Nine of the Best Manga Series for Beginners

Discover nine of the best manga series perfect for beginners, including My Hero Academia, Death Note, and Demon Slayer. From superheroes to fantasy adventures, these diverse series offer something for everyone.

Discover the Best Manga Series for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of manga and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. IGN has compiled a list of nine of the best manga series that are perfect for beginners. Whether you’re buying a gift for a friend or looking to dive into manga yourself, these series offer something for everyone.

From popular shonen titles like My Hero Academia and One Punch Man to magical adventures like Witch Hat Atelier, there’s a wide range of options to explore.

Witch Hat Atelier: A Magical Starting Point

Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama is a visually stunning series that seamlessly blends classic manga techniques with contemporary comic book illustration. The story follows a young girl named Coco who dreams of becoming a witch in a world where magic is a well-kept secret.

After a chance encounter leads her to cast a dangerous spell, she finds refuge at an atelier for young witches. With only 13 volumes to catch up on, this magical series is a great starting point for new readers.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles – A Hilarious Parody

Mashle: Magic and Muscles by Hajime Kōmoto is a hilarious parody of the boy wizard genre. The story revolves around Mash Burnedead, a rare human without magical powers, who must use his immense physical strength to navigate an elite magic academy.

With its familiar fantasy elements, this complete shonen story is an accessible entry point for beginners.

My Hero Academia: Reimagining the Superhero Genre

My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi is a must-read for modern manga fans. This series reimagines the superhero genre for a manga audience and follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless kid who is chosen to inherit the powers of the world’s greatest hero.

As Izuku attends U.A. High School to learn how to be a superhero, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces various challenges. With 20 volumes and numerous spin-offs, My Hero Academia offers a rich and exciting world to explore.

Death Note: A Gripping Psychological Thriller

Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata is a landmark manga that has achieved significant cultural impact. The story centers around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.

As Light takes on the role of a self-proclaimed judge, jury, and executioner, he becomes entangled in a cat and mouse game with a brilliant detective named L. With its gripping plot and twists, Death Note is a captivating read.

Demon Slayer: An Action-Packed Phenomenon

Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge is a recent cultural phenomenon in the manga world. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy seeking revenge against the demons who killed his family.

Alongside his sister, who has been turned into a demon, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer and embarks on a dangerous journey. With only 23 volumes, Demon Slayer offers an action-packed and emotionally resonant story that has captivated readers worldwide.

Inuyasha: A Beloved Fantasy Adventure

Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi is a beloved fantasy adventure that transports a teenage girl named Kagome to feudal Japan, where she encounters various demons and monsters.

Teaming up with the dog-demon Inuyasha, Kagome embarks on a quest to save the day while developing a deep bond with her unlikely partner. With its nine volumes, Inuyasha provides an accessible and engaging introduction to Takahashi’s work.

Tekkonkinkreet: A Sci-Fi Crime Adventure

Tekkonkinkreet by Taiyo Matsumoto is a sci-fi crime adventure set in a futuristic city where two young boys face off against alien gangsters. Originally serialized in Big Comic Spirits, this cult favorite manga has gained recognition as one of the best standalone collections.

The recent 30th-anniversary edition allows readers to experience Matsumoto’s gorgeous artwork in its original right-to-left orientation.

Tombs: A Collection of Chilling Horror Stories

Tombs by Junji Ito is a collection of horror short stories that showcases Ito’s mastery of the genre. The collection includes infamous tales like Slug Girl and lesser-known but equally chilling stories.

If you’re a fan of horror movies and want to explore manga, Ito’s works are a perfect fit.

One Punch Man: A Comedic Meta-Text

One Punch Man by One is a meta-text on the superhero genre and a comedic take on the shonen manga formula. The story revolves around Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any villain with a single punch.

While this initially leads to impressive action sequences, Saitama soon becomes bored and dissatisfied with the lack of challenge in his fights. With its humor and engaging storytelling, One Punch Man is a fantastic choice for readers familiar with superhero comics.

Start Your Manga Journey Today

Whether you’re interested in magic, superheroes, fantasy, crime, horror, or comedy, these manga series offer a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles. With their accessible narratives and captivating artwork, they are perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of manga.

So grab a volume and start your manga journey today!