Manga has been around for a long time and the West has been oblivious to it. If you are just starting with the anime culture, you should explore a little bit further and go straight to the source.
Mangas are different from a typical fiction or nonfiction book, as they contain images with written dialogue on them.
If you have plans to read one, follow through with this guide to choose the best manga to read.
Highest Rated Mangas of All Time
When it comes to the best manga to read, those with the highest rating are often considered the right choice for readers. Below is a list of some of the best readings for you to enjoy in your leisure time.
Berserk (1989 – Present)
Rating: 9.4/10
Guts, a lone warrior, joins hands with Griffith. Griffith is the leader of a mercenary group, the Band of the Hawk. Together, they seek to fight in the realm for power and their dreams – until one of them decides to betray his comrades.
Themes: Supernatural, Horror, Brotherhood, Self-discovery, Good vs evil
By: Kentaro Miura
Volume: 42
Chapters: 364
Where to Read: Dark Horse Website
Fullmetal Alchemist (2001 – 2010)
Rating: 9.1/10
This story is about the adventurous journey of two brothers to find the philosopher’s stone. It all started with their failed attempt to bring back their dead mother, resulting in severing their bodies. They join the army to find the stone and become normal again.
Themes: Science vs religion, Equivalent exchange, Morality, Mind-body-soul distinction, vengeance
By: Hiromu Arakawa
Volume: 27
Chapters: 108
Where to Read: Amazon e-commerce website
Attack on Titan (2009 – 2021)
Rating: 9.1/10
Attack on Titan revolves around the world where humans are forced to live inside walls to protect themselves from human-eating Titans. The main character, Eren Yeager, vows to destroy the Titans after they kill his mother. If you are searching for a list of good mangas to read, then this should be your number one choice, as it is the best one among the others.
Themes: Morality of violence, Optimism amidst hopelessness, Questions of survival and existentialism
By: Hajime Isayama
Volume: 34
Chapters: 139 + 2 side stories
Where to Read: Kodansha
Vagabond (1998 – 2015)
Rating: 9.2/10
If you want to read manga online, Vagabond might be the perfect choice for you. Its plot revolves around Takezo, a lone samurai who decides to become invincible under the heavens and earth after surviving a battle. After being declared a wanted criminal, he must change his name to avoid a cruel death and travel through Japan as a vagabond in search of swordsman.
Themes: Overcoming inner demons, appreciating life, simplicity, willpower and strength
By: Takehiko Inoue
Volume: 37
Chapters: 327
Where to Read: Viz Website
One Piece (1997 – Present)
Rating: 9.2/10
In the One Piece manga, Monkey D. Luffy is a young pirate with the power to stretch his body like rubber. The manga is based on a fantasy world dominated by pirates. Luffy sets off on an adventurous journey in the sea in search of the One Piece treasure and its linked title, – the King of Pirates.
Themes: Ambition, Prejudice, Abuse of power, War, Adventure
By: Eiichiro Oda
Volume: 107
Chapters: 1,101
Where to Read: Viz Website
Vinland Saga (2005 – Present)
Rating: 9.0/10
If you want a good manga to read, Vinland Saga needs to be at the top of your list. Its story is set in Viking times, at the time of the war between England and Denmark. The key character, Thorfinn, joins the band of Askeladd in hopes of killing him. However, they find themselves caught in the war, with a prince to protect and an enemy to defeat.
Themes: Redemption, Honor, Loyalty, Human yearning for peace
By: Makoto Yukimura
Volume: 13
Chapters: 201
Where to Read: Amazon e-commerce website
Death Note (2003 – 2006)
Rating: 8.7/10
Light Yamagi stumbles upon the Death Note, a mysterious black notebook that can end anyone’s life, when their name is written in it. Centered around this theme, the reading explores the will of a high school student who wants to get rid of evil in the world.
Themes: Justice, Moral subjectivity, Supernatural fantasy thriller, Corruption led by power
By: Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Volume: 12
Chapters: 108
Where to Read: Viz Website
Slam Dunk (1991 – 1996)
Rating: 9.0/10
Hanamichi Sakuragi is an outcast who falls in love with Haruko Akagi. To impress Akagi, he joins the Shohoku basketball team – later realizing his high potential in the game. He and his new-found mates then struggle to gain publicity for their team.
Themes: Self-discovery, Passion, Rejection in love, Brotherhood
By: Takehiko Inoue
Volume: 31
Chapters: 276
Where to Read: Barnes & Noble
Monster (1994 – 2001)
Rating: 9.1/10
A Japanese surgeon, Kenzo Tenma, lives in Germany and is known to save lives. However, he enters into regret when one of the patients he saved turns out to be a sociopathic killer. Now he must race against time to stop him and prove himself not guilty in this best manga of all time.
Themes: Consequences of personal choices, violence, insufficient systems of justice, racial discrimination
By: Naoki Urasawa
Volume: 18
Chapters: 162
Where to Read: Viz website
Best Romance Mangas to Read
If you are searching for good manga recommendations, you may find them in the romance category. Readings in this niche often involve themes of love, passion, rejection, light comedy, and the will to fight for each other.
