Centuria – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Centuria

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2026

54%

WISE Score

Think 'Berserk' meets 'The Mandalorian' if it was written as a Lovecraftian nightmare.

Centuria

book

2026

54%

WISE Score

Think 'Berserk' meets 'The Mandalorian' if it was written as a Lovecraftian nightmare.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Centuria is a powerhouse of a manga, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It follows a former slave who trades his soul (basically) for the power to protect a baby in a world that is actively trying to kill them both.

The art is gorgeous in a 'dark and twisted' way, and the story has a lot of heart despite all the blood. It’s a compelling read for older teens and adults who like their fantasy with a side of existential dread, but keep it on the high shelf away from the little ones. It’s the opposite of brain rot—it’s intense, thoughtful, and deeply grim.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the 16+ crowd. It’s a dark fantasy manga that leans heavily into horror and the brutality of slavery. If they aren't old enough for 'Berserk' or 'Chainsaw Man,' they aren't old enough for this.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While the core mission is protecting a helpless baby, the path is paved with 'blood awakenings,' bitter survival, and a 'cruel bargain' with a god. It’s a story of devotion, but the environment is relentlessly bleak.

Imaginative

Tohru Kuramori brings a high-concept dark fantasy world to life. The mix of supernatural horror, ancient deities, and the 'extraordinary powers' mechanic feels fresh and visually arresting, especially for fans of the Fujimoto school of manga.

Safe

This is a hard 'R' in spirit. Expect graphic violence, body horror, themes of slavery, and intense psychological distress. It is absolutely not for children or younger teens to stumble upon.

Enriching

It tackles heavy ethical questions about sacrifice and the dehumanizing effects of slavery. There is a strong, empathetic look at what happens when a person who has known only pain chooses to protect innocence.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning, gritty artwork from a creator who trained under the 'Chainsaw Man' author.
A raw, high-stakes 'protector' dynamic that makes you actually care about the characters.
Deep world-building that avoids the usual 'hero saves the world' clichés for something much darker.
Fast-paced action that doesn't shy away from the consequences of power.

⚠

What to Watch For

Visceral graphic violence—limbs, blood, and supernatural gore are standard here.
Heavy emotional weight; the protagonist’s history as a slave is central and painful.
Horror elements that might be too intense for anyone sensitive to 'body horror' or monsters.

Conversation Starters

"Julian makes a deal with a god to save a life—is there such a thing as a 'good' bargain with a monster?"
"Why does Julian, who has been treated so poorly by everyone, decide to be kind to the baby Diana?"
"How does the setting of 'Centuria' compare to other fantasy worlds we’ve seen? Why does it feel more dangerous?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic