Looking for gender-bender manga recommendations?
Gender Bender refers to stories where the character’s identity or presentation is transformed either temporarily or permanently.
These types of manga are interesting as they challenge the concept of traditional gender roles and expectations of identity.
Whether you are a seasoned fan or completely new to this genre, you will find something you will enjoy on our list.
From “Prunus Girl”, “Kunisaki Izumo No Jijou”, to “Hatsukoi Zombie”, Here are the 15 best gender bender manga of all time.
So, let’s get started.
NG Life
- Author: Mizuho Kusanagi
- Artist: Mizuho Kusanagi
In the past two lovers, Sirix and Serena were separated by death.
Keidai Saeki, a high school student is a reincarnation of Sirix and wants to reunite with his lover, Serena.
However, his lover is in love with his classmate, and to make matter worse, his best friend is in love with him.
The manga depicts complex relationships between the characters and other characters dealing with their own issues feels realistic
NG Life has an aesthetically pleasing art style and the use of bright red color stands out while reading this manga.
Prunus Girl
- Author: Tomoki Matsumoto
- Artist: Tomoki Matsumoto
Maki is a popular boy in school who hates noise and crowded places. He waits till the end of the day to see his results.
There he meets Aikawa Kizuna an attractive girl but is shocked to discover her identity as a man.
Usually, in this type of genre, the gender aspect of the main character is kept secret but in this manga, it is declared at the very beginning.
Prunus Girl is heartwarming and entertaining to read and sure to appeal to rom-com fans.
Inside Mari
- Author: Shuzo Oshimi
- Artist: Shuzo Oshimi
Isao Komori is a college dropout who struggling to find his place in this world.
Suddenly one day Isao’s consciousness was transferred into the body of a girl, Mari who is a popular and successful student and he decides to continue her life.
Inside Mari explores the implications of a sudden body swap and the complex feelings arising between the characters.
The manga is known for its unique and thought-provoking premise. The relatable characters will leave you intrigued for days after you finished reading.
Kunisaki Izumo No Jijou
- Author: Aya Hirakawa
- Artist: Aya Hirakawa
Izumo Kunisaki is a descendant of the Izumo no Okuni clan who specializes in exorcising sports and is often mistaken for a girl.
His father and his childhood friend often laugh about it but his gender crisis is also his most significant source of strength.
Kunisaki Izumo No Jijou’s protagonist coming to terms with the ups and downs of adolescence makes this manga an interesting read.
The artwork is simply gorgeous with beautiful character designs and adds emotional depth to the story.
Kanojo Ni Naru Hi
- Author: Akane Ogura
- Artist: Akane Ogura
Nao Mamiya and Kyousuke Miyoshi are childhood friends who compete with each other in everything.
However, things change when Nao is hospitalized for serval days and returns as a female.
Kanojo Ni Naru Hi perfectly explains the challenges of making important decisions and the need to support each other.
The manga takes its time to build its characters and the world around but certainly worth it.
1/2 Prince
- Author: Choi Hong Chong
- Artist: Yu Ho
Feng Lan, a young woman disguises herself as a man in a virtual reality game and aims to win without using her female benefits.
She quickly rises her rank and becomes popular but has to keep her gender identity a secret from her acquaintances.
1/2 Prince has a diverse amount of characters each with their own personalities and abilities.
The manga is perfect for fans of virtual reality and gender benders.
Hatsukoi Zombie
- Author: Ryo Minenami
- Artist: Ryo Minenami
Tarou Kurume doesn’t have any interest in love. However, things change after getting hit by a baseball in his head.
He’s welcomed by pink haired zombie girl floating around his head and starts to notice similar ghosts above his friends as well.
The standout element of Hatsukoi Zombie is the main character trying to overcome the fear of zombies and uncovering the identity of the mysterious girl.
If you are a fan of the supernatural genre then you need to read this manga.
Houou Gakuen Misoragumi
- Author: Arata Aki
- Artist: Arata Aki
Kei Saeba is a girl who’s enrolled in Houou High School, a prestigious all-boys because her mother wanted to change her sexuality.
Now, Kei must act like a boy and keep her secret safe at all costs.
Each character in the manga is well-written and the relationship between them felt genuine and complex.
Houou Gakuen Misoragumi is a story of self-discovery that is truly heartwarming and enjoyable.
Kampfer
- Author: Toshihiko Tsukiji
- Artist: Yuu Tachibana
Natsuru Senou, a high school student is chosen to become “Kampfer”, a type of fighter who should transfer into a female to fight other Kampfers.
The idea of a gender-bending character who should fight in female form adds a lot of excitement to the story.
Kampfer is a highly recommended manga for gender-bender manga fans as its likable characters, fast-paced action, and unique premise are too good to miss out on.
Tokyo Crazy Paradise
- Author: Yoshiki Nakamura
- Artist: Yoshiki Nakamura
Tsukasa, a tough and independent woman becomes involved with the dangerous underworld of yakuza after the death of her father.
The female protagonist is a strong and formidable character but also has her own share of insecurities to face.
Tokyo Crazy Paradise is gender bender manga with a strong female lead, It has crazy amounts of action scenes and the high stakes of the underworld are balanced with bits of romance.
RECOMMENDED: Best Action Romance Manga
Ranma 1/2
- Author: Rumiko Takahasi
- Artist: Rumiko Takahasi
Ranma Saotome is a teenage martial artist who is cursed to transform into a girl whenever he is splashed with cold water.
However, the curse causes him to struggle with his own identity and fails to meet the expectations of those around him.
The main characters while trying to find a cure get into all sorts of wacky situations, that are sure to get you laughing out loud.
Ranma 1/2 is a beloved classic that will entertain its readers without any barriers.
Yamada Kun And The Seven Witches
- Author: Miki Yoshikawa
- Artist: Miki Yoshikawa
Ryu Yamada is a high school who has the reputation for being a troublemaker. However, one day after stumbling into a mysterious girl, who has the power to switch bodies with anyone she kisses.
Together they set on a journey to uncover the secrets of the seven witches who possess magical powers.
What sets this manga apart from the others is the clever use of body switching as a plot device.
Yamada Kun And The Seven Witches will have you crying, laughing, and rooting for its characters every step of the way.
The Saga Of Tanya The Evil
- Author: Carlo Zen
- Artist: Chika Toujou
A Japanese salaryman is reincarnated as a Tanya, a young girl in an alternate world on the brink of war.
Tanya armed with technology and a ruthless personality wants to rise through the ranks in the military to live a comfortable life.
The protagonist of this manga is multi-faceted as she’s torn between the desire for power and the sense of righteousness.
The Saga Of Tanya The Evil has detailed character design that brings characters to life and the unique psychological blend makes this a standout in this genre.
Boku Girl
- Author: Akira Sugito
- Artist: Akira Sugito
Mizuki, a high school student has been mistakenly transformed into a girl by a mischievous spirit.
Mizuki struggles to return to his normal form and has to deal with the challenges of being a girl.
The premise may sound like a typical gender-bender manga but the manga addresses sensitivity and nuance perfectly.
Boku Girl has plenty of humorous and supernatural moments that are worth checking out.
Your Name
- Author: Makoto Shinkai
- Artist: Ranmaru Kotone
Mitsuha and Taki are living completely diffrent lives in different parts of Japan.
Suddenly, one day they switch bodies and are forced to live in each other’s shoes and they struggle to adapt to their new lives.
The manga has beautiful and compelling storytelling. The relationship between the main leads is heartwarming and the theme of fate feels relatable.
Your Name is a unique manga that leaves a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
