Necromancy, or the practice of manipulating the dead, has always been an intriguing topic in literature and media, particularly in the manhwa subgenre. Storytelling that delves deeply into concepts of power, morality, and the afterlife is made possible by this ominous and frequently morally ambiguous magic. Perusers who appreciate dream, ghastliness, and activity are especially attracted to stories where warlocks become the overwhelming focus, utilizing their capacities to gather undead armed forces, perform illegal customs, and explore misleading ways loaded up with the two partners and adversaries.
Necromancy is explored in a variety of unique ways by many manhwa, often departing from conventional depictions to present novel perspectives on the genre. Some of the best manhwa feature protagonists who are necromancers and use their powers in captivating and sometimes unsettling ways.
1. Kill the Hero
Published: March 26, 2020
Authors: D-Dart (Story), Manhwa Insaeng (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 7.21
After being betrayed and killed by the leader of his own guild, Woojin is given a second chance at life. Upon his return, he vows to exact vengeance on those who wronged him, especially the so-called “heroes” he once trusted. Unlike many other protagonists in the necromancer genre, Woojin’s journey is steeped in themes of betrayal and revenge, giving his use of necromancy a distinctly personal motivation.
With his necromancer class, Woojin has the ability to raise the dead, but what makes his power truly unique is that his undead minions retain their original combat abilities. This means they can fight autonomously, using their skills as effectively as when they were alive, making Woojin a formidable one-man army. His strategy evolves as he gains other powers and skills, allowing him to become even more potent in his quest for vengeance.
Also Read: 9 Must-Read Harem Manhwa, Ranked
2. Solo Leveling
Published: March 4, 2018
Authors: Chugong (Story), Jang Sung-rak (Art), Disciples (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 8.67
In a world where portals called ‘Gates’ unleash monsters upon humanity, hunters are society’s last line of defense. Sung Jin-Woo, initially an E-rank hunter, is considered the weakest of them all. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when a dungeon raid goes wrong, leading to a near-death experience. When he awakens, he finds himself with a unique system that allows him to level up like a video game character.
As he completes more quests and increases his power, Sung Jin-Woo unlocks a necromancer class, enabling him to raise shadow soldiers from the monsters and humans he defeats. His catchphrase, “Arise,” has become iconic as he commands the dead to serve him. Jin-Woo’s abilities are not just limited to battle; he can also use his shadows for espionage, defense, and even teleportation. The manhwa’s art and narrative depth have made it a gateway series for many new readers exploring necromancer-themed stories.
3. The Dark Magician Transmigrates After 66,666 Years
Published: June 29, 2021
Authors: Pasa (Art), Hwabong (Story), Taru (Story)
MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
Diablo Volpir, a dark magician who once challenged the Gods, finds himself sealed away for 66,666 years. When he finally breaks free, he’s reborn with only a fraction of his former power. Despite being reborn into a loving family, Diablo’s thirst for revenge against the Gods remains undiminished.
Necromancy in this manhwa is intricately woven into the larger tapestry of dark magic. Diablo’s necromantic abilities are more ritualistic, requiring precise steps to capture the souls of the dead before they pass on completely. He then binds these souls into their bodies, transforming them into powerful undead warriors under his command. This approach not only adds a layer of realism to the necromancy but also emphasizes its darker, more gruesome nature, making for a compelling read.
Also Read: 9 Must-Read Harem Manhwa, Ranked
4. SSS-Class Revival Hunter
Published: December 31, 2020
Authors: Bill K (Art), Sinnoa (Story)
MyAnimeList Score: 8.23
Confucius Kim lives a mundane life on the lowest floor of a mysterious Tower. His life changes dramatically when he gains a legendary skill that allows him to copy any ability—but at the cost of dying first. Using this skill, he discovers he can travel back in time upon death, allowing him to strategize and grow stronger with each rebirth.
Kim’s approach to necromancy begins with the ‘Ghoul Reincarnation’ skill he acquires while clearing the 12th floor of the Tower. Initially, his summoned ghouls are weak skeletons without any of their previous abilities. However, through negotiation with the Tower’s system, he modifies his skill to allow these undead to retain their memories and personalities, creating a unique dynamic where his undead minions are not just mindless servants but fully realized characters with their own agendas. This twist adds an emotional depth to the story as these characters often provide insights and aid that help him climb the Tower.
5. Boundless Necromancer
Published: December 17, 2022
Authors: Seonun (Story), 2 Sarang (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 7.10
Set in a world plagued by Dungeon Breaks, Seong-yun Han’s life is upended after losing his parents to monsters. Despite years of training, he finds himself unable to grow stronger—until he receives an invitation to the mysterious Tower of Trials. Determined to gain power, he accepts the challenge at its highest difficulty level.
