Finding a new manga series that grabs your attention can be tough, especially for beginners. There are thousands of manga to choose from, which can be overwhelming. Popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen or long series like One Piece might not be for everyone.
Luckily, the dedicated fans at MyAnimeList have voted for the top 20 manga they think every beginner should read. This list has a wide range of titles, so there’s something for everyone, no matter what you like.
1. Dandadan
“Dandadan” is a thrilling manga that follows Momo Ayase, a girl who doesn’t believe in ghosts, and Ken Takakura, a boy who doesn’t believe in aliens. When they encounter a strange phenomenon, they’re drawn into a world of supernatural and extraterrestrial beings.
Along with a quirky cast of characters, including a perverted spirit, a mysterious alien, and a talking dog, Momo and Ken must navigate bizarre challenges while unraveling the secrets of their town. This hilarious and fast-paced series seamlessly blends science fiction, horror, and comedy, exploring themes of friendship and open-mindedness.
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2. Blue Box
“Blue Box” is a heartwarming manga about Taiki Inomata, a badminton player, and Chinatsu Kano, a basketball star. They live in the same apartment complex and attend the same school, forming a special bond as they support each other through the challenges of sports and academics.
Taiki has a crush on Chinatsu but seeing that he is no match for Chinatsu as of now, he also takes on the same dream as Chinastu which is take part in nationals and he starts training hard. The manga beautifully portrays the struggles and victories of student-athletes, highlighting hard work, perseverance, and the power of emotional connections.
3. Oshi no Ko
“Oshi no Ko” is a captivating manga that blends the entertainment industry, mystery, and supernatural themes. The story follows Gorou, a talented gynecologist reincarnated as the son of his favorite idol, Ai Hoshino, after a tragic event.
Born as twins with his sister Ruby, Gorou retains his memories and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind his death and protect his new family from the dark side of the idol world.
4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is a popular isekai manga about Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old corporate worker who is reincarnated as a slime monster in a fantasy world. Taking the name Rimuru Tempest, he discovers unique abilities and befriends various races, helping them establish a thriving village.
As his deeds become known, Rimuru attracts both allies and enemies, becoming involved in the complex politics of this realm. The manga follows Rimuru’s growth as a leader and nation-builder, as he works to create a peaceful society.
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5. The Apothecary Diaries
“The Apothecary Diaries” is a historical mystery manga set in ancient China. It follows Maomao, a young woman with exceptional knowledge of herbal medicine, who becomes an attendant to the imperial concubines after being sold into servitude at the palace.
As she encounters puzzling incidents, from mysterious illnesses to suspected poisonings, Maomao uses her wit, medical expertise, and deductive skills to unravel the mysteries and protect those around her.
The manga beautifully blends mystery, romance, and historical fiction, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese court life.
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6. The Dangers in My Heart
“The Dangers in My Heart” is an unconventional romance manga about Kyotaro Ichikawa, a high school student with dark, obsessive thoughts, and Anna Yamada, the cheerful, popular girl who sits next to him. Despite fantasizing about harming his classmates, especially Anna, Kyotaro discovers that she has her own struggles and insecurities.
As they spend time together, Kyotaro begins to question his dark thoughts and learns to open up to the possibility of genuine human connection and love. This unique romance story tackles themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the power of empathy.
7. Skip and Loafer
“Skip and Loafer” is a heartwarming coming-of-age manga about Mitsumi Iwakura, a bright high school student from a rural town who dreams of attending a prestigious university in Tokyo.
As she navigates academic life and the unfamiliar city, Mitsumi meets a diverse group of classmates, including Shima Sousuke, a laid-back boy who becomes an unlikely friend. Together, they support each other through the ups and downs of high school, learning lessons about friendship, personal growth, and staying true to oneself.
8. Mieruko-chan
“Mieruko-chan” is a unique horror-comedy manga about Miko Yotsuya, a high school girl who can see ghosts and spirits. Despite being surrounded by horrifying apparitions, Miko tries to ignore them and lead a normal life. She fears that acknowledging their presence will only make things worse.
As she navigates high school life, Miko discovers that her best friend, Hana Yurikawa, also has the ability to see ghosts, and together they try to unravel the mysteries behind their supernatural encounters.
The manga balances horror and humor, creating an entertaining and unsettling experience. The ghosts and spirits are often depicted in a comedic light, but the manga never shies away from the inherent terror of Miko’s situation.
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9. You and I Are Polar Opposites
“You and I Are Polar Opposites” is a heartwarming romantic comedy manga about two high school students, Suzuki and Tani, who are drawn to each other despite their completely opposite personalities. Suzuki is a quiet bookworm, while Tani is a loud and popular girl.
As they navigate their growing feelings, they must learn to communicate and compromise to make their relationship work. Along the way, they discover that their differences can complement each other and help them grow.
The manga is filled with cute and funny moments that showcase the chemistry between Suzuki and Tani.
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The other 11 manga series on the list include:
- 10. Wind Breaker
- 11. A Sign of Affection
- 12. Mission: Yozakura Family
- 13. Given
- 14. Ao Ashi
- 15. How to Grill Our Love
- 16. Dark Gathering
- 17. She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat
- 18. Doomsday with My Dog
- 19. Hi, I’m a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion
- 20. I Got Caught Up In a Hero Summons, but the Other World was at Peace!
We hope this list of the 20 best manga for beginners, as voted by the MyAnimeList community, has helped you discover your next favorite series. If you think the list is missing any essential titles that deserve a spot on this list, we’d love to hear from you. Share your recommendations and personal favorites in the comments section below.
Source: MyAnimeList
