Best Manga for Beginners and Where to Read Them
Whether you’re new to the manga world or looking for a starting point to get into Japanese comics, there are plenty of excellent series across different genres that can capture your interest. From classic shonen action to heartwarming slice-of-life, there’s a perfect manga for everyone. Here are some great beginner-friendly manga recommendations and where to find them!
1. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Naruto is a popular starting point for many readers due to its compelling story, lovable characters, and classic “coming-of-age” journey. The plot follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with big dreams of becoming the leader of his village. With a mix of action, emotional depth, and humor, Naruto is accessible and engaging for all ages.
Where to Read: Naruto is available digitally on platforms like Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and MANGA Plus. Physical copies are available at most bookstores.
2. My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
Genre: Action, Superhero, School Life
Why It’s Great for Beginners: My Hero Academia is an easy entry point with its straightforward superhero theme, making it relatable to fans of Western superhero stories. The story revolves around a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, or “quirks,” and follows the journey of Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. Its action, humor, and character development make it highly engaging.
Where to Read: Viz Media and Shonen Jump offer digital versions, and physical copies can be found at local bookstores and online retailers.
3. One Punch Man by ONE and Yusuke Murata
Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
Why It’s Great for Beginners: If you enjoy humor and superhero parodies, One Punch Man is a fantastic choice. Following Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, this manga is packed with action, humor, and clever storytelling. It’s easy to follow and has plenty of comedic moments, making it perfect for newcomers.
Where to Read: Available digitally on Viz Media and Shonen Jump, and print copies can be purchased from most bookstores.
4. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Death Note is a classic psychological thriller that introduces readers to darker themes. The story follows Light Yagami, a student who finds a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. The series has a gripping plot and morally complex characters, ideal for readers looking for suspense and intrigue.
Where to Read: Viz Media and Shonen Jump offer digital versions. You can also find Death Note in most bookstores or online.
5. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Attack on Titan combines high-stakes action and dark, complex themes, making it ideal for fans of intense, thrilling stories. Set in a world where humanity battles against gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans, it’s a gripping and intense read with tons of suspense.
Where to Read: Kodansha Comics offers digital versions on various platforms like Crunchyroll Manga and ComiXology. Physical copies are easy to find in bookstores.
Where to Find Manga: Top Platforms
Here are some popular platforms for finding manga legally, both digitally and in print:
- Viz Media: Offers a huge selection of popular titles (like Naruto, My Hero Academia, One Piece) with both free and paid options. You can access it on their website or app.
- Shonen Jump App: A subscription-based app offering access to a large selection of Shonen Jump manga for a low monthly fee. Perfect for reading action-packed series like One Punch Man and Dragon Ball.
- Crunchyroll Manga: Known for streaming anime, Crunchyroll also has a manga service featuring titles like Attack on Titan and The Seven Deadly Sins.
- MANGA Plus by Shueisha: This free app offers some of the latest manga chapters from Shonen Jump and other magazines. It’s great for staying up-to-date with ongoing series.
- Bookstores and Online Retailers: Major bookstores like Barnes & Noble and online retailers like Amazon have a wide range of manga available in print. You can also check specialty stores that offer rare or collector editions.
- ComiXology: A digital comic platform with a large selection of manga. It has a variety of genres, including mainstream and indie manga.
Final Thoughts
Starting with any of these series will introduce you to the diversity of manga, from epic battles and high-stakes drama to lighthearted humor and romance. You can find almost any genre you enjoy, and with so many platforms available, it’s easier than ever to start reading.
Happy reading, and welcome to the world of manga!