It goes without saying that manga is a pillar of Japanese pop culture, alongside anime. Many popular anime series are adapted from manga, and as we’ve seen in the Best Manga Artists list, figures like Akira Toriyama of Dragon Ball and Katsuhiro Otomo of Akira have greatly contributed to the prestige of the manga category.
There are globally renowned classics, but there are also current titles well worth reading in real-time. For those just beginning to explore manga and wondering where to start, I offer an ideal guide here. From mainstream action-adventures to comedies, mysteries, and the currently trending slice-of-life or romantic comedies, I’ll introduce the best manga for beginners to start with.
Manga isn’t just entertainment; it’s also a source of wisdom and life lessons. Start with the titles listed below to experience the allure of manga. If you find something you like, I’ll even suggest what to read next.
1. Dragon Ball
Known as one of the best manga series of all time, Dragon Ball (ドラゴンボール) is a classic Japanese manga series created by Akira Toriyama. Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995, it has become one of the most successful and influential manga series worldwide. The story has been adapted into various forms including anime, movies, and video games. It’s a quintessential starting point for manga newcomers due to its universal themes and widespread popularity.
Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku, a young boy with a monkey tail, who embarks on a quest to collect seven magical orbs known as Dragon Balls. With the help of friends he meets along the way, such as Bulma and Krillin, Goku faces various challenges, including powerful foes and complex moral dilemmas. The story evolves from a light-hearted adventure into an epic saga featuring intense battles and universal stakes. Ideal for beginners due to its straightforward storytelling and rich character development.
The next manga to read after Dragon Ball: Dragon Ball Super or Hunter x Hunter
Volume: 42
Published: 198401995
Manga artist: Akira Toriyama
The live-legend action adventure franchise Dragon Ball is still ongoing with the sequel title Dragon Ball Super. More ne[…]
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
2. One-Punch Man
There are so many cases where people who do not read manga start with this title worldwide. One-Punch Man (ワンパンマン) is a manga series illustrated by Yusuke Murata, adapted from a web manga originally created by the artist ONE. The manga debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine in 2012 and has since become a significant commercial and critical success. It offers an innovative take on the superhero genre and has attracted a massive global fanbase. The series has been collected into multiple tankobon volumes and has inspired an anime adaptation, which itself has received critical acclaim.
The manga revolves around Saitama, a hero so powerful that he can eliminate any enemy with just one punch. However, this incredible ability has left him feeling empty and unfulfilled, as he no longer finds joy or challenge in battle. Yearning for an opponent who can provide him with a real fight, Saitama suffers an existential crisis. Despite his overwhelming strength, he’s haunted by ennui and a lack of purpose. As he joins the Hero Association to find worthy adversaries, he encounters a wide array of unique heroes and villains, each with their own complex motivations and abilities. The series both parodies and pays homage to the superhero genre, offering thoughtful critiques while delivering action-packed scenes.
The next manga to read after One-Punch Man: Mob Psycho 100
Volume: 28 (as of June 2023)
Published: Since 2012
Manga artist: Written by One, Illustrated by Yusuke Murata
One-Punch Man is one of the most famous and popular manga and anime series all over the world. The one and only series i[…]
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
As one of the smash-hit manga in recent years, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃) has stood since its serialization has began in 2016. Written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, the series quickly gained immense popularity, leading to an equally successful anime adaptation and feature film by the finest anime studio Ufotable. With its detailed art and compelling characters, Demon Slayer has captivated readers both in Japan and internationally, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The story is set in early 20th-century Japan and follows a young boy, Tanjiro Kamado, who finds his family slaughtered by demons. Only his sister Nezuko survives, but she is turned into a demon herself. Fueled by a quest for vengeance and a desire to cure his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. As he delves deeper into this dark world, he discovers not just unimaginable evil but also unexpected friendships and a complex moral landscape.
