If you're an avid manga reader, you know that Japanese manga series are some of the most captivating and exciting comics out there. From thrilling action stories to heartwarming romances, there's always something new to discover in the world of manga. And with so many incredible titles available, it can be hard to know where to start.
Luckily, we've put together a list of the top 10 must-read Japanese manga series that you can't afford to miss. Whether you're a longtime fan of manga or just getting started, these amazing series are guaranteed to capture your imagination and keep you turning the pages.
From the epic adventures of Naruto and Attack on Titan to the poignant dramas of Fruits Basket and Your Lie in April, these manga series have captivated audiences around the world with their unforgettable characters, stunning artwork, and thrilling storylines. So what are you waiting for? Dive into our list to discover the manga series that will capture your heart and leave you craving more!
With rich themes of love, friendship, honor, and adventure, these manga series have something for everyone. So whether you're a die-hard manga fan or just looking for a new obsession, you won't want to miss out on these must-read Japanese manga series. So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on some of the most thrilling and unforgettable journeys in the world of comics!
"Popular Japanese Manga Series" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Manga is a unique and fascinating form of art that originated in Japan. Manga has managed to capture the attention of readers worldwide, captivating them with its intricate storylines, and highly detailed artwork. In this article, we'll be looking at the top 10 must-read Japanese manga series you can't miss!
The Table Comparison
Here's a comparison table of the top 10 must-read Japanese manga series that we've selected for this article. The table includes details such as the author, year of publication, genre, and a brief summary of the storyline.
| Manga Series | Author & Year of Publication | Genre | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naruto | By Masashi Kishimoto, 1999 | Action, Adventure | Naruto tells the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. As he navigates his way through a world of dangerous foes, he discovers the true meaning of friendship, rivalry, and heroism. |
| One Piece | By Eiichiro Oda, 1997 | Action, Adventure | One Piece is a pirate-themed manga that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who gains the power to stretch like rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. Along with his crew of pirates, Luffy sets out to find the One Piece, a legendary treasure that will enable him to become the Pirate King. |
| Death Note | By Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, 2003 | Mystery, Psychological Thriller | Death Note follows the story of 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 uses the Death Note to pursue his own twisted sense of justice, he attracts the attention of L, a master detective who is determined to catch him. |
| Attack on Titan | By Hajime Isayama, 2009 | Action, Horror | Attack on Titan takes place in a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by enormous walls due to the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures who devour humans without reason. The story follows the efforts of Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert to destroy the Titans and unravel the mystery of their existence. |
| Bleach | By Tite Kubo, 2001 | Action, Supernatural | Bleach follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. After encountering a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki, Ichigo gains the power of a Soul Reaper himself and sets out to protect his town from evil spirits and Hollows. |
| Fairy Tail | By Hiro Mashima, 2006 | Action, Adventure, Comedy | Fairy Tail is a manga series that follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel, a member of the Fairy Tail guild. Along with his friends, including the celestial spirit mage Lucy Heartfilia, Natsu goes on various quests and battles enemies to protect their home. |
| Fullmetal Alchemist | By Hiromu Arakawa, 2001 | Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Fullmetal Alchemist follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who attempt to use alchemy to bring their deceased mother back to life. The experiment goes wrong, and Edward loses an arm and a leg while Alphonse's body is entirely consumed. The brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary artifact that can restore their bodies. |
| Tokyo Ghoul | By Sui Ishida, 2011 | Action, Horror | Tokyo Ghoul takes place in a world where ghouls, creatures who feed on humans, exist in secret. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after being attacked by one. As Ken struggles to come to terms with his new identity, he becomes drawn into a dangerous underworld of violence and betrayal. |
| Dragon Ball | By Akira Toriyama, 1984 | Action, Adventure, Comedy | Dragon Ball is a manga series that follows the adventures of Goku, a young boy with superhuman strength and the ability to fly. Along with his friends, including the martial artist Bulma, Goku goes on various quests and battles enemies to protect the Earth from evil. |
| Nana | By Ai Yazawa, 2000 | Romance, Drama | Nana is a manga series that follows two young women, both named Nana, who meet on a train to Tokyo. Despite being polar opposites, the two become roommates and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the ups and downs of love, relationships, and pursuing their dreams in the big city. |
Naruto - The Wholesome Tale of Ninja
Naruto is among the most beloved anime and manga series globally, telling an engaging story about a boy named Naruto Uzumaki who yearns to become the Hokage or his village's leader. The series starts with Naruto graduating from ninja school and crossing paths with various foes as he strives to attain his goal. It's not just a typical boy-meets-girl plotline; rather, it focuses on the character's growth and community bonds. Naruto battles powerful villains like Sasuke, Orochimaru, Pain, and others, showcasing impressive fighting techniques and convincing character motivations.
One Piece - The Pirate Life
One Piece is a pirate-themed manga that follows Monkey D. Luffy, who eats a Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to stretch like rubber. Luffy seeks to become the king of pirates and acquire the One Piece treasure, which pirates believe would bring them incredible power, wealth, and fame. Along with his diverse and entertaining crew members, Luffy traverses through the Grand Line, encountering peculiar islands, powerful villains, and funny moments that keep the readers engaged. The manga is famous for its imaginative world-building, captivating characters, and spectacular battles.
