Manga Explained: Top Recommendations for Beginners

I first discovered manga (Japanese comics) while living in Japan as a teenager. At the time, I was still learning Japanese and had plenty of free time, so I picked up a Dragon Ball volume out of curiosity. I didn’t yet have the language skills to read it fluently, but with the help of a dictionary, I slowly made my way through the story.

That first manga opened up a whole new world for me. Beyond just getting me past basic Japanese phrases, it gave me a window into Japanese culture, humor, and storytelling in a way that textbooks never could.

If you’re curious about manga but don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through what manga is, how to read it, and where to find the best series for beginners. Whether you’re a casual reader or someone looking to dive deeper into Japanese comics, this guide will help you explore manga with confidence!

Further Reading: If you would like to know more about manga comics, please check out our article on the history of Japanese manga.

No, manga is not just anime comics. While they are both important parts of Japanese pop culture, they are different forms of media. Here's how they differ:

• Manga: Printed comics, often later adapted into anime.
• Anime: Animated TV shows or films, sometimes based on manga.

Key differences:

• Not all manga becomes anime, and not all anime is based on manga.
• Storytelling: Manga allows for more detailed stories and pacing.
• Art style: Manga has its own unique style that may differ from its anime adaptation.

Audience engagement: Reading manga gives a different experience compared to watching anime.

Manga is a massive part of Japanese pop culture and has shaped everything from fashion to movies. Many of Japan’s most famous anime, such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto, started as manga before becoming global hits.

There are many different types of manga, each with its own themes and storytelling style. Here are a few popular genres:

• Shōnen (Action & Adventure): One Piece, Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball
• Shōjo (Romance & Drama): Fruits Basket, Ouran High School Host Club
• Seinen (Mature Themes): Attack on Titan, Berserk, Vinland Saga
• Fantasy: Fullmetal Alchemist, The Rising of the Shield Hero
• Sports: Haikyuu!!, Slam Dunk, Blue Lock

If you’re new to manga, here’s where you can legally read or buy digital and print copies:

• Free Manga (Legal Sites): Manga Plus, Crunchyroll Manga
• Subscription Services: Shonen Jump App, Kindle Unlimited
• Physical Copies: Bookstores like Kinokuniya, Book Off, Amazon
  
  

If you are looking for titles to help you get into manga comics, these are the ones I recommend! A couple of these titles sometimes cover some mature themes (e.g., Ranma 1/2 and Chainsaw Man). So, if you are a parent choosing a title for your kid, please be aware!

• Genre: Shonen (for boys)
• Creator: Akira Toriyama
• Plot: Dragon Ball follows Goku’s adventures filled with martial arts, humor, and friendship. The tone of this manga changed a lot of time.
• Why Read It? Dragon Ball is the foundation of modern shonen manga and a must-read for anyone interested in getting into manga! If you love epic battles, unforgettable characters, and a mix of humor and action. It’s also a great gateway into anime because of the long running cartoon series!
  

• Genre: Josei (for women)
• Creator: Rumiko Takahashi
• Plot: Ranma Saotome, a martial artist, transforms between male and female when splashed with cold water, leading to comedic and romantic twists.
• Why Read It? One of the funniest and most unique manga out there! Ranma 1/2 mixes action, romance, and gender-bending comedy. It’s a great intro to Rumiko Takahashi’s work, a legendary manga creator. WARNING: It does contain light sexual humor!

• Genre: Shonen (for boys)
• Creator: Eiichiro Oda
• Plot: One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch his body like rubber, as he sets out with his crew to find the legendary treasure known as One Piece. Along the way, they encounter powerful enemies and uncover the mysteries of the world.
• Why Read It? One Piece is the best-selling manga of all time. If you love adventure, humor, and world-building, this is for you. The story is long but rewarding, with unforgettable characters and deep emotional moments.
  

• Genre: Shonen (for boys)
• Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
• Plot: Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja ostracized for having a dangerous spirit sealed inside him. Determined to prove himself, Naruto strives to become the strongest ninja (Hokage) in his village. Along the way, he forms deep friendships and confronts powerful enemies, all while uncovering the secrets of his past.
• Why Read It? Naruto is the ultimate underdog story, filled with thrilling fights, deep friendships, and an inspiring message of perseverance. It’s one of the most influential modern shonen manga.
  
