For those who may find immersing themselves in an entirely new subculture a bit overwhelming, here’s a list of our beloved Manga titles to kickstart your exploration.
Doraemon, Shinchan, and Ninja Hattori were the beloved cartoons of the late ’90s and early 2000s, capturing the hearts of many children during that era. They share a commonality, aside from being Japanese; they are all based on Manga comics. While the preceding generations grew up with Tinkle, Reader’s Digest, and Chacha Chaudhary adventures, Generation Z has been enchanted by Japanese Manga comics. For the uninitiated, Manga refers to Japanese comics.
If you have a penchant for comics, graphic novels, or any other visual storytelling mediums, you’ll likely find enjoyment in reading Manga. However, delving headfirst into a whole new subculture can be intimidating, so here’s a selection of our favorite Manga titles to get you started on your journey.
A Newcomer’s Guide to Manga:
1. Spy X Family by Tatsuya Endo: Among the most popular Manga currently, this story follows a spy who must “build a family” to execute a mission. Unbeknownst to him, the girl he adopts as his daughter is a telepath, and the woman he agrees to marry is a skilled assassin. You can also watch its anime adaptation on Netflix.
2. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya: Originally published by Tokyo Pop, Fruits Basket was a bestseller that shattered stereotypes about girls not reading comics. The manga tells the story of an orphaned girl who moves in with a family living under a curse.
3. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto: Often referred to as the “King of Manga,” Naruto kick-started the Manga craze. Set in a fictional Shinobi (Ninja) world, it follows Naruto, initially a hopeless Ninja who gradually hones his skills after facing numerous setbacks.
4. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda: This Manga has recently been adapted into a live-action series on Netflix, generating immense excitement among fans. It delves into critical themes and social issues.
5. A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima: A Silent Voice stands out in the realm of shonen manga for its lack of action and crime-fighting, at least not in the traditional “I’m going to save the world” sense. Instead, it focuses on a boy who has been both a bully and a victim and how he moves forward from those experiences.
In a world where visual storytelling takes various forms, Manga has emerged as a captivating and immersive medium. Just as beloved classics like Doraemon, Shinchan, and Ninja Hattori have entertained previous generations, a new wave of Manga has swept the hearts of today’s readers. As we embark on this exciting journey into Japanese comics, there’s no better time to explore some of the most engaging and diverse Manga titles.
From the thrilling espionage world of “Spy X Family” to the heartfelt tale of “Fruits Basket,” and the epic adventures in “Naruto” and “One Piece,” there’s something for everyone. Moreover, “A Silent Voice” breaks the mould by delving into the complexities of human relationships, bullying, and personal growth.
Manga bridges across generations and cultures, uniting readers with its compelling narratives and stunning artwork. These selected titles are only the beginning of an enriching and captivating Manga journey. So, dive in and experience the vast and enchanting world of Japanese comics.