Maid Sama! (2005 – 2013)
Rating: 8.0/10
In this series, Misaki Ayuzawa takes it upon herself to change the ways of boys in her school so as to help other girls feel safe. However, her life is turned upside down when a boy, Takumi Usui, finds her working as a maid in a café. What will she do now?
Themes: Love and romance, Light comedy, Rich-poor divide, Gender discrimination
By: Hiro Fujiwara
Volume: 18
Chapters: 85
Where to Read: Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Horimiya (2011 – 2021)
Rating: 8.2/10
If you are searching for romantic manga books, Horimiya might be the right choice for you. The plot centers around two high school students – one of them is a popular, beautiful, and bright girl, while the other, is a nerdy and gloomy boy.
Themes: High school romance, Unlikely bonds, Funny and awkward moments, Simplicity
By: Daisuke Hagiwara
Volume: 16
Chapters: 122
Where to Read: Yen Press
Kimi Ni Todoke (2005 – 2017)
Rating: 8.3/10
There’s a rumor around the school that Sawako Kuronuma could curse people and see ghosts. She longs to make friends and have a life like everyone else. One day, Kazehaya, the sweetest boy in the school, comes to her, and that changes everything. If you are searching for a manga with romance, this one is for you.
Themes: High school romance, Secret love, Budding romance, Self-discovery, Facing one’s own insecurities
By: Karuho Shiina
Volume: 30
Chapters: 123
Where to Read: Viz website
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku (2014 – 2021)
Rating: 8.4/10
Narumi Momose has a fujoshi otaku lifestyle, which she wants to hide in her new office. Hirotaka is a game otaku in the same company. Soon, they start an unexpected relationship. But love is really a difficult thing for an otaku. It is one of the best office romance manga books.
Themes: Office romance, Comedy, Realistic adult story, Gay romance, Acceptance and understanding in love
By: Fujita
Volume: 11
Chapters: 87
Where to Read: BOOK☆WALKER
Orange (2012 – 2022)
Rating: 8.3/10
One fine morning, Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self about the mistakes she should avoid while dealing with Kakeru Naruse – the boy she’s falling in love with. If you have manga buddies to have a group reading session with, this is the best book to start with.
Themes: Sci-fi romance, Friendship, Loss and regret, Light comedy
By: Ichigo Takano
Volume: 7
Chapters: 38
Where to Read: Barnes & Noble
Ouran High School Host Club (2002 – 2010)
Rating: 8.5/10
Haruhi Fujioka joins the exclusive Ouran Academy but ends up breaking an expensive vase there. This leads her to join the school’s Host Club, where everyone thinks she’s a boy. It’s at this point where the difficult romance story starts.
Themes: Love comedy, Self-actualization, Dealing with one’s insecurities, Relationships
By: Bisco Hatori
Volume: 18
Chapters: 83
Where to Read: Barnes & Noble
My Love Story!! (2011 – 2016)
Rating: 7.9/10
Takeo Gōda is a man with both big muscles and a big heart. However, he is plain looking and all the girls fall for his best friend. When a young, pretty girl enters the scene, Takeo’s life seems to be about to change. But will it?
Themes: Self-acceptance, Budding love, Innocent relationships, Comedic romance
By: Kazune Kawahara and Aruko
Volume: 13
Chapters: 52
Where to Read: Viz website
Best Classic Mangas for Readers
If you are a manga reader of classic stories, then there are wide selections from which you may search. Most of these readings were published in the 1990s and thus can give you that nostalgic feeling of re-living your childhood. Let’s dig into them.
Akira (1982 – 1990)
Rating: 8.7/10
Set in the post-World War III era, Akira is one of the most popular manga of its time. It has every possible element for readers – science fiction, gang violence, psychic powers, rivalry among friends, and a secret government project.
Themes: Humanity and love, Corruption by power, Selfishness, and institutional corruption
By: Katsuhiro Otomo
Volume: 6
Chapters: 120
Where to Read: Amazon Website
Dragon Ball (1984 – 1995)
Rating: 8.4/10
There’s a rumor that whoever possesses all seven dragon balls can summon the dragon Shenlong and ask for anything that they desire. This is where the adventurous quest of Son Goku starts to fulfill his desires.
Themes: Surpassing one’s limitations, Courage, Willpower, Dedication, Redemption, Martial arts
By: Akira Toriyama
Volume: 42
Chapters: 519
Where to Read: Viz website
Naruto (1999 – 2014)
Rating: 8.0/10
When it comes to the most popular manga recommendations, probably no one can beat Naruto. Its story revolves around a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who desires to become the leader of his village. Soon he graduates from ninja academy and starts his journey towards becoming capable of protecting his village from powerful enemies.
Themes: Sacrifice, Hope, Friendship, Humanity, Courage, Adventure
By: Masashi Kishimoto
Volume: 72
Chapters: 700
Where to Read: Viz website
Astro Boy (1952 – 1968)
Rating: 7.4/10
It is future, and robots co-exist with humans. Astro Boy is a powerful robot capable of superior skills along with the ability to have emotions. He fights evil and injustice, in this classic reading.
