からくりサーカス [Karakuri Circus] [Le Cirque de Karakuri]

From 1997 to 2006, Shogakukan published Karakuri Circus, a sprawling 43-volume manga series by Kazuhiro Fujita that blends supernatural horror, puppet-driven combat, and a centuries-old family curse. The story follows young Masaru Saiga, heir to a vast fortune and a deadly legacy, as he is protected by a mysterious martial artist and a stoic French girl who commands a living puppet. Known for its intricate plotting, emotional depth, and breathtaking action, this series is a cornerstone of Fujita's career and a beloved classic of late-1990s shonen manga.