Movies and series are cool, but there is something special about manga that draws you in like nothing else. With lots of creative stories and iconic characters created throughout the years, many Japanese mastermind mangaka have taken this medium to greater heights, elevating manga to a global sensation.

Now, you’ve probably heard of some of these stories and are eager to get a taste of what makes manga special and why so many people talk about certain characters. However, choosing your first manga can be overwhelming. With that being said, I created a list of the best manga for beginners to help readers find the perfect one for their taste. Whether you like fantasy stories full of action or prefer a more realistic yet thrilling experience, this list has it all – from the classics to the exciting new hits. 

15. One Punch Man

Rating: 7.5/10

Imagine a hero who can beat any opponent with a single punch. No special abilities or breathing techniques. Just a single punch. Meet Saitama, the boy also known as One Punch Man.

One Punch Man is a fun and action-packed manga series that appeals to fans looking for a beautifully drawn story without complex plots, politics, or intricate magic systems. Plus, with 200 chapters already released, this is a casual relatively quick read that will easily immerse fans into its simple yet captivating world.

The One Punch Man manga is still ongoing, and its conclusion is still quite distant. Nevertheless, fans who enjoy Saitama's story can also watch the anime series, spanning two seasons with a third currently in production. Will Saitama find a worthy opponent? Start reading One Punch Man to find out!

14. Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Rating: 7.5/10

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Or, maybe you like Asta’s strength and hard-working mindset? In any case, if you are looking for a unique and fun series, Mashle: Magic and Muscles will not disappoint. And, while it’s highly inspired by the world of Harry Potter (which it cleverly parodies), the plot, characters, magic system, and all of the other elements are masterfully done, resulting in a fun manga series for beginners.

In Mashle: Magic and Muscles being a magician is normal. However, Mash, a young boy who lives in the woods, is not blessed with these powers and has to make do with his above-average strength. Upon moving to the city and enrolling in a magic school, Mash faces many challenges, concealing his lack of magic prowess being the most difficult of all.

As a high school student, Mash learns the rules of the magical world while overcoming obstacles in his own unique manner, taking readers on a hilarious and beautiful journey that will have them laughing at every page. And, although the popular anime is quite new, the Mashle: Magic and Muscles manga series is finished and consists of 162 chapters, making it a wonderful casual read all fans should check out. 

13. Sailor Moon

Rating: 8/10

Many of the previous manga on this list are modern classics heavily focused on thrilling action scenes, mystery, and dark, complex plots. That being said, while a lot of female fans enjoy these types of series, there surely are some who would prefer something more “girlish”. The Japanese name for this specific genre is Shoujo, and Sailor Moon is probably the best series in this category.

Sailor Moon is set in a beautiful 1990s variation of Tokyo and follows a young girl named Usagi Tsukino who, after meeting a cute cat named Luna, becomes the Sailor Guardian of love and justice. Assuming the Sailor Moon persona, Usagi starts a new journey with a single objective - to find the Legendary Silver Crystal and defeat the Dark Kingdom.

While the plot may seem simple, what sets Sailor Moon apart is its universal appeal to girls of all ages. Featuring imperfect yet relatable characters and a powerful message of love and friendship, Sailor Moon has stood the test of time and is still one of the best manga for beginners. It’s only 52 chapters long, so giving it a try might not be a bad idea at all. 

12. Spy x Family

Rating: 8/10

Spy x Family is a manga series unlike any other on this list. It’s a perfect blend of thrilling action scenes, hilarious comedy, and a little bit of romance, creating a heartwarming story readers will fall in love with. To top it off, the characters – especially Anya – are some of the most iconic ones in all modern manga. 

Just as the title suggests, Spy x Family is a spy-themed manga series that combines espionage with the everyday warmth of family life. However, this is no ordinary family. The plot centers around Loid, codenamed Twilight, a secret agent tasked with a mission that requires him to establish a fake family. To accomplish this, he adopts Anya, an adorable and playful girl with mind-reading abilities, and falsely marries Yor, a shy woman who is secretly an assassin.