Unlike traditional necromancers who summon the dead, Seong-yun’s abilities focus on absorbing the souls of defeated monsters to permanently enhance his stats. This ability gives him a significant edge, allowing him to evolve his powers and skills continuously. Furthermore, his necromantic talents let him learn the skills of his vanquished foes, making him an ever-adapting force within the Tower. The manhwa balances intense action with thoughtful character development, creating a fresh take on necromancy.
6. Solo Necromancy
Published: September 13, 2021
Authors: Jijeomjang (Story), Kim Dong-jun (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 7.11
Seongwu, a former special forces soldier, finds himself thrust into chaos when a mysterious prompt appears, asking everyone to choose a class from a set of cards. Seongwu picks the only five-star card available: the necromancer class. Almost immediately, the world is overrun by monsters, forcing everyone to use their newfound abilities to survive.
Seongwu’s journey as a necromancer is more traditional compared to other series, with a focus on summoning skeleton soldiers from slain monsters. However, these skeletons retain the skills and abilities of the creatures they were in life, allowing for strategic and varied combat scenarios. As his summoned soldiers level up and absorb essences, they become more powerful, turning Seongwu into a commanding figure who rarely needs to enter the fray himself. The story explores not just combat but also the tactical aspects of leading an undead army.
Also Read: Top 15 Manhwa/Manga Similar To Solo Leveling 2024
7. Seoul Station’s Necromancer
Published: October 14, 2021
Authors: Jin Seolwoo (Story), Ji Sung Woong (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 6.74
After spending years in a parallel world called Alphen, Kang Woojin returns to Earth, a place now crawling with dungeons and monsters. In Alphen, Woojin was a powerful necromancer who ruled over his domain with an iron fist. On Earth, however, he finds himself stripped of his powers but still possesses his combat prowess.
The story of Kang Woojin is one of rediscovery and adaptation. As he reacquaints himself with Earth, he begins to regain his necromantic abilities. Woojin’s dual-class nature, combining his warrior skills with his necromancer powers, creates a unique blend of strength and strategy. He must rely on both his physical skills and his ability to summon skeleton soldiers to carve out his place in this new, monster-infested world. The manhwa’s pacing allows readers to slowly unravel Woojin’s past and his formidable powers, making for a slow burn that pays off in spades.
8. Reincarnation of the Murim Clan’s Former Ranker
Published: October 31, 2021
Authors: Sanbo (Story), Inyong (Art)
MyAnimeList Score: 6.64
Kang Taeha, a former SSS-rank hunter, is reborn into ancient China as Liu Xinyun, a lazy noble with no apparent talent for martial arts. Realizing that he must rise to power once again, he starts from scratch, blending his necromantic abilities with traditional martial arts to navigate the cutthroat world of Murim.
This manhwa presents a fresh take on necromancy by integrating it into the martial arts genre. Liu Xinyun’s ability to absorb or summon the spirits of the dead adds a supernatural element to his martial training. He encounters spirits of legendary martial artists, learning their skills and using them to enhance his own techniques. The story balances the spiritual aspects of necromancy with the physical prowess required in the Murim world, making it a standout in the genre.
9. Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits
- Published: 2023
- Authors: Chabin Dong Ghost (Story)
- MyAnimeList Score: Unlisted
After retiring from the Special Forces, Makoto Kaneshiro has been spending his days playing video games. With no way to return to society, he relies on streaming to make a living. That is until he gets a mysterious phone call stating that the person knows every detail about him. Before he can turn his computer off, he is suddenly whisked away into a fantasy world.
Necromancer’s Evolutionary Traits has one of the most unique approaches to the dark ability. Makoto inherits a game-like system that notifies him about his skills and ability. Even his journey begins by working as an assistant to a dark magician. Therefore, the manhwa explores the intricacies of necromancy through trial and error and proper rituals. Moreover, the system helps him to gain power bit by bit until he can ‘evolve’ any skill of his choosing. Naturally, he evolves his necromancy powers, which brings him to new heights. On top of his summons, he can also handle himself well in combat due to his special forces background. In a way, he becomes a dual-class warrior like Kang Woojin from Seoul Station’s Necromancer.
Also Read: The Action Manhwas That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Story
These manhwa not only explore the power and mystery of necromancy but also delve into the complexities of their protagonists’ journeys, making them must-reads for fans of dark fantasy and action-packed storytelling. Whether you’re looking for traditional summoning or innovative uses of the undead, these stories offer a rich tapestry of necromantic adventure.
Also Read: Top 10 Manhwa and Manhua with Skill Copycat Protagonists