All 7 Magic: the Gathering Mangas Ranked

Last updated on August 31, 2023

Destroy All Humankind. They Can't Be Regenerated.

If you're a geek like me, you probably can't get enough of the exhilarating battles and captivating lore that make this card game so addictive. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience the thrilling world of MTG in a different format? Get ready to embark on a manga-fueled journey where fantasy and card games collide!

Today I’m delving into the wonderful realm of MTG manga, where the captivating characters, mind-blowing spells, and epic battles come to life in the form of Japanese comics. For those unfamiliar with the term, “manga” refers to the unique style of comics originating from Japan that has gained immense popularity worldwide.

I bet you didn’t even know MTG manga existed, so I hope you’re ready to know everything about them. Let’s jump right into it!

What Is MTG Manga?

Facet Reader | Illustration by Matt Stewart

Simply put, an MTG manga is a Japanese comic based on Magic: The Gathering. That’s it, if we’re keeping it vague, but there are some key differences from a regular comic like artistic style, right-to-left reading format, different panel layouts, and colors (manga are usually just black and white).

You might be thinking, “Why would I want to read a manga about Magic: The Gathering when I can just play the game or enjoy the official novels?” That's a great question! MTG manga offers a fresh and visually stunning perspective on the beloved game, presenting a unique blend of art, storytelling, and card-based strategy.

#7. The Purifying Fire

Released on February 27, 2010, this manga was published by the Japanese magazine Dengeki-Maoh. It tells the story of a young Chandra Nalaar, known as the infamous “Crimson Mage.“ She’s asked to aid Samir Mia Kauldi, an elf from the forest, to investigate something terrible that appeared in Great Western Wood.

The main downside of this one is that it's very hard to find and isn't free to read since it’s not published by WotC Japan directly.

#6. Magic – Urza & Mishra

This manga was released in 2000 by Gotta Comics, and it's a retelling of the Brothers' War story. There isn't much other information about the story itself, but you can imagine how things ended based on the latest The Brother’s War set.

If you want a sneak peek into how it actually looks, you can look at the first few pages Twitter user VorthosMike posted on their feed:

#5. War of the Spark

There are lots of things about this manga that I like. It's a long story about the events that happened in War of the Spark, with the illustration of all the planeswalkers and other iconic figures that took part in it. It's fully colored, which is rare in most manga. And many of its panels directly reference some of the most iconic MTG cards, like Niv-Mizzet Reborn.

#4. Rivals of Ixalan

The biggest appeal of this MTG manga is that it can be read for free on the WotC Japan website. It relates the story of Jace and Vraska, how they fall in love (from what I could decipher, at least; my Japanese is rusty), and how other planeswalkers like Gideon and Nicol Bolas impact their story.

It’s also fully colored, which is a trend for most manga directly released on MTG Japan.

#3. Throne of Eldraine

This manga's story is based on Throne of Eldraine, featuring Will and Rowan. We also meet other famous characters like King Kenrith, Garruk Wildspeaker, and the MTG figure that has taken many fans' breath away, Brian Kib… I mean Oko, Thief of Crowns.

You can read it online for free on the MTG Japan website.

#2. Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty

This one-shot chapter narrates the story of how Kaito and the Wandering Emperor met, how they were separated, and the main characters around the events that unfolded in Neon Dynasty. Its adaptation is clearly better than the previous manga because it's somewhat recent.

On top of that, the trailer of the set is also made in an anime style, making it very appealing to read the more detailed version for free on WotC’s website.

#1. Destroy All Humankind. They Can’t Be Regenerated.

Also known as  “Destroy All Humanity. It Can’t Be Regenerated“, this is my favorite manga for a couple of reasons, but mainly because its story is still underway. Unlike the others I’ve mentioned, this isn’t a one-shot chapter but a complete series. The story revolves around two young players that fall for each other thanks to MTG.

This brings back many memories as it relates to how they started into the game and kept improving on eventually making it to the tournament scene. Of course, it’s not the perfect manga. If you don't like it's primary genre, then this isn’t a read for you.

Another problem with it is that, while it's an ongoing series, the time between chapters extends into months, which can be annoying. Still, it's the most extended MTG manga that's currently underway, which is enough to make it first on this list!

What Is the Manga About Playing Magic: The Gathering?

Destroy All Humankind. They Can't Be Regenerated. is the manga focused on MTG players. Most other MTG manga are tied to the history of a particular set, but DAH.TCBR is set on our own plane, if you want to see it like that.

Does Magic: The Gathering Have an Anime?

No. The closest thing is the short trailer that WotC made when Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty was announced, which lasts around three and a half minutes and summarizes the history of Kaito and the Wandering Emperor while highlighting the peak moments of the set’s narrative.

Some movies reference the game, like The Sorcerer's Apprentice, but there aren't any anime related to the game.

Wrap Up

Read the Bones | Illustration by Lars Grant-West

The vibrant illustrations and dynamic action sequences of these manga leap off the page, drawing you into a world where the impossible becomes reality. This is MTG manga's biggest appeal for those that are interested to see the perspective of the most iconic characters in the game.

They also serve as a treasure trove of supplemental lore and storytelling. These manga often delve deeper into the backstories of fan-favorite characters, revealing intriguing secrets and hidden motivations that might have otherwise remained unknown. By exploring the expansive MTG universe through manga, you gain a deeper appreciation for the game's rich mythology and the interconnectedness of its many planes that, otherwise, you may not be able to perceive just by reading the novels.

Which is your favorite MTG manga? Let me know in the comments below, and remember to follow us on social media.

Sayōnara!