Ever feel like you’re late to the party when everyone’s already raving about that *one* amazing show? I get it. That’s why I’m spotlighting a manga I recommended some time ago, before it hits peak popularity: MAD. Trust me; this sci-fi series is bonkers—in the best way possible.
I’ve spent years exploring hidden gems in manga and can tell you that this one stands out. So, let’s get into why MAD deserves your attention right now.
What is ‘MAD’ manga about?
MAD, from Yusuke Otori, imagines what Alien: Earth would be like if it were a manga, but with fight scenes matching Jujutsu Kaisen and a thoughtful tone similar to Chainsaw Man. The story asks what happens when society has zero hope of survival unless it gives in to or changes to match its invaders. It’s not as simple as hoping the monsters play nice.
Who is John in ‘MAD’ manga?
The story focuses on John, just a regular guy constantly thrown into awful situations that could make anyone snap. His troubles start when he reaches a bunker called Jericho, where military folks offer him safety from the alien threat. But Jericho is more like Cillian Murphy’s refuge in 28 Days Later—a false hope.
Who is Leon in ‘MAD’ manga?
Everyone taken into Jericho is locked up immediately. Their only shot at survival is to eat alien remains, hoping they either survive the process or die quickly. Plus, there’s a disturbing baby factory run by Jericho’s unhinged leader, Leon. Leon is a truly awful character, and the series highlights both his villainy and how pathetic he is without his power.
What makes ‘MAD’ manga stand out?
Initially, MAD grabbed attention with its covers, which clearly paid homage to classic American movie posters, and its Alien-meets-Kaiju No. 8 idea: humans can turn into monsters. Specifically, humans who are smart and lucky enough to kill an alien, eat its meat, and survive the gene-altering change.
The series found its stride when it moved beyond Jericho and revealed how the rest of its messed-up world deals with quadrupedal aliens that hunt at night like jackals. I remember thinking, “This is where it gets interesting.”
The manga introduces religious fanatics who think the aliens are fallen gods, plus a resistance group trying to survive the brutal landscape. John meets new allies, enemies, and fellow alien-transformers. They come together in intense battles and wild plot twists that flesh out this crazy world.
Where can you read ‘MAD’ manga?
You can find MAD on Manga Plus, one of the easier manga reading apps to use. Its comment section is full of fans eager to see how the biweekly updates will push the characters further into despair in a world that seems hopeless.
Is ‘MAD’ manga worth reading?
As of now, MAD is becoming a series that goes beyond its initial comparisons, building a rich world and characters you can actually care about. And, in Leon’s case, characters you can’t wait to see get what they deserve. If you want a somewhat funny, atmospheric sci-fi manga about killing aliens, turning into aliens, and finding hope in a terrible world, MAD is worth checking out.
So, ready to dive into a wild manga? What other under-the-radar manga series have you discovered lately, and what did you think?