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List of 15 authors like Naoki Urasawa

Naoki Urasawa is a master storyteller. His manga are known for suspense, mystery, and characters that feel very real. If you enjoy stories with plots that twist and turn, and characters facing difficult situations, you may want to explore authors with a similar style.

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    Osamu Tezuka

    If you enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s suspenseful storytelling and deeply human characters, you might appreciate Osamu Tezuka, widely considered the father of modern manga. His series “MW” shows a darker and more mature side of Tezuka.

    The story follows Michio Yuki, a charismatic yet ruthless young man whose life was permanently changed after exposure to a poisonous gas called MW.

    Surviving the deadly gas altered Yuki’s mind and morality, turning him into a cunning, manipulative criminal who will go to any lengths to achieve his revenge. Tezuka creates a tense narrative that explores moral ambiguity, obsession, and the complex nature of evil.

    Fans of Urasawa’s thoughtful horror and psychological depth will find plenty to enjoy in “MW.”

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    Katsuhiro Otomo

    Readers who enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s storytelling might also find Katsuhiro Otomo fascinating. Otomo is the creator behind the groundbreaking manga “Akira,” a story set in a rebuilt Neo-Tokyo after a devastating explosion triggers World War III.

    The plot centers around teenage biker gangs, government secrets, and powerful psychic abilities. Otomo’s ability to weave complex characters into a detailed, gritty, and futuristic world feels similar to the layered mysteries and suspenseful storytelling found in Urasawa’s work.

    Fans of intricate plots with high stakes and compelling character interactions will likely appreciate “Akira.”

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    Yoshihiro Togashi

    Readers who enjoyed Naoki Urasawa’s intriguing plots and memorable characters might want to check out Yoshihiro Togashi. Togashi is famous for creating deep worlds and unique characters in his manga series.

    His series “Hunter x Hunter” introduces readers to Gon Freecss, a boy determined to find his father, who happens to be a legendary hunter. This search sends Gon into dangerous adventures, strange contests, and encounters with enigmatic villains.

    Each character in “Hunter x Hunter” has complex motivations that blur the line between hero and villain. Togashi explores themes of friendship, courage, and morality throughout this extensive and adventurous story.

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    Tsugumi Ohba

    Tsugumi Ohba is a Japanese manga writer best known for the brilliant storytelling in “Death Note.” The story centers around high school genius Light Yagami, who discovers an unusual notebook called the Death Note.

    He soon learns it holds the dark power to kill any person whose name he writes down. As Light decides to use this supernatural tool to create a perfect, crime-free world, readers are left questioning the morality and consequences of absolute justice.

    Ohba’s layered characters and sharp psychological conflicts could appeal to readers who enjoy the thought-provoking thrillers of Naoki Urasawa.

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    Masashi Kishimoto

    Books by Masashi Kishimoto offer vibrant storytelling and memorable characters. His manga series “Naruto” follows a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who dreams of becoming the strongest leader in his village.

    Naruto carries within himself a powerful creature sealed since his birth. Kishimoto creates a fascinating world built on loyalty, rivalry, and a battle for recognition.

    Like Naoki Urasawa, Kishimoto crafts layered characters and plots full of friendships, betrayals, and secret pasts. Through various missions and adventures, Naruto struggles against outside threats and confronts internal challenges rooted in his hidden destiny.

    Anyone who enjoyed the suspenseful mysteries and character dynamics in “Monster” or “20th Century Boys” will likely find “Naruto” equally rewarding.

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    Takehiko Inoue

    Takehiko Inoue is a manga artist known for stories with strong characters, emotional depth, and art that draws readers right into the action. If you’ve enjoyed the thoughtful storytelling and detailed artwork of Naoki Urasawa’s work, you might also appreciate Inoue’s “Vagabond.”

    This manga series tells the story of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, beginning from his early days as a reckless youth hungry for power and reputation.

    Through intense battles and personal struggles, readers see Musashi grow beyond just a fierce warrior to a thoughtful person searching for true purpose.

    The incredible art and emotional storytelling make “Vagabond” a standout, and a great follow-up for any fan of Urasawa’s character-driven narratives.

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    Eiichiro Oda

    Eiichiro Oda is a Japanese manga artist best known for his epic series “One Piece.” The story follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a lively, optimistic pirate whose body gains the power to stretch after accidentally eating a magical fruit.

    With a colorful crew of friends, Luffy explores a world full of adventure, humor, and intriguing mysteries, searching for the great treasure known as One Piece.

    Oda’s vivid storytelling, unique characters, and imaginative world-building offer a satisfying blend of excitement and depth.

    If you enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s detailed plots, distinct personalities, and compelling twists, “One Piece” provides another sprawling saga that you may find equally addictive.

