Drama (1560)

Plot-driven stories focused on realistic characters experiencing human struggle. Because drama stories ask the question of what it means to be human, the conflict and emotions will be relatable, even if the settings or characters themselves are not. Here, you will see humanity at its worst, its best, and everything in between. Simply having a serious tone, dramatic moments, or evoking tears does not equal Drama. If the narrative focuses on eliciting emotional reactions rather than on characterization, then it is melodrama and not Drama. Slice of Life and Drama are incompatible by definition.

One

Lee, Vin 2024
High schooler Jenny You is living a dream. In the public eye, she is a delicate princess, a successful pop star, but in real life, she's a rebellious beauty ostracized by her female schoolmates.

She and her classmate, umpa Won (One), seem to have nothing in common on the surface. Eumpa is a quiet boy, ignorant of the pop culture that has enchanted most of his peers. Having spent his childhood as a depressed prodigy in the United States, he has now resolved to lead a normal life as a regular boy.

He likes a cute-but-average-looking girl, Young-ju Chae. Young-ju takes him to a pop concert, and Eumpa is exposed to Jenny's music for the first time. Meanwhile, umpa's resolution to live a normal life is challenged when his music teacher steals the young man's music and attempts to pass it off as his own...

So begins the story of One...

(Source: Tokyopop)
1998 to 2002 | 71 chp | Publishing

Peach Girl

Ueda, Miwa 2024
Momo Adachi struggles with insecurities about her tanned skin daily, which is only worsened by her high school peers. Moreover, the girl who Momo treats as her best friend, Sae Kashiwagi, is the most vicious of them all—spreading hateful lies and scheming evil plans to ensure Momo does not outshine her.

Unfortunately for Momo, she is about to face a tremendously difficult battle when Sae realizes that the two most attractive guys in school have feelings for her. Can Momo keep her long time crush, Kazuya "Touji" Toujigamori, by her side despite Sae's attempts to tear them apart?

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Sep 13, 1997 to Dec 13, 2003 | 72 chp | Publishing

Peppermint

Seo, Eun-Jin 2024
For Haei, being able to go to school with her idol, Ijy, is a dream come true! Plus she gets to help him with rehearsing. But with the girls from his fan club, who make her life hell on earth. But then Eo, a kid in primary school, wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend, making it easier for him to get away from his groupies. Haei's life isn't done being complicated....
(Source: MU)
2001 to 2003 | 21 chp | Publishing

Planetes

Yukimura, Makoto 2024
Haunted by a space flight accident that claimed the life of his beloved wife, Yuri finds himself six years later as part of a team of debris cleaners on a vessel called the Toy Box charged with clearing space junk from space flight paths. The team consists of Hachimaki, a hot shot debris-man with a sailor's affinity for the orbital ocean; Fee, a chain-smoking tomboy beauty with an abrasive edge; and Pops, a veteran orbital mechanic whose avuncular presence soothes the stress of the job.

(Source: TokyoPop)
Jan 14, 1999 to Jan 8, 2004 | 27 chp | Publishing

Girls Educational CharterPresident Dad

Rhim, Ju-Yeon 2024
Ami Won's late mother always told her to grow up to be an exemplary woman. And the chance presents itself now that her dad has been elected President of Korea. Thus begins this klutzy girl's transformation into the girl her mother had always hoped she'd become. However, in the spotlight and imbued with a kind of social power she never expected, Ami is now beset on all sides by the jealous and dismayed. Her cousin Bi-Na leads this parade. Bi-Na considers herself naturally charismatic and infinitely more charming, so she feels she deserves the role as Korea's First Lady.

(Source: Tokyopop)
2002 to 2004 | 43 chp | Publishing

R.I.P.