The next manga to read after Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Jujutsu Kaisen or Bleach
Volume: 23
Published: 2016-2020
Manga artist: Koyoharu Gotouge
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016, is now one of the most famous and popular ma[…]
What do you think the best modern anime series is? In terms of name recognition and commercial success, Demon Slayer: Ki[…]
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
4. Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師) is a manga that is popular worldwide, highly regarded by experts, and recommended for beginners. The dark-fantasy adventure is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. Published between 2001 and 2010, it’s highly lauded for its deep storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes like sacrifice, brotherhood, and the ethics of alchemy. The series spans 27 volumes and has inspired two anime adaptations, making it both a critical and commercial success.
Set in a fictional universe where alchemy is one of the most advanced scientific techniques, the story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. After a forbidden alchemy experiment to resurrect their deceased mother goes awry, Edward loses an arm and a leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body, confined to a suit of armor. To reclaim their original forms, they set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, facing ethical dilemmas and dangerous adversaries along the way.
The next manga to read after Fullmetal Alchemist: Attack on Titan or The Heroic Legend of Arslan
Volume: 27
Published: 2001-2010
Manga artist: Hiromu Arakawa
There are a bunch of high-quality anime series categorized as fantasy and adventure, and Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師) is[…]
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
5. Nichijou
Nichijou (日常), also known as My Ordinary Life, is a comedy manga series written and illustrated by Keiichi Arawi. Originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Shonen Ace magazine, it has been one of the most popular comedy manga series around the world. For a long time after the publication of volume 10 in 2015, it was thought to be complete, but fans were surprised when volume 11 was suddenly published in 2022. Unlike more action-packed or dramatic series, Nichijou opts for a slice-of-life approach, with an art style that is both simple and expressive.
The story of Nichijou revolves around the daily lives of three high school girls, Mio, Yuuko, and Mai, and their bizarre yet comical experiences. Though the setting is ordinary, the events that unfold are anything but. From conversations that spiral into absurdity to surreal scenes that defy logic, Nichijou is an unpredictable comedy that turns everyday life into an extraordinary adventure.
The next manga to read after Nichijou: Yotsuba&! or Arakawa Under the Bridge
Volume: 11 (as of December 2022)
Published: Since 2006
Manga artist: Keiichi Arawi
Along with the increasing popularity of anime, the presence of slice-of-life anime is also growing stronger. Nichijou is[…]
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
6. Death Note
Death Note is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. First serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006, the series has 12 volumes. It has been adapted into an anime, movies, and even a live-action TV series. Known for its psychological depth and ethical dilemmas, Death Note captivates both newcomers and seasoned manga readers.
When high school student Light Yagami stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note, he discovers it has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. The notebook comes with a set of rules and a god of death, Ryuk, who observes Light’s actions. Light, disillusioned by the state of the world and crime, decides to use the Death Note to eliminate criminals and become the god-like figure Kira. As his crusade gains international attention, a mysterious and highly intelligent detective known as L is enlisted to capture him, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
The next manga to read after Death Note: Bakuman or Platinum End
Volume: 2003-2006
Published: 12
Manga artist: Written by Tsugumi Ohba, Illustrated by Takeshi Obata
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
7. Oshi no Ko
![[Oshi No Ko]](https://japan-geeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Oshi-No-Ko.jpg)
Rural obstetrician Goro becomes an idol fan due to the influence of Sarina, a young patient who died at 12. His favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, who is on a hiatus, comes to him pregnant with twins. Goro decides to fully support Ai’s confidential childbirth. On the day of Ai’s delivery, Goro is killed by an Ai’s stalker. Goro is reborn as one of Ai’s twins, Aqua, and his twin sister, Ruby, turns out to be Sarina reincarnated. Unaware of their past relationship, they grow up supporting their idol mother, Ai. Ai’s fame rises, but she is eventually killed by someone, witnessed by Aqua and Rubi.
