In this article, I’ll share my list of romance manga with a strong male lead. Some of these stories don’t have many lovey-dovey scenes, but when romantic moments do appear, they tend to be quite memorable.
What were my requirements for this list:
- No Isekai
- The male lead should be physically strong – mental strength or abilities weren’t the main focus
- I didn’t care whether the Manga was from a female or male’s perspective or what Genre it is as long as the male lead is strong
- No Harem
- Romance has to be the underlying drive of the Manga or Webtoon
Akatsuki no Yona – a strong dedicated ML
- Tags: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo
Summary: Yona is a sheltered princess who knows very little about the harsh reality outside the castle walls. But one day her entire world is turned upside down: her beloved cousin Su-won stages a coup and kills her father. Together with her bodyguard Son Hak, Yona barely manages to escape the castle.
As they travel across the kingdom, Yona slowly begins to grow stronger and step out of her sheltered life. Along the way, she awakens the power hidden within her – with the help of the four legendary dragons.
Why is Hak a strong ML?
Hak, the male lead is the strongest warrior in Kouka, and although he is human he can keep up with the strength of the legendary four dragons. There are many occasions where you see him kick-ass and even fight alone against a whole army.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind one of the slowest of burns in Shoujo history (although they have sweet moments very early on, but Hak is the initiator most of the time)
- love it when many guys swoon over the female lead – although everyone knows who is the endgame (so it doesn’t count as Harem in my opinion)
- like to read a Shoujo with great characters and a very complex antagonist
Boarding School Juliet
- Tags: Action, Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen
Summary: As the title already suggests „Boarding School Juliet“ is the story of Romeo and Juliet – Japanese style. The two protagonists are Romio and Juliet. They go to the same school and are both the leaders of their respective houses: Romio Inuzuka is the leader of the „Black Doggies“ and Juliet Persia is the leader of the „White Cats“. They come from different nations that are not on good terms with each other and constantly fight. So although Romio and Juliet are in love with each other, they have to hide their relationship.
What makes Romio a stron ML?
Romio Inuzuka is the leader oft the “Black Doggies” and often gets into fights. Nothing can take him down: falling from a huge building, getting hit by various objects and people – Romio always gets back up again. Despite his strong physical traits, he is pretty strong mentally too – although he is completely head over heels for Juliet and is pretty insecure when it comes to her.
You should check it out if you:
- want to read a Manga with an early couple (they get together in the first chapter, although they can’t date freely)
- like it, when the MCs have many fans and admirers
- love it when the main couple has to hide their love at first
Noragami
- Tags: Action, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural
Summary: Yato is a pretty unknown minor god and tries to earn a living by taking on odd jobs for five yen. His big goal is to build a shrine for himself. At the beginning of the story, the world looks pretty grim for Yato, because he is homeless and even his Shinki doesn’t want to work with him anymore. On his endeavors, he meets Shiori, a human whose soul leaves her body sometimes, and a new Shinki Yukine. Noragami tells the story of a relationship between a human, who wants to turn her body back to normal and a deity whose biggest fear is being forgotten.
Why is Yato a strong ML?
At the first glance, Yato seems like a pretty chaotic and useless guy, but that is not the case at all. Despite being physically strong – so strong that he can even challenge the heavens and fight established gods head-on – he is also mentally strong.
You should read if you:
- like to read a Romance between species (she is a human and he is a god)
- love having a male lead who is pretty silly but can be very epic at times
- don’t mind crying your heart out
Kuroha & Nijisuke: Black Witch’s Divertimento
- Tags: Action, Shounen, Romance
Summary: Kuroha to Nijisuke: Kuroki Majo no Divertimento is the Sequel of Kuroha to Nijisuke which has only four chapters. It tells the story of Murokawa Nijisuke, who is a strong guy who is very unlucky and prone to having accidents. After rescuing Kuroha Yoitsuji while she threw herself out of the window to escape the Yakuza (which happens in the original) the two of them get involved. Kuroha possesses extraordinarily good luck and gets used by a Yakuza group because of that. But with the help of Nijisuke Kuroha starts to take her fate into her own hands.
Why is Nijisuke a strong ML?
Nijisuke is the epitome of a strong male lead. He possesses incredible strength, so much so that even boulders or cars don’t leave a dent in him. Throughout the story, he frequently gets into fights and almost always comes out on top, with many scenes showcasing him in action.
You should check it out if you:
- don’t mind a pretty open ending and a story with very few romantic interactions ( he constantly saves her though)
- like it, when most of the characters are pretty strong and have a tragic backstory
- love it when a story is pretty unpredictable
Ore Monogatari
- Tags: Comedy, Romance, Shoujo
Summary: This story is about Takeo Gouda. He has a very intimidating appearance: He is huge and has a pretty serious face. Although strangers are often scared by him, everyone adores him when they get to know him better. His luck with girls is still nowhere to be seen: every girl he liked fell for his best friend Makoto Sunakawa at some point. This changes when he meets Rinko Yamato after saving her from a molester. She instantly falls in love but Takeo has a hard time believing that she likes him.
Why is Takeo a strong ML?
Takeo Gouda is adored by everyone. He has a huge boy-fanclub and they see him as their idol and often call him „the man“. I mean he jumps in a collapsing building to safe someone and lifts huge pillars. So he is pretty strong.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind when the male lead isn’t the typical pretty boy
- like reading a Manga where the MCs are completely opposite: he is huge and loud and she is mall and shy
- love reading a story with fleshed-out side characters (especially the best friend Sunakawa Makoto)
Niehime To Kemono No Ou
- Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo
Summary: Saliphie is supposed to become a human sacrifice for the King of the Beasts and Demons. Even when facing death Saliphie stays positive and interacts with the King in a very unprejudiced way. He takes a liking to her and takes her as her consort which leads to her being the first female human Consort of the king. Not everyone in the King’s realm looks favorably on their relationship and they have to overcome many obstacles.
Why is Leo a strong ML?
Leo is the king of the beasts, has a powerful divine beast by his side, and carries an intimidating presence. He often lifts the female lead and carries her around or rushes in to help her. Even when his subordinates question his ability to rule, he still gives his orders with great intensity.
However, if your main goal is to read about a male lead constantly showing his strength in action, you might be disappointed. To be honest, Leo doesn’t do that much. Instead, he relies heavily on the female lead for emotional support.
You should read if you:
- like it when the female lead is the only one who can get close to the male lead
- love it when they touch each other often (they already cuddle in chapter one)
- don’t mind when the power of the male lead isn’t shown often
Abe kun’s got me now
- Tags: Romance, School, Shoujo
Summary: This story is about Abe-kun and his desperate pursuit of being the best in karate and making Akari his girlfriend. After Akari helped care for him when he was injured after protecting her, Abe-kun confessed his love for her. Akari doesn’t want anything to do with him at first but Abe-kun doesn’t accept her rejection (yes he is very pushy and doesn’t respect boundaries at all. This is one of those Shoujo that didn’t age well).
Why is Abe a strong ML?
Abe-kun is the karate ace of his school and takes his training very seriously. He regularly wins competitions, and the story often highlights his athletic build – just take a look at the cover. That alone makes him a pretty strong male lead.
He is also very supportive of his friends and of Akari, so his mindset and sense of loyalty are strong as well.
You should read if you:
- like reading a story with a very persistent and forceful male lead (he crosses the line constantly, so if you don’t want that better keep your eyes and heart away from that one)
- love it when the guy is the first to fall in love and the female lead is very reluctant at first
- don’t mind a pretty standard shoujo plot