Mihara, Mitsukazu 2024
Transylvania Rose is a bored angel who descends to Earth to clean a few souls. When she witnesses a depressed undertaker slitting his wrists, Rose rips off one of her wings and gives it to the undertaker, trapping them both somewhere between heaven and hell -- and life and death! (Source: Tokyopop)
Apr 16, 1999 to Mar 16, 2000 | 12 chp | Publishing

RG Veda

CLAMP 2024
300 years ago, a powerful warlord rebelled against the Heavenly Emperor. After killing the Emperor, the warlord crowned himself as the new Emperor, starting a cruel reign. But there is a prophecy: Six Stars will one day assemble and overthrow his tyrannical rule ...
Now, the ruler of the Yasha Clan has found Ashura, the last of the Ashura Clan, and together they set out to find the Six Stars and fulfill the prophecy.

(Source: Tokyopop)
1990 to 1996 | 16 chp | Publishing

Rose Hip Rose

Fujisawa, Tooru 2024
Seventeen-year-old Kasumi Asakura may be many things—high school student, next-door neighbor, police assault squad ace—but she's not going to stand still and let anyone take a picture up her skirt, as Shohei Aiba learns firsthand when he tries it on the subway. When he attempts to find out more about this mystery girl, he gets caught up in her search for the serial killer nicknamed the Shepherd—who enjoys carving his initials into young women's mutilated bodies! Asakura's back for more in this action-packed shonen sequel to Rose Hip Zero!

(Source: Tokyopop)
Included one-shot:
Volume 4: Rose Hip Rose (pilot)
Nov 5, 2002 to Jun 14, 2006 | 22 chp | Publishing

Psychic Academy Oura BanshoPsychic Academy

Katsu, Aki 2024
Zerodaimu Kyupura Pa Azalraku Vairu Rua Darogu (a.k.a. Zero) once stopped the evil demon lord with his incredible psychic ability, and in the process saved the world from destruction and earned the honorable and highly imaginative title "The Man Who Stopped the Evil Lord."

Now, he has accepted a position as a teacher at Psychic Academy, a school for gifted psychokinetic youngsters who have demonstrated incredible raw powers and want to learn how to hone their abilities. Among the student body is young Ai Shiomi, Zero's little brother, a somewhat meek boy who, despite parental prodding and his fraternal reputation, feels that his limited skills hardly justify his presence at the prestigious academy.

However, everyone else is convinced that he, like his celebrated brother, is destined for greatness. A lot of pressure for a boy just entering adolescence!

(Source: Tokyopop)
Jun 26, 1998 to Jan 25, 2003 | 38 chp | Publishing

Rose Hip Zero

Fujisawa, Tooru 2024
Appearances can be deceiving. There is trouble in Tokyo as a mysterious terrorist organization called ALICE plots against the government. Just as the police are tasked to bring these men to justice, they are given a "secret weapon": a young girl with a mysterious past named Kasumi Asakura. She may look innocent, but she walks softly and carries a big gun.

(Source: Tokyopop)
Apr 20, 2005 to Mar 15, 2006 | 34 chp | Publishing

S to M no SekaiThe World Exists for Me

Be-PapasSaitou, ChihoIkuhara, 2024
To survive a fatal train wreck, Sekai Maihime is thrust back in time where she discovers she has hidden powers that are connected to a doll, 'S.' She is both aided and limited by 'S's' vague (but kind) guardian, Sovieul, who is the cause for Sekai's presence in 17th century France. Sovieul vows to protect Sekai, but offers little information as to why these strange events are happening.

Unfortunately, they encounter Machiavello (also referred to as the Devil) who looks a lot like Sekai's childhood friend and love Midou. Machiavello covets the powers shared by Sekai and 'S' so he may obtain the power of the Devil R. Sekai only wants to find Midou and return to her time, but she's constantly hindered by her conflicting desires with 'S' and by Machiavello's attempts to obtain her body. To find Midou, Sekai must cooperate with 'S' and Sovieul to traverse through time while avoiding Machiavello. (Source: Tokyopop)
Nov 16, 2002 to Jul 17, 2003 | 4 chp | Publishing

Saber Marionette J

Akahori, SatoruKotoyoshi, Yumi 2024
On a world with no women, the surviving men have reintroduced the female in the form of an android. Called Marionettes, they are built to serve men and are limited in their interactions with humans. That is until a poor boy named Otaru Mamiya encounters a Marionette named Lime. Lime is a Saber model with a special circuit that gives her emotions. When Otaru awakens two more Saber Marionettes, his life as an 'average' man quickly becomes as extraordinary as the lives of his eager, busty new friends.

