Recommended Reading - Top 10 Lists of Essential Manga Must-Reads
With so many manga titles out there to choose from, where should you start? Check out our top 10 lists of the latest and greatest manga series to get a taste of these cream of the crop comics and graphic novels.
Readers' Choice: Yaoi Manga
Sure, there's manga for boys and girls -- but what about something a little spicier? That's where yaoi or boys love manga comes in. "Yaoi" comes from the phrase "Yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi" or "no climax, no point, no meaning" -- which implies that yaoi manga features just the "good parts" of a sexually-charged relationship between two boys.
Bu…
15 Manga by Osamu Tezuka
Influential, artistically innovative and prodigiously productive, Osamu Tezuka is widely regarded as the "God of Manga." In his 40-year career, he created over 700 manga series, and drew over 150,000 pages. A mere fraction of his works have been published in English so far, but what is available shows a wide range of Tezuka-sensei's storytelling style.
This list pro…
Cool New Manga for Grown-up Graphic Novel Fans
Looking for manga that's just a little bit edgier, more artistically innovative, thought-provoking or just plain old more "grown-up?" U.S. publishers have heard you and they've got a great array of graphic novels that's just for you.
Looking for manga that's just a little bit edgier, more artistically innovative, thought-provoking or just plain old more "grown-up?" U.S. publishers have heard you and they've got a great array of graphic novels that's just for you.
12 Great All-Ages Manga for Kids
From sports to fantasy, comedies, adventures and even how-to books, here are a few kid-friendly graphic novels to introduce young readers to the many joys of manga.
From sports to fantasy, comedies, adventures and even how-to books, here are a few kid-friendly graphic novels to introduce young readers to the many joys of manga.
28 Great Manga Missed by the Eisner Awards
Sure, there were some great manga nominated for an Eisner award in 2008 but what about the ones that didn't get the nod from the nominating committee? See 2008's best manga that got missed by the Eisner Awards, but are still worth your money and attention, as recommended by some of the web's top bloggers, critics, journalists and comics creators.
Sure, there were some great manga nominated for an Eisner award in 2008 but what about the ones that didn't get the nod from the nominating committee? See 2008's best manga that got missed by the Eisner Awards, but are still worth your money and attention, as recommended by some of the web's top bloggers, critics, journalists and comics creators.
2008 About.com Manga Readers'Polls
See all of the 2008 Manga Readers' Polls, check out the nominees for Best New Shojo, Shonen and Seinen Manga and see which manga topped readers' must-read lists in 2008.
See all of the 2008 Manga Readers' Polls, check out the nominees for Best New Shojo, Shonen and Seinen Manga and see which manga topped readers' must-read lists in 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Books About Manga
See our top 10 nominees for the Best New Manga Book, including fan books for Death Note, Fruits Basket and Genshiken fans, and art books featuring illustrations from Vagabond and Full Moon. Also, see the readers' choice winner for the best new manga book of 2008.
See our top 10 nominees for the Best New Manga Book, including fan books for Death Note, Fruits Basket and Genshiken fans, and art books featuring illustrations from Vagabond and Full Moon. Also, see the readers' choice winner for the best new manga book of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Yaoi / Shonen-Ai Manga
See our top 10 nominees for Best New Yaoi / Shonen-Ai Manga, including Love Quest, Future Lovers, Seduce Me After the Show, and the see the readers' choice winner for the best new boys love manga of 2008.
See our top 10 nominees for Best New Yaoi / Shonen-Ai Manga, including Love Quest, Future Lovers, Seduce Me After the Show, and the see the readers' choice winner for the best new boys love manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best Manga Magazine
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite manga magazine or mook of 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Shonen Jump, Shojo Beat, Yen Plus, and the see the readers' choice winner for the best manga magazine of 2008.
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite manga magazine or mook of 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Shonen Jump, Shojo Beat, Yen Plus, and the see the readers' choice winner for the best manga magazine of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New One-Shot Manga
Sometimes great things come in small packages. Need proof? See our top 10 nominees for Best New One-Shot Manga / Short Story Collection, including Solanin, Tokyo Zombie and Disappearance Diary, plus see the readers' choice winner for the Best New One-Shot Manga of 2008.
