I'd like to put together a list of recommended manga set around the Middle Ages that deal with war.
I apologize that many of the works are ongoing series and cannot be read all at once.
Modern and contemporary high-tech warfare is interesting,As a man, I'm more drawn to wars where swords, bows, cavalry, tactics, and strategy play a vital role.
As I put it all together, I'm struck by the fact that historical wars, which actually happened, are so fascinating.
While there are many comics that depict war, none are 100% entirely fictional; most are based on real wars or countries.
There may be some embellishment or exaggeration, but even though the era is different, you can still feel the greatness of it.
Kingdom
This is a manga series that is currently running for a long time.
The story is set in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China.
The story centers on Shin, a young boy who aims to unify China and become a great general under the command of Qin Shi Huang.
It has the feel of a classic shonen manga.
It's incredibly satisfying to watch the protagonist gradually grow stronger and rise through the ranks as they battle formidable opponents.
There are a great many characters on both the allies and enemies sides, and each one is thoroughly developed.
Because it's a long-running series, the patterns of battles against powerful enemies tend to become repetitive, and to be honest, there are times when I think, "Not this pattern again," but even so, I'm still drawn in and curious to see what happens next.
However, the real appeal of Kingdom lies not so much in the individual battles, but in the intricate strategizing, tactics, and planning involved.
The book is highly engaging not only for its battlefield strategies but also for its depictions of political struggles and intrigue in peacetime, offering compelling insights into non-combat situations.
Although it is a manga, it is based on historical events, so many of the characters are real people.
It's quite moving to think that such a person actually existed.
The artwork is distinctive and, if anything, rather masculine.
However, the chaotic atmosphere of the battlefield and the depiction of the muddy, grimy fighting are powerful and I highly recommend it.
My only concern is when this manga will actually be completed.
（2026年追記）連載開始から20年を超え、最新刊は80巻まで到達しました。それでもまだ完結の気配はなく、気長に追いかけています。
Kingdom Vol. 1 (Young Jump Comics DIGITAL)(Amazon)
将国のアルタイル（完結）
Kingdom has become quite famous, but I feel that "Shoukoku no Altair" is not as well-known yet.
However, the content is a war manga depicted with a very well-developed world setting.
Although the story is set in a fictional world, each of the countries that appear in the game is based on a real-life model, allowing players to enjoy the differences between them.
It's not just the protagonist's side that's competent; the enemies are quite capable as well.
That's why it feels so exhilarating when you outsmart your opponent or manage to win.
This film makes you realize that war begins even before it starts.
Compared to Kingdom, the artwork is more beautiful and visually appealing.
Also, the protagonist is more of an intellectual type than a physically strong type, so I think you'll enjoy that difference as well.
(In the early stages, the protagonist is also disposed of using rather brute-force methods.)
フィクションなので史実モノと違い、どのように物語が進んでいくかわからず楽しみながら読み進めていました。
（2024年1月追記）全27巻で完結しました。最後までしっかり練られた展開で、綺麗に着地した作品だったと思います。
Altair: A Record of Battles (1) (Sirius Comics)(Amazon)
The Wolf's Mouth: Wolfsmund (Complete)
This is a rebellion story set in medieval Switzerland.
It's not a war between nations, but rather a war between the nation and the farmers.
The structure is unique, with each episode in the early stages being a standalone story.
Among them, the one who stands out with an overwhelming presence is the governor, Wolfram.
He served as the magistrate of the checkpoint, inspecting illegal immigrants and rebels, but he was extremely shrewd and cruel, making this checkpoint, "Wolfsmund" (Wolf's Mouth), a notoriously difficult place to pass.
Each of these episodes gradually connects to larger storylines, culminating in a major battle.
Even so, the feeling of despair when Wolfram suspected me was indescribable.
If you were a criminal, you'd probably feel as disgusted as being haunted by characters like Furuhata Ninzaburo or Detective Columbo.
While there is a character who could be considered the protagonist, the story is ultimately portrayed as a conflict between revolutionary fighters and the army.
Although it contains many extremely cruel and grotesque depictions, the artwork is characterized by a light and understated style that prevents it from feeling too graphic.
The way it casually depicts gruesome things is what makes it so powerful.
The final showdown against his arch-rival Wolfram is incredibly exciting.
Wolf's Mouth Wolfsmund Vol. 1 (HARTA COMIX)(Amazon)
Ad Astra: Scipio and Hannibal (Complete)
This manga is set during the Second Punic War and focuses on the two main characters, Scipio and Hannibal.
