Terra Formars is a standout manga series created by Yu Sasuga and Kenichi Tachibana, known for its wild sci-fi premise and intense visuals. While the manga officially wrapped up in 2018, it made an unexpected return in 2024, and fans—myself included—couldn’t be more intrigued. Though the anime adaptation had its ups and downs (let’s not talk about Season 2), today, we’re shifting gears to appreciate something truly eye-catching: the manga’s cover art. Sleek, minimalistic, and often explosive, these covers are more than just illustrations—they’re a vibe. So, with that being said, let’s rank the 10 best Terra Formars manga covers, shall we?
Oh, and a fair warning? You’ll spot Joseph Gustav Newton and Akari Hizamaru on three of these covers. Why? Because these men are too good-looking. Seriously, Joseph’s jawline deserves its own volume. 😏 Akari’s face deserves to be eternalized in the form of a statue. 🗿 But where do they rank? Scroll down to find out which Terra Formars manga covers feature these two badass guys! 🔥
10. Terra Formars: Volume 20 – Style Meets Misfire
Some of the later Terra Formars manga covers go all-in on detail, and while that can be a big win, sometimes too much creativity can backfire just a little. Volume 20 is a prime example of that balancing act. On one hand, the back-to-back pose of Akari Hizamaru and Shoukichi Komachi is slick and stylish—Akari in a suit, Shoukichi rocking his iconic coat—it’s clean, bold, and confident. There’s definitely something unique going on here, and it sets the cover apart from the usual formula. I also love the little touches, like the katana slicing through Akari’s tie and that subtle shine on the handle. It gives the illustration just the right amount of flair. ✨
But then… we get to the other side of things. That cockroach splatter on the left? It looks more like someone spilled white paint than a thematic design choice. It loses its impact and feels disconnected from the rest of the image. And what’s up with the “Terra Formars” title getting hidden behind Shoukichi’s arm? That’s a weird move, especially for a series that usually nails its cover layouts. The grey lettering also doesn’t help—it feels dull and lifeless next to what’s otherwise a powerful pose and cool composition.
All in all, it’s a pretty good cover with strong elements, but it falls short of greatness due to some puzzling design choices and a color scheme that doesn’t fully pop. There’s potential here, no doubt—but the execution doesn’t quite seal the deal. 😕📉
9. Terra Formars: Volume 5 – Adolf Reinhard’s Icy Gaze and Electrifying Presence
Most—if not all—Terra Formars manga covers follow a simple and consistent formula, and for good reason. This clean visual composition lets the cover breathe, keeping the focus where it belongs: on the title, the creator credits, and of course, the featured character. And when it’s done right? It really works.
Case in point: Adolf Reinhard’s cover. ⚡ Standing tall in a commanding pose, one hand raised as electricity crackles around him, Adolf looks straight at you from the side—his gnarly facial scars partially hidden, his expression calm but cold. It’s such a perfect representation of his character. Stoic. Intimidating. Quietly powerful. The man doesn’t need to shout to be terrifying—his presence says it all.
Also, can we talk about the silver tone used here? It gives off an icy, sterile vibe that matches Adolf’s demeanor while subtly blending him into the background. He’s not there to shine with bright colors—he’s the storm that rolls in with a whisper. It’s minimalist, it’s elegant, and most importantly, it suits him perfectly. One of the cleanest and most effective Terra Formars covers, no doubt.
8. Terra Formars: Volume 11 – Keiji’s Killer Stance & Crimson Color Splash
Out of all the Terra Formars manga covers, Volume 11 instantly grabs your attention—and refuses to let go. 💥 What makes it pop isn’t just the colors (though they’re 🔥), it’s the clever composition and the menacing transformation of Keiji Onizuka. One half of his face remains human, stoic and focused, while the other is overtaken by the mantis shrimp mutation, revealing the monstrous power lurking just beneath the surface. It’s unsettling, and totally badass.
That boxing stance? It’s tight, disciplined, and screams “Come at me.” 🥊 And then there’s the outstretched hand—like he’s reaching for you, ready to drag you into the fight. It adds a sense of depth and motion, giving the cover a pulse. But the true knockout punch comes from the bold pinkish-red color scheme, which stands out in a series that often leans into muted tones and metallic shades. It’s daring, different, and it absolutely works.