Themes: Science fiction, Anti-war, Humanity, Discrimination, Prevention of environment, Family ties
By: Osamu Tezuka
Volume: 23
Chapters: 112
Where to Read: Dark Horse
Banana Fish (1985 – 1994)
Rating: 8.6/10
Ash Lynx is a seventeen-year-old beautiful boy who has been made into a ruthless killer by “Papa”. The story of Banana Fish revolves around a mysterious criminal conspiracy and Ash’s own search for redemption.
Themes: Materialism, Redemption, Search for one’s goodness, Isolation, Homosexuality, Wealth, Greed
By: Akimi Yoshida
Volume: 19
Chapters: 110
Where to Read: Amazon Kindle
Best Suspense and Mystery Mangas to Read Today
If you are in a mystery manga zone, you might be someone who likes to churn the brains into investigating and unraveling the truth. There are a lot of anime readings for that, but you would like to explore the best selections below.
Case Closed (1996 – Present)
Rating: 8.3/10
One of the longest-running must-read manga, Case Closed, is a detective-based read. Jimmy Kudo is a teen detective who got transformed into a child while investigating a case. Now he must act to reform into his original form, as well as help the police with similar crime cases.
Themes: Use of cleverness, Intricate mysteries, Crime thriller, Light comedy
By: Gosho Aoyama
Volume: 104
Chapters: 1000
Where to Read: Viz website
Bungou Stray Dogs (BSD) (2011 – Present)
Rating: 8.5/10
Atsushi Nakajima, after being kicked out of his orphanage, joins a detective agency formed by people with superpowers. Together, they solve unsolvable cases that can’t be unraveled by the government agencies in this BSD manga.
Themes: Trauma recovery, Finding purpose to live, Existential questions, Identity formation
By: Kafka Asagiri
Volume: 24
Chapters: 109
Where to Read: BOOK☆WALKER
MPD Psycho (1997 – 2016)
Rating: 7.7/10
Multiple Personality Detective Psycho manga follows the story of a detective who develops dissociative identity disorder after witnessing his wife’s murder. Though he manages to kill his wife’s killer, he gets entrapped in another mystery that runs very high up the ladder.
Themes: Internal conflicts, Web of mystery, High profile murders, Secret government programs
By: Eiji Ōtsuka and Shou Tajima
Volume: 24
Chapters: 155
Where to Read: Dark Horse Digital
20th Century Boys (1999 – 2006)
Rating: 8.9/10
If you want the best manga read, The 20th Century Boys is packed with mystery, thrills, and a web of lies. In this story, a group of friends must race against time to unravel mysteries from their childhood that led the world to the brink of extinction in the present. It all started when they formed a club that laid the foundation for releasing a killer virus.
Themes: Responsibility, Friendship, Wild humor, Loyalty, Trust, Web of mysteries
By: Naoki Urasawa
Volume: 22
Chapters: 249
Where to Read: Bookshop
Pluto (2003 – 2009)
Rating: 8.6/10
With the strange deaths of humans and robots around the world, Gesicht attempts to solve the case in this breath-holding suspense manga book. On the face of it, a robot might be responsible for these deaths that involve an object inserted into the victims’ heads.
Themes: Meaning of humanness, Artificial intelligence, Murder mystery, Oppression, Racism
By: Naoki Urasawa
Volume: 8
Chapters: 65
Where to Read: American Book Warehouse
Must Read Sports Manga
If you are searching for a must read manga, you might want to set out in the direction of sports niche. Readings in this niche generally involve themes of courage, determination, self-discovery, and redemption. Let’s have a look at some of the top-rated readings in this niche.
Ashita No Joe (1968 – 1973)
Rating: 8.9/10
Popular by the name Tomorrow’s Joe or Rocky Joe, this sports manga is about the struggles of Joe Yabuki in becoming a boxing champion. After being jailed, beaten, and suppressed, Joe met Danpei Tange, a former boxing champion who saw the hidden potential in this boy.
Themes: Dedication, Sporting spirit, Mutual respect, Economic prejudice, Salvation through pain and suffering
By: Asao Takamori
Volume: 20
Chapters: 171
Where to Read: eBay
Real (2001 – Present)
Rating: 8.9/10
In this Japanese book, three teenagers are united by three common things – their physical disability, love for basketball, and the will to never give up. When it comes to the sports niche, Real might come among those that possess the highest depth in their characters.
Themes: Overcoming psychological barriers, Brotherhood, Building self-worth, Reality of physical disabilities
By: Takehiko Inoue
Volume: 15
Chapters: 95
Where to Read: Viz website
Diamond No Ace (2006 – 2015)
Rating: 8.1/10
If you want to read manga today, you must go for Diamond No Ace, or more popularly, Ace of Diamond. This series tells the story of the baseball player Eijun Sawamura, who practices an unusual pitching style. When he joins a local team, they together strive for Koushien championships, which test their deepest will and sporting spirit.
