Darren Shan and his friend Steve are about to go to a circus called Cirque du Freak. The circus is touted as a strange and exciting performance featuring those who can use magic. While Darren is creeped out by the dark performance he still finds some enjoyment. That is until Steve is shocked to discover a performer named Mr. Crepsley isn’t just an ordinary man but is in fact a vampire! Now the two boys will find their worlds changed dramatically and their fates forever changed.

Starting off our list of 6 Manga Like Hunter x Hunter is Darren Shan. Cirque Du Freak is actually a novel series by Darren Shan—who puts himself in the story as the main character—that was adapted into a manga by mangaka Arai Takahiro. Filled with odd tales and weird beings, Darren Shan’s Cirque Du Freak is a mesmerizing tale thanks to its great art and exciting narrative. If you were a fan of the English novel series, then we fully recommend checking out Darren Shan’s manga adaptation. Vampires, the circus and other oddities…makes sense this works as a shounen tale, right?

Ageha Yoshina is considered a hero to most and is always willing to help out. However, Ageha’s assistance doesn’t come free he does have a price for his services. As Ageha heads home, he finds an odd card with the word PSYREN and then is called up by a fellow classmate named Sakurako Amamiya begging for his help. When Ageha learns that Sakurako disappeared the following days he feels that PSYREN probably has something to do with it. Calling the number on the card, Ageha finds himself transported into another world where he must now do battle against creatures called Taboo with his newly gained psychic abilities. Ageha might not like helping others for free but this time he might need to if he wants to leave this world alive.

Isekai plus shounen usually equates to interesting stories of adventure and action. This can be proven in mangaka Iwashiro Toshiaki’s work known as Psyren. Like Hunter x Hunter, Psyren has tons of action and some excellent art that really makes every event pop right off the pages. Once you pick up Ageha you’ll find surprised that you missed this awesome shounen tale. Ageha’s adventure is definitely an interesting one so why not check out Psyren to see where his fate leads him.

Akira and his friends should have made it to a nice island for their field trip but destiny had other plans in mind. During their plane ride, the vessel begins to shake and suddenly noses dives. When Akira wakes up he’s happy to learn that his friends and teacher have survived the crash but learns they have crash landed on a strange island filled with various beasts and threats. What’s more, the island seems to have a dark secret that Akira might not be prepared for. Watch as a goofball prankster ends up becoming a leader in Cage of Eden.

While Hunter x Hunter has plenty of comedy and happy moments for Gon and his friends, there are some darker moments that befall him. This theme reminds us heavily of Cage of Eden as there are times Akira and his friends/allies have happy moments that turn incredibly dark when disaster and danger fall upon them. Mangaka Yamada Yoshinobu crafted a story that plays with your emotions as much as Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter does. If you’re looking for a darker shounen work that is filled with danger, mystery and tons of survival then you’re going to like Cage of Eden. Trust us, the secrets of the island will make Cage of Eden very worth it.

In an alternate world, there exists a race known as the +Anima. These beings share animal-like features and powers such as flight and extreme strength. However, those who aren’t +Anima look at these beings as outcasts and are quick to ostracize them. 4 friends who all are different +Anima decide to travel the world in search of those like them. Hopefully in the process they can show humanity they aren’t much different than them.

+Anima is a very different manga by creator Mukai Natsumi. Most shounen stories follow young travelers in hopes of gaining power or for just the thrill of seeing new sights. +Anima instead focuses on traveling the world to gain acceptance and to destroy segregation. That being said, +Anima still shares a lot of common themes with Hunter x Hunter such as the great adventure feel and similar main characters. Seriously Cooro—the main protagonist of +Anima—reminds us greatly of Gon as they love to help others and yet are pretty naive when it comes to the world around them. We love +Anima and while it may be short--+Anima is only 10 volumes long—it tells a great story and really is an exciting ride while it lasts.

In the world of 666 Satan, there exists ancient relics containing tremendous power. These relics are harnessed by people known as O.P.T.s which stands for O Part Technicians. Though our story follows one young boy named Jio who has a tremendous gift. Jio can use the relics known as O Parts with powers from inside his body. Jio plans on using this gift to conquer the world and rule over it as the new world leader. Meanwhile a young woman named Ruby knows of Jio’s dream and wonders if he can accomplish such a goal all while not becoming an evil person in the process. Both Ruby and Jio decide to travel the world in search of strong relics and a means of making Jio’s dream come to fruition,

Gon and Jio might be from different worlds but they share some common traits. Not only are both quick to take down opponents who are strong but they also love to go on adventures. That’s why it’s easy for us to recommend 666 Satan. This manga by mangaka Kishimoto Seishi is 15 volumes long—so a quick read in comparison to Hunter x Hunter—but it’s a fun story with some impressive art to match. If you’re in for an exciting adventure shounen manga like Hunter x Hunter, then definitely check out 666 Satan.

Asta was born in a world where most if not everyone has magical powers. Unfortunately, at an early age Asta learned he had no magic capabilities and was abandoned by his parents. At the same time, a young boy named Yuno was also abandoned at the church and quickly the two boys find strength in each other’s company. Despite his lack of magic, Asta decides to train and become stronger to someday become the Magic Emperor! Yuno who remembers all that Asta did for him in the past decides to use his skills with magic to make Asta’s dreams become a reality.

Black Clover is a growing of age story that shows readers even if you don’t have a special talent you can always make your way through the world with enough conviction. Mangaka Tabata Yuuki paints a beautiful picture of this concept with awe inspiring art and a great shounen adventure. Black Clover gained so much recognition in the world of manga that Studio Pierrot has even picked up Black Clover so an anime will be releasing in October 2017! Why not see before the anime what makes Black Clover so awesome and all too similar to Hunter x Hunter?