  
  

• Genre: Shonen (for boys), with Seinen (for men) elements
• Creator: Koyoharu Gotouge
• Plot: Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons, leaving his sister Nezuko as the only survivor—but she is turned into a demon. Determined to save her, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to fight demons and find a cure for Nezuko. Along the way, he faces intense battles and forms bonds with fellow demon slayers.
• Why Read It? I strongly recommend Demon Slayer! It has stunning art, an emotional story, and some of the best fight sequences in manga. The themes of family and perseverance make it a great choice for new manga readers.

• Genre: Shonen (for boys), with elements of comedy and action
• Creator: Tatsuya Endo
• Plot: Spy x Family follows the story of a spy, Twilight, who must create a fake family for an important mission. He adopts a young girl, Anya, who can read minds, and marries Yor, an assassin. Unbeknownst to each other, they all have secret lives, leading to thrilling and humorous situations.
• Why Read It? My family love this title! A perfect blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments. If you love quirky characters and a mix of spy-thriller with family comedy, this is a great starting point.
  

• Genre: Shonen (for boys), superhero, action-comedy
• Creator: ONE
• Plot: One-Punch Man follows Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Despite his immense power, Saitama is bored and longs for a real challenge. The story humorously explores his attempts to find meaning in his strength while navigating a world full of bizarre monsters and heroes.
• Why Read It? One-Punch Man is a hilarious parody of superhero stories, with incredible action scenes and an entertaining twist on the classic hero formula. It’s easy to read and great for casual fans.
  

• Genre: Seinen (for men), horror, dark fantasy
• Creator: Tatsuki Fujimoto
• Plot: Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young man burdened by debt, who merges with his chainsaw devil companion, Pochita, to become a powerful demon hunter. Together, they face terrifying devils in a world filled with violence, dark humor, and shocking twists.
• Why Read It? While I cannot recommend this title for kids, I feel this title should be included in this list. Chainsaw Man is an insane mix of horror, action, and dark humor. If you like unpredictable stories, shocking twists, and intense battles, this is a must-read.

• Genre: Kodomo (children's manga)
• Creator: Fujiko F. Fujio
• Plot: A robotic cat from the 22nd century, Doraemon, travels back in time to help a young boy, Nobita Nobi. They go on adventures through time and space.
• Why Read It? A beloved classic in Japan, Doraemon is lighthearted, funny, and a great way to learn about Japanese culture and everyday life. If you are looking for a title to help practice beginner or elementary Japanese reading, give this title a try!
  
  

• Genre: Shonen (for boys), science fiction
• Creator: Osamu Tezuka
• Plot: Astro Boy tells the story of a robot boy, created by a scientist to replace his lost son, who fights for justice in a futuristic world where humans and robots coexist. Astro Boy grapples with complex themes of humanity, technology, and morality.
• Why Read It? I love Astro Boy! It was the first major manga series, and it shaped the modern manga industry. If you love classic sci-fi and deep philosophical themes, this is an essential read.
  
  

• Genre: Shonen (for boys), post-apocalyptic, martial arts
• Creators: Buronson (writer) and Tetsuo Hara (artist)
• Plot: Fist of the North Star is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Kenshiro, a master of a deadly martial art, wanders through the wasteland protecting the weak. Using his lethal skills, Kenshiro battles ruthless enemies in a world ravaged by nuclear devastation.
• Why Read It? This is a classic! If you love intense action, dramatic storytelling, and iconic catchphrases, Fist of the North Star is a classic that inspired countless battle manga.
  
  

• Genre: Sports, shonen (for boys)
• Creator: Takehiko Inoue
• Plot: Slam Dunk follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent high school student who joins the basketball team to impress a girl. Although initially uninterested in the sport, Hanamichi grows passionate about basketball and strives to lead his team to success.
• Why Read It? Slam Dunk is the greatest sports manga of all time—it’s funny, inspiring, and incredibly well-drawn. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, you’ll love it.

Ever thought about reading manga in its original Japanese? Even if you're just starting out, learning a few key words and phrases can make the experience more immersive!

🌸 Try language learning apps like Mondly or Rocket Languages to build your Japanese skills while enjoying your favorite manga.

🎌 Challenge yourself—start with simple manga like Doraemon or Dragon Ball and see how much you can understand!

👉 Click here to start learning Japanese today! Mondly | Rocket Languages