If you enjoy stories that mix survival, mystery, and a bit of fear, then Alice in Borderland is a manga you shouldn’t miss. Created by Haro Aso and published by Shogakukan, this Japanese series takes readers into a strange and dangerous world where people must play deadly games to stay alive. It’s a mix of thriller, supernatural, and survival themes, packed with twists that keep you hooked till the end.
The manga became even more popular worldwide after Netflix released its live-action version, bringing new fans to the original story.
In this post, we’ll look at the main plot, key characters, and the number of volumes. We will explore what makes Alice in Borderland such a powerful and unforgettable manga series.
About the Manga: Alice in Borderland Manga
Alice in Borderland first appeared in 2010 and ran until 2016, giving fans six years of intense, edge-of-your-seat storytelling. It originally appeared in the magazine Shōnen Sunday S and later moved to Weekly Shōnen Sunday, reaching a larger audience. Over the years, the story was collected into 18 volumes, making it easy for readers to follow the complete adventure of Ryohei Arisu and his friends.
For English-speaking fans, the manga is published by Viz Media, which has helped it reach a global audience. Its mix of dark, suspenseful storytelling and psychological tension has captured readers in many countries, making it a must-read for fans of thrillers and survival stories.
The art style is another standout feature. Haro Aso’s illustrations are detailed and expressive, perfectly matching the story’s tense and sometimes eerie mood. Each panel adds to the suspense, making readers feel like they’re in the dangerous world of Borderland.
The popularity of Alice in Borderland also led to spin-offs and sequels. Alice on Border Road explores different perspectives and events in the same universe. At the same time, Alice in Borderland: Retry continues the story years later, allowing fans to see what happens to their favorite characters after the main events.
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Plot Summary
At the heart of Alice in Borderland is Ryohei Arisu, a high schooler who feels bored and disconnected from the world around him. Life feels meaningless, and he spends most of his days hanging out with his close friends, Daikichi Karube and Chōta Segawa. But everything changes instantly when the three of them are mysteriously transported to a deserted version of Tokyo, a strange and dangerous place called the Borderland.
In this empty city, survival isn’t easy. Arisu and his friends quickly discover that the only way to stay alive is by playing life-or-death games. Each game is based on a playing card. The rules are chilling: the number on the card shows how difficult the challenge is and how many days they have until the next game, while the suit hints at the type of trial they’ll face. For example, hearts test emotional strength, while spades push players to their physical limits.
At first, Arisu is confused and overwhelmed. But as he faces more games, he adapts and strategizes, using his intelligence and observation skills to survive. The story takes readers through several intense arcs. Their first test, the “Three of Clubs”, immediately shows how dangerous Borderland is, leaving the friends injured and shaken. Later, some of Arisu’s closest allies make heartbreaking sacrifices, highlighting the high stakes of this twisted world.
Arisu’s journey turns on when he teams up with Yuzuha Usagi, a skilled and resourceful climber. Together, they discover “The Beach,” a community of players who have carved out a fragile sense of safety. But even there, challenges don’t end. As the story progresses, players are forced to face the powerful face card opponents, setting up even deadlier games and pushing Arisu to his limits.
Through all these trials, Alice in Borderland combines suspense, strategy, and emotional depth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while exploring how far people will go to survive.
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Key Characters Overview
One of the things that makes Alice in Borderland so compelling is its memorable cast of characters. From brave friends to clever allies and ruthless opponents, each character brings something unique to the story.
Main Characters
- Ryohei Arisu (Alice): The story’s protagonist, Arisu, starts off as a bored high schooler but soon becomes a logical thinker and survival strategist. His sharp mind helps him solve complex games, and his growth throughout the series keeps readers invested.
- Yuzuha Usagi (The Rabbit): A skilled mountain climber, Usagi is resourceful and brave, making her the perfect partner for Arisu. She quickly becomes his closest ally, showing toughness and compassion in dangerous situations.
- Daikichi Karube: Loyal and courageous, Karube represents strength and selflessness. He often puts the safety of his friends above his own, making him a fan favorite for his heart and bravery.
- Chōta Segawa: Gentle and caring, Chōta is the emotional core of the trio. His kindness and loyalty balance out Arisu’s analytical side, reminding readers of the human side of survival.
