Good Manga and Books without adaptation - Old and New!

When we think of some titles, it is common to think of their adaptations for films or series. However, there are true gems that have not yet been adapted for the screen.

In this article, we will explore some of the best mangas and books that are still waiting for their chance to shine in other formats. They have already won the hearts of fans, and we are waiting for the day when we can see these stories come to life.

Although we are experts in this subject, we understand that everyone has different tastes. To keep this list as impartial as possible, we used review sites to select the works. For mangas, we used the rating from MyAnimeList, one of the most reliable sources for public evaluations.

For books, we chose to use sites like Goodreads, which offers a wide range of evaluations from readers around the world. In this way, we ensure that the choices reflect both the quality and the impact of these works.

I Am a Hero (Manga)

MyAnimeList: 7.78

Synopsis: In a world overrun by zombies, Hideo Suzuki is a frustrated mangaka struggling to survive the apocalypse. Unlike many protagonists in zombie stories, Hideo is not a conventional hero. He is paranoid, anxious, and schizophrenic.

However, it is precisely this raw humanity that makes the manga so engaging and terrifying. The plot mixes horror and social criticism in a unique way, questioning the fine line between sanity and madness.

PS: We know that I Am a Hero has a movie adaptation, but it wasn't very acclaimed and should have been an anime. We'll see this again later.

Fire Punch (Manga)

MyAnimeList: 7.89

Synopsis: In a world where the snow never stops falling, Agni, a young man with regenerative powers, is forced to survive after a devastating attack that turns his life into literal hell. With a flame that never goes out burning his body, he sets out searching for revenge.

"Fire Punch", by the same author of Chainsaw Man, is not an easy read, but its dark and complex plot, full of themes of revenge, suffering and humanity, captivates those who seek something out of the ordinary. It is a brutal story and, at the same time, deeply reflective.

20th Century Boys (Manga)

MyAnimeList: 8.95

Synopsis: A series of catastrophic events seem to be linked to a group of childhood friends and their "Friend", a charismatic and enigmatic leader who wants to dominate the world.

Kenji and his friends find themselves drawn into a conspiracy that mixes past, present and future. "20th Century Boys" is a masterpiece by Naoki Urasawa, which masterfully combines mystery, drama and suspense. The narrative is a complex web of events and characters, taking the reader on a breathtaking journey.

All You Need Is Kill (Manga and Book)

MyAnimeList: 8.17 (Manga)

Goodreads: 4.15 (Book)

Synopsis: "All You Need Is Kill" follows Keiji Kiriya, a soldier in a futuristic war against alien invaders. Stuck in a time loop where he relives the same day of battle over and over again, Keiji uses this curse to become stronger and try to change his destiny.

The story combines intense action with a time travel concept that challenges the reader to think about the power of choices and the inevitability of fate. Both the manga and the book uniquely explore the cycle of life and death on a battlefield.

Once again, this book has a live-action adaptation, this time very well received. However, we would love to see this story brought to life in anime form.

Atlas of Men (Book)

Goodreads: 4.18

Synopsis: "Atlas of Men" is a novel that explores the challenges of masculinity and the impact of the past on the present. The story follows a group of friends who, years after undergoing scientific study as teenagers, face the unexpected consequences of what was done to them.

It is a powerful narrative about identity, trauma, and the search for truth.

I Am Pilgrim (Book)

Goodreads: 4.21

Synopsis: In "I Am Pilgrim," author Terry Hayes creates a breathtaking espionage thriller. The story follows a secret agent who is called back into action to prevent a global terrorist attack.

The well-developed plot and characters make this book a compulsive read, leaving readers on the edge of their seat with every page.

The Girl on the Train (Book)

Goodreads: 3.94

Synopsis: "The Girl on the Train" is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, a woman who, upon observing the seemingly perfect life of a couple from her train window, finds herself involved in a dark mystery.

The narrative is full of twists and turns and explores themes such as obsession, loss and the fragility of appearances. It is an intriguing read that keeps readers questioning the truth until the end.

Complicated Moonlight (Book)

Goodreads: 4.09

Synopsis: "Complicated Moonlight" is a work that mixes elements of science fiction and drama in an engaging narrative. The story explores the lives of people connected by a supernatural event that occurs on a moonlit night.

With a plot that defies the conventions of the genre, the book is a meditation on destiny, choices and the mysterious forces that shape our lives.

These mangas and books are just some of the incredible stories that have not yet had their adaptations, but that have already won a legion of fans for their unique narratives and unforgettable characters. If you’re looking for something new to read, be sure to check out these works.

Who knows, maybe in the future we’ll see these stories come to life on the big screen, but for now, paper is where they really shine. Also, your favorite book or manga might not be on this list, after all, we couldn’t include every work here.

Please let us know in the comments which one is your favorite!