Each one offers a different flavor so don’t worry if the first series you pick isn’t the one. The beauty of manga is that there’s something for everyone.
Manga has long been a cultural cornerstone in Japan, but in recent years, it has taken the world by storm with titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. And even if you’re yet to pick up your first manga volume, chances are characters like Naruto, Goku or Doraemon—all adapted from the medium—already shaped your childhood as the lovable anime characters that glued every 90s or 00s kid to their analog TV screens.
In Japan, manga is read by people of all ages and sold everywhere from bookstores and convenience stores to vending machines. In fact, manga accounts for about 40% of all printed material sold in the country. Read from right to left and drawn entirely with black-and-white ink, the Japanese comic format can feel unfamiliar, even intimidating, to new readers.
So whether you’re curious, a casual reader, or a total manga noob, here are five titles to kick off your manga reading journey.
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The Promised Neverland, written by Kaiu Shirai, illustrated by Posuka Demizu
Available at the Viz website and the Shonen Jump app.
Don’t let the cute characters fool you because this story gets darker. When the three brightest kids in a peaceful orphanage discover a secret about those who get “adopted,” their life turns upside down. What follows is a gripping escape story filled with elaborate mind games, clever plans, and chilling twists. It’s a great entry point if you like stories that go from 0 to 100.
Tokyo Revengers, written by Ken Wakui
Available on K Manga
Takemichi is a total loser until he learns he can time travel. When he hears that his middle school girlfriend has died in a gang-related incident, he suddenly finds himself back in the past with a shot at changing everything. His personal mission quickly turns into a dive into Tokyo’s gritty gang world, where every choice could change the future.
It’ll keep you coming back with its mix of street fights, time loops, and raw emotion. You get all the chaos of gang wars, but also surprising moments of brotherhood and reflection.
Dr. Stone, written by Riichiro Inagaki, illustrated by Boichi
Available at the Viz website and the Shonen Jump app.
One day, every human on Earth is mysteriously turned to stone, lying still for thousands of years. Science prodigy Senku becomes the first to wake up and decides to restart civilization (literally) with nothing but brains, rocks, and some serious DIY energy.
Dr. Stone is perfect if you like science but don’t want to feel like you’re in school. It’s like watching the entire history of human innovation in fast forward. Plus, you’ll learn cool science facts all while being entertained.
Blue Flag, written and illustrated by Kaito
Available at the Viz website and the Shonen Jump app.
In their last year of high school, introverted Taichi decides to help out his awkward classmate Futaba to get closer to her crush, Touma. Touma’s not only their school’s “it” boy, but also Taichi’s childhood friend. This may seem like the typical love triangle trope, but it turns into something more profound. The characters don’t just navigate love, but also touch on identity, expectations, and growing up.
Monster by Naoki Urasawa
Available at the Viz website and the Shonen Jump app.
Monster is about a brilliant Japanese surgeon working in Germany who saves the life of a boy who turns out to become a serial killer. Burdened with a strange sense of responsibility and unfortunate events that frame him for murders he didn’t commit, he decides to go after the very “monster” he saved nine years ago.
What follows is a tense game of cat-and-mouse across Europe, and revelations that only lead to bigger, sinister truths about post-war Germany. This one’s more of a slow burn, but give it the patience it needs, and you will be rewarded with a really engaging story.
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Ready to dive into the world of manga?
Each one offers a different flavor so don’t worry if the first series you pick isn’t the one. The beauty of manga is that there’s something for everyone: romances, intense thrillers, slice-of-life stories, wild adventures… you name it.
Banner image edited by Sean Patrick Ellado with images from Monster by Naoki Urasawa; Dr. Stone by Boichi & Riichiro Inagaki; Tokyo Revengers by Ken Wakui; and Blue Flag by Kaito
