Throughout history, individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, or otherwise do not conform to cisgender norms have encountered various societal challenges. The past few years, in particular, have intensified these difficulties, even from those who profess to be allies. Pop culture often reduces the significance of gender identity to mere trends. However, narratives exploring gender fluidity and identity have existed since ancient times, evidenced by characters from Greek mythology such as Caeneus and Tiresias, as well as historical figures like Chevalier D’Eon.
In spite of the current societal climate, a wealth of films, television series, literature, plays, and manga grapples with themes of gender identity. These stories range from comedic misunderstandings to profound explorations of how identity impacts individuals’ lives. Below, we present an engaging selection of remarkable gender-bending manga that highlights these themes.
10 The Day I Became Her
MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
- Japanese Title: Kanojo ni Naru Hi (‘The Day I Became Her’)
- Creator: Akane Ogura
- 4 Volumes, 20 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Set in a parallel reality resembling modern Japan, The Day I Became Her introduces a unique societal rule that maintains a balance between genders. This premise leads to characters undergoing transitions in gender throughout their lives to preserve this balance, such as the protagonist, Nao Mamiya.
At 17, Nao finds himself converting from male to female, a transformation that challenges not only his identity but also his dynamic with his friend Kyosuke, who struggles to accept this change.
9 The Gender of Mona Lisa
MyAnimeList Score: 7.37
- Japanese Title: Seibetsu “Mona Lisa”no Kimi e (‘Your Gender is Like Mona Lisa’)
- Creator: Tsumuji Yoshihara
- 10 Volumes, 53 Chapters
- Available in English via Square-Enix and digitally via Comikey and Manga UP!
Inspired by the enigmatic Mona Lisa, The Gender of Mona Lisa presents a world where individuals are born genderless until reaching puberty. At the age of 18, Hinase feels content with their agender identity until two friends confess their feelings, prompting an internal conflict regarding gender identity and societal acceptance.
8 Book Girl
MyAnimeList Score: 7.40
- Japanese Title: Boku Girl (‘I, Girl’)
- Creator: Akira Sugito
- 11 Volumes, 107 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Boku Girl tackles themes of identity and societal expectations through Suzushiro, who embodies a quintessentially androgynous persona. After being transformed into a girl by the trickster god Loki, he faces the complex realities of navigating life and relationships from a new perspective.
7 Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout
MyAnimeList Score: 7.49
- Japanese Title: Isekai Bishoujo Juniku Oji-san to (‘With an Ordinary Guy’s Reincarnation as a Fantasy Beauty’)
- Creators: Yu Tsurusaki (story) and Chibimaru (art)
- 13+ Volumes, 203+ Chapters
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment
In a humorous twist, Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout follows Tachibana, who wishes for attention and is unexpectedly transformed into an undeniable beauty. This new reality brings romantic entanglements and challenges in a whimsical fantasy world.
6 Shishunki Bitter Challenge
MyAnimeList Score: 7.67
- Japanese Title: Shishunki Bitter Challenge
- Creator: Masayoshi
- 9 Volumes, 67 Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Unlike typical body-swap narratives, Shishunki Bitter Challenge delves into the struggles of Yuuta and Yui, whose accidental switch leads to profound introspection and represents the complexities of growing up with gender dysphoria.
5 Until I Become Me
MyAnimeList Score: 7.77
- Japanese Title: Ore ga Watashi ni Naru Made (Until I Become Me)
- Creator: Hatsuki Satou
- 5+ Volumes, 67+ Chapters
- Fan Translations only
Exploring the theme of empathy, Until I Become Me follows Akira, who, after experiencing life as a girl, gains insight into the pain and challenges her treatment of others inflicted. This journey reveals the profound impact of one’s gender identity on personal development.
4 Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
- Japanese Title: Oniichan wa Oshimai! (Big Brother is Done For!)
- Creator: Nekotoufu
- 9+ Volumes, 94+ Chapters
- Available in English digitally via Kodansha Comics USA
For fans seeking levity, Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister! tells the humorous tale of Mahiro, who, after a misguided scientific experiment by her sister, is transformed into a girl. The resulting escapades explore her adaptation to this new life and the ensuing chaos.
3 Ranma ½
MyAnimeList Score: 7.99
- Japanese Title: Ranma ½
- Creator: Rumiko Takahashi
- 38 Volumes, 407 Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Sunday imprint
No list of gender-bending manga would be complete without Ranma ½, a classic that combines humor and action through the story of Ranma Saotome, who transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water due to a cursed spring. The manga explores themes of identity, relationships, and the comedic complications that arise from his condition.
2 The Saga of Tanya the Evil
MyAnimeList Score: 8.37
- Japanese Title: Youjo Senki (The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl)
- Creators: Chika Toujou, based on the original light novel by Carlo Zen
- 30+ Volumes, 103+ Chapters
- Available in English via Yen Press
The Saga of Tanya the Evil masterfully intertwines reincarnation with gender issues as a salaryman finds himself reborn as a girl named Tanya during an alternate World War I. Faced with unique challenges, she must navigate her new existence while grappling with her former identity.
1 Ouran High School Host Club
MyAnimeList Score: 8.50
- Japanese Title: Ouran Koukou Host Club
- Creator: Bisco Hatori
- 18 Volumes, 87 Chapters
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint
Ouran High School Host Club spins an engaging story centered on Haruhi, who is mistaken for a boy and recruited into a school host club. Through this experience, Haruhi navigates the nuances of gender identity and attraction, shedding light on the fluidity of these concepts.
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