora of different fan works for her favorite series, from art to short fiction. It also serves as a good way to hone her craft as an artist. An introvert at heart, Portia likes to hide in her room, curled up under a mountain of blankets, and watch the newest romance anime while she attempts to knit a scarf.