Best Manga for Beginners to Read First
Welcome to the world of manga, where boundless adventures, heartfelt stories, and captivating characters await you. If you’re new to this fascinating medium, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of series available. But don’t worry, because we’ve curated a perfect starting list for beginners. Here, you’ll find a mix of genres and stories that resonate with readers worldwide, ensuring your first steps into manga are both enjoyable and memorable.
Introduction to Manga
Before diving into the list, let’s understand what manga is. Manga are Japanese comic books or graphic novels with a wide range of genres and themes, catering to all ages and interests. Unlike Western comics, manga is read from right to left, which might take some getting used to, but you’ll quickly adapt.
The Best Manga for Beginners:
1. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Adventure, Fantasy stories
Why it’s great for beginners: Fullmetal Alchemist is a masterpiece that intertwines deep emotional narratives with captivating fantasy elements. The story revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone to recover their bodies from a failed alchemical ritual. This series introduces readers to the world of alchemy, a fascinating concept used to explore themes of sacrifice, loss, and brotherhood. The compelling plot, combined with well-developed characters, ensures that readers are immediately drawn into the Elrics’ world, making it an excellent starting point for new manga readers.
The series is also known for its philosophical underpinnings, presenting moral dilemmas and questions about the nature of humanity that resonate with readers long after they’ve finished the series. Unlike many other fantasy stories, Fullmetal Alchemist blends action, humor, and drama seamlessly, ensuring that each page is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. For anyone looking to get into manga for the first time, this balance makes it an accessible yet deeply rewarding read, setting a high standard for storytelling in manga.
2. Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Slice of life & Comedy stories
Why it’s great for beginners: Yotsuba&! is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to dive into the slice-of-life genre. It follows the daily adventures of Yotsuba, a green-haired, energetic five-year-old girl experiencing the wonders and oddities of life. The manga’s charm lies in its simplicity and the relatable experiences of its characters, making it an easy and enjoyable read for people of all ages. The episodic nature of the stories allows new readers to jump into any chapter and immediately engage with the narrative without needing background information, making it perfect for those unfamiliar with manga’s reading style.
Moreover, Yotsuba&!’s humorous and light-hearted approach serves as a gentle introduction to Japanese culture and humor. Each chapter is filled with heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud scenarios that showcase the innocence and curiosity of childhood. Beginners will find Yotsuba&! an excellent introduction to manga’s ability to capture everyday life’s simplicity and beauty, encouraging them to explore more titles within the genre.
3. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Thriller, Supernatural stories
Why it’s great for beginners: Death Note is an iconic series that hooks readers with its suspenseful and intricate plot. The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. What follows is a complex game of cat and mouse between Light and the enigmatic detective L, making it an exhilarating read from start to finish.
For beginners, Death Note serves as a perfect introduction to manga’s potential for psychological depth and moral ambiguity, challenging readers to question the ethics of justice and power. Additionally, the series is renowned for its strong character development and breathtaking twists, keeping readers engaged and guessing at every turn. The strategic battles of wits between Light and L are not only thrilling to follow but also stimulate deeper thinking about right and wrong, good and evil. Death Note’s gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes make it an ideal starting point for newcomers, offering a taste of the sophisticated storytelling that manga can provide.
4. One-Punch Man by ONE and Yusuke Murata
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Action, Comedy, Superhero stories
Why it’s great for beginners: One-Punch Man offers a unique twist on the superhero genre, blending immense action with dry humor. The protagonist, Saitama, is so powerful that he defeats any opponent with a single punch, leading to an unexpected problem: he’s bored and seeking a worthy challenge. This premise flips typical superhero tropes on their head, creating a humorous yet insightful commentary on power and heroism.
This series is an excellent introduction to manga’s ability to mix genres and tones, offering both laugh-out-loud moments and action-packed scenes. The artwork by Yusuke Murata is another reason One-Punch Man stands out as a beginner-friendly manga. The dynamic and detailed illustrations make each battle thrilling to behold, while the expressive characters add depth to the comedic narrative. Beginners will appreciate the clear, captivating art style, making it easier to follow the story and connect with the characters.
One-Punch Man proves that manga can be both fun and profound, making it an accessible entry point for those unfamiliar with the medium. By breaking down traditional barriers of genre, it invites readers to experience the versatility and creativity inherent in manga storytelling.
The balance between the extraordinary and the mundane in Saitama’s life provides a relatable foundation, ensuring that readers are not only entertained but also engaged on a personal level. This combination of factors makes One-Punch Man not just an excellent choice for manga beginners but also a memorable introduction to the broader themes and narrative techniques used in the art form.
5. The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Dark Fantasy, Thriller stories
Why it’s great for beginners: The Promised Neverland is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling, perfect for beginners looking to experience the darker side of manga.
The series begins in an idyllic orphanage where children live happily under the care of their beloved ‘Mama.’ However, the facade quickly unravels, revealing a terrifying reality that propels the children, particularly the smart and resourceful Emma, Norman, and Ray, into a high-stakes game of survival and escape. This gripping narrative is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that readers are constantly on the edge of their seats.
The Promised Neverland is excellent for newcomers due to its fast-paced plot and the emotional investment it demands from the outset, showcasing the depth and complexity that manga can offer. Moreover, the series excels in world-building and character development. The children’s realization of their world’s harsh truths and their subsequent strategies to challenge their fates are portrayed with intense emotion and psychological depth.
The art style, with its expressive characters and hauntingly detailed settings, complements the story’s tone perfectly, enhancing the suspense and the emotional impact of the narrative. The Promised Neverland invites beginners to dive into a meticulously crafted story that combines intellectual puzzles with heartfelt human drama, making it a compelling introduction to the thematic and artistic potential of manga.
6. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Fantasy & Post-Apocalyptic stories
Why it’s great for beginners: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind stands out as a seminal work in the manga world, penned by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a beautifully realized post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive amidst toxic forests and giant insects, the story follows Princess Nausicaä, a compassionate and strong-willed leader. Her journey intertwines action, environmentalism, and deep philosophical questions, making it an enriching experience for new manga readers.
The themes of harmony with nature, the folly of war, and the search for understanding in a fractured world are timeless and universally resonant, providing beginners with a profound narrative that transcends the typical confines of genre.
Furthermore, Miyazaki’s artwork in Nausicaä is nothing short of breathtaking. His detailed and dynamic panels beautifully capture the vastness of the Toxic Jungle and the intricacy of the giant insects, immersing readers in Nausicaä’s world. The expressive characters and the fluidity of the action make the story accessible and engaging, even for those unfamiliar with manga’s visual language.
Beginners will find Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind a captivating introduction to manga’s potential for storytelling that combines epic scope with intimate human emotions, all while exploring important environmental and social themes.
7. Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Why it’s great for beginners: Dragon Ball is an iconic series that has left a significant mark on the manga and anime industry worldwide. This series introduces readers to the energetic and ever-optimistic protagonist, Goku, as he embarks on a quest for the seven mystical Dragon Balls. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters who become lifelong friends and rivals. The straightforward yet engaging plot combines elements of martial arts, adventure, and humor, creating an accessible and enjoyable experience for first-time manga readers.
Dragon Ball’s blend of exciting battles, quirky humor, and memorable characters makes it an excellent starting point for anyone new to the medium.Moreover, Akira Toriyama’s distinct and vibrant art style is particularly appealing to beginners. The clear, dynamic action sequences are easy to follow, and the character designs are both unique and endearing. Toriyama masterfully balances lighthearted comedic moments with more serious, action-packed scenes, ensuring that readers are constantly entertained.
As readers progress through the series, they witness Goku’s growth from a naive boy into a hero of epic proportions, a journey that mirrors the reader’s growing familiarity and comfort with manga as a storytelling form. For these reasons, Dragon Ball stands as a quintessential introduction to the vast and diverse world of manga.
8. Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Magical Girl & Romance stories.