This cover doesn’t just show Keiji—it sells him. His raw power, brutal elegance, and hybrid horror all wrapped in a single, visually dynamic package. Easily one of the most memorable and stylish covers in the entire Terra Formars lineup. 👊
7. Terra Formars: Volume 6 – Marcos’s Smirk Says It All
Some covers scream personality—and Volume 6 of Terra Formars does exactly that, all thanks to the one and only Marcos E. Garcia. From the second you lay eyes on it, you get everything you need to know about him. That cocky little smirk? Legendary. The confident, almost mocking pose? Classic Marcos. He looks like he’s moments away from roasting you, and you’d still love him for it. 😂
This isn’t just a cool action shot—it’s a personality piece. The entire cover is bursting with Marcos’s charm, with barely any negative space left. He dominates the visual real estate in the best way possible, pulling your focus and making it impossible to look away. And that trusty staff in hand? A perfect nod to his combat style and how he balances playfulness with real-deal strength. 💪
Even the smaller details hit hard: the tweaked color of the number 6, the cockroach splashes that match his vibe, and the way the title text blends in more organically than usual. It all fits. It’s fun, it’s badass, and it’s 100% Marcos. One of the most personality-driven and memorable covers in the series, no doubt.
6. Terra Formars: Volume 9 – Joseph Newton’s Bronze-God Swagger on Full Display
When it comes to memorable appearances, Joseph Newton is one of Terra Formars’ most striking characters—and that’s showcased brilliantly on Volume 9’s manga cover. While the design is relatively simple, it oozes confidence, style, and power. Joseph stands tall, hand resting on his head, adjusting his hair like he’s about to hit the runway—or the battlefield. It’s a pose that screams effortless cool and gives off that “I know I’m him” energy. 😎
What really makes this cover pop is the golden-bronze palette, bathing Joseph in a light that gives him a statuesque quality, like a god carved in metal. His chiseled physique, that calm yet cocky gaze—it’s not just eye-catching, it’s magnetic. While many other Terra Formars covers tend to fade into the background, this one demands your attention—and it gets it, effortlessly.
There’s an undeniable aura of badassery here. Joseph Newton isn’t just posing on this cover, he’s owning it. From the aesthetic polish to the strong visual identity, Volume 9 stands out as one of the most stylish and unforgettable in the entire series.
5. Terra Formars: Volume 18 – A Bold Slash and an Even Bolder Pose
Terra Formars Volume 18 brings us one of the more visually detailed and ambitious covers in the entire series—featuring none other than Akari Hizamaru, mid-action, slicing his suit open with a katana to reveal his armored form underneath. 🩸⚔️ It’s a dramatic pose, full of movement and intensity, captured at just the right moment—like a snapshot frozen in time. That’s already a win, because very few Terra Formars covers embrace this sense of motion. It feels alive. Dynamic. Almost like Akari is about to leap off the page!
That said… it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While the angle is undeniably cool and ambitious, it can also be a little hard to read. Is Akari preparing for battle, or did his suit just get way too snug? 😅 The composition has that “action figure in motion” vibe, but it slightly sacrifices clarity. Don’t get me wrong—it’s far from a bad cover—but it could’ve been cleaner. The chaotic perspective makes it less iconic than some of the series’ simpler, more focused designs.
