List of 15 authors like Naoki Urasawa

Naoki Urasawa is a Japanese manga artist known for his mature, character-driven stories with intricate plots that cross genres such as mystery, thriller, science fiction, and historical fiction.

If you enjoy reading Urasawa's work, you might appreciate other authors and manga artists who have a similar storytelling style or who also craft suspenseful and thought-provoking narratives.

Here is a list that spans manga artists as well as authors of novels and comics:

1. 1
   Osamu Tezuka - Often referred to as the “Godfather of Manga,” Tezuka's works like “Buddha” and “Black Jack” are essential for any manga fan.
2. 2
   Takehiko Inoue - Known for “Vagabond” and “Real,” Inoue's detailed art and deep character development echo Urasawa's attention to storytelling.
3. 3
   Junji Ito - If you like the darker, more psychological aspects of Urasawa's work, Junji Ito's horror manga like “Uzumaki” and “Tomie” may intrigue you.
4. 4
   Tsutomu Nihei - For fans of science fiction and complex worlds, Nihei's works such as “Blame!” and “Knights of Sidonia” offer immersive experiences.
5. 5
   Inio Asano - Asano's storytelling and character exploration in series like “Goodnight Punpun” and “Solanin” resonate with the themes of the human condition found in Urasawa's work.
6. 6
   Tetsuya Tsutsui - Writing gripping psychological thrillers such as “Prophecy” and “Poison City,” Tsutsui is an excellent choice for fans of Urasawa's crime and mystery narratives.
7. 7
   Naoki Yamamoto - While more explicit and adult-themed, Yamamoto's works like “Believers” delve into deep psychological issues, which Urasawa fans might find appealing.

If you're looking to branch out from manga and explore similarly themed works from novelists and comics authors outside Japan, consider the following:

1. 8
   Gillian Flynn - Known for her thrilling literary works like “Gone Girl” and “Sharp Objects,” Flynn creates compelling psychological drama.
2. 9
   Haruki Murakami - While not a manga artist, Murakami's blend of reality, fantasy, and intricate plotting in novels like “1Q84” and “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” may be appreciated by Urasawa fans.
3. 10
   Neal Stephenson - A speculative fiction author whose complex and layered stories in books like “Snow Crash” and “Cryptonomicon” might satisfy Urasawa readers looking for dense plots.
4. 11
   Alan Moore - A revolutionary comics writer, Moore's work on “Watchmen” and “V for Vendetta” is filled with complex characters and sociopolitical commentary.
5. 12
   Grant Morrison - For those who like intricate narratives with a touch of the surreal, Morrison's works like “The Invisibles” and “Doom Patrol” are a must-read.
6. 13
   Brian K. Vaughan - With series like “Saga” and “Y: The Last Man,” Vaughan offers heartfelt character-driven stories with compelling science fiction and fantasy elements.
7. 14
   Jonathan Hickman - Writing complex and epic stories with titles like “East of West” and “The Nightly News,” Hickman's work features the depth and intricacy Urasawa fans may enjoy.
8. 15
   Kazuo Ishiguro - His novels, such as “Never Let Me Go” and “The Remains of the Day,” though not manga, are characterized by deep psychological insight and nuanced storytelling.

Mixing manga artists with Western authors and comic book writers, this list aims to cater to the various thematic and stylistic traits that make Naoki Urasawa's work so appealing.