10 mangaka who love killing off their characters, ranked least to most ruthless

Mangaka who love killing off their characters can be considered a sub-genre unto themselves. They mercilessly wield their pens to wring the last ounce of sympathy from unsuspecting audiences. These creators are known to weave harrowing stories where the untimely demise of a favourite character shows how everyone is vulnerable to death at any time.

From an evaluation of deaths in the Attack on Titan manga to unforgettable losses in the Berserk manga, the ability of these mangaka to kill off protagonists is evidence of great storytelling. Here is a list of mangaka who love killing off their characters based on their ruthlessness.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and contains spoilers.

Akutami Gege, Miura Kentaro and others are among mangaka who love killing off their characters

10. Esuno Sakae

Fairy tale created by Esuno Sakae (Image via Crunchyroll)

Esuno Sakae masterfully keeps readers on edge with constant twists, making Future Diary an unforgettable and gripping read. Future Diary spans 59 chapters, delivering a thrilling battle royale narrative filled with numerous impactful character deaths.

Yuno Gasai's death, in particular, stands out. As an innocent protagonist whose descent into madness ends tragically, her demise underscores the brutal nature of the game and the sacrifices needed for victory. Each death heightens the tension and keeps readers guessing until the showdown, putting Esuno Sakae among mangaka who love killing off their characters.

9. Oima Yoshitoki

To Your Eternity created by Oima Yoshitoki (Image via STUDIOPOLIS)

Oima Yoshitoki's To Your Eternity explores life, death, and transformation over 175 chapters. The manga features nearly 49 poignant character deaths that deeply affect both readers and the protagonist, Fushi. This makes Oima Yoshitoki one of the mangaka who love killing off their characters.

A standout moment is the tragic death of March, a young girl who sacrifices herself to save Fushi, serving as a pivotal point in the story. This loss drives Fushi to understand life's value and the pain of loss. Oima doesn't hesitate to kill off characters, adding to the emotional impact. Her sensitive handling of mortality makes To Your Eternity a compelling and unforgettable journey.

8. Ishida Sui

Tokyo Ghoul created by Ishida Sui (image via Pierrot)

Ishida Sui, creator of Tokyo Ghoul, crafts a dark and haunting narrative across 143 chapters in the original series, and 179 chapters in its sequel, Tokyo Ghoul: re. Giving competition to the number of chapters, the death toll is approximately 145. Death and loss permeate this world, with one of the most impactful being the apparent demise of Hide, protagonist Kaneki Ken's best friend.

Hide's death deeply affects both fans and Kaneki's character arc. Ishida fearlessly explores brutality and life's fragility, ensuring each character's end resonates profoundly.

Through intricate plots and emotional depth, Ishida Sui doesn't fail to captivate readers, leveraging its high death count to intensify the narrative's impact. This reflects why Ishida Sui is among the mangaka who love killing off their characters.

7. Urobuchi Gen

Fate/Zero created by Urobuchi Gen(Image via Crunchyroll)

Urobuchi Gen's works, Fate/Zero spanning 25 chapters and Madoka Magica with 12 episodes, deliver impactful character deaths despite their relatively short runtimes. In Fate/Zero, Kiritsugu Emiya and Irisviel von Einzbern's tragic ends fuel the pursuit of the Holy Grail.

Likewise, Madoka Magica presents a relentless wave of despair, with characters like Mami Tomoe and Sayaka Miki meeting tragic fates in their protective endeavours. Urobuchi's willingness to push characters to extremes creates haunting and unforgettable experiences.

This justifies why Urobuchi Gen is among mangaka who love killing off their characters, leaving lasting impressions on audiences through profound storytelling and emotional depth.

6. Yagi Norihiro

Claymore was created by Yagi Norihiro (Image via Nippon Television Network)

In Claymore, Yagi Norihiro's ruthless storytelling unfolds across 157 chapters, where characters face untimely deaths amidst unimaginable horrors marking approximately 65 deaths. Teresa's demise, a legendary Claymore, marks a pivotal moment, shaping the struggles of those left behind. This is one of the reasons why Yagi Norihiro is among the mangaka who love killing off their characters.

Yagi's willingness to sacrifice beloved characters like Teresa underscores the brutal world he has crafted, gripping readers with each turn of the page. Throughout the series, characters confront their deepest fears, heightening tension and reiterating that no one is safe. Yagi's uncompromising narrative style makes Claymore a captivating journey.

