Video games and manga go together like ramen and eggs—perfectly. But while it’s no surprise when popular anime gets a video game spin-off, the reverse is sometimes less expected. Some of your favorite games have quietly made the jump into the manga world, complete with unique storylines, new character perspectives, and stunning art styles.
Let’s dive into five awesome video games you probably didn’t know had manga adaptations—and why you might want to check them out!
1. Dark Souls
Yes, Dark Souls has a manga—and no, it’s not nearly as brooding as the game. In fact, Dark Souls: Winter’s Spite and Dark Souls: The Breath of Andolus take a surprisingly different approach.
While the game is known for its cryptic storytelling and brutal difficulty, the manga leans more into traditional narrative structure. It follows new characters and introduces fresh lore that expands the mysterious world in interesting ways. The dark fantasy vibe is still very much there, but there’s more dialogue, clearer motivations, and (thankfully) fewer deaths for the reader.
Fans of the series will love seeing the grim world of Dark Souls reimagined in manga panels, with haunting art and all the existential dread you’d expect.
2. Persona 5
Stylish, rebellious, and oozing cool—Persona 5 was practically made to be a manga. And thankfully, it got one! Persona 5: Mementos Mission and Persona 5: Official Manga bring the Phantom Thieves to life in a whole new format.
The manga dives deeper into the characters’ personal lives and relationships, offering bonus side stories not seen in the game. If you ever wanted more of Joker, Ann, Ryuji, or Futaba, the manga delivers that and more.
It also captures the slick, energetic tone of the game beautifully. The art style pops with flair, and even mundane school scenes feel dynamic. Definitely a must-read for any Phantom Thieves fan.
3. The Legend of Zelda Series
You might know Zelda from its iconic green tunic and puzzle-filled temples, but did you know there’s a whole collection of manga adaptations for the series?
Written and illustrated by Akira Himekawa (a manga duo), the Legend of Zelda manga covers several games, including Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, Oracle of Seasons/Ages, and Twilight Princess. These aren’t just retellings—they often add emotional depth to Link and give more backstory to characters we only get glimpses of in the games.
Whether you’re a longtime Hyrule explorer or a newer fan, the manga is a great way to see the story from a new angle—with some seriously nostalgic artwork.
4. Ace Attorney
OBJECTION! Believe it or not, Phoenix Wright and his courtroom adventures made their way into manga too. The Ace Attorney manga series is packed with humor, twists, and that signature over-the-top courtroom drama.
There are a few different manga series based on the games, including ones that follow the cases from the games closely and others with original stories. They bring even more depth to familiar faces like Maya, Edgeworth, and Detective Gumshoe.
If you love the whodunit vibe of the games, the manga does a great job of capturing the tension and absurdity in equal measure. Bonus: it’s easier to reread that plot twist you missed the first time.
5. Splatoon
Bright, colorful, and chaotic—Splatoon seems like an odd pick for a manga. But the Splatoon manga is surprisingly hilarious and charming.
Following a group of Inklings as they battle in Turf Wars, the series is more comedic than action-packed, but it nails the fun tone of the game. It introduces brand new characters, goofy rivalries, and a whole lot of squid-based shenanigans.
It’s aimed at a younger audience, but even adult fans will enjoy the wild humor and stylized artwork. Think of it as the Saturday morning cartoon version of your favorite multiplayer shooter.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a diehard gamer or a manga enthusiast (or both!), these adaptations are worth a look. They offer new stories, fresh perspectives, and some pretty awesome artwork. So next time you’re between game sessions, why not pick up a volume and see your favorite digital world through a manga lens?
