The Top 10 Essential Mangas for Beginners: Your Guide to Getting Started!

The rising popularity of manga has flooded the market with new series and diverse genres, making the choice of your first read more complex than ever. Making the wrong choice could discourage you and cause you to miss out on the opportunity to dive into incredibly well-crafted worlds, memorable characters, and stories that could inspire you for years to come. That's why it's crucial to have a solid starting point. And that's where our post comes in, introducing you to a selection of 10 must-read mangas for those new to this rich and diverse universe.

What is Manga?

Before diving into our list of 10 essential mangas for beginners, it's crucial to understand what makes manga so unique as a form of media. The term "manga" refers to comic books and graphic novels originating from Japan. But be careful, don't make the mistake of thinking that mangas are just the Japanese version of American comics. Manga has its own identity, with stylistic, narrative, and cultural conventions that set it distinctly apart. It is this uniqueness that has contributed to its global popularity, captivating readers beyond Japan's borders.

The 10 Must-Read Mangas

Here are the 10 must-read mangas that anyone looking to dive into the fascinating and diverse world of Japanese comics should absolutely read.

1. Naruto

• Genre: Shōnen, Action, Adventure
• Plot Summary: Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphaned ninja, dreams of becoming the strongest ninja in his village. He must overcome numerous challenges and prejudices to realize his dream.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: "Naruto" is an excellent starting point for new readers due to its engaging plot and relatable characters. It also introduces many elements of Japanese culture and martial arts.

2. One Piece

• Genre: Shōnen, Adventure, Fantasy
• Plot Summary: Monkey D. Luffy sets out in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, to become the king of the pirates.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: The expansive universe and charismatic characters of "One Piece" provide an attractive introduction to the world of manga. Additionally, its humor and captivating action scenes make it accessible to a wide audience.

3. My Hero Academia

• Genre: Shōnen, Superheroes, Action
• Plot Summary: In a world where almost everyone has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without powers.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: "My Hero Academia" offers a unique twist on the superhero genre, making it fresh and interesting even for those who are new to the world of manga.

4. Death Note

• Genre: Shōnen, Thriller, Mystery
• Plot Summary: A high school student, Light Yagami, discovers a notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: Death Note is perfect for those who enjoy psychological thrillers.

5. Attack on Titan

• Genre: Shōnen, Horror, Action
• Plot Summary: Humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the Titans, enormous humanoid monsters.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: This manga offers a complex story and breathtaking suspense.

6. Fruits Basket

• Genre: Shōjo, Romance, Fantasy
• Plot Summary: Tohru Honda ends up living with the cursed Soma family.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: It's an excellent introduction to the shōjo genre.

7. Sailor Moon

• Genre: Shōjo, Magical Girl, Action
• Plot Summary: A schoolgirl, Usagi Tsukino, transforms into Sailor Moon to fight evil forces.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: Sailor Moon is a good starting point to discover the "Magical Girl" sub-genre.

8. Dragon Ball

• Genre: Shōnen, Action, Adventure
• Plot Summary: Son Goku sets out on a quest for the seven magical dragon balls.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic and accessible mangas.

9. Fullmetal Alchemist

• Genre: Shōnen, Adventure, Fantasy
• Plot Summary: Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, use alchemy in their quest to recover their original bodies.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: This manga is rich in philosophical and ethical themes.

10. Tokyo Ghoul

• Genre: Seinen, Horror, Fantasy
• Plot Summary: Kaneki, a college student, turns into a half-human, half-ghoul after a dangerous encounter with one of these flesh-eating monsters.
• Why It’s Recommended for Beginners: Tokyo Ghoul is perfect for those looking to explore the darker and more horrific side of manga.

Where to Buy These Must-Read Mangas?

• Places to Buy: You can purchase these must-read mangas in various specialized bookstores, online shops, and even some department stores. If you're looking for a specially curated selection for manga enthusiasts, visit our marketplace MangaKif .
• Buying Used Mangas: Second-hand stores and online auction sites are excellent ways to find mangas at a reduced price. However, make sure to check the condition of the book and the reputation of the seller.
• Digital Editions: If you prefer a more modern and convenient solution, many platforms offer digital editions of mangas. These versions are often less expensive and easier to carry around.

How to Approach Reading Mangas

• Reading Order: Unlike Western comics, mangas are read from right to left, including the pages themselves. This might be confusing at first, but you'll quickly get used to it.
• Themed Bookmarks: Using themed bookmarks can enhance your reading experience. Bookmarks featuring your favorite characters or plot elements are available on our MangaKif marketplace .
• Take Your Time: Don't rush through the pages; take the time to enjoy the details in the artwork and the storyline. Mangas often contain rich visual elements that add depth to the story.
• Supplements and Spin-offs: Some mangas have additional works such as spin-off series, novellas, or anime adaptations. These extras can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the world created by the author.

In Conclusion...

You now have all the keys to begin your journey into the fascinating world of mangas. From choosing the ideal manga to the reading order and platforms to acquire them, this guide aims to steer you through this unique literary voyage.

Remember, mangas cover a broad range of genres and themes, offering something for every taste. Whether you're into action-packed shōnen like Naruto and Dragon Ball or more introspective stories like Fruits Basket, there's a world of tales to discover.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose a title from our list of must-read mangas and dive into this rich and varied art form. Visit our catalog to start your collection and join the manga fan community!