Despite their dark backgrounds, this unconventional family gradually begins to function like a real one, creating many humorous and sweet moments throughout the series. With 75 chapters currently available, Spy x Family is an accessible and enjoyable read for manga beginners I would definitely recommend.

11. Dr. Stone

Rating: 8/10

Looking for a post-apocalyptic fantasy set far into the future where the human race is on the brink of extinction? You just found your next read! 

Dr. Stone is a unique manga series set in the future after a cataclysmic event turns all humans on Earth to stone. 3,700 years later, a boy genius named Senku Ishigami wakes up and, comprehending the situation, dedicates himself to using his knowledge to restore humanity's former glory. However, certain challenges arise, making his mission more difficult by the day.

Apart from the highly entertaining plot that will make readers feel smart while enjoying Senku’s brilliance and cheering for his success, the best thing about this series is that it’s completed. And, even though it may be longer than some of the other series on this list, Dr. Stone is still one of the manga series for beginners.

10. Fruits Basket

Rating: 8.5/10

Stories focused on fighting, plotting, and correcting the world's injustices are fantastic. However, some fans prefer a romantic series, or better yet, a romantic comedy. That’s where Fruits Basket comes in. 

Fruits Basket is mainly a fantasy romance series that delves into multiple relationships among its characters, exploring their complexity and dynamics. With captivating backstories and intricate character development, it later evolves into so much more – an incredible drama filled with dark moments and unexpected twists that will keep readers eagerly turning pages without pause.

With its 136 chapters, Fruits Basket is perfect for readers looking for a charming manga that doesn’t require a huge commitment. Throughout the series, they will find themselves cheering for the characters, feeling their frustrations, shedding a few tears, and, most importantly, learning valuable lessons from their experiences and relationships.

9. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Rating: 8.5/10

Fans will be drawn in by the stunning world and artwork, but they'll stay for so much more. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End takes readers on a magical journey, evoking emotions from sadness to joy, making it one of the most beautifully emotional roller coasters ever created.

The manga follows an elf named Frieren on a journey to reunite with the souls of her fallen comrades, exploring the world's beauty, making new friends, and discovering herself along the way. While it can get very complex at times, this manga keeps a cozy tone, allowing for a complete immersive enjoyment. Fans will feel like they are walking alongside Frieren, experiencing everything through her eyes, and gaining valuable lessons along the journey.

It’s perfect for anyone looking to escape their worries, and instead, enter one of the most enchanting fantasy worlds in manga. Its relaxed nature along with the fact that it’s currently 130 chapters long and has a very popular anime adaptation makes Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End an ideal choice for manga beginners.

8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Rating: 9/10

Whether manga newcomers or seasoned veterans, many fans have probably heard that Demon Slayer is one of the best manga series. Some may have already finished it and are enjoying the ongoing anime, which is phenomenal. In any case, one thing is sure – this series is popular for a reason.

Demon Slayer introduces fans to very likable and not overly complicated characters. It has a story that's easy to follow and epic fight scenes—arguably the best feature of Koyoharu Gotouge's new-gen shonen masterpiece. Additionally, this manga is relatively short and has a definitive ending, making it perfect for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by longer series.

The story of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows a young boy named Tanjiro, who enjoys a peaceful life with his family in a cottage in the woods. However, the world he lives in is anything but peaceful, as many demons prey on humans and turn them into their own kind.

Tragically, Tanjiro’s family is attacked by the Demon King, who takes the lives of everyone except the boy and his younger sister, Nezuko. However, Nezuko is not left unharmed, as she is transformed into a demon. This, along with the previous events, gives Tanjiro a new goal: to become a Demon Slayer and make his sister human again.

