Centuria: Why you should be reading this manga recommended by Chainsaw Man's creator

Centuria is a relatively new manga that has been serialized on the Shonen Jump+ website since April 2024. In the ever-expanding demographic of shonen, it is not surprising that it hasn't gained as much popularity as many mainstream titles. However, it is arguably one of the most intricately written and emotionally resonant manga in recent history.

For starters, Centuria is created by Tohru Kuramori, who is mainly known for one-shots such as Killer Parent and Chikyuu Kiroku 0001. However, he is more recognizable for having worked as an assistant for Tatsuki Fujimoto, the acclaimed creator of Chainsaw Man, Fire Punch, Goodbye Eri, and many more fan-favorite series.

Fujimoto’s assistants have gone on to become highly successful creators, whether it be Dandadan’s Yukinobu Tatsu, Hell’s Paradise’s Yuji Kaku, or Spy x Family’s Tatsuya Endo. Tohru Kuramori is the latest addition to this all-star list, and his manga has already received Fujimoto’s seal of approval, along with rave reviews from its existing readership.

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What is Centuria about?

Centuria follows Julian, a young boy who is found as a stowaway on the turbulent seas by a slave ship. Though the ship owners initially order for him to be killed and thrown away, the 100 slaves on the ship protest, expressing that they’ll share their resources and ensure his survival.

Through this, Julian becomes slave 101. Having been abandoned by his own family and sold into slavery in the past, Julian had faced a life with little love. However, in the harsh vicinity of a ship filled with slaves, he is overwhelmed by the kindness of those around him, who are compassionate without asking for anything in return.

Julian forms a particularly close connection with Mira, a pregnant slave, who becomes a motherly figure to him. While learning more about his emotions and his newfound friends in the coming days, tragedy soon strikes as the ship gets stuck in a storm, and the owners decide to kill all the people on it for insurance money.

To face their oppressors in an act of valiant resistance, every slave on the ship puts their body on the line to save the young Julian and the pregnant Mira. Unfortunately, this is to no avail, as the slave traders murder them brutally. Right when their end seems near, a mysterious being known as the Sea God appears, offering their blessing in exchange for two conditions.

The first is the death of several souls, which was already fulfilled through the passing of the slaves. The second is the death of a loved one, which would leave the option of either Julian or Mira dying. The protagonist initially agrees to sacrifice himself, but Mira refuses to lose him, having already lost a son in the past.

In a shocking scene, she cuts her own belly, forcing her child to be born. As the cries of a young girl echo across the seas, Mira names her baby Diana and hands her to her sibling, Julian. Expressing her love for the two, she then jumps into the sea as a sacrifice.

Pleased, the Sea God grants Julian immense power, speed, and senses, matching those of the 100 slaves that have been sacrificed. Additionally, Julian also gets to live 100 lives, making him near-immortal. Living as proof of the existence of those who died for his life, Julian vows to carry forward their legacy and protect his sister, Diana.

This sets off a grand tale filled with intense action, political intrigue, and unending tragedy. Though Julian tries his best to raise Diana, she is labeled the Child of Prophecy, who is destined to kill the ruler of the nation and plunge the world into darkness.

Chased by monstrous beings straight from an eldritch horror as well as humans trying to kill his sister, Julian’s resilience and willpower are constantly tested.

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Why you should be reading Centuria

The newer generation of shonen manga has significantly broken away from traditional norms, featuring dark stories, mature themes, and concepts that push the boundaries of the demographic. Centuria is the best testament to this and can be thought of as a combination of Berserk and Vinland Saga.

While Centuria’s world has various supernatural entities, its narrative is very grounded. It shows the hardships faced by common people against oppressors, be it slave owners, monsters, or all-powerful rulers. The series does not hold back on highlighting its astronomical stakes, featuring various heart-wrenching deaths among the primary cast.

At the same time, at its core, Centuria is a story about hope and love. Even in dire circumstances where only darkness seems to appear, people stand up for their values and bonds for the sake of creating a better future. They bravely face evildoers, allowing Julian to witness and learn about the beauty of humanity firsthand.

This helps create a very moving story where readers not only connect with the main characters but also those with short cameos. In addition to the excellent writing, the art style is similar to early Fujimoto projects such as Fire Punch.

The monster designs are terrifyingly impressive, while the power system and fights are handled ingeniously. Julian’s growth from a closed-off boy to a passionate brother wishing to protect his sister is organic and awe-inspiring, making fans wholeheartedly support him.

With 53 chapters at the time of writing and the recent installments featuring staggering revelations, now is the perfect time for curious onlookers to catch up on the series and show support. Doing so will help prevent its cancellation, motivating the author to expand upon his wondrous manga.