Classic/Well-Known:
* Ouran High School Host Club: A bubbly rom-com where a scholarship student disguises herself as a boy to enter the exclusive host club. Popular for its over-the-top personalities and charming relationships.
* Yona of the Dawn: A princess who escapes a coup d'état disguised as a boy to seek allies and reclaim her throne. Action-packed, with a strong female lead and focus on political intrigue.
* Revolutionary Girl Utena: A more complex and symbolic story following a girl who becomes a dueling warrior after a life-changing encounter. Focuses on themes of gender, power, and identity.
* Fruits Basket: A classic shojo with a magical element. A high school girl discovers the Sohma family is cursed to transform into animals when hugged by someone of the opposite gender. This leads to various heartfelt and humorous situations exploring family, love, and acceptance.
More Recent and/or Unique:
* The Case Study of Vanitas: A beautifully illustrated vampire tale that features a girl who disguises herself as a boy to escape persecution. The story involves fantasy elements, complex characters, and a touch of dark humor.
* The Ancient Magus' Bride: A girl is sold into a marriage contract with a powerful mage, who is also a creature of great power. The story is captivating, focusing on their relationship, magic, and self-discovery.
* The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat: A highly skilled assassin is reborn in a fantasy world with unique abilities, but this time, as a girl! The story is full of action, humor, and intrigue.
* Black Butler: A Victorian era-set story following a young noblewoman who summons a demon butler. The story explores themes of power, ambition, and social commentary, and features a gender-bending element with a boyish female protagonist.
Tips for Finding Your Ideal Gender-Bender Manga:
* Consider your preferred genres: Romantic comedy? Action? Fantasy? Horror? There's a gender-bender manga out there for every taste.
* Look at character types: Do you want a strong female lead, or a more subtle gender-bend?
* Read reviews: Get insights from other readers to see if a manga aligns with your preferences.
* Browse online resources: Websites like MyAnimeList or Mangaupdates have extensive databases and user reviews to help you find the perfect gender-bender manga.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Enjoy exploring and discovering your own favorites!