Starting Manga Can Feel Daunting — Here's Why It Doesn't Have to Be

Walking into the manga section of a bookshop — or scrolling through an online catalogue — can be genuinely overwhelming if you're new. Hundreds of series, multiple volumes each, genres you've never encountered. Where do you begin?

This guide picks out some of the most accessible and rewarding manga for first-time readers, organised by what kind of story you're in the mood for.

A Quick Note on Reading Direction

Most manga is read right to left, both the pages and the panels. This feels strange for about ten minutes and then becomes completely natural. Most published volumes include a small guide on the back page showing you how.

If You Want Action and Adventure

My Hero Academia — Kōhei Horikoshi

Set in a world where most people have superpowers ("Quirks"), this follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without powers who dreams of becoming a hero. It's warm, exciting, and emotionally engaging without being impenetrable for newcomers. Great artwork and a large but well-managed cast.

Fullmetal Alchemist — Hiromu Arakawa

Two brothers use alchemy in a forbidden experiment and pay a terrible price. This is one of the most acclaimed manga series ever written — tight plotting, morally complex characters, and a satisfying conclusion. The complete story runs 27 volumes.

If You Want Horror or Thriller

Junji Ito's Uzumaki

A small town becomes obsessed with spirals in increasingly disturbing ways. Junji Ito is the master of manga horror, and Uzumaki is his most iconic work. It's deeply unsettling, visually unique, and self-contained in three volumes — perfect for a weekend read.

If You Want Something Emotional and Quiet

A Silent Voice — Yoshitoki Oima

A story about a boy who bullied a deaf classmate in elementary school and his later attempts at redemption. It deals honestly with disability, social exclusion, guilt, and forgiveness. Moving and beautifully drawn, and complete in seven volumes.

If You Want Something Light and Fun

Yotsubato! — Kiyohiko Azuma

A young girl named Yotsuba explores everyday life with infectious curiosity and enthusiasm. There's no dramatic plot — just joy, humour, and beautifully observed slice-of-life moments. Widely recommended as a read-aloud for families, too.

Tips for Getting the Most from Manga

  • Try a volume before committing to a long series — most libraries stock popular titles
  • Don't skip the author's notes — manga creators often share fascinating behind-the-scenes insights
  • Read the original Japanese publication order, not anime-adapted order
  • Look out for omnibus editions that bundle multiple volumes — they're usually better value

Final Recommendation

If you can only start with one, make it Fullmetal Alchemist. It represents everything manga can do at its very best — and it has a proper ending, which is rarer than you'd think.