10 Amazing Manga That Are Perfect for Beginners

Manga offers a huge world of amazing stories, but it can be tough to know where to begin, especially if you’re new to it. You’ve probably heard of popular series, but figuring out which ones are best for beginners isn’t always easy. While titles like One Piece are famous, its length—over 1,000 chapters—can be intimidating. Similarly, popular series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man have complicated backstories and might be a bit too intense for someone just getting into manga and anime.

Luckily, plenty of series are perfect for newcomers, either because they explain complicated worlds simply or focus on themes everyone can understand. These series can be a great way to get into manga and anime and really enjoy them.

10) Naruto

Although the Naruto anime can sometimes feel slow and includes unnecessary episodes, the manga is much better paced and a fantastic way to start reading manga. The story immediately draws you in with a funny and likable main character who has a big goal: to become the leader of his village. The action starts quickly, and the world and its power system are explained clearly. Because it’s originally for younger readers, the series explains things simply and thoroughly, which is helpful for anyone new to manga or fantasy. Despite being about ninjas, Naruto explores universal themes like the triumph of good over evil, dealing with loss and hardship, and the value of friendship and connection.

9) Bleach

If you’re looking to get into manga and anime, Bleach is a fantastic place to start, alongside popular series like Naruto. Similar to Naruto, the Bleach manga is generally considered easier to follow than the anime because of its better flow and fewer unnecessary episodes. The story begins with Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student unexpectedly drawn into the world of Soul Reapers – supernatural beings who protect people. It’s a captivating start that maintains a good pace throughout. Ichigo is a relatable and interesting main character – he’s passionate and makes mistakes, but he’s also brave and dedicated. The supporting characters are just as enjoyable, and the storylines are straightforward enough for newcomers to understand. The art style is visually appealing and easy on the eyes, and the exciting action and surprising twists will keep you engaged, even though the manga has nearly 700 chapters.

8) Fullmetal Alchemist

When it comes to compelling and imperfect main characters, Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist is a standout. The story begins with him and his brother, Alphonse, dealing with the consequences of a terrible error. The manga follows their journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone and restore Alphonse’s body after an alchemy experiment goes wrong. It starts with a very personal and gripping problem, then expands to reveal larger conspiracies involving government corruption and the repeating patterns of violence. These elements make Fullmetal Alchemist an easy series to get invested in, and with only 108 chapters, it’s a faster read than longer series like Naruto or Bleach. The story moves at a great pace, which also works well in the anime adaptation.

7) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan presents a compelling dystopian world: humanity confined within walls to protect themselves from terrifying, giant creatures. Like many great dystopian stories, it doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, and this powerfully draws you into the story of Eren Yeager. From the very beginning, it’s captivating, with expertly crafted action and unexpected twists. The art style is accessible and improves throughout the series, and its exploration of themes like war, violence, and oppression feels relevant and impactful. It’s no surprise Attack on Titan is so popular – even people who don’t usually read manga will likely find themselves hooked. For the best experience, consider checking out the Colossal editions.

6) The Promised Neverland

Despite its cute appearance, The Promised Neverland is a thrilling manga best suited for fans of horror. The story centers around children in an orphanage with a dark secret, and revealing any more would spoil the initial surprise. This twist, and the subsequent dark revelations, drive a fast-paced plot, particularly enjoyable for thriller readers. The world and characters are developed slowly and organically. With 181 chapters, it’s a manageable length – not too short to feel incomplete, but not so long that it’s daunting.

5) Demon Slayer

It’s easy to see why Demon Slayer has become so popular, and the manga is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to the format. The story immediately draws you in with a heartbreaking event, and you learn about the world, its demons, and the unique Breathing techniques right alongside the main character, Tanjiro. The fast-paced plot keeps you hooked, and the series skillfully blends humor, action, and emotional depth without becoming overly dramatic or strange. Compared to many other action manga, Demon Slayer is relatively short and, importantly, already finished, so you won’t have to wait for new installments.

4) Spy x Family

If you’re new to manga and want something a little lighter, Spy x Family is a great choice. It has a good story with some suspense, but it’s mostly a fun, humorous series that’s easy to read. Unlike manga like Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer, you don’t need to concentrate intensely to follow along. The story takes place in a world similar to our own and focuses on a found family – each member is secretly hiding their true identity from the others. It’s a charming series that even people who don’t usually read manga are likely to enjoy.

3) My Hero Academia

Superhero stories are incredibly popular, and My Hero Academia delivers exactly that kind of excitement. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone who enjoys Marvel or DC but is new to manga and anime. The story of Izuku Midoriya pursuing a difficult dream is easy to connect with, and his status as an underdog makes you want to cheer him on throughout the series. Creator Kohei Horikoshi builds a vibrant and engaging world filled with memorable characters who develop as the story unfolds. It’s a truly enjoyable manga that will make you feel a range of emotions, and it’s a story that will leave you wanting to find similar series.

2) Fruits Basket

If you’re new to manga and prefer a story with more heart than action, consider Fruits Basket. While it features a unique premise – a family cursed to transform into animals – the series uses this fantastical element to explore very real and relatable themes. At its heart, Fruits Basket is a story about family, healing from past hurts, and finding redemption – something many people can connect with. Plus, the main story is a manageable 136 chapters, and there are sequels available if you fall in love with the characters and world.

1) Orange

I absolutely adore how Orange feels a lot like Fruits Basket with its focus on everyday life and relatable problems. But what really sets it apart is this cool sci-fi twist – the characters get letters from their future selves! It adds so much tension and makes you wonder what’s going to happen. I think it’s perfect for anyone new to manga because it doesn’t really stick to just one genre. Plus, it tackles some really important and moving themes like mental health and dealing with regret – I think almost anyone can find something to connect with. And honestly, it’s a pretty quick read compared to some other manga, making it a great place to start. Depending on what you love about it, it can lead you to explore either more heartwarming slice-of-life stories or dive into sci-fi and fantasy!

What beginner-friendly manga series are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-10 03:43