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    Hajime Isayama

    Hajime Isayama is a Japanese manga author famous for creating gripping thrillers infused with mystery and dark twists, similar in feel to works by Naoki Urasawa. One of his most popular works is “Attack on Titan”.

    This story introduces readers to a harsh, dystopian world where humanity survives behind giant walls as protection against terrifying creatures known as Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and their friends.

    Together they face battles, uncover society’s dark secrets, and question the very nature of their world.

    Isayama creates intense character drama and an unpredictable plot filled with moral complexities, storytelling elements that readers who appreciate Urasawa’s style will find compelling.

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    Satoshi Kon

    Books by Satoshi Kon offer fascinating blends of psychological depth and suspense, perfect for fans of Naoki Urasawa’s layered storytelling. In his manga “Opus,” Kon brings readers into the mind of a manga artist whose fictional world starts bleeding into reality.

    Characters confront their creator, tensions rise between imagination and the real world, and boundaries blur in unexpected ways. If you appreciate stories that twist perceptions and question reality, Satoshi Kon’s “Opus” is an exciting read.

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    Junji Ito

    Readers who enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s sharp storytelling and psychological depth may appreciate the eerie and twisted horror manga of Junji Ito.

    Ito specializes in disturbing tales that blend everyday life with supernatural horror, creating memorable images that linger long after reading. One great place to start is “Uzumaki,” a manga series about a small Japanese town consumed by spirals.

    At first, spirals appear in subtle ways—in clouds, seashells, and patterns on clothing—but soon the inhabitants become obsessed, leading to madness and truly unsettling transformations.

    Uzumaki’s unusual premise, paired with Ito’s haunting art style, creates a unique brand of horror very different from typical jump-scares or gore.

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    Hirohiko Araki

    Readers who enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s blend of suspense, detailed art, and profound storytelling might find Hirohiko Araki equally fascinating. Araki is the creator of the manga series “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”

    This series spans multiple generations of the Joestar family, focusing on their ongoing struggles against supernatural threats and powerful adversaries.

    The third part, “Stardust Crusaders,” follows protagonist Jotaro Kujo as he embarks on a perilous journey across continents to save his mother from a deadly curse inflicted by the sinister vampire Dio Brando.

    Araki brings unique twists, imaginative battles, and unexpected humor to a story that balances intensity with pure entertainment.

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    Kentaro Miura

    Readers who enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s storytelling style may find Kentaro Miura’s work equally fascinating. Miura is best known for his dark fantasy manga “Berserk,” a complex tale about a lone warrior named Guts.

    Haunted by a brutal past, Guts roams a harsh, medieval landscape, battling fierce monsters and confronting powerful forces of evil. The series offers intense action scenes, detailed artwork, and deep explorations of human struggle and friendship.

    With intricate characters and thought-provoking themes, “Berserk” stands out as a strong read for anyone who appreciates dramatic storytelling.

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    CLAMP

    CLAMP is a Japanese manga artist group known for creating stories across various genres, often blending fantasy, sci-fi, and deep character exploration.

    If you enjoy Naoki Urasawa’s intricate plots and thought-provoking characters, the manga “xxxHolic” by CLAMP could be an interesting read. “xxxHolic” follows Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student plagued by visions of supernatural beings.

    His life changes when he crosses paths with Yuko Ichihara, a mysterious sorceress who runs a shop granting wishes—for a steep price.

    As Watanuki works part-time in her shop, he gets drawn into bizarre yet engaging encounters filled with folklore, morality questions, and hidden truths about fate and human desires. The series explores several thoughtful themes, wrapped in CLAMP’s distinctive art style.

    If you’re drawn to the mysteries and engaging storytelling style of Naoki Urasawa, CLAMP’s “xxxHolic” may become a favorite.

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    Akira Toriyama

    Books by Akira Toriyama offer a dynamic blend of action, humor, and imaginative storytelling that appeals to fans of Naoki Urasawa. Toriyama is famous for his manga series “Dragon Ball.”

    The story follows a young hero named Goku on an adventurous quest for seven mystical dragon balls that grant wishes when gathered. Along his journey, Goku faces powerful enemies, forms lasting friendships, and grows stronger through intense martial arts battles.

    Readers who love Urasawa’s detailed plots and vibrant characters may find this vibrant universe full of excitement and charm.

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    Rumiko Takahashi

    Rumiko Takahashi is a master storyteller known for her ability to blend quirky humor with supernatural suspense, which fans of Naoki Urasawa might appreciate. Her manga “Mermaid Saga” is a captivating mix of mystery and horror.

    It follows Yuta, a man who became immortal centuries ago after tasting mermaid flesh. Yuta embarks on a quest to regain his mortality and meets Mana, a young woman caught up in the same fate.

    They confront twisted beings and relentless rivals also consumed by the myth of eternal life. This series takes readers through thrilling adventures and thoughtful reflections on the true nature of immortality.