Top 10 Manga for People New to Manga
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New to manga? Start here. These are the perfect first reads to fall in love with the medium.
Manga is more than just comic books from Japan — it's a universe of emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and stories that can outshine any blockbuster or bestselling novel. But when you’re new, the sheer volume of titles can be overwhelming.
That’s why we created this guide: a handpicked list of beginner-friendly manga that are easy to get into, exciting from page one, and offer a great balance of storytelling, art, and emotion.
1. My Hero Academia
- Genre: Action, Superhero, School Life
- Length: 38+ volumes (ongoing)
- Perfect for fans of: Marvel, X-Men, underdog stories
Why it’s perfect to start with:
You don’t need to know anything about manga to enjoy My Hero Academia. The setup is simple: in a world where most people have superpowers (called Quirks), a powerless boy dreams of becoming the greatest hero. Expect heart, humor, and heroic showdowns.
Starter Tip: Start with the first 3 volumes. If you like those, you're in for a long and rewarding ride.
2. Death Note
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
- Length: 12 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Sherlock Holmes, Breaking Bad, dark intellect-driven plots
Why it’s perfect to start with:
Tightly written and masterfully paced, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a student who gains a notebook that lets him kill anyone whose name he writes in it. It’s a thrilling battle of wits between Light and L — a mysterious detective.
Starter Tip: The first 2 volumes are incredibly fast-paced. If you're not hooked by Volume 2, this genre might not be for you.
3. One Piece
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
- Length: 100+ volumes (ongoing)
- Perfect for fans of: Pirates, epic world-building, loyalty and friendship themes
Why it’s perfect to start with:
One of the highest-selling manga of all time. One Piece is about Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with a rubber body and a dream to become the King of the Pirates. It’s an entire universe worth exploring.
Starter Tip: Try the first major arc — up to Volume 11 (Arlong Park). If you love it, you’ll understand the global obsession.
4. Fruits Basket
- Genre: Romance, Drama, Supernatural
- Length: 23 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Slice-of-life drama, emotional storytelling, character-driven plots
Why it’s perfect to start with:
When orphan Tohru Honda is taken in by a mysterious family, she discovers they’re cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. More than a romance — it’s a story of healing, identity, and human connection.
Starter Tip: The first volume gives a warm, slightly melancholic tone. Stick with it to watch the characters blossom.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy
- Length: 23 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Intense battles, sibling loyalty, beautiful art
Why it’s perfect to start with:
Tanjiro Kamado returns home to find his family slaughtered — except for his sister, who is now a demon. He vows to become a demon slayer and save her. It’s emotional, action-packed, and beautifully illustrated.
Starter Tip: Read Volumes 1–3 to get into the Demon Slayer Corps arc.
6. Spy x Family
- Genre: Comedy, Spy, Slice of Life
- Length: 12+ volumes (ongoing)
- Perfect for fans of: Light-hearted action, found families, witty humor
Why it’s perfect to start with:
A spy must create a fake family for a mission — his "wife" is an assassin, and their "daughter" is a telepath. Nobody knows each other’s secret. This series is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Starter Tip: Volume 1 stands strong on its own. You'll know if it's your style within the first few chapters.
7. Attack on Titan
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Action
- Length: 34 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Post-apocalyptic worlds, plot twists, high-stakes action
Why it’s perfect to start with:
A gripping world where humanity lives behind walls, terrified of man-eating titans. The series escalates from action thriller to deep political and philosophical commentary.
Starter Tip: Volumes 1–4 give you a full arc. If the twist at the end of Volume 4 grabs you — keep going.
8. Tokyo Ghoul
- Genre: Horror, Drama, Supernatural
- Length: 14 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Horror, identity crisis themes, gritty storytelling
Why it’s perfect to start with:
College student Kaneki survives a ghoul attack but becomes half-ghoul himself. He must navigate a world where he’s feared by humans and hunted by ghouls. Dark, emotional, and gripping.
Starter Tip: Volumes 1–2 are fast and moody. If the emotional tone clicks, keep going into Tokyo Ghoul:re for the sequel.
9. Naruto
- Genre: Ninja, Action, Coming-of-Age
- Length: 72 volumes (complete)
- Perfect for fans of: Underdogs, perseverance, emotional payoffs
Why it’s perfect to start with:
Naruto is a lonely boy with a big dream: to become the strongest ninja in his village. His journey from misfit to hero is packed with battles, bonds, and emotional turns.
Starter Tip: Try Volumes 1–5. The Chūnin Exam arc is one of the best early arcs in shonen manga.
10. Yotsuba&!
- Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
- Length: 15+ volumes (ongoing)
- Perfect for fans of: Wholesome stories, everyday adventures, family-friendly reads
Why it’s perfect to start with:
This series follows Yotsuba, a curious little girl, and her daily adventures. No battles, no fantasy — just joy and charming innocence. A pure slice-of-life gem.
Starter Tip: You don’t need to read in order. Pick any volume and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Manga is for everyone — no matter your age, background, or experience with comics. Whether you want adrenaline-pumping fights or heartwarming life lessons, this list is your ticket in.
Start with what excites you, and don’t be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. Every manga fan’s journey begins somewhere — maybe yours starts today.
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