Love comics? It’s definitely about time you check out manga novels. To make your life easier, we’ve collected a list of the best ones.

Manga novels are a world of comic book diversity. They span from fantasy epics to romantic comedies and magical adventures. They’re divided into five main categories, based on their target audience.

These categories are kodomomuke (young children), shonen (adolescent males), shojo (adolescent girls), seinen (adult males), and josei (adult women). But, there’s no rule saying who should read what. It’s all about personal taste.

If you’re a fan of graphic novels but haven’t explored manga yet, now’s the time. We’ve put together a list of classic and modern manga favorites for you.

Astro Boy – Osamu Tezuka (1952)

Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy is a global manga hit. It has been loved for over 70 years. It has been adapted into anime, film, and video games, making it a huge franchise.

The story is set in a future where robots and humans live together. It follows Astro Boy, an android, as he explores humanity, heroism, and adventure.

The Heart of Thomas – Moto Hagio (1974)

The Heart of Thomas is a coming-of-age tale set in 20th century Germany. It explores themes of gender, religion, class, and sexuality. It’s known for its influence and has attracted fans worldwide.

Akira – Katsuhiro Otomo (1982)

Akira is a cyber-punk classic that has become a franchise. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic “Neo-Tokyo.” The story follows Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima as they face a mysterious government project and Akira.

Akira challenges traditional apocalypse themes. It explores societal disruption, civil disobedience, and humanity’s fate.

Dragon Ball – Akira Toriyama (1985)

The original Dragon Ball manga is a global hit. It’s the third best-selling manga novel of all time.

The series follows Son Goku as he learns martial arts and searches for the Dragon Balls. These orbs can summon a wish-granting dragon.

Berserk – Kentaro Miura (1989)

Beserk is set in a dark fantasy world that looks like medieval Europe. It follows Guts, a fierce mercenary. His fame catches the eye of Griffith, the leader of the Band of the Haw.

Sailor Moon – Naoko Takeuchi (1991)

Sailor Moon explores themes of self-confidence, love, and female empowerment. The main character, Sailor Moon, is different from typical heroes. She’s complex and flawed but empowered.

The anime versions of Sailor Moon have made the series loved worldwide.

Inuyasha – Rumiko Takahashi (1996)

Inuyasha tells the story of Kagome, a Japanese teen. She travels back in time to the Sengoku period. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-dog, half-human creature.

Fruits Basket – Natsuki Takaya (1998)

Fruits Basket is named after a Japanese children’s game. It follows Tohru Honda, an orphan. She meets Shigure, Kyo, and Yuki Soma, who have animal spirits.

Vagabond – Takehiko Inoue (1998)

Vagabond is a top-selling manga series. It’s about Takezō Shinmen and Matahachi Hon’iden in 1600s Japan. They are wounded in the Battle of Sekigahara.

Naruto – Masashi Kishimoto (1999)

Naruto is known for its deep characters and storylines. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja. He aims to lead his village.

The manga has been turned into games, card games, artbooks, and films. It’s widely praised.

Paradise Kiss – Ai Yazawa (1999)

Paradise Kiss is about Yukari, a high school student. She meets a group of fashion design students. They change her life.

Real – Takehiko Inoue (1999)

Real explores social isolation and identity. It follows three teens who are outsiders. They face challenges in their lives.

Uzumaki – Junji Ito (2000)

Uzumaki is set in a city plagued by a curse of spirals. It’s a horror manga series. Junji Ito calls it his masterpiece.

Bleach – Tite Kubo (2001)

Bleach is about Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see ghosts. He becomes a Soul Reaper to help spirits find peace.

The manga is full of action and unique characters. It’s a great choice for those new to manga.

Mushishi – Yuki Urushibara (2002)

Mushishi takes place in a time between the Edo and Meiji eras. It follows Ginko, who can see Mushi, ancient supernatural beings. He travels to study these creatures and heal his community.

Vampire Knight – Matsuri Hino (2004)

Vampire Knight is about Yuki Cross, adopted by Cross Academy’s headmaster. She keeps the school’s secret: the Day Class is normal, but the Night Class is vampires. They live together in peace.

Goodnight Punpun – Inio Asano (2007)

Goodnight Punpun is a coming-of-age story. It follows Onodera Punpun from childhood to adulthood. It explores family issues, mental health, and love.

Attack on Titan – Hajime Isayama (2009)

Attack on Titan is set in a world where humans are on the brink of extinction. They face humanoid “Titans” that eat humans. The story follows Eren Yeager as he fights these creatures.

Yona of the Dawn – Mizuho Kusanagi (2009)

Yona of the Dawn tells Yona’s story after her kingdom is attacked. She must escape and find her way in a dangerous world.

Gangsta – Kohske (2011)

Gangsta is a crime manga set in Ergastulum. It follows Nic and Worick, the “Handymen,” as they take down a gang.

Haikyu!! – Haruichi Furudate (2012)

Haikyu!! is about Shōyō Hinata, a volleyball player. Despite his small size, he dreams big. The series has been adapted into various forms, making it very popular.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 1 Phantom Blood – Hirohiko Araki (2015)

Phantom Blood is set in late 19th century England. It tells the story of Jonathan Joestar, a young man with a big fortune. He fights his adoptive brother Dio Brando, who wants the fortune for himself.

The story explores adventure, brotherhood, and the supernatural. It’s a deep dive into the battle between good and evil.

My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness – Kabi Nagata (2016)

My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness is a manga that looks at sexuality, growing up, mental health, and feeling alone. It’s based on the author’s life and shows the journey of finding oneself.

Chainsaw Man – Fujimoto Tatsuki (2018)

Chainsaw Man is set in a world where history is different. The Soviet Union is powerful, and the Holocaust never happened. Devils, born from human fears, and Devil Hunters roam the Earth.

The story follows Henji, a Devil Hunter who becomes a devil-human hybrid. He tries to hide from his former community.

Blue Period – Tsubasa Yamaguchi (2020)

Blue Period won the 2020 Manga Taisho Grand Prize. It’s about Yatora, a student who seems perfect but feels empty inside.

The manga shows Yatora’s journey into painting. He learns about the ups and downs of being an artist.