Themes: Responsibility, Luck, Destiny, Team spirit, Taking control of one’s life
By: Yūji Terajima
Volume: 47
Chapters: 412
Where to Read: Kindle Unlimited
Chihayafuru (2007 – 2022)
Rating: 8.5/10
This series follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, who has the ambition of becoming a great Karuta player. Having been trained by a childhood friend, she creates a Karuta club in her high school to win the Omi Shrine’s national championship.
Themes: Ambiguity in love, Empathy, Beauty of music, Passion
By: Yuki Suetsugu
Volume: 50
Chapters: 247
Where to Read: Verasia
Be Blues! (Ao Ni Nare) (2011 – 2022)
Rating: 7.9/10
This game manga tells the story of Ryū Ichijō, who aspires to represent Japan’s national team in soccer. However, his dream seems to be shattered when he faces a serious injury in high school. Will he ever be able to recover and fulfill his ambition?
Themes: Hardships, Honesty, Care, Forgiveness, Hope, Strength of willpower
By: Motoyuki Tanaka
Volume: 49
Chapters: 489
Where to Read: eBay
Haikyu!! (2012 – 2020)
Rating: 8.8/10
Shoyo Hinata is a junior high school student who is impressed by the volleyball game. Even though he is of short height, he wants to become the best player in the game. Will he be able to enter the team and help it win against all the odds?
Themes: Pushing beyond one’s own limits, Friendship, Teamwork, Being comfortable with one’s own weaknesses
By: Haruichi Furudate
Volume: 45
Chapters: 407
Where to Read: Viz Website
Top Rated Historical Mangas
If you are searching for top manga to read, you may find them in the historical section. These types of books generally derive their themes from the past events, folklore, and culture of a region. Let’s look at some of the best among them.
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (2010 – 2016)
Rating: 8.3/10
This series revolves around Yakumo Yurakutei, who joins a famous rakugo performer as his apprentice. This whole series has been developed with multiple backstories about the struggles, friendships, and general lives of its characters.
Themes: Using art as a tool for self-expression and self-exploration, tragedy, pride, guilt, friendship
By: Haruko Kumota
Volume: 10
Chapters: 31
Where to Read: Penguin Random House
Kingdom (2006 – 2023)
Rating: 9.0/10
Xin and Piao are two orphan slaves serving in a village. It is the period of the Warring States in ancient China (475-221 BCE), highlighted by the struggle for the throne, trials, and bloodshed. Both youngsters start on an arduous journey to become the greatest generals in the world.
Themes: Meaning of life larger than self, War, Fantasy, Ambition
By: Yasuhisa Hara
Volume: 70
Chapters: 780
Where to Read: Amazon eCommerce Store
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (1994 – 1999)
Rating: 8.3/10
The series revolves around the time after the resolution of Japanese civil war. A former assassin named Kenshin tries to find his redemption by helping people in distress with the help of his sword, Sakabato.
Themes: Redemption, Trauma healing, Balance between collectivism and individualism, Love and romance
By: Nobuhiro Watsuki
Volume: 28
Chapters: 255
Where to Read: Viz website
Otoyomegatari: A Bride’s Story (2008 – Present)
Rating: 8.6/10
If you are searching for the best historical mangas that portray traditional culture and values, you must go for Otoyomegatari. Its story revolves around Amir Halgal – a young, talented woman from a tribal town. She gets married to a boy 8 years younger than him. The whole series portrays the several emotions arising in such a relationship.
Themes: Historical romance, Family, Marriage, Difference in cultures, Compassion and compromise
By: Kaoru Mori
Volume: 14
Chapters: 105
Where to Read: eBay
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: The Apothecary Diaries (2017 – Ongoing)
Rating: 8.5/10
Maomao has been kidnapped and sold to the Imperial court of the emperor. But she has a secret. When she finds out about the critical condition of the emperor’s sons, she starts curing them without anyone’s knowledge. Explore this light novel series to find out what happens next.
Themes: Middle-ages history, Challenging status quo, Supernatural, Plight of women
By: Natsu Hyuuga
Volume: 12
Chapters: 63
Where to Read: Penguin Random House
Highly Rated Fantasy Mangas
When it comes to fantasy manga books, they have a strangely delightful feeling about them. Japanese writings do possess a certain bewitching quality in the fantasy genre. Let’s explore the best writing in this specific niche.
Hunter x Hunter (1998 – Present)
Rating: 8.7/10
Gon Freecss follows in his father’s footsteps to become a licensed professional hunter. His job? To locate rare animals and treasures, survey enclaves, and kill evil people. On his journey, he encounters other hunters and witnesses paranormal incidents.
Themes: Determination amidst adversity, Courage, Dark, Occasional comedy
By: Yoshihiro Togashi
Volume: 37
Chapters: 400
Where to Read: Manga Plus
Tokyo Ghoul (2011 – 2014)
Rating: 8.5/10
This fantasy reading centers around Ken Kaneki’s struggle to maintain his humanity. After getting turned into a half-ghoul, he must succeed every day to manage the political and social life within ghouls and humans. Will he be successful in his goal, or will he just be consumed by it? You may even buy this manga on Kindle Unlimited to have an excellent reading experience.
