Top 10 Underrated Manga and Manhwa You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Sick of seeing the same recycled manga lists? Good. You just hit the jackpot.
This blog isn’t for casuals.
This is for true manga hunters — the ones who crave the thrill of discovering a hidden gem, something raw, underrated, and completely unforgettable. While the world drools over Solo Leveling and Tower of God, there’s a secret shelf stacked with criminally slept-on masterpieces, and we’re about to crack it wide open.
In this no-BS guide, I’m dropping the Top 10 most underrated manga that deserve the same hype — maybe even more — than half the mainstream stuff flooding your feed.
These stories aren’t just underrated — they’re underground legends in the making. Miss them now, and you’ll be the one asking later, “Why didn’t I read this sooner?”
So scroll down…
Because you’re about to enter the dark forest of forgotten masterpieces, and trust me — it’s full of fire.
1. Gosu
Why “Gosu” is a Must-Read for Underrated Manga Fans
“Come over here and have a seat! I’ll give you a discourse that will help you reflect on the murders you’ve committed so far.”
— Myeongjeong (The Elder)
Description:
A young man sets forth to avenge his master, a once powerful martial artist who was betrayed by his own men and barely escaped with his life. Armed with his master’s supreme martial art techniques, he is ready to bring terror and wreak havoc among the murim. But before he even gets started, he learns that the ones who had betrayed his master are already dead… Erm, so what happens now?
⚔️ Why Gosu Is a Hidden Beast You’re Sleeping On:
Let’s be honest — Gosu starts off looking like a cartoon drawn by your bored cousin. But stick around for a few chapters… and BOOM — the art glows up like a beast in full cultivation mode.
This manhwa isn’t just underrated — it’s underground royalty in the murim world. The fights hit like freight trains, the panels go full cinematic, and the main character? A low-key monster hiding behind a chubby delivery boy act. He’s OP with a side of sarcasm, and watching him flex casually is pure joy.
And let’s talk characters — we’ve got a granny who disguises as a seductive bombshell, a dozen rival factions with real motives, and every battle feels like it matters. It’s got humor, hype, heart, and that classic revenge energy we all crave.
You want peak martial arts storytelling with modern flair, insane action, and so much sauce it drips off the page? Gosu is that manga.
📊 Status:
Status – Complete
Total Chapters – 233
2. Legend of the Northern Blade
“I’m the secret manual—and Northern Heavenly Sect itself.”
— Jin Mu-Won
📖 Description:
For decades, the brave warriors of the Northern Heavenly Sect fought to keep the world safe from the evil Silent Night. But when the fourth‑generation leader is accused of betraying his own, he disbands the sect and commits suicide to protect his son, Jin Mu-Won. Left alone under brutal surveillance, Mu-Won escapes to the mountains to master his father’s secret techniques. When a loved one disappears, he returns to the mainland—ready to avenge his father and stand alone against darkness.
⚔️ Why Legend of the Northern Blade Will Shatter Your Expectations:
This is murim at its peak. Stunning full-color panels, razor-sharp fight choreography, and a story that balances savage action with quiet character moments. Mu-Won isn’t just OP—he’s strategic, relentless, and unforgettable.
Fans on Reddit say:
“Legend of the northern blade, a series filled with amazing art, spectacular plots and well written characters.”
“One of the best manhwas I have ever read… literally everything is peak.”
Every chapter hits like a cinematic battle scene, but the emotional core and character depths are what elevate it to masterclass territory.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 203 (as of July 2025)
🔥 Spicy Fact:
Coming in hot with over 2.2 million reads on Tappytoon and always ranking in the top 20 murim manhwa on Korean platforms—but still massively underrated internationally. It debuted in late 2019 and has since been praised as “the greatest piece of fiction I have ever experienced” by one fan, and dubbed “GOAT of murim manhwa” If you haven’t heard of it yet—you’re missing a legend.
3. Infinity Wizard
“It’s not about raw power—it’s about understanding the laws that govern magic.”
— Shirone
📖 Description:
Abandoned at birth and raised by humble hunters, Shirone is a genius with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. In a world where only nobles can access magic, he defies all odds—teaching himself to read, mastering arcane theory, and entering the hidden “spirit zone.” Now he’s determined to break societal barriers and become the greatest mage of all time.
⚡ Why Infinity Wizard Is a Secret Fantasy Titan:
This isn’t your generic magic-manhwa—Infinity Wizard stands out with its intelligent magic system, emotional character arcs, and modern full-color art that grips you immediately. Fans rave about Shirone’s growth from bullied outsider to rising arcane legend:
“The magic system alone is enough to keep me reading…”
It’s a gritty underdog story where the MC uses science-level precision to shape magic (not just raw power), earning comparisons to educational fantasy—think math meets mana, played out with epic flair.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 100+ (100+ episodes listed as of July 2025)
4. Lookism
“I don’t care about becoming the strongest, I don’t fight to win… I use my fist because I’m a man.”