Why it’s great for beginners: Sailor Moon is a cornerstone of the magical girl genre and has become a cultural icon around the world. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy but kind-hearted teenage girl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon, destined to protect the world from evil. This transformation and the subsequent discovery of other Sailor Scouts weave a narrative rich in themes of friendship, love, and courage.
For people new to manga, Sailor Moon serves as an excellent introduction to manga, particularly due to its strong character development and the empowering messages it conveys. Each character has a distinct personality and background, allowing readers to find someone they can relate to or admire. The blend of everyday school life with fantastical elements makes the story accessible and engaging, bridging the gap between reality and fantasy in a way that captivates the reader’s imagination.
Furthermore, Naoko Takeuchi’s art style is both beautiful and expressive, bringing the story and its characters to life with a unique charm and elegance. The balance of action, humor, and romance ensures that there’s something for every reader to enjoy. Sailor Moon’s influence extends beyond manga, having sparked worldwide interest in Japanese culture and the magical girl genre as a whole.
It explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the power of working together, all wrapped up in an exciting and heartwarming narrative. Sailor Moon not only offers a compelling story and well-crafted artwork but also a deeper understanding of the genre’s impact and the narrative possibilities it offers.
9. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
Genre: Best Manga for Beginners that like Dark Fantasy & Post-Apocalyptic stories.
Why it’s great for beginners: Attack on Titan captivates its audience with a gripping narrative set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends who join the military to fight the Titans after their city is breached and Eren’s mother is killed.
This manga is perfect for beginners due to its intense storytelling, deep character arcs, and the constant sense of urgency and mystery that propels the plot forward. The themes of survival, betrayal, and the quest for freedom are explored in a mature, thought-provoking manner that challenges readers to consider the complexities of human nature and society.Furthermore, Hajime Isayama’s distinctive art style, characterized by its raw and expressive lines, perfectly complements the story’s dark and atmospheric setting. The action sequences are dynamic and impactful, showcasing the terrifying and brutal world of the Titans.
Attack on Titan also excels in world-building, gradually revealing the history and secrets of the Titans and the world outside the walls, which keeps readers engaged and eager for more. For beginners, this manga offers a deep and immersive experience that goes beyond traditional fantasy, providing a stark exploration of the costs of war and the price of peace. It’s an excellent entry point for those new to manga and looking for a story that combines action, drama, and a richly developed world.
10. Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo
Genre: Best manga for beginners that like Action, Comedy & Espionage stories.
Why it’s great for beginners: Spy x Family has quickly risen in popularity due to its unique blend of espionage, humor, and heartwarming family dynamics. The story revolves around a spy known as “Twilight,” who must build a fake family to execute a mission critical to maintaining peace between rival nations. Unbeknownst to him, the woman he chooses to be his wife is an assassin, and the child they adopt as their daughter is a telepath. This setup leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and heartwarming moments, as each family member hides their true identity while inadvertently forming genuine bonds.
Spy x Family offers an engaging introduction to the medium, presenting a perfect mix of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements. The concept is accessible and brilliantly executed, allowing new readers to easily immerse themselves in the story.
Tatsuya Endo’s art in Spy x Family is clean, expressive, and detailed, making it easy for newcomers to follow along and connect with the characters. The character designs are distinctive and appealing, and the panel layouts contribute to the overall flow of the story, ensuring a smooth reading experience. The underlying themes of family, identity, and the masks people wear in society are explored in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Spy x Family is not just an excellent choice for beginners due to its engaging plot and appealing art, but also because it encapsulates the diversity of genres and themes manga can offer, all while maintaining a perfect balance between humor and emotional depth.
Navigating Your Manga Journey
Starting your manga journey can be as thrilling as the stories themselves. Remember, the best manga for beginners are one that aligns with its readers interests and preferences. Don’t hesitate to explore different genres and titles – the perfect manga for you is out there waiting. For further insights and recommendations, be sure to explore other posts on Next Volume, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of manga. Happy reading!