- Saori Shibuki: The first player Arisu meets in the Borderland, Saori is complex and moral, showing that even in a world full of danger, people can make choices guided by conscience.
Allied Characters
- Shuntarō Chishiya: A quiet and clever character, Chishiya is a master manipulator who relies on intellect and observation. He symbolizes the cold, strategic side of survival in Borderland.
- Hikari Kuina: Courageous and resilient, Kuina stands out for her determination. She demonstrates the importance of teamwork and trust when facing deadly challenges.
- Tatta, Heiya, Aguni, and An: These allies join Arisu and Usagi later in the story, adding support, emotion, and skill to the group’s survival efforts. Each character brings a unique strength to the team, making the games more intense and unpredictable.
Antagonists / Gamemasters
- Mira Kano (Queen of Hearts): Elegant, mysterious, and commanding, Mira is one of the most formidable and memorable opponents, testing the limits of the players’ morality and courage.
- Ginji Kyūma (King of Clubs): A philosophical and respected rival, Ginji challenges Arisu not just physically, but mentally, showing that intelligence and strategy are as important as strength.
- Keiichi Kuzuryū (King of Diamonds): Known as a master of mind games, Kuzuryū’s cunning and tactical thinking make him one of the most dangerous face card holders.
- King of Spades: The ultimate test of physical survival, this character is ruthless and relentless, representing Borderland’s rawest and most brutal side.
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Art Style and Storytelling
One of the first things that grabs readers in Alice in Borderland is Haro Aso’s unique illustration style. His drawings are gritty and detailed, with expressive characters that make every emotion feel real. You can almost feel every panel’s tension, fear, and desperation.
The visual design isn’t just about looking cool—it enhances the story’s suspense. From the shadowy streets of Borderland to the intense game arenas, each scene draws readers in and keeps them on edge. Unlike the Netflix adaptation, which focuses more on action and drama, the manga is psychologically layered. It allows readers to spend time inside the characters’ heads, understanding their thoughts, fears, and strategies in ways the show can’t fully capture.
Volumes and Reading Order
The original manga spans 18 tankōbon volumes, covering Arisu’s journey from confusion to survival and the deadly games that test him and his friends. For fans who want even more stories in this universe, there are spin-offs and sequels:
- Alice on Border Road: A darker, alternative storyline that explores different perspectives and events in the Borderland universe.
- Alice in Borderland: Retry: A sequel series showing Arisu and Usagi starting a new chapter in life, giving fans a glimpse of what happens after the original story.
The manga is available through Viz Media and other official digital platforms if you want to read it legally. These platforms let you enjoy the story in high-quality scans while supporting the creators.
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Why Alice in Borderland Manga Stands Out?
So, what makes Alice in Borderland different from other survival stories? For starters, it combines intense survival challenges with deep emotional storytelling. Every game is not just about winning—it’s about the characters’ growth, their decisions, and the sacrifices they make along the way.
The games themselves are cleverly designed, keeping readers guessing and constantly thinking about strategy. At the same time, the manga dives into character development in ways that make you care about who lives, who falls, and why. Arisu’s journey, in particular, is full of psychological depth. You get to see how he grows from a bored, indifferent teen into a thoughtful and courageous survivor, which adds an extra layer of tension and connection.
You’ll likely love this manga if you’ve enjoyed stories like Death Note, Squid Game, or Gantz. But unlike some adaptations or shows, the original Alice in Borderland manga gives readers more insight into the characters’ minds and the reasoning behind their choices. Many fans argue that the manga is an even richer experience than the Netflix series.
My Opinion
In my opinion, Alice in Borderland is one of those rare manga series that truly sticks with you long after you finish reading. The suspense, emotional depth, and clever game design make it unforgettable. I especially love how the story doesn’t just focus on survival—it explores friendship, sacrifice, and human psychology in a real and intense way.
This manga is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thrilling stories with smart characters, tense challenges, and emotional moments. Even if you’ve seen the Netflix series, I’d recommend starting with the original manga, because it gives a deeper look into Arisu’s journey and the world of Borderland.
I was hooked from the first chapter and rooting for the characters through every twist and challenge. If you’re ready for a story that keeps you thinking and your heart racing, Alice in Borderland is the perfect pick.
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So, tell me, if you were dropped into the Borderland, how long would you survive the first game?