Since it's based on historical events, there are no surprises in the plot developments.
However, reading this work will give you a clear understanding of what makes Hannibal so remarkable.
This work can be described as one that focuses on the "tactical" aspect.
While the writing style is somewhat rigid, Hannibal's exploits as he defeats formidable opponents like Rome one after another are exhilarating to read.
However, after the climax of the Battle of Cannae, famous for its encirclement and annihilation, the story seems to lose some momentum.
Nevertheless, it's definitely a manga I can recommend.
Ad Astra - Scipio and Hannibal - Vol. 1 (Young Jump Comics DIGITAL)(Amazon)
Hawkwood (Complete)
This is a manga set during the Hundred Years' War, depicting the life of the real-life mercenary Hawkwood.
The highlight is seeing them disregard knightly honor and use any means necessary to achieve victory.
This too can be said to be a work that focuses on "tactics" and "combat."
It was very interesting, but it ended rather abruptly.
However, I think it was good that it was able to depict the theme of the difference between knights and mercenaries.
Richard Perrier of the formidable Knights of Chartres was a character I personally liked, so I wish there had been more interaction between them.
Hawkwood (MF Comics Flapper Series)(Amazon)
Historie
This story is set in ancient Greece and features Eumenes as the protagonist.
It's not exactly a war story, but it's a rags-to-riches tale, so war plays a role in it quite often.
Eumenes is a carefree character with a brilliant mind, keen observation skills, and exceptional physical abilities.
However, it is striking how Eumenes, in areas beyond his personal control, is swept away by the larger currents.
As a result, Eumenes was reduced to slavery, forced to leave his hometown, and had to depart from the village that had taken care of him.
As I read this work, I get the feeling that rather than each character forging their own destiny, everyone is being swept away by the larger current of "history."
However, figures like Philip I and Alexander the Great, who have left their mark on history,In contrast to Eumenes, he creates his own flow.That's how I feel.
I'm also worried about when this series will be completed.
Historie (1) (Afternoon Comics)(Amazon)
The Heroic Legend of Arslan
I'm interested, but I want to wait until there are more volumes of the manga so I can read them all at once.
(I wrote this down so I wouldn't forget.)
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (1) (Weekly Shonen Magazine Comics)(Amazon)
Vinland Saga
The early parts of the story are set in medieval England and Denmark.
Since this work focuses primarily on the protagonist, Thorfinn, it might be a little inappropriate to introduce it here.
However, this work is also quite interesting, and I would definitely recommend it as a manga.
The story takes a significant turn between the first and second halves, and I think it questions the very meaning of "fighting" and "power."
Vinland Saga (1) (Afternoon Comics)(Amazon)
Berserk
The middle section, from when the protagonist joins a mercenary group until he leaves, is a very high-quality war story.
In terms of style from that era, it's similar to Hawkwood's.
However, overall it's a rather eerie dark fantasy, and while it might not be exactly a "war" story, I've included it anyway.
2021年に作者急逝のため、未完となってしまいましたが、盟友の森恒二先生と、スタジオガガのスタッフによって続きが描かれることになりました。
（追記）2025年には43巻が発売されており、三浦建太郎氏が伝えていた構想をもとに、連載は現在も継続しています。
Berserk Vol. 1 (Young Animal Comics)(Amazon)
イサック（完結）
Set during the Thirty Years' War, the story follows a Japanese man who travels abroad to seek revenge for his master's death and becomes a mercenary.
According to the artist, the idea came from seeing a painting from overseas depicting a figure resembling a Japanese person holding a matchlock gun.
The sight of a samurai, armed with a matchlock gun and a Japanese sword, using his marksmanship and strategic skills to defeat a large army is incredibly cool.
This work focuses on the battle between Isaac and his rival.
（2025年6月追記）全19巻で完結しました。イサックとゼッタの長い旅の終着点まで、しっかり見届けられる作品です。
Isaac (1) (Afternoon Comics)(Amazon)
A compilation of manga-related articles featured on this blog
Rakuten Market: Kingdom／Altair: A Record of Battles (1)／Wolf's Mouth (Wolfsmund)／Ad Astra - Scipio and Hannibal -／Hawkwood／Historie (1)／The Heroic Legend of Arslan (1)／Vinland Saga (1)／Berserk／Isaac (1)