Why Sakamoto Days Is the Ultimate Manga Like John Wick
If you loved John Wick and want that same relentless, stylish action in manga form, there is one title that stands above the rest: Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki. This series captures everything that makes the John Wick franchise iconic — a retired legend dragged back into a world of assassins, jaw-dropping fight choreography, and the creative use of everyday objects as lethal weapons.
For anyone searching for a manga like John Wick, Sakamoto Days is the answer. Here is exactly why.
The Premise: A Legendary Hitman’s Peaceful Life Interrupted
Taro Sakamoto was once the most feared hitman in the entire assassin underworld. His name alone was enough to make elite killers back down. But after falling in love and starting a family, Sakamoto retired from the business entirely. He now runs a small, quiet convenience store — and has gained a significant amount of weight in the process.
The contrast is the hook. Sakamoto is no longer the sleek, intimidating killer he once was. He is a round, easygoing family man who genuinely enjoys his peaceful life stocking shelves and chatting with customers. But when figures from his violent past come looking for him, that legendary skill set comes roaring back — and the results are spectacular.
This setup mirrors the core appeal of John Wick almost perfectly. Both characters are retired professionals who built mythic reputations. Both are pulled back into danger against their will. And both prove, instantly and decisively, that retirement did not dull their abilities one bit.
Next-Level Action Choreography Using Everyday Items
What truly makes Sakamoto Days feel like a John Wick manga is the combat. Yuto Suzuki draws some of the most dynamic, inventive fight sequences in modern manga. Sakamoto does not rely on conventional weapons. Instead, he weaponizes whatever is within arm’s reach — ballpoint pens, store signs, bags of candy, shopping baskets, even a slipper.
John Wick fans will immediately recognize this energy. Just as Wick famously dispatched enemies with a pencil, Sakamoto turns the mundane into the deadly with terrifying efficiency. The choreography flows from panel to panel with a cinematic quality that is rare in manga. You can almost hear the impacts.
Each fight escalates naturally. Early encounters might involve a quick convenience store brawl, but later chapters deliver full-scale action set pieces that rival anything in a blockbuster film. The artwork carries every punch, kick, and improvised strike with clarity and weight, making it easy to follow even if you are completely new to manga.
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1 (English Edition)
Action vs. Comedy: A Perfect Balance for Beginners
One thing that sets Sakamoto Days apart from other action manga is how effectively it balances intense, high-stakes violence with genuine comedy. This is not a series that takes itself too seriously. Between life-or-death battles, there are moments of warm, laugh-out-loud humor that make the characters feel real and likable.
Sakamoto’s transformation from feared assassin to lovable, overweight dad is inherently funny. His former associates cannot believe what he looks like now. His coworker Shin — a young man who can read minds — provides constant comedic commentary. The dynamic between the cast keeps the tone light without ever undermining the action.
This balance is a major reason why Sakamoto Days works so well as an entry point for new manga readers. If you have never read manga before, the humor keeps you engaged between fights, and the fights keep you turning pages between jokes. There is no slow buildup or heavy lore to wade through. The series hooks you from chapter one and never lets go.
For fans of action manga like John Wick, this comedic layer adds a dimension that pure action titles often lack. It gives you a reason to care about Sakamoto beyond his fighting ability, which makes the stakes feel higher when danger arrives.
Is Sakamoto Days Worth Reading?
Yes. Sakamoto Days is a currently running action manga serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. It delivers fast-paced storytelling that wastes no panels, paired with detailed, expressive artwork that keeps fight scenes easy to follow.
The series has earned a dedicated following for good reason. The fight scenes are inventive and thrilling. The humor is sharp and well-timed. The cast of assassins, allies, and rivals expands naturally without overwhelming the reader. And at its core, Sakamoto’s motivation — protecting his family and the peaceful life he built — gives the story genuine emotional weight.
If you enjoy action movies like John Wick, nobody asked you to choose between reading manga and watching films. Sakamoto Days proves that manga can deliver the same adrenaline, style, and satisfaction. It is a perfect starting point for anyone looking for a manga like John Wick that lives up to the comparison.
Where to Buy the Sakamoto Days Manga (English Edition)
The official English translation of Sakamoto Days is published by VIZ Media and is widely available in both physical and digital formats. Physical volumes can be purchased from major retailers, and digital editions are accessible through platforms like the VIZ Manga app and other e-book stores.
Starting with Volume 1 is the best way to experience the series from the beginning. Volume 2 continues the momentum immediately, introducing new assassins and raising the stakes significantly. Both volumes are available in English right now.
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 2 (English Edition)
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