Themes: Identity crisis, Self-exploration, Tolerance towards out-group, Ambiguity between right and wrong
By: Sui Ishida
Volume: 14
Chapters: 143
Where to Read: Viz website
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren) (2020 – Present)
Rating: 8.5/10
After attending a friend’s funeral, Frieren, an immortal elf mage, starts a quest to find meaning and value in life. If you like writings that involve depth of characters and thoughts, this might be the perfect choice for you.
Themes: Companionship, Meaning of life and death, Existential crisis
By: Kanehito Yamada
Volume: 11
Chapters: 117
Where to Read: Amazon Kindle
Land of the Lustrous (Houseki no Kuni) (2012 – Present)
Rating: 9.0/10
If you are wondering which manga should I read, The Land of the Lustrous might be an easy choice for you. Its story is based on Lustrous, – beings made of gemstones. Lunarians hunt down Lustrous for their stones, while Lustrous fights to survive in this fantasy reading.
Themes: Loss and suffering, Human nature, Materialism, Dealing with insecurities, Chinese Buddhism
By: Haruko Ichikawa
Volume: 12
Chapters: 105
Where to Read: Bookwalker
Made in Abyss (2012 – Present)
Rating: 8.7/10
Made in Abyss has a setting in which a giant hole goes deep into Earth at the center of a town. It is rumored that whoever goes into the abyss doesn’t come back. Riko along with her friend, descends into the abyss with only hope to find her mother who had disappeared there.
Themes: Courage, Darkness, Maturity in crisis, Solving the mystery
By: Akihito Tukushi
Volume: 12
Chapters: 66
Where to Read: Amazon eCommerce Website
Mangas with Explicit Content
If you are bored with the usual readings and want something different, there are some mangas with explicit content in them. These readings generally involve explicit images and conversations. Let’s explore some of the very best writings in this category.
Scum’s Wish: (Kuzu no Honkai) (2012 – 2017)
Rating: 7.2/10
Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya both love people who cannot return their feelings. This leads them both to form a symbiotic relationship where they tend to alleviate each other’s loneliness.
Themes: Self-discovery, Emotional depth, Complexity of life and choices
By: Mengo Yokoyari
Volume: 8
Chapters: 47
Where to Read: eBay
Nana (2000 – 2010)
Rating: 8.5/10
If you want a Japanese shojo manga centered around female characters, Nana is the one for you. The story revolves around Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki, who became close friends and started living together.
Themes: Co-dependent relationships, Mental health, Adultery, Drug abuse, Sexual identity
By: Ai Yazawa
Volume: 21
Chapters: 84
Where to Read: Viz Website
The Testament of Sister New Devil (2012 – 2021)
Rating: 6.7/10
The story revolves around Basara Tōjō, whose father recently got married and adopted two step-daughters. Everything was going fine until the pair decided to go on an overseas trip. At this point, Basara realizes that his stepsisters are actually a novice demon lord and a succubus.
Themes: Taboo, Supernatural, Mythological, Creepy
By: Tetsuto Uesu
Volume: 13
Chapters: 75
Where to Read: BOOK☆WALKER
In Solitude Where We are Least Alone (Yosuga no Sora) (2010)
Rating: 6.7/10
If you are searching for a manga suitable for adults only, Yosuga no Sora might top your list. This reading is highly controversial due to the depiction of incest among twins. When Haruka and Sora lose their parents, they turn to each other for emotional support.
Themes: Taboo, Incest, Complexity of emotions, Identity crisis, Dealing with loneliness
By: Takashi Mikaze
Volume: 2
Chapters: 14
Where to Read: eBay
Domestic Girlfriend (Domestic na Kanojo) (2014 – 2020)
Rating: 6.6/10
Natsuo’s life is disturbed as his father marries a new woman. In this series, Natsuo realizes that the new members of the family are those with whom he has had some of his past experiences. What will he do now?
Themes: Forbidden love, Complexities in relationships, Love triangle, Ecchi
By: Kei Sasuga
Volume: 28
Chapters: 276
Where to Read: Kindle Unlimited
Redo of Healer (Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi) (2016 – Present)
Rating: 6.1/10
The story in this almost reading revolves around Keyarga, who has been abused sexually for a large part of his life. However, when he realizes the true power of his magic, he decides to redo his entire life by enacting revenge on his abusers.
Themes: Desire for revenge, Exploitation and abuse, Discovery of power, Revolution
By: Rui Tsukiyo
Volume: 13
Chapters: 56
Where to Read: eBay
Baki (2000 – 2006)
Rating: 8.1/10
If you are searching for the best ever romance scene in a manga book, Baki will be the right choice for you. It is a martial arts work that follows the story of Baki Hanma, who takes part in several fighting competitions to prove himself the strongest of all. The manga contains only a few horrendous visuals but can be considered sexually explicit.
Themes: Societal idea of masculinity, Rivalry, Physical strength, Self-development
By: Keisuke Itagaki
Volume: 31
Chapters: 276
Where to Read: BOOK☆WALKER
Best LGBTQ+ Mangas
If you are searching for the best mangas to read in the LGBTQ+ category, there have been several publications in this niche in the recent past. Such readings generally involve the themes of love, identity crisis, and being a certain rebel in one’s society. Let us explore some of the very best readings.
Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare (2015 – 2018)
Rating: 8.5/10
When his classmates find explicit content on his phone, Tasuku Kaname decides to commit suicide. However, his life is turned around when he miraculously finds a woman who helps him become comfortable with his true identity.
Themes: Frustration and fears among LGBTQ+ members, Societal view of sexual identity, Role of community in healing
By: Yuhki Kamatani
Volume: 4
Chapters: 23
Where to Read: Verasia
Blue Flag (Ao no Flag) (2017 – 2020)
Rating: 8.0/10
In this beautifully complex manga, four teens try to navigate their lives through the last year of high school. The story revolves around love interests between teenagers, with the efforts of each one to get what they want.
Themes: Self-discovery, Changing nature of feelings, Friendship, Beauty in making choices
By: Kaito
Volume: 8
Chapters: 54
Where to Read: Viz Website
Love Me For Who I Am (2018 – 2021)
Rating: 7.9/10
Love Me For Who I Am is an all-round reading experience for people of the LGBTQ+ community. It involves finding a common place for identity exploration at an untraditional maid café. A high school student, Mogumo has been struggling with her gender identity until she finds out about a café that leads to a complete shift in her perspective about her identity.
Themes: Nonbinary, Gender identity, Social anxieties, Friendship, Gender presentation
By: Kata Konayama
Volume: 5
Chapters: 28
Where to Read: Seven Seas Entertainment
Whisper Me a Love Song (2019 – Present)
Rating: 8.2/10
If you want to see beautifully written girls’ manga, Whisper Me a Love Song is a top-rated one. Yori Asanagi falls for Himari Kino and starts making efforts to woo her. Even though Himari admires Yori’s song, romance is something different for her. Will Yori be successful in her love pursuit?
Themes: Exploration of the meaning of love, Emotional conflicts, High school drama
By: Eku Takeshima
Volume: 8
Chapters: 41
Where to Read: Bookshop
I Think Our Son Is Gay (2019 – 2022)
Rating: 7.8/10
This is a heartwarming story about a mother and her son. Hiroki is afraid to reveal his true sexual identity to his family. However, his mother already knows it but wants her son to come out by himself.
Themes: Mother-son bond, Acceptance of identity, Importance of community support and tolerance
By: Okura
Volume: 5
Chapters: 103
Where to Read: Penguin Random House
Good Horror Manga Books to Read
Horror manga books are another category of Japanese works that readers love all around the world. These books are generally based on supernatural themes that get the readers’ hearts beating with fear. Let us explore some of the best works in this niche.
Homunculus (2003 – 2011)
Rating: 8.3/10
Susumu Nakoshi encounters a medical student who asks him to undergo trepanation. Nakoshi, a logical man with no belief in the occult, agrees to it. However, after the procedure, he started experiencing a strange phenomenon, entangling his life with the others’ subconscious.
Themes: Identity issues, Guilt, Human tendency for superficiality and materialism, Human mind and memory
By: Hideo Yamamoto
Volume: 15
Chapters: 166
Where to Read: Waterstones
Blood On The Tracks (2017 – 2023)
Rating: 8.0/10
It is a psychological horror tale that centers around the lives of Seiichi Osabe and his overprotective mother. Seiichi’s life takes a terrifying turn when, after a certain event, he realizes the deeply disturbing nature of hismother, and his inability to get out of her clutch.
Themes: Mental illness, Depression, PTSD, Unsettling obsession, Paranoia
By: Shuzo Oshimi
Volume: 17
Chapters: 153
Where to Read: Verasia
You Will Hear The Voice Of The Dead (2011 – 2018)
Rating: 7.5/10
Jun Kishida is a bit different from his high school friends. Well, he can see dead people. In this scary manga series, Kishida and his friends repeatedly get into dangerous situations. But they have help – Ryoko Hayakawa, the long-dead friend of Kishida.
Themes: Psychic, The human will to do good, Optimism amidst hopelessness, Friendship
By: Sachiko Uguisu
Volume: 12
Chapters: 79
Where to Read: eBay
The Drifting Classroom (1972 – 1974)
Rating: 7.4/10
It is one of the classic horror manga series in which, after an earthquake, a whole school is transported to an evil world. Now, the students and teachers must find ways to deal with the terror that lies outside and amongst them.
Themes: Hostility in the world, Madness, Human nature amidst terror, Will to survive and do good
By: Kazuo Umezu
Volume: 11
Chapters: 44
Where to Read: Viz Website
Parasyte (1989 – 1995)
Rating: 8.4/10
Another classic horror thriller, Parasyte revolves around Shinichi Izumi who has an alien living up his arm. Now both of them must find ways to survive with each other and also deal with other parasites landing on Earth.
Themes: Human existence meaning, Ambiguity in morality, Importance of love, Humanity’s bonding with other species
By: Hitoshi Iwaaki
Volume: 10
Chapters: 64
Where to Read: Kodansha
Action Manga to Read
When it comes to getting one’s heart racing, action mangas might even be better than the horror ones to do the job. The themes in these readings are mostly centered around scenes of fighting, adventure, and fast-paced settings. Let us explore the following writings under this category.