5. Miura Kentaro

Berserk created by Miura Kentaro (Image via GEMBA, Millepensee , Liden Films )

Miura Kentaro's Berserk, spanning around 364 chapters, boasts a death count that rivals the most ruthless of mangaka. Notorious for its graphic and brutal deaths, the series immerses readers in a dark and gritty medieval fantasy world. Griffith's betrayal and sacrifice of the Band of the Hawk stand out as a particularly impactful moment, driving protagonist Guts on a path of vengeance.

Miura's commitment to realism and his exploration of difficult themes create a harrowing journey where even the strongest face the cruelty of fate, ensuring Berserk remains an unforgettable dive into darkness. All this cruelty makes Miura Kentaro among the mangaka who love killing off their characters.

4. Tetsuya Tashiro

Akame ga Kill, created by Tetsuya Tashiro (Image via Square Enix)

In Akame ga Kill!, Tetsuya Tashiro doesn't hesitate to dispatch characters, despite the manga's 78-chapter span. The manga surprises readers with its high body count (approximately 127), showcasing Tashiro's willingness to challenge conventions and defy expectations.

Tashiro's readiness to sacrifice characters injects a raw realism and an element of unpredictability, ensuring readers remain engaged throughout. Sheele, a Night Raid member revered for her kindness and loyalty, left a profound impact with her tragic exit.

Her demise poignantly underscored the perils faced by Night Raid members, offering a stark reminder of the unforgiving world they inhabit. All these examples justify why Takahiro is among the mangaka who love killing off their characters.

3. Isayama Hajime

Attack on Titan created by Isayama Hajime (Image via Wit Studio)

Isayama Hajime's Attack on Titan, spanning 139 chapters, is renowned for its staggering number of character deaths that propel the epic narrative. Establishing danger and unpredictability from the start, major deaths shape humanity's fate against overwhelming adversity. This is the reason why he is among mangaka who love killing off their characters.

The demise of Erwin Smith, Survey Corps' charismatic commander during the Battle of Shiganshina resonated deeply, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against Titans. Isayama's readiness to eliminate major characters like Erwin and Sasha Braus cements his reputation among ruthless mangaka who love killing off their characters. It also ensures Attack on Titan remains a modern classic for generations.

2. Fujimoto Tatsuki

Chainsaw Man created by Fujimoto Tatsuki (Image via Mappa)

Chainsaw Man, spanning around 153 chapters, showcases Fujimoto Tatsuki's penchant for unapologetically killing off characters, tallying up to approximately 60 deaths. The series thrives on gruesome demises, amplifying its chaotic and perilous ambience, and ensuring reader engagement until the last page.

Power, a devil-human hybrid, characterized by her bold demeanor and tragic backstory, stands out as a memorable character whose death deeply impacted fans. Her demise poignantly underscores the protagonists' perilous journey and the harsh realities of their universe.

Fujimoto's daring narrative choices make Chainsaw Man an exhilarating and unpredictable journey from beginning to end. It also justifies why he is among mangaka who love killing off their characters.

1. Akutami Gege

Jujutsu Kaisen created by Akutami Gege (Image via Mappa)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, spanning 267 chapters, Akutami Gege orchestrates a relentless series of character deaths, driving the plot forward with staggering casualties. From Junpei Yoshino to Nanami Kento's tragic demise leaves a lasting impact, underscoring the dangerous world of curses and the sacrifices demanded in battle.

Akutami's bold storytelling style, marked by risks and defiance of expectations, captivates readers and extends beyond the manga's pages, drawing attention and even threats.

Despite challenges, Akutami perseveres, pushing genre boundaries and enthralling audiences with Jujutsu Kaisen's gripping narrative and exploration of the human condition. Undoubtedly Gege is one of the most ruthless mangaka who love killing off their characters.

In Conclusion

In the manga, few elements are as iconic as mangaka who fearlessly dispatch their characters. From the gripping drama of Death Note to the eerie atmosphere of Tokyo Ghoul, these creators wield their pens, cutting down fan favorites without hesitation.

Yet, this merciless approach distinguishes them, drawing readers deeper into their narratives with each tragic loss. Whether it's Obata Takeshi's intricate plotting or Ishida Sui's grim exploration of humanity, theybecome mangaka who love killing off their characters. With every page turn, fans are reminded of their worlds' unpredictable and harsh realities, creating an emotional rollercoaster unique to manga.

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