— Taesoo Ma
📖 Description:
Lookism follows Park Hyung-seok, a bullied high-schooler who suddenly gains the ability to switch between two bodies: one overweight and one extremely handsome. Now living a double life, he experiences firsthand the brutal biases of society—from bullying to privilege—as he navigates school, gangs, dark city corners, and a brutal underground world.
⚔️ Why Lookism Holds the Throne of Underrated:
This isn’t just social commentary or flashy fights—it’s stealing the best of both worlds. The full-color art stays crisp, making every punch and power-up feel real. The story dives headfirst into ugly truths—from appearance bias to gang violence—with zero filter. And the characters? Complex, flawed, and unforgettable.
Taesoo’s quote above isn’t for show—it hits like a gut punch. This manhwa dives into what really shapes a person: strength of character, not just physical power. From bullied teen to underground hero, Hyung-seok’s journey is brutal, empowering, and deeply human.
With top-tier gang arcs, deep character development, and a cast that includes everyone from social media influencers to brutal brawlers, Lookism is an emotionally rich, action-packed tour de force. And yet, compared to webtoon heavyweights, it remains criminally underrated.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 560+
5. Bastard
“When you’ve fallen in a pit, the thing that you need most in order to escape is not a ladder. What you need is an intense longing for the world outside the pit.”
— Hwang Young‑chan
📖 Description:
Seon Jin is a bullied high-schooler living with a chilling secret: his father is a serial killer — and Jin knows all about it. When his crush becomes his father’s next target, the stakes explode. From psychological horror to edge-of-your-seat suspense, Bastard delivers unexpected twists that will leave you breathless.
💥 Why Bastard Is a Psychological Thriller King:
From chapter one, this manhwa grips you with its raw tension. The art leans dark and minimalist, perfectly mirroring the suffocating atmosphere of a boy trapped by a monster masquerading as a father . The pacing is brutal — you’ll read “just one more chapter” until it’s 4 AM and your heart feels like it’s cracked open .
But it’s more than gore and fear: it’s a deep dive into twisted family dynamics, guilt, redemption, and the burning desire to escape a darkness that’s almost inescapable. Jin’s transformation from terrified pawn to cunning survivor? Unforgettable.
As one Reddit user put it:
“This was the first psychological webtoon that got me hooked on everything else… a truly masterpiece.”
📊 Status:
Status – Complete
Total Chapters – 113 (though detailed chapter count may vary)
6. Lightning Degree
“A young orphan meets a secret master of lightning knives… and to use them, he endures the weirdest training ever.”
— Series tagline (paraphrased)
📖 Description:
Ryu-Yeon loses his father at age ten and inherits his carving skills. An elderly master recruits him, and Ryu-Yeon enters a secretive sect to train in the legendary “lightning knife” martial arts. What begins as odd chores and musical drills quickly evolves into sasuga-level fights and quirky comedy tasting of murim
⚔️ Why Lightning Degree Deserves a Shrine on Your Shelf:
This is action-packed underdog energy with a twist—expect hilarious master-student banter, unusual training like cooking or zither lessons, and visual flair that makes every fight feel electric. The MC is OP and overconfident—but charming as hell, with a streak of comedy gold.
Fans say:
“I hear a lot of people lauding the comedy… first couple arcs very enjoyable.”
“Masterpiece… gorgeous art, care for every character.”
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 209+
7. The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi)
“Wen Ning’s case was different—he was created by Wei Wuxian, which meant that he could easily be called the strongest fierce corpse in the current world.”
— Narrator, reflecting on Wei Wuxian’s terrifying mastery over life and death
📖 Description:
The story follows Wei Wuxian, a legendary cultivator who invents the forbidden “ghost path”—raising and commanding deadly fierce corpses. Though hailed as a hero, he becomes feared, ultimately betrayed and killed. Years later, his spirit returns in another’s body. Now he must solve supernatural mysteries, avoid powerful enemies, and reconnect with the righteous cultivator Lan Wangji…the one man whose silence still speaks volumes.
⚔️ Why Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Is a Cult Legend:
This isn’t your typical martial arts story — it’s xianxia brilliance woven with mystery, ghostly necromancy, and deep emotional bonds. The art is gorgeous, the tone swings between thrilling action and touching drama, and every chapter reveals more about Wei Wuxian’s haunted past. The chemistry between him and Lan Wangji? Legendary — understated, powerful, and emotionally resonant.
This manhua stands apart with:
Intricate world-building — clans, mysticism, ancient rituals
Deep moral themes — power, prejudice, redemption
High emotional stakes — friendships, betrayals, love beyond death
📊 Status:
Status – Complete
Total Chapters – 259
8. Return of the Mount Hua Sect
“If the heavens give me one more chance… then I’ll show them what true strength is.”