Still, there are some seriously awesome elements here. The white splashes that blend into the background give the whole thing a striking, layered effect, while the bold black sidebar on the left adds contrast that makes the cover pop. And Akari’s intense expression? Total win. 💯 All in all, Volume 18’s cover is one that definitely stands out, even if it doesn’t quite stick the landing perfectly. Stylish, risky, and full of raw energy—just like Akari himself. ⚡👊
4. Terra Formars: Volume 1 – Komachi’s Grit and Gaze Set the Tone
Ah, the very first manga cover—it always hits differently, doesn’t it? It’s the one that sets the tone, the vibe, the entire feel of the series. And in the case of Terra Formars: Volume 1, it does that with sharp precision and powerful subtlety. With a young Shoukichi Komachi front and center, this cover pulls no punches. His direct, head-on pose radiates quiet determination, giving off an aura that’s both vulnerable and fierce—a soldier in the making, a survivor at heart. 💢
What really stands out is the smart framing. Instead of going for a full-body action shot, the cover zooms in on Komachi’s human side, with just a slight reveal of his transformation peeking through. It’s not loud or exaggerated—it’s intriguing, making you ask questions. You can feel the tension between the man and the monster, and that visual storytelling is what makes this cover so effective. 👀
Add to that a near-perfect use of color—the cracked eye glow, the text placement, and color splashes that mirror Komachi’s palette—it all comes together to make one cohesive and memorable debut cover. It’s clean, it’s sharp, and it tells you: this story is going to be intense. And it absolutely is. 🔥
3. Terra Formars: Volume 19 – Simplicity, Swagger & Swordplay
Sometimes, simplicity is all you need to create something that’s captivating, stylish, and downright badass. And when it comes to Terra Formars manga covers, Volume 19 proves that in full force. With Joseph Newton striking a bold pose, sword in hand and that signature confident smirk, this cover screams charisma without trying too hard. There’s no over-the-top flair or dramatic background needed—it’s all about the character. Joseph’s coolness bleeds through the illustration like it was second nature. It works because he works. He’s a standout in the manga and anime, and that same energy practically explodes off the page.
What really takes this cover to another level, though, is the color scheme. That sleek mix of silver, blue, and purple is eye-catching, classy, and lets Joseph pop without overpowering the composition. Plus, those golden sword details and fiery red eyes? Pure visual magnetism. They draw you right into his gaze and give the whole image a sharp edge—pun intended. 💥
And let’s not forget about that pose. It’s simple, but it has presence. It says, “I know I’m awesome, and you do too.” It’s that kind of clean confidence that makes this volume cover stand tall among the rest. No gimmicks. Just raw style and unshakable swagger. 🕶️✨ It’s what makes it one of the best Terra Formars manga covers.
2. Terra Formars: Volume 13 – A Cover That Demands Your Attention!
Wow. The first time I saw this Terra Formars manga cover, I was genuinely taken aback. Its simplistic composition and straightforward color scheme somehow manage to make it one of the most captivating covers in the entire series. I mean it—this is the kind of volume I’d buy just for the cover alone. But when you throw in the ferocious stance and intense expression of the character featured, it instantly becomes the kind of cover that demands to be cracked open. 📖🔥
Front and center is none other than Akari Hizamaru, in his moth form, and his presence is absolutely wild. His face is filled with rage and focus—so much so that you can almost feel the tension. What makes this volume really stand out, though, is the clever color work. Akari’s face is the only part of the image that breaks away from the otherwise cohesive silver-grey tone, making it the immediate focal point. It’s a brilliant visual decision. 💥🎨
And let’s not overlook the mood that the silver-grey palette brings. It’s cold, intense, and mirrors the ferocity that often gets overlooked on other covers. Here? It’s right in your face—and I love that. Volume 13 doesn’t just look good—it feels powerful. 🦋⚡
1. Terra Formars: Volume 22 – Emotion, Chaos, and Power Collide
Volume 22 of Terra Formars brings us a very special and unforgettable cover, featuring both Michelle K. Davis and Joseph Gustav Newton in one chaotic, emotionally charged illustration. It’s a bit all over the place, sure—but that’s part of the magic. Michelle is front and center, clenching her fist as tears stream down her face, while Joseph stands behind her, grinning wickedly with his sword stretched over her back. It’s twisted, emotional, and deeply layered—a rare kind of depth for a Terra Formars cover. ⚔️
There’s something powerful happening here. Maybe it’s the raw emotion that Michelle shows, or the unsettling contrast with Joseph’s confident smirk. Whatever it is, the energy practically jumps off the page. The colors add even more intensity, making everything feel alive and urgent. 🔥
That being said, it’s not without its flaws—the giant volume number is way too big and kind of obstructs the artwork, which feels like a major misstep. It’s clunky and a little distracting. But honestly? I admire the risk they took here. It’s daring, emotional, and messy in a way that feels intentional—and it absolutely works. 🙌
While this cover has its flaws, the positive heavily outweigh the negatives. Therefore, I’m gonna crown the volume 22 illustration as the best Terra Formars manga cover! 🎊
