Are there any series (manga can be included) like the first few episodes of bungo stray dogs and chainsaw man? But more characters focused (backstory, finding a sense of self, etc.)

Hi. This might be a bit controversial, i dont mean to be, but both these series i really enjoyed the first few episodes, where there were these people (denji &atsuki) who didnt really have anywhere to belong, were ready to give up and then end up meeting someone and getting taken into some organization and finally have a place where they belong. The problem is both series ended up losing what i enjoyed about them in the very beginning and evolve into something else, so i no longer find much enjoyment in them. Not that they are bad, but what attracted me to them is no longer there. Was just wondering if there were some series (manga can be included) that have that sort of vibe/story and continue on with it instead of leaving it behind.

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AutoModerator2025-12-26 02:21

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BebeHillz2025-12-26 02:53

I read TO MUCH stuff about depressed characters and a recurring theme that I find in anime/manga is that these creators genuinely dont know how to write stories about friendship outside of the typical shounen context. lmao If its not about saving the world or about playing a game of soccer there is very little in the way of comradery or leaning on your friends to get through things in their stories. Its pretty hard to accurately tackle depression in a show geared towards kids/teens which naturally means you might look for more adult stuff but the more adult/seinen stuff generally dont have many real well written friends even if one of the themes are about finding yourself.

Maybe Golden Kamuy??? Maybe Welcome to the NHK but thats not really joining anything. Maybe if you have ever watched code geass maybe watch the spin off "Akito the Exiled" and by extension the anime 86 which is just a better Akito the Exiled.

Maybe try the manga: Again!!
or the Manwha: Girls of the Wilds. But again it kinda leads to that same problem chainsaw man / bungou had where they use depression almost as a lingering narrative device in the beginning and disappears kinda half way through.

Rainbow nisha anime maybe??? Yea maybe give that one a try. No one talks about it often but maybe being in jail is what you're looking for lmao.

BebeHillz2025-12-26 03:02

It genuinely might be easier to look at sports anime. Hajime no Ippo or Slam Dunk. or if into manga check out HolyLand or REAL. I dunno most cartoons/anime/manga/shows/movies/comics I've watched or read have really tried to hard on what you're asking. Buguo stray dogs might be the closest with Dazai but I remember in threads from years ago people thinking he would be the main protag and alot of people being lowkey disappointed that he's kinda not.

Havent read boys abyss or the climber but maybe those?

SmsgPass2025-12-26 03:21

It's tough to say. It feels like you'd need to leave the shonen genre for this imo.

Like I would recommend Hunter x Hunter. Kurapika's quest for revenge still isn't achieved, and while the story does center on their adventure, it's all filtered through Gon and Killua's childlike perspective, which gives it a lot to chew on.

Fire Punch is a VERY dark manga (written by Chainsaw Man's author) that definitely focuses on characters a lot more. Specifically the main character. Although again it's very very dark, so if you're not into that, skip. Goodnight Punpun (manga) is the same. If you like horrible dark shit, read it, if not skip.

From what I hear, Blue Period (manga only i believe?) is a more slice of life / coming of age story that is very character focused. I never read it, but the main character is incredibly intelligent yet discovers a passion for art, something that does not come easy to him despite his smarts.

Loud_Base_1832025-12-26 12:53

Wind Breaker - MC is a delinquent who joins a high school which is famous for being full of other delinquents like him hoping to find a place for himself.