— Chung Myung
📖 Description:
When the 13th disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, Chung Myung, dies defeating the leader of the infamous Demonic Sect, he thought it was the end. But fate has other plans — he wakes up 100 years later in the body of a child, only to find the once-great Mount Hua Sect in ruins. Armed with ancient martial arts knowledge, a bad temper, and zero patience for nonsense, Chung Myung vows to bring back the glory of his sect — with his fists if needed!
⚔️ Why Return of the Mount Hua Sect Is an Underrated Powerhouse:
This manhwa hits like a hurricane of epic comebacks, martial arts insanity, and hilarious moments.
Chung Myung is one of the best MCs out there — overpowered, arrogant, sarcastic, but still deeply loyal.
The story is a perfect balance of humor and intensity, with character growth that’s as satisfying as its legendary sword strikes.
Watching the Mount Hua Sect evolve from a forgotten relic to a rising power is ridiculously rewarding.
The art style gets better with every arc, especially during high-stakes fights.
This manhwa is pure Murim gold, but still doesn’t get the global love it deserves — which is wild, considering how well-crafted it is.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 132+ (as of July 2025)
9. Magic Emperor
“He ceased being a servant the moment he opened the Book of Nine Secrets.”
— Narration on Zhuo Fan’s rebirth, capturing his ruthless emergence from puppet to puppeteer
📖 Description:
Zhuo Yifan, once known as the terrifying Demonic Emperor, was betrayed and killed by his closest disciple after acquiring the legendary Book of Nine Secrets. Reincarnated into the body of a lowly servant named Zhuo Fan in the declining Luo Clan, he must suppress his demonic cultivation and hidden power… while secretly scheming his path to vengeance and domination.
⚔️ Why Magic Emperor Is the Underrated Strategic Power Fantasy You’ve Been Missing:
If you want a cultivation manhua where brains beat brawn, this is it. Zhuo Fan isn’t your typical hero — he’s a cold, calculating anti-hero, playing the long game in a cutthroat power world. Strategy, betrayal, and silent manipulation are his weapons, and watching him dismantle his enemies using intellect is simply delicious.
The art delivers relentless action panels, dramatic transformations, and expressive character beats. Fans on Reddit say:
“Magic Emperor … is one of the greatest manhua ever.”
“Daily reminder that Magic Emperor is one of the best manhuas rn :)”
Whether he’s engineering clan politics, setting intricate traps, or unleashing demonic power, every moment feels earned—and insanely satisfying.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 600+ (latest chapters in the 600s range)
10. Reaper of the Drifting Moon
“I will not be able to die in peace, so I will survive no matter what and take revenge on everyone who made me this way.”
— Pyo Wol, first words of steel as he embraces his fate
📖 Description:
After surviving years trapped in a dark pit with other kidnapped children, Pyo Wol emerges transformed—blind, snake-bitten, and rebuilt into a cold-blooded weapon. Trained as a lethal assassin, he steps into the brutal Jianghu world, blazing his own path with sword, strategy, and savage vengeance.
⚔️ Why Reaper of the Drifting Moon Will Crush Your Expectations:
This manhwa drops you straight into survival horror meets martial arts epic. Imagine an assassin forged in darkness, reborn with crimson eyes and icy resolve, taking on killers, sects, and supernatural threats—all in full-color, high-octane panels.
Pyo Wol isn’t just strong—he’s emotionally damaged and ruthlessly strategic, making every kill feel personal. Reddit fans call it a “really good revenge-based murim manhwa. The MC is a menace” It’s brutal, haunting, and emotionally raw, but it’s also one hell of a ride.
📊 Status:
Status – Ongoing
Total Chapters – 94+ (as of mid-2025)
🎯“So there you have it—Our Top 10 Underrated Manga Beasts!
From grannies who turn into hotties, to revenge-driven assassins born in snake pits, every one of these stories packs more heat than a summer in hell.
Still stuck reading the same 5 popular series over and over?
Bro… it’s time to upgrade your taste.
These hidden gems will break your boredom, punch your emotions, and maybe even make you question your loyalty to Solo Leveling (no offense, Sung Jin-Woo).
So there you have it—10 criminally underrated manhwa that deserve more love than your last unread bookmark folder. From grannies who turn into hotties, to revenge-driven assassins born in snake pits, every one of these stories packs more heat than a summer in hell.
Still stuck reading the same 5 popular series over and over?
Bro… it’s time to upgrade your taste.
These hidden gems will break your boredom, punch your emotions, and maybe even make you question your loyalty to Solo Leveling (no offense, Sung Jin-Woo).
If you loved this list, you’re gonna lose your mind over my Top 10 Novel Recommendations — it’s like this blog’s cool older brother who’s read every cultivation, mystery, and action novel out there.
And hey, if you’re new here…
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