7. Death Note

Rating: 9/10

Let's add another tense thriller to this list, a fantastic piece of work that's one of the most popular manga series for a reason. Even non-anime fans have heard of Death Note and some have probably—unfortunately—watched the Netflix adaptation, getting acquainted with the cat-and-mouse story of Light Yagami and the genius detective known as L.

However, as poorly received as the movie adaptation may be, all fans can agree that the Death Note manga is a masterpiece—a story everyone needs to experience. It begins as a simple high school series, following Light Yagami’s school days and everyday activities until, one day, something very strange happens. A mysterious black notebook falls from the sky, and Light decides to pick it up. What could possibly go wrong, right?

Light discovers that by picking up the notebook, he gains the ability to kill anyone by simply writing their name in it. Motivated by the bad news he constantly hears on the TV and from his policeman father, Light goes on a rampage, hunting every criminal in Japan. Still, his actions don’t go unnoticed, and the brilliant detective L begins hunting him, getting closer and closer with each passing minute.

6. Vinland Saga

Rating: 9/10

People who love the Vikings TV series, the popular video game Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, or are simply fans of Norse history will certainly love this series. Vinland Saga is a mature story that delves deeply into human relations, politics, slavery, and other serious topics, all while featuring extremely cool characters and breathtaking battle scenes all readers love. 

Released in 2005, Vinland Saga is a seinen manga series that follows the hard life of a young Norwegian warrior named Thorfinn. In a grim world full of people who seek power no matter the cost, this young boy dreams of attaining peace – a goal that slowly takes everything from him.

He starts with the objective of avenging his father’s death but soon finds himself entangled in serious political conflicts involving the crown of England and the very person he wants to eliminate. Will Thorfinn get what he wants from this wretched world or will it pull him in and turn him into another monster? Start reading Vinland Saga and immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind Viking tale. 

5. Tokyo Ghoul

Rating: 9/10 

Anime fans are aware that Tokyo Ghoul's anime adaptation is often considered one of the worst, disappointing many who have read the series. However, the Tokyo Ghoul manga is nearly a masterpiece, offering everything a fan of dark fantasy could desire. It features incredible battle scenes, complex characters, moral dilemmas, and plot twists that will leave readers speechless and indecisive over which side to support.

This manga’s version of Tokyo is full of Ghouls – mysterious beings that must consume human flesh or blood to survive, leading to a tense relationship with humans. The story begins with Ken Kaneki, a young book lover leading a seemingly ordinary student life. Luckily, he finds a fellow book lover, a girl he later goes on a date with, believing it to be the best thing that has ever happened to him. And they lived happily ever after… Or not.

As they walk, the girl reveals herself to be a Ghoul and attacks Kaneki. However, a building component falls on the couple, killing the girl and causing a reality-changing injury to Kaneki. This incident transforms Kaneki into a half-Ghoul, slowly altering his personality and forcing him to confront the thin line between humans and Ghouls—a realization that forever alters his perspective on the world.

4. Monster

Rating: 9.5/10

Monster is the perfect manga series for all fans who prefer a more down-to-earth story. However, be warned, because it’s far from normal. This mature, puzzling, and tense page-turner is very dark, leaving readers eager for answers to the many questions it raises.

The story itself mainly focuses on Kenzou Tenma, a renowned Japanese surgeon who works in Germany and is living a peaceful life with his wife. Unfortunately, this peace quickly turns into dark turmoil, forcing Tenma to turn into a detective, hitman, psychologist, and everything else needed to stop Johan Libert – a killer with a twisted mind who happens to be tightly connected to the surgeon.

Monster is a completed 162-chapter-long series written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa, a mastermind highly appreciated among manga fans. It’s arguably his best work to date and is ideal for manga beginners not fond of complex magic systems or numerous flashy action scenes. Instead, readers will enjoy a familiar world full of mystery and intrigue, complex themes, and, most importantly, incredibly well-written characters.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist

Rating: 9.5/10

Fullmetal Alchemist is a manga series set in a world where the stakes are high and the magic system is unforgiving. It presents a beautiful yet dark setting where science serves as the catalyst for peace and conflict, wielded globally for both selfish and altruistic purposes.