(Source: Tokyopop)
Sep 9, 1996 to Oct 9, 1999 | 34 chp | Publishing

Saiyuuki (Saiyuki)

Minekura, Kazuya 2024
Since its creation, Tougenkyou has been a place where both humans and youkai live in peace. However, following the breach of a taboo in an attempt to revive the villainous youkai Gyuumaou, the "Minus Wave" unleashes throughout the land. With this ghastly force at large, the youkai begin to lose their self-consciousness, causing them to devour the townspeople.

Tasked by the Three Aspects—the messengers of the heavens—to stop Gyuumaou's resurrection and restore peace, Sanzou Genjou rounds up three old comrades, none of which resemble the definition of ordinary. Being half-human, Gokuu Son, Hakkai Cho, and Gojou Sha are the only youkai with the power and spirituality to withstand the Minus Wave. Despite being skeptical about trusting them due to their mixed blood, Sanzou heads to the west with his companions to eradicate the growing threat.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Feb 18, 1997 to Jan 18, 2002 | 56 chp | Publishing

Saiyuuki Reload (Saiyuki Reload)

Minekura, Kazuya 2024
The fearsome foursome continue their journey west towards Shangri-La, encountering new challenges and new adventures along the way. Their legend precedes them, but not always in the way one might expect. The Minus Wave that apparently drove all the youkai in the land mad looks like it might have missed one, as Sanzou, Gojou, Hakkai and Gokuu meet a lone guardian and the band of children he cares for. Fear and misunderstanding run throughout this particular leg of the journey, including between the members of the Sanzou group!

(Source: Tokyopop)
Mar 28, 2002 to Jun 27, 2009 | 66 chp | Publishing

Saver

Lee, Eun-Young 2024
Lena Ha is a beautiful and tough girl who is the captain of Kendo team. She meets Hye-Min Kang, the son of the president of a big company in Korea, and the two seem to feel love at first sight. But when Lena learns that she and Hye-Min are half-siblings, she runs away and falls into a strange body of water. When Lena comes to, she finds herself in a strange kingdom...and learns that she may be its only hope.

(Source: Tokyopop)
2002 to 2010 | 55 chp | Publishing

Scrapped Princess

Sakaki, IchirouYabuki, Gou 2024
Fifteen years ago, a set of twins—a girl and a boy—was born to the king of Linevan. Shortly after their birth, a prophecy foretold that when the girl turned 16, she would bring about the end of humanity. To avoid this terrible fate, the king ordered the princess disposed of... scrapped!
She miraculously survived and was raised away from the kingdom that would kill her. But now she has turned 15, and the king's guards have caught wind that she's still alive... and they set out to finish the job!
(Source: Tokyopop)
2002 to 2004 | 16 chp | Publishing

ShirahimeshouShirahime-Syo: Snow Goddess Tales

CLAMP 2024
Legends say that when it snows, it is because the snow princess is crying. A collection of three tragic tales, all connected by the bond of snow. Shirahimeshou is CLAMP's tribute to traditional Japanese form and storytelling. Featuring luscious watercolors and gentle brushstrokes, it is a beautiful departure from CLAMP's usual fare. Discover for yourself the mystery behind the snow...

(Source: TokyoPop)
Jun 10, 1992 | 5 chp | Publishing

Skull Man

Ishinomori, ShoutarouShimamoto 2024
Official sequel to the original version from 1970.