Demon Slayer (2016 – 2020)
Rating: 8.2/10
Tanjirou Kamado gets filled with despair and hatred when his entire family is being killed, with the exception of a sister who is being converted into a flesh-eating demon. He now must train himself to enact revenge on those who shattered his whole world and work towards saving his sister.
Themes: Moral ambiguity, Trauma and death, Abuse and neglect, Sibling love
By: Koyoharu Gotouge
Volume: 23
Chapters: 207
Where to Read: Audible
Tokyo Revengers (2017 – 2022)
Rating: 7.9/10
If you want to do manga read online that involves gang war, time travel and lots of action scenes, than Tokyo Revengers should be your choice. Takemichi Hanagaki lives a gloomy life until one day he is pushed off a subway platform 12 years into the past. He decides to infiltrate the Tokyo Manji Gang and prevent the fate of his ex-girlfriend.
Themes: Importance of friendships, Self-growth, Hope and optimism
By: Ken Wakui
Volume: 31
Chapters: 279
Where to Read: Kodasha
Jujutsu Kaisen (2018 – Present)
Rating: 8.5/10
When Yuji Itadori accidentally swallows a cursed object, he gains some of its powers. This pushes him into the world of cursed spirits and jujutsu sorcerers, where he now needs to swallow all the fingers of Ryomen Sukuna, the king of curses and eradicate him completely.
Themes: Dark mystery, Existential conflicts, Sacrifice for others, Cursed power, Moral ambiguity
By: Gege Akutami
Volume: 24
Chapters: 249
Where to Read: Viz Website
Gangsta (2011 – Present)
Rating: 8.1/10
Gangsta is a crime and action manga that illustrates the gang wars among the groups of criminals in fight packed sequence. Worick Arcangelo and Nicolas Brown are two handymen who could be hired for any type of dark job and deal in the gray area of morality.
Themes: Dark power, Grey morality, Sex, Control, Drugs, Mafia, Dirty cops
By: Kohske
Volume: 8
Chapters: 56
Where to Read: Viz Website
Deadman Wonderland (2007 – 2013)
Rating: 8.0/10
Ganta Igarashi has been given the punishment of death. However, he realizes that he might be a deadman who has a branch of sin. He also met his childhood friend Shiro. Together, they decide to change the rules of the game.
Themes: Dark fairy tale, Dreadful characters, Special abilities in people, Dark secrets
By: Jinsei Kataoka
Volume: 13
Chapters: 58
Where to Read: Kobo
Noragami: Stray God (2010 – Present)
Rating: 8.4/10
A homeless God who goes by the name Yato has a simple yet ambitious goal. He wants to set up a temple for himself. For this, he starts helping people while charging little money from them. If you want to enjoy a good action manga recommendation, then it is quite one of the best among the others.
Themes: Tale of spirits, Ghosts, God’s world, Human connection, Ambition
By: Adachitoka
Volume: 26
Chapters: 108
Where to Read: Penguin Random House
Highly Rated Comedy Mangas
Japanese readings that are full of comedy are best at lighting up one’s mood. These types of mangas generally involve themes around drama and dialogues that are full of hilarious punches and jokes. Let us explore some of the very best mangas in this specific niche.
Grand Blue (2014 – Present)
Rating: 9.0/10
Lori Kitahara is a young boy who begins his new life in a college near an ocean. Grand Blue is the name of his uncle’s diving store. Soon, he comes into contact with people who love to drink alcohol and dive in the ocean. This reading is filled with great comedic punches and hilarious jokes.
Themes: Funny comedy, Drinking, Adult-level humor, love-making, and clubbing
By: Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka
Volume: 21
Chapters: 83
Where to Read: Kodansha
Gintama (2003 – 2019)
Rating: 8.6/10
Gintama is literally one of the funniest mangas to read. Gintoki Sakata walks around town with his folks – a disciple, an alien, and a large dog. Together, these four run their business of doing odd jobs, which almost always ends up creating mischief and hilarious mess-ups.
Themes: Finding happiness in spite of tragedies, action, humor, and moments of emotions
By: Hideaki Sorachi
Volume: 77
Chapters: 709
Where to Read: Viz Website
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (2015 – 2022)
Rating: 8.9/10
Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are both clever and successful individuals. Both of them are part of the same elite school. However, they both have a love war between them in which they try to make each other confess their love to the other. If someone confesses first, he will be the loser in the game.
Themes: Union of ideal and true self, Romantic comedy, Cat and Mouse game, War of mind and heart
By: Aka Akasaka
Volume: 28
Chapters: 281
Where to Read: Viz Website
Bakemonogatari (2018 – 2023)
Rating: 8.5/10
If you are searching for a vampire manga which is also hilarious, then this one is meant for you. After briefly becoming a vampire, Koyomi Araragi is almost human again. She decides to help girls with a variety of phenomena involving the supernatural realm, vampires, beasts, ghosts, and whatnot.
