Wheelchair basketball, a key theme in Real, isn’t something you come across often in manga. Since it’s a pretty niche topic within the sports genre, finding manga like Real is a bit tricky because of how specific and uncommon that theme is.
However, there are some manga that share its focus on the various challenges individuals face and highlight the resilience of people overcoming obstacles, whether those challenges arise in sports or in the broader context of life. Now, let’s get into it!
10. Space Brothers
Space Brothers is a manga about two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who dream of becoming astronauts. Life throws them some curveballs, but the story really starts when Mutta, the older brother, loses his job and decides to give his childhood dream a shot. On the other hand, Hibito, driven by his passion for space, independently works his way into the training program.
Both Space Brothers and Real revolve around the journeys of young men in search of their dreams and the challenges they encounter while striving to achieve them.
09. Bakuman
Another manga like Real is Bakuman. While the former explores the challenges of individuals facing disabilities and rediscovering their place in society, the latter takes a different but equally compelling route.
In Bakuman, the focus is on Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, high school students with dreams of becoming manga creators. The story intertwines their journey through the competitive world of manga creation, portraying the hurdles, rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of their ultimate goal – getting an anime adaptation.
Additonally, it provides readers with behind-the-scenes insights into the creation process, pitching, and serialization of manga, making it not just a story about manga creators but also an intriguing exploration of the manga-making world.
08. Blue Giant
Seinen fans who enjoyed Real will find a lot to love in Blue Giant as well. It’s another touching drama centered around young adults developing through the pursuit of their goals. Additionally, both mangas share quite similar art styles. Readers will also appreciate that it maintains its standards over time.
The MC, Dai Miyamoto, a saxophone player with big dreams. The story takes us through his struggles, triumphs, and encounters with fellow musicians as he pursues his passion for jazz.
07. March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion tells the story of Rei Kiriyama, a young man who plays shogi and deals with the ups and downs of life. He feels lonely sometimes, tries to find happiness, and learns about friendship. It’s similar to Real because in both, the characters go through struggles and discover who they really are.
And, of course, the drawings and feelings in both manga make you really feel what the characters are going through. They’re not just about sports; they’re about life and how people deal with it.
06. Hikaru’s Go
Hikaru Shindo is your average middle schooler who stumbles upon an old Go board possessed by the spirit of Fujiwara-no-Sai, a Go master from ancient times. This chance encounter sparks Hikaru’s journey into the world of Go, where strategy and intuition collide.
At their core, Hikaru’s Go and Real are kindred spirits because they both explore the transformative journey of characters as they grapple with challenges, seek personal growth, and strive for mastery.
05. Ping Pong
Ping Pong is not your typical sports manga. Instead, it’s an artsy and unconventional take on table tennis. What makes it stand out is its emphasis on the complex and profound relationships among its characters.
The story primarily follows two high school friends, Smile and Peco, who are exceptionally skilled at table tennis. As they deal with the competitive world of the sport, the manga explores themes of friendship, rivalry, personal growth, and the journey of self-discovery.
Whether it’s the intensity of table tennis in Ping Pong or the resilience on and off the court in Real, both stories capture the essence of individuals facing their own hurdles in the pursuit of excellence.
04. Vagabond
Created by the same mastermind behind Slam Dunk, Vagabond is an epic historical manga that draws inspiration from the life of Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most legendary swordsmen.
Meet Shinmen Takezo, who later becomes the famous Miyamoto Musashi. The story follows him from a hotheaded young guy to a legendary swordsman trying to understand the real deal about life through sword mastery.
So, why does Vagabond resonate with Real? Well, they both dig deep into personal growth and figuring out life. Whether it’s swords and samurai stuff in Vagabond or facing life’s challenges in Real, both are about the journey to really understand and master yourself.
03. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice quietly but powerfully made its mark in both anime and manga worlds. Created by Yoshitoki ÅŒima, it’s a tale that’s not afraid to explore the complexities of human connection, communication, and redemption. I still vividly recall the first time I watched it; the story has the ability to make cry just about anyone, underscoring its deeply touching nature.
In this manga, we meet Shoya Ishida, a former bully seeking redemption. The story takes us through his journey of reconciliation after reconnecting with the girl he once tormented, Shoko Nishimiya, who is deaf.
While there’s no basketball in A Silent Voice, it’s equally unique in its portrayal, offering a perspective on the challenges faced by disabled individuals that allows you to empathize with their struggles.
02. The Climber
If you’re a fan of characters dealing with serious psychological problems, The Climber should be your next read.
Mori Buntarou’s journey to conquer new heights kicks off when he switches to a different high school. Despite his introverted nature, his classmates coax him into a daring climb up the school building. Without any safety gear, Mori ascends with determination until he faces a daunting obstacle—an overhang.
The exhilaration of reaching the summit sparks a newfound passion for rock climbing. The experience opens his eyes to new peaks and goals, steering Mori toward a life of training, challenge, and the thrill of the climb.
Both Real and The Climber beautifully depict how the passion for sports becomes a refuge, offering an escape from the profound loneliness rooted in their circumstances.
01. Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk is not only a classic sports manga but also one of the best-selling manga series in Japan. It played a significant role in popularizing basketball in the country. Moreover, this manga was created by Takehiko Inoue, who is also the author behind Real.
The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent with a knack for getting into fights. His life takes an unexpected turn when he joins the basketball team to impress a girl. Despite his initial lack of interest in the sport, Hanamichi discovers a passion for basketball and begins the challenging journey of self-improvement.
Just like Real, Slam Dunk goes beyond the basketball court to delve into the personal growth and challenges of its characters. Both manga explore the transformative power of sports, showcasing how individuals face and overcome their own obstacles. Consequently, this makes it one of the most similar manga to Real.
