Recs if you like Helter Skelter...

Manga isn't just for kids! These are titles intended for more mature audiences, including my personal recs and influential, well-known and bestselling titles that are available in English. Whether it's frank discussions of mental illness, abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, violence, sexuality, horror or dark fantasy, these are manga that either originally ran in seinen (young adult men) or josei (young adult women) magazines, or I've otherwise broadly categorized through research as "not for for kids."

Explorations of identity, vanity, the fragility of beauty, and mental decay through a dark lens. A multi-genre list that includes literary, contemporary, horror, etc.

relationship dynamics that i personally consider red flags: manipulation, possessiveness, controlling behavior, disrespect, boundary issues, jealousy, emotional abuse, blackmail, intimidation, bullying, coercion, poor communication, unhealthy power imbalances, obsession, dependency, toxic relationship dynamics, lack of consent

this is not a judgment of the manga itself. many are well-written, popular, or feature character growth 🙂‍↕️ i like few of these myself!!

Some women change the world. Others change themselves.

These fantasy and sci-fi stories follow women whose greatest transformation begin within. Whether confronting monsters, kingdoms, ancient gods, or their own fears, they embark on journeys marked by hardship, failure, growth, and change. Some become heroes. Some become monsters. Some simply discover who they are. By challenging expectations, questioning the roles assigned to them, and embracing their own desires, they rewrite their personal stories and become the people they were meant to be on their own terms.

One of two lists exploring two forms of transformation: changing the world and changing oneself.

Sister List: Women Who Rewrite Worlds

Suggestions welcome!