Themes: Vampire manga, Aloneness, Impermanence of power, Pride and arrogance
By: Nisio Isin
Volume: 22
Chapters: 128
Where to Read: eBay
My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected (2011 – 2021)
Rating: 8.8/10
Hachiman Hikigaya is a pessimistic teen who is realistic and has limited openness in her ideas. Seeing her anti-social nature, her teacher forces her to join the service club in her school. She then attempts to help two other girls to deal with the issues that they have.
Themes: Social situations, Pragmatism, Difference in personalities, Depression and cynicism
By: Wataru Watari
Volume: 18
Chapters: 168
Where to Read: Booktopia
Yotsuba to! (2003 – Present)
Rating: 8.9/10
Yotsuba Koiwai is a five-year-old girl who can find fun in everything in life. When she moved to a new city with her father, she started exploring the local neighborhood and the different people in it. Read this fun-filled manga today that can be even read with your family.
Themes: Mindfulness, Finding beauty in the world, Fun in everything, Light adventure
By: Kiyohiko Azuma
Volume: 15
Chapters: 62
Where to Read: Barnes and Noble
Best Nonfiction Mangas
Nonfiction mangas are great for readers who prefer a bit serious and knowledge related writings. These forms of writing are generally based on a specific social issue in a society. Follow through to find the top manga to read in this category.
A Life Turned Upside Down: My Dad’s an Alcoholic (2021)
Rating: 8.0/10
A Life Turned Upside Down: My Dad’s an Alcoholic is a simple autobiographical manga book that tells the story of a boy. The little boy watched his father drown in alcohol addiction, leading up to cancer and his eventual death. While his mother simply served to feed her husband’s addiction, until she herself committed suicide.
Themes: Autobiography/Memoir, Self-reflection, Guilt, Suicide, Alcoholism, Severe illness
By: Mariko Kikuchi
Number of Pages: 144
Where to Read: Seven Seas Entertainment
The Bride Was a Boy (2016)
Rating: 7.7/10
A man falls in love with Chii without knowing that she has been assigned the male gender at the time of her birth. However, when she tells her the truth, he still wants to continue the relationship and eventually marry her. Read this autobiographical manga to find out the whole story of Chii and her struggle with her sexuality.
Themes: Self-discovery, Acceptance, Tolerance, Purity of love
By: Chii
Volume: 1
Chapters: 9
Where to Read: Amazon Kindle
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story (2017)
Rating: 8.2/10
Chiaki is a young woman who lives her life in a complete mess. One day, one of her neighbors complained to her about the garbage on her balcony. This leads her into self-analysis and a journey towards tidying herself up and finding a new direction in life.
Themes: Self-analysis, Finding motivation in life, Self-management, Finding discipline and meaning in life
By: Marie Kondo
Pages: 192
Where to Read: Amazon
What the Font?! A Manga Guide to Western Typeface (2020)
Rating: 7.0/10
If you are curious to read a quirky manga or one that has something for font nerds, then this is your cup of tea. This manga is a graphic illustration of the story of various fonts and their vague timeline throughout history. You may also consider it a helpful guide for getting interesting information on font styles.
Themes: Creative presentation of typography and designing
By: Kuniichi Ashiya
Volumes: 1
Chapters: 22
Where to Read: Penguin Random House
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness (2023)
Rating: 9.2/10
In this LGBTQ+ nonfiction manga, Kabi is a socially awkward and shy female. She hires a female to help herself have romantic experiences in her life. However, it will take a lot of acceptance and effort from her side to fully embrace her own gender identity.
Themes: Desire for intimacy, Self-discovery, Mental illness, Self-mutilation, Shame with gender identity
By: Kabi Nagata
Volumes: 2
Chapters: 27
Where to Read: Harvard Book Store
Secretly, I’ve Been Suffering About Being Sexless (2019)
Rating: 8.0/10
Togame and her husband love each other intensely and want to start a family. However, there is one problem. Togame has a high drive, while her husband is low. This has resulted in conflicts among them. What will Togame do? Will she cheat on her husband?
Themes: Sexual frustration, Miscommunication, Husband-wife relations
By: Togame
Pages: 144
Where to Read: Yen Press
To Sum it Up
When it comes to choosing a good manga to read, there is a flavor in the spoon for every type of reader.
You may choose from among any of the categories – romance, classic, suspense and mystery, sports, historical, fantasy, LGBTQ, horror, action, comedy, or nonfiction.
To read a manga book, you may buy an eBook, opt for audiobook subscription, or order a physical copy from an eCommerce store.
FAQs
Ans:
Manga is an art similar to a book or a movie. It is best to check for its rating before deciding to give it to your kid to read.
Ans:
Hideout, Vagabond, The Climber, Goodnight Punpun, Berserk, and Innocent are the mangas that have the best art.
Ans:
Mangas have different ratings. A means for all ages, T+ or OT means for older teens, M means for mature audiences, and T means appropriate for teens.
Ans:
Due to a combination of graphics and written words, Mangas are faster to read than listening to an anime.
Ans: The correct way to read a manga is from right to left and top to bottom.
Ans: Yes, in some cases, Netflix has been found censoring anime on its platform, owing to the censorship laws in a specific region.
Sources