This is a story that explores the themes of war, discrimination, real values, and, most notably, brotherhood, teaching readers about the consequences of actions and the power of love and determination. Fullmetal Alchemist does it all through the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who challenge the rules of nature and depart on a mission to fix their mistakes.

As they learn the mysteries of Alchemy and seek the elusive Philosopher’s Stone, these brothers unravel the complexities of their world. Along the way, they become involved in many conflicts, confronting matters of immense scale and encountering numerous powerful individuals. Simply put, the manga is amazing, it’s easy to read and is very difficult to stop talking and thinking about afterward.

2. Jujutsu Kaisen

Rating: 10/10 

This one has taken the world by storm, claiming the top spot among the best new manga series in recent years. Jujutsu Kaisen is a modern shonen series that, while heavily inspired by classics, introduces fresh elements that fans thoroughly enjoy. Plus, it's relatively short and ongoing, and its anime adaptation has been a massive success, making it an excellent starting point for manga beginners.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a series set in a seemingly normal but dark and twisted world where cursed spirits and curse users lurk in the shadows, aiming to wipe out the human race and take over the planet. However, the Jujutsu Sorcerers stand in their way, determined to save the day.

The story follows Yuji Itadori, a normal boy who accidentally gains extraordinary powers when the King of the Curses possesses him. The Jujutsu Sorcerers then recruit him and come under the protection of Satoru Gojo, the most powerful sorcerer of them all. As Yuji expands his powers and knowledge of this dark world, he faces increasingly difficult challenges, fighting many powerful enemies alongside his schoolmates.

1. Attack on Titan

Rating: 10/10

You might have been wondering why Attack on Titan isn't on this list, right? Don't worry, I've saved the best for last. And when I say the best, I truly mean it. It’s a series that all fans know and love, no matter how young or old they might be. And, quite often, it’s the manga series that gets people hooked on this beautiful world of creative stories. 

Attack on Titan introduces a dystopian setting where humanity faces extinction, confined in Paradis Island's safe zone enclosed by walls to protect against the huge and hungry Titans roaming the planet. However, even if they don’t have much left, hope is what drives humanity forward. Hope that they can eventually be free.

This quest for freedom is led by Eren, Mikasa, and Armin – three young soldiers who join Paradis’ military forces tasked with eliminating the Titans. Will they actually do it? And what secrets does the world hide? These are only two of the many questions fans will have as they read Hajime Isayama’s masterpiece, wondering how a single manga artist could come up with such an amazing, dark, complex, and mind-bending story.

A Quick Note About Other Classic Shonen Series

Series like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball are no-brainers when it comes to the best manga, they may not be the ideal options for beginners due to their considerable length. And it’s totally understandable as many people do not want to invest so much time in something they're unsure about and instead prefer stories that can quickly captivate them.

However, if you are a fan who does not have a problem taking the long way and would like to enjoy the journey of Naruto or Luffy, don’t hesitate. These manga series are considered masterpieces for a reason. Also, you can try modern Shonen series like My Hero Academia and Black Clover.

Final Thoughts on the Best Manga Series for Beginners

For those new to manga, choosing your first read can be a very enjoyable yet difficult process. With so many titles, genres, appealing covers, and varied fan opinions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when looking for the best manga for beginners.

With this list, I tried to highlight some of the best manga series and demonstrate the greatness of these stories. I avoided those that require significant dedication and instead focused on including finished and relatively shorter manga series that will still leave readers satisfied and eager for more.

If you were having trouble deciding how to start your manga reading journey, I hope my suggestions have helped you find what you were looking for. Remember, whether it's a romance series or a thrilling fantasy story, the most important thing is to enjoy what you're reading. Now, head to your local manga store and have fun! Happy reading!