Death Note - The Dark Fantasy
Death Note can be among the most unique manga and anime series such that it's more of a dark thriller than a typical shonen or shojo series. The central character, Light Yagami, discovers a mysterious notebook that enables him to kill anyone whose name he writes down in it. He strives to create a new world order and eliminate any individual he deems undesirable, attracting the attention of L, a legendary detective who harbors his eccentricities. With an electrifying storyline and two brilliant protagonists, Death Note dazzles fans with its originality and complexity.
Attack on Titan - The Story of Human Survival
Attack on Titan is somewhat unique in its plot development and presentation, primarily revolving around humanity's battle against giants known as Titans. We follow Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert as they fight for their survival and unravel the mystery of the Titans' existence. The story takes a fascinating twist when revelations change our perceptions of the characters and their motives, making it far from your typical good vs. evil tale.
Bleach - What a Soul Reaper does
Bleach's plot revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after unintentionally saving Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper herself. Ichigo realizes his role in protecting his town from Hollows or evil spirits seeking to consume the souls of humans. Bleach has some of the best-designed fights in anime, showcasing a mastery of swordsmanship and magic.
Fairy Tail - The Popular Guild
Fairy Tail tells the tale of Natsu Dragneel, a member of the Fairy Tail guild, and his various quests to protect their community. With an entertaining storyline built around friendships, comradery, and humor, the manga manages to keep readers engaged without sacrificing action or emotion. Mashima's ability to make the characters grow and interact with each other brings the series to life, making it one of the fastest rising stars among shonen manga.
Fullmetal Alchemist - The Story of Two Brothers
Fullmetal Alchemist is a coming-of-age tale chronicling the exploits of brothers Edward and Alphonse. The story takes on various themes, including alchemy, ethics, historical politics, and personal sacrifice. The brothers' journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, which will restore their bodies, reveals secrets that question what it means to be human, as they face consequences for their past errors.
Tokyo Ghoul - Between Humans and Ghouls
Tokyo Ghoul follows the story of Ken Kaneki, who becomes a half-ghoul after being attacked. Throughout the series, Kaneki's struggle to balance between his human and ghoul natures forms an intriguing narrative that raises questions about prejudices, society's push-pull mentality, and accepting who we are. It's no typical good vs. evil manga, but one caught in a gray area between survival, friendship, and betrayal.
Dragon Ball - The Genesis of Shonen Action
Dragon Ball is the granddaddy of all shonen anime and manga, helping define the genre and introduce tropes that are still present today. Follow Goku, Krillin, Bulma, and their group of friends on their quest for the Dragon Balls, which will grant whoever collects them unlimited power. The first half includes more comedic elements, while the later episodes are more action-packed, showcasing iconic battles and power-ups that remain a part of anime culture.
Nana - The Story of Two Women
Nana tells the story of two young women named Nana who meet on a train to Tokyo, one seeking rock-'n-roll fame and another to reunite with her boyfriend. As they establish their rock band, Blast, they explore love, relationships, and professional success's emotional turmoil. Aimed towards a mature audience, the manga's depiction of modern day relationships and lifestyle is refreshingly straightforward and realistic.
Conclusion
These are some of our top picks for must-read Japanese manga series that you can't miss. From action-packed adventures to compelling romances, there's something for everyone in this list. Whether you're a seasoned manga reader or a newcomer to the genre, we're confident that these manga series will enthrall you with their diverse plots, engaging characters, and superb artistry. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and discover your new favorite manga today!
Top 10 Must-Read Japanese Manga Series You Can't Miss!
Thank you for taking the time to read through our Top 10 Must-Read Japanese Manga Series You Can't Miss! article. We hope that our recommendations have sparked your interest and that you will give them a read.
Japanese manga has become a global phenomenon, with thousands of fans around the world eagerly awaiting new releases from their favorite series. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of manga, these top 10 series are sure to capture your attention.
From action-packed adventures to heart-wrenching love stories, there is something for everyone in the world of Japanese manga. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy of one of these must-read series today and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japanese manga!
People Also Ask about Top 10 Must-Read Japanese Manga Series You Can't Miss!
- What are the top 10 must-read Japanese manga series?
- One Piece
- Naruto
- Attack on Titan
- Death Note
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- Berserk
- Dragon Ball
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
- Sailor Moon
- My Hero Academia
- What makes these manga series a must-read?
- Engaging and well-developed characters
- Intriguing and complex storylines
- Unique and innovative art styles
- Impactful themes and messages
- Critical acclaim and cultural significance
- Are there any other popular Japanese manga series worth reading?
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Black Butler
- One Punch Man
- Fruits Basket
- Haikyuu!!
- Assassination Classroom
- A Silent Voice
- Hunter x Hunter
- Blue Exorcist
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Where can I read these manga series?
- Online manga reading websites
- Physical copies from bookstores or libraries
- Digital copies from e-book retailers
- Are there any anime adaptations of these manga series?
- Many of these manga series have been adapted into anime
- Some adaptations are faithful to the source material, while others take creative liberties
- Watching the anime can provide a different perspective on the story and characters