They took his family, they took his face, and they took his soul. Locked between the lethal but gorgeous assassin Maria and the mutant Spider Man, the Skull Man digs into the conspiracy that gave birth to his powers and those of his partner, Garo. Haunted by his past, he will not let them stand in the way of his revenge.

(Source: TokyoPop)
Mar 7, 1998 to Apr 5, 2001 | 50 chp | Publishing

Snow Drop

Choi, Kyung-ah 2024
So-Na, unable to remember a painful event in her past, is living only for her mother's nursery, "Snow Drop." When she meets Hae-Gi, the intentionally isolated and beautiful model, they instantly click and fall in love. However, a dark secret that connects them, threatens to tear them apart. Like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, Snowdrop is about two star-crossed teens who fall madly in love.

(Source: Tokyopop, edited)
Included one-shot:
Volume 5: What is Fate...?
Sep 1998 to 2003 | 39 chp | Publishing

Mahoutsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto: Taiyou to Kaze no Sakamichi...

Yamada, NorieYoshizuki, Kumich 2024
In this world, Nami has the power of using magic, but with her clumsy nature she has no mean of controlling it, although it's secondary to the way of controlling her feelings. When she meets Ryotaro Tominaga by crashing his bike, she becomes more and more anxious to understand her first love, while Ryotaro is despising her. Nami has a kind heart and soul, but she lacks courage and spirit to make crucial decisions especially in the last year of high-school. Here Nami and her friends reside in the world of magic, mixed feelings, misunderstanding, unrequited love, hate and passion to realize where they all belong.

(Source: ANN)
Dec 9, 2003 to Feb 9, 2006 | 25 chp | Publishing

Soul to Seoul

Kim, Jea-Eun 2024
Kai and Spike are best of friends. They have a common background, the fact that they are both half Koreans. They both feel alone and mistreated, angry towards the world, and uncomfortable in their own house. One day in the middle of black Harlem, they accidentally encounter a Korean foreign student, Sunil, and both become interested in her...
(Source: Tokyopop)
2001 to ? | 18 chp | Publishing

Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna (Spiral: Bonds of Reasoning)

Shirodaira, KyouMizuno, Eita 2024
Ayumu Narumi has lived all his life in the shadow of his famous detective brother, Kiyotaka. However, Kiyotaka disappeared two years ago, leaving behind his wife Madoka and Ayumu himself, along with a cryptic message about the "Blade Children."

One day, a girl at Ayumu's school suddenly dies. What seemed like a suicide at first glance turns out to be a murder, and Ayumu is the prime suspect. While investigating the person responsible for framing him, he discovers that the mysterious Blade Children are involved—and they somehow know Kiyotaka personally. Ayumu soon finds out just how dangerous the Blade Children are and learns that, in reality, he and Kiyotaka are intertwined more closely than he had ever believed.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Aug 11, 1999 to Oct 12, 2005 | 78 chp | Publishing

Suki. Dakara SukiSuki: A Like Story

CLAMP 2024
Hinata Asahi is a high school student who lives alone with only her teddy bears to keep her company. Her life becomes much more exciting when the handsome Shirou Asou, moves in next door—not only is he really cute (even if much older), but he's also her new teacher! Hina has a bit of a crush on Asou-sensei, but when the older man seems to take an interest in her as well, is it a forbidden love or something else?

(Source: Tokyopop)
1999 to 2000 | 15 chp | Publishing

NanaseTelepathic Wanderers

Yamazaki, SayakaTsutsui, Yasut 2024
Nanase, a beautiful young telepath, returns to her hometown to settle down and lead a quiet life. However, her unique abilities make that impossible, even in the most remote location. Then she meets Norio, an abused little boy with extraordinary powers of his own. Nanase takes him under her wing, and from there they wander...two outsiders traveling from one strange encounter to another.

(Source: Tokyopop)
2001 to 2003 | 23 chp | Publishing