The next manga to read after Oshi no Ko: Eren the Southpaw (Hidarikiki no Eren) or Act-Age
Volume: 12 (as of July 2023)
Published: Since 2020
Manga artist: Written by Aka Akasaka, Illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari
How many people, I wonder, are witnessing the dawn of this new legend? Amidst the global hits of recent isekai, dark fan[…]
8. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
The romantic comedy genre is gaining worldwide support in the manga industry these days, and one that deserves special mention is Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (かぐや様は告らせたい〜天才たちの恋愛頭脳戦〜). It is a perfect introduction to contemporary manga. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is one of the greatest rom-com manga series of all time, written and illustrated by Akasaka Aka. Serialized since 2015 in Weekly Young Jump, it has garnered a massive following for its wit, humor, and deep character development. Its popularity led to an anime adaptation and even a live-action film. The series is perfect for those who enjoy intellectual battles wrapped in romantic comedy.
At Shuchiin Academy, two student council members, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, are the epitome of brilliance and perfection. However, when it comes to confessing their feelings for each other, neither wants to be the first to bend. Each episode showcases their elaborate schemes to make the other confess first, turning love into a strategic battlefield of wit and charm.
The next manga to read after Kaguya-sama: Love Is War: Teasing Master Takagi-san or The Quintessential Quintuplets
Volume: 28
Published: 2016-2022
Manga artist: Aka Akasaka
The popular romantic comedy anime series focuses on an indirect relationship between Kaguya and Miyuki, and the nail-bit[…]
9. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is a popular action manga series written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi. First serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 2014, the series has since been adapted into a successful anime, movies, and even video games. The series has a widespread international following and has become a significant part of the modern shonen genre, appealing to both new and experienced manga readers.
In a world where almost everyone has some form of superpower, or Quirk, the story follows a young boy named Izuku Midoriya. Born Quirkless, Izuku idolizes heroes, especially the number one hero, All Might. His life takes a dramatic turn when All Might chooses him as his successor and bestows upon him a powerful Quirk. Now enrolled in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes, Izuku must navigate the challenges and dangers of hero training. Alongside his friends and rivals, he learns not just how to be a hero, but what it truly means to be one. Izuku’s journey is fraught with various villains and complex moral dilemmas, as he strives to become the world’s greatest hero.
The next manga to read after My Hero Academia: Kaiju No. 8 (Monster #8) or Naruto
Volume: 38 (as of June 2023)
Published: Since 2014
Manga artist: Kohei Horikoshi
My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is now one of the most famous and popular action manga and anime series in this modern ag[…]
▽If you’re thinking of collecting all the volumes, I highly recommend buying this manga box set!▽
10. Fruits Basket
One of the best-known romance manga is Fruits Basket (フルーツバスケット). Fruits Basket is a shojo manga series written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. It was originally serialized in Hana to Yume magazine from 1998 to 2006. The next-generation sequel, Fruits Basket Another, released four volumes from 2015 to 2020. Fruits Basket was first adapted into an anime in 2001, and a modern version was aired in three seasons from 2019 to 2021. A beloved classic, Fruits Basket offers a gentle introduction to the world of manga, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and drama.
The story follows Tohru Honda, a high-school girl who becomes homeless after the death of her mother. She discovers that the mysterious Sohma family, who take her in, are cursed to transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. As Tohru grows closer to the Sohmas, she becomes entangled in their complicated lives and secrets, while also helping them confront their own emotional wounds.
The next manga to read after Fruits Basket: Honey and Clover or Natsume’s Book of Friends
Volume: 23
Published: 1998-2006
Manga artist: Natsuki Takaya
The reason I didn’t highlight top-tier manga like One Piece, Naruto, or Bleach as recommendations for beginners is primarily due to their extensive length, making them less suitable for newcomers. While the entertainment value of these series is undoubtedly guaranteed, they may not serve as the best entry point. It would be more advisable for beginners to start with manga that are relatively easier to get through in terms of volume, like the ones mentioned above.
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