Best Full Color Dark Fantasy Manhwa

Dark Fantasy Manhwa in full color is hard to come by, and knowing what’s the best series to follow is even harder. The genre often depicts anti-hero like characters who will do anything to accomplish their goals, dealing with morally gray choices and outcomes, and frequently dabbling in forbidden magic or techniques that can destroy the world when used irresponsibly.

The genre also has some of the best character developments amidst a dark and gloomy setting where it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. So, in other words: a great read for those fans of the fantasy genre who are looking for a more adult-focused plot and worldbuilding. Discussed below are the best full color dark fantasy Manhwa to read nowadays: from the story of a resurrected Demon Lord turned saviour of the world to a talentless magician who one day discovers a dark grimoire and becomes soulbound to it.

Updated November 12, 2024, by Lucas Simons: It has been quite a good year for Dark Fantasy Manhwa, with a lot of series like The Necromancer of Seoul Station ending, and other series starting their second and third seasons. Fans of this genre might notice there are new recommended series in this list, including Standard of Reincarnation and Dragon Devouring Mage, both are quite good and have reached a certain quality to be able to join the ranks of some of the best Manhwa. Not only is their art good, but the eerie and obscure tones it uses perfectly fit the Dark Fantasy setting of their stories. So, let’s take a look at what has been going on with some of the most dark and thrilling Manhwa series available.

9 Standard Of Reincarnation

A Tale About Switching Bodies And Achieving Godhood

• Genre: Adventure, Shonen, Dark Fantasy, Sword And Sorcery, Action, Reincarnation
• Author: Ilhwang
• Artist: Ramwoo

Davien Samion was cursed for being born with only one arm, and his family quickly replaced him with another heir. But as the years passed, Davien showed a tremendous talent for swordsmanship, and was named The One Armed Demon. At some point, he swore to destroy the family that rejected him but died trying to bring down the head of the family. And then, he was given another chance in the most unlikely of ways.

This series combines the best of the Action Manhwa with Sword FIghts, Dark Magic, and an incredible plot twist right in the middle. To avoid spoiling the fun for readers, let’s just say that it involves a complex conspiracy that is not often seen in the genre, so it is a great detail that makes this series quite good. From season 2 and forward, things get really hectic, and the plot becomes quite interesting. Since this is a relatively new series, there are not too many chapters yet, but what it lacks in quantity it compensates in quality: both art and writing are really good.

8 Dragon Devouring Mage

Starts As Mild Fantasy But Takes A Dark Turn

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• Genre: Adventure, Shonen, Dark Fantasy, Sword And Sorcery, Action, Reincarnation
• Author: Ilhwang
• Artist: Ramwoo

Russel Raymond, the sole survivor of a fallen noble family, is branded as a failure and third-rate mage, expelled from the academy and left to rot, he ends up working at the Royal Museum. Until he discovers a strange energy coming from the depths of that strange place, calling him with an eerie voice. He discovers the petrified heart of an ancient dragon, and his family heirloom suddenly reacts, sending him to the past.

A decent story, not the average revenge tale about a resentful reincarnator, instead, it has a lot of heartwarming moments. But as the plot develops, it gets more complex and the truth behind Russel’s reincarnation takes a darker twist. It has pretty good art, with a mature style that reflects the Dark Fantasy mood at its finest. Definitely among the best series of the genre that are currently ongoing.

6 Seoul’s Station Necromancer

One Of The Most Obscure And Twisted Revenge Tales

• Genres: Sword & Sorcery, Dystopian, Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
• Author: Jin Sol U
• Artist: Jin Sol U

A powerful Necromancer comes back to Earth after two decades away from his birthplace, carrying with him the stench of death, and a bloodthirsty desire for revenge. This walking calamity tries to infiltrate modern society and lay low, looking for the best opportunity to take revenge on those who wronged him and his family.

Seoul’s Station Necromancer recently ended, so if readers are looking for a complete Manhwa with decent storytelling and a Dark Fantasy setting, then this is what they’ve been searching for. A series with a deep treatment of the human condition, with a main character constantly struggling with his desire for revenge and the darkness that inhabits him after killing thousands of beings. The psychological horror and gore elements, with a mixture of Urban Fantasy, make this series quite a good (and intense) experience for fans of this genre.

5 66,666 Years: Advent of the Dark Mage

The Gods Banished Him, Now He’s Back To Destroy Them Once And For All

• Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, School Life, Drama
• Author: Hwabong
• Artists: Taru

The story revolves around Diablo Volpir, a Dark Magician who overcame death and defied the Gods and their unjust rule over mankind, and in return, was banished to the Limbo for 66,666 years. After eons of floating in the middle of oblivion, Diablo reincarnates as Jaime, a young noble who’s about to attend the magic academy, and discovers that the world has long forgotten him. This tale of resurrection and reckoning narrates the everyday life of a young mage who used to be a demi-god, and his struggles to adapt to modern society where magic has dwindled until it has become nothing but a joke.

