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Science fiction manga isn't as common as fantasy-based manga, and this can be seen in popular shonen works alone. Most of these verge closer to the fantasy genre, though sci-fi lends itself a bit better to darker stories. This is especially the case with some of the best examples of the genre.

Some of the darkest sci-fi manga are harsh, takes on the mecha genre, while others do the same for space travel and space operas. Many of them are grounded with all too human protagonists, all while using science fiction concepts to showcase the depravity of mankind. Body horror is also quite present in these works, proving that losing autonomy is the darkest idea of all.

Planetes Is Dark In Its Mundane Nature Created by: Makoto Yukimura

The space-based series Planetes takes place in a future where satellites and debris are a constant threat to planet Earth, requiring different means of disposal.

Crunchyroll is home to some of the season's biggest anime, with the streaming service hosting major hits both new and old. Alongside recent successes that are part of the Fall 2024 anime lineup, it's also now home to an underrated science-fiction classic from two decades ago.

Planetes is one of the finest sci-fi manga ever written, with the anime adaptation being just as revered. Featuring a much more "blue collar" look at the genre, the hard science-fiction anime originally aired from 2003 to 2004. Now available through Crunchyroll in two ways -- one of them for the very first time in North America -- the series, animated by Sunrise is a must-watch to explore the more everyday aspects of space exploration.

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Major global anime streamer Crunchyroll is exploring shorter anime projects for the younger generation's preference for short-form content.

Code Geass...

Multifaceted in its subject matter, themes, and premises, the anime medium is incredibly diverse with the stories it tells, limited only by the creativity of its authors. And the genre that allows said creativity to blossom most vibrantly is speculative fiction, particularly narratives that explore the possibilities and innovations of the future. While no one knows what the future may hold, countless outstanding anime series try to peek at what awaits the human race through speculating about times to come.

Optimistic tales of space exploration and prosperity in the intergalactic age paint a bright picture of a hopeful future, while dystopian stories of fallen civilizations warn viewers about potential dangers that might lie ahead. Be it futuristic science fiction that hypothesizes about distant prospects or more grounded shows that try to predict what will happen in the next few decades, anime set in the future are some of the most engaging,...

As we mentioned in the review of the first part of the trilogy, the influence of Kitano was small but significant. This time, however, it is much more evident (from “Sonatine”), although the preposterousness that characterizes Miike’s style, still manages to dominate a large part of the film.

Two contract killers, blonde-haired and quirky Mizuki Okamoto and cool and silent Shuuichi Sawada meet with each other by accident, during a “job” and soon realize that they are childhood friends. Their reunion propels them into travelling to the island they grew up together. As they reminisce the past and meet up with old friends, they learn a number of shuttering news and eventually take a big decision: to start killing for… charity, giving their earnings to the poor children of the world. Their decision, though, brings them against their old employers, the crime syndicates.

This time, Miike...