What is manga?
Manga is an umbrella term for a wide variety of comic and graphic novels originally published in Japan. Japanese comics differ from American comics in several ways. First, they are usually published in black and white, and full color is reserved for special editions or releases. Next, manga is read from right-to-left rather than left-to-right.
You may have also heard about anime. Many people use the terms “manga” and “anime” interchangeably; however, “anime” refers to all forms of animation created and published in Japan. If a manga series is popular enough, it becomes an anime! Some of the series mentioned below have been adapted into animes, so be sure check them out after you finish reading.
Recommended manga
Manga spans many genres – there is something for everyone! Whether you’re just getting into manga or looking for new reads, check out some of the series below (recommended for ages 12 and older).
Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi
Genre: Action, adventure
Determined to become a legendary hunter like his father, Gon and his friends must pass the grueling Hunter exam. Follow Gon, Killua, Kurapika and Leorio in their journey to find Gon’s father, avenge Kurapika’s clan, and much more. This manga was so popular it was adapted into an anime – twice!
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
Genre: Apocalyptic world, action
Attack on Titan is among one of the major hits from the last decade. Known for its jaw-dropping plot twists and gut-wrenching moments, it chronicles a world of man-eating giants where humans believe they are safe behind their three-walled city. With the sudden appearance of the Colossal Titan that looms over the wall, humanity will never be the same.
Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge
Genre: Supernatural, action
After losing his entire family in a demon attack, Tanjiro is relieved to find that his sister is alive. His happiness is cut short once he realizes that she has become a demon. Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to turn his sister human again and destroy the demon who killed his family.
Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami
Genre: Horror, action
An enjoyer of horror, and supernatural events, Yuji Itadori swallows a piece of a demon. Now host to the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna, he is caught in a supernatural war between humans and cursed spirits and must figure out how to save the world and keep his humanity.
My Isekai Life by Shinkoshoto and Huuka Kazabana
Genre: Adventure, fantasy
Fans of video games will thoroughly enjoy this manga. Yuji Sano is a workaholic, so when he gets transported into a video game, the only thing he can think about is getting back and finishing the mountain of work he left behind. As he progresses through the various levels, Yuji quickly finds himself becoming the greatest sage the realm has ever known…but what about his paperwork?
Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate
Genre: Sports, comedy
If you’re a fan of sports, Haikyu!! is a great starting point for many new manga readers. Written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate, Haikyu centers on high school student Shoyo Hinata who dreams about becoming the star of the volleyball team. There is just one issue: everyone says he is too short!
Way of the House Husband by Kousuke Oono
Genre: Slice of life, comedy
After disappearing from the underworld, the legendary yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, resurfaces as…a fiercely devoted stay-at-home husband. Adapted into both a film and anime, this manga will have you clutching your stomach and gasping for air.
Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
Genre: Comedy
For fans of fluffy companions, Usagi Yojimbo is a comedy following a warrior rabbit! Set in the Edo period of Japanese history, this manga replaces humans with animals. Our main character is based off the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
Genre: Drama
Great for art lovers, Blue Period won the 2020 Manga Taisho award. It follows Yatora: the perfect high school student with amazing grades and many friends. Feeling unfulfilled, he wanders into an art classroom and is instantly sucked into art. With a new passion for painting, Yatora will learn just how difficult the art world can be.
Komi Can’t Communicate by Tomohito Oda
Genre: Slice of life
Shoko Komi’s biggest dream is to make some friends, but everyone at her school mistakes her social anxiety for being cool! With Komi unable to utter a single word, this dream grows smaller and smaller – until she meets Tadano.
Snow White with the Red Hair by Sorata Akiduki
Genre: Romance, fantasy
Though her name means Snow White, our protagonist is known for her bright red hair. The kingdom’s prince wants her all to himself, but she manages to escape to a neighboring kingdom. There she’s helped by Zen and his two friends.
Those Not-So-Sweet Boys by Yoko Nogiri
Genre: Slice of life, comedy, romance
Fans of Ouran Host Club will find small similarities in this romantic comedy. Midori Nanami has financial difficulties which forces her to get a job, but this is against school rules! When the chairman of the school board catches her leaving work, he says he’ll let it go, but only if she’s up to the task of bringing the school’s three main delinquents back to class.
Houda O., Langhorne branch