With a dark and moody tone, the author defines the pacing and the worldbuilding with expertise, revealing their knowledge of the darker branch of the fantasy genre. A worthy read for fans who are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, with a character that doesn’t know how to ask permission (or forgiveness) and surely doesn’t need to. When strength is equal to being right, in a world corrupted by political schemes, his Dark Magic will rule supreme, showing despair to those who dare to oppose him.

4 The Knight King Who Returned With A God

A Bloodthirsty And Vengeful Monarch Descends Upon Earth To Cleanse It From Evil

• Genres: Dark Fantasy, Action, Comedy, Reverse Isekai
• Author: Salam Sallyeo (Story)
• Artist: Jeoncheon Huma Geomsa (Art)

When humanity was on the verge of collapse, the Gods chose the Holy King of the Grail to be their champion and sent him on a quest to eradicate evil throughout the universe. After he battled for hundreds of years the Gods spoke again: He was to descend upon a place called Earth, and show this godless world the purity of light. This is the story of the strongest King of Knights, and his mission to destroy Darkness with the help of the Korean Awakener Association.

A reverse Isekai of sorts, where the main character is as ruthless with evildoers as he is fair with those who follow the rules and praise the Gods. With a strong religious component, and a dark fantasy setting, The Knight King Who Returned With A God plays brilliantly with the “what if God descended on Earth” premise. And though he is only an envoy of the Gods, Leon Dragonia Leonhart is the closest being to divinity humanity has seen in ages. And he is on a quest to purge every dark creature from the corners of the world, so: Divine Smite plus blood and gore are guaranteed.

3 Star Embracing Swordmaster

An Orphan Embraces The Path Of The Sword, And Becomes A Legend

• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy
• Author: Q10 – Hong Dae Ui (Adaptation)
• Artist: juno

The life of Vlad of Shoara, a slum-raised young waif changed forever when a murderous knight destroyed the only place he could call a home. Bursting with vengeful thoughts, he swore to become the strongest to bring the murderer to justice, and on his path, he met Sir Jayad and Sir Joseph, a Knight and the Lord of the Bayezid house. Fostered by Sir Joseph, Vlad became an apprentice knight, and he was set on a path to purge the world from evildoers, which included a demonic cult, the remnants of the ancient dragons, and other bloodthirsty creatures.

The worldbuilding surrounding this story is definitely Dark Fantasy, with an eloquent tone and mature storytelling that caters to audiences knowledgeable in the darker parts of fantasy settings. There’s no fairness, no pretty fairies, no beautiful elves, just humans trying to survive and fighting against dark creatures using their wits, their strength, and the power of the “World” that drives their knightly oaths. An interesting read, with many twists and subplots worth exploring.

2 Swordmaster’s Youngest Son

A Cursed Child Is Given Another Chance, And He Will Show Them A World Of Hurt

• Genre: Adventure, Shonen, Dark Fantasy, Sword And Sorcery, Action
• Author: AZI, HWANGZE PENGUIN, SYS
• Artist: Mr. Big

The story of Jin Runcandle came abruptly to an end when a curse that had been embedded into him since a young age ended up killing him. But instead of letting him die, the god of Darkness and Magic, Solderet, gave him another chance: To become his contractor and to awaken the Dark Dragon. Together, they will grow and overcome all challenges. Together, they will become living legends. But for that, Jin first has to overcome all of his family’s bloodthirsty siblings and many trials prepared by the Patriarch of the Runcandle house, to become a Flagbearer worthy of their House Name, and of course, to avoid being discovered as the Contractor of The Shadow God.

Tracing back the path of the Founder Temar Runcandle, Jin and Murakan the Black Dragon, will scour the lands to find his inheritance, and the way for Jin to become the absolute Swordmaster, before the vicious Zipple family, eternal rivals of the Runcandle Household, discovers his secret and ruins their plans. The story is most definitely darker than other “power fantasy” series, with a mature and sarcastic tone and pretty decent worldbuilding. Action scenes are abundant, and sword and magic are the norm.

1 The Book Eating Magician

Power Comes At The Cost Of His Humanity, But He Doesn’t Care

• Genre: Adventure, Shonen, Dark Fantasy, Drama, Action
• Author: Mekenlo
• Artist: Mekenlo

The Book Eating Magician narrates the epic tale of Theodore Miller, a failed magician, who overcame his weakness by discovering a book that allows him to eat other books and absorb their knowledge. The Black Grimoire of Gluttony, the demonic book of the Seven Deadly Sins is attached to his hand like a parasite, and together they travel across the world in search of forbidden and forgotten knowledge to make their power grow.

A significantly darker story than other magic fantasy series, with a more mature tone, ideal for those who love grimdark and dark fantasy. It has some humorous and sarcastic moments, but most of the time, action and adventure are its main topics. While also maintaining the typical power fantasy-related tone, where the main character grows in power and becomes unstoppable. Definitely worth a read for those who enjoy “The Magical Academy dropout finding his own way” tropes.