Sometimes great things come in small packages. Need proof? See our top 10 nominees for Best New One-Shot Manga / Short Story Collection, including Solanin, Tokyo Zombie and Disappearance Diary, plus see the readers' choice winner for the Best New One-Shot Manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New All-Ages Manga
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite new kids manga series for 2008. See the top 10 nominees for readers of all ages, including Pokemon, Sugar Princess and COWA!, plus see the readers' choice winner for the best new All-Ages manga of 2008.
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite new kids manga series for 2008. See the top 10 nominees for readers of all ages, including Pokemon, Sugar Princess and COWA!, plus see the readers' choice winner for the best new All-Ages manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Original English Language Manga
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite new Original English Language manga series for 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Yokaiden, In Odd We Trust and Kasumi, plus find out the readers' choice winner for the best new Original English Language manga of 2008.
About.com Manga readers were asked to choose their favorite new Original English Language manga series for 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Yokaiden, In Odd We Trust and Kasumi, plus find out the readers' choice winner for the best new Original English Language manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Classic or Reissued Manga
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new Classic or Reissued Manga for 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Black Jack, Bat-Manga, Dororo and new editions of One-Pound Gospel and Vagabond. Also, see the readers' choice winner for the best new Classic or Reissued Manga of 2008.
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new Classic or Reissued Manga for 2008. See the top 10 nominees, including Black Jack, Bat-Manga, Dororo and new editions of One-Pound Gospel and Vagabond. Also, see the readers' choice winner for the best new Classic or Reissued Manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Josei Manga
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new josei manga series for 2008. See our top 10 nominees, including Honey and Clover, Vassalord and Be With You, plus see the readers' choice winner for the best new josei manga of 2008.
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new josei manga series for 2008. See our top 10 nominees, including Honey and Clover, Vassalord and Be With You, plus see the readers' choice winner for the best new josei manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Seinen Manga
There was so much great new seinen manga or (a.k.a. "mens' manga") in 2008, this list doesn't come close to capturing all of them. Nevertheless, it's now it's your turn to choose the best new seinen manga of 2008! Regretfully, I had to leave out a few worthy candidates, but if you've got a favorite new manga (The first volume of the graphic novel edition must have b…
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Shonen Manga
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new shonen manga series for 2008. See our top 10 nominees, including Fairy Tail, 07-Ghost, Slam Dunk and see the readers' choice winner for the best new shonen manga of 2008.
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new shonen manga series for 2008. See our top 10 nominees, including Fairy Tail, 07-Ghost, Slam Dunk and see the readers' choice winner for the best new shonen manga of 2008.
2008 Readers Poll: Best New Shojo Manga
What were your favorite manga of 2008? From B.O.D.Y. to Your and My Secret, see how About.com readers voted in the Best New Shojo Manga poll.
What were your favorite manga of 2008? From B.O.D.Y. to Your and My Secret, see how About.com readers voted in the Best New Shojo Manga poll.
2009 Preview: 20 Hot New Manga
There's lots of buzzworthy new manga due out in 2009. From exciting shonen manga and romantic shojo manga to edgy seinen manga and artistically innnovative gekiga collections, these are the top 20 picks that are generating the most excitment with critics and fans.
There's lots of buzzworthy new manga due out in 2009. From exciting shonen manga and romantic shojo manga to edgy seinen manga and artistically innnovative gekiga collections, these are the top 20 picks that are generating the most excitment with critics and fans.
2008 Best Continuing Manga
These manga aren't exactly new, but they're still worth cheering for as the series that kept readers coming back for more in 2008. See 11 picks of the best shojo, shonen, seinen, josei and all-ages manga, plus the best manga magazine and 2 that get the dubious honor as the year's worst.
These manga aren't exactly new, but they're still worth cheering for as the series that kept readers coming back for more in 2008. See 11 picks of the best shojo, shonen, seinen, josei and all-ages manga, plus the best manga magazine and 2 that get the dubious honor as the year's worst.
2008 Best New Manga
There were many bright spots for manga in 2008, with the return of Slam Dunk and Black Jack, and the arrival of some hotly-anticipated series like Gantz, Real and Black Lagoon. See the 16 best newcomers of 2008, including 2 underappreciated gems.
There were many bright spots for manga in 2008, with the return of Slam Dunk and Black Jack, and the arrival of some hotly-anticipated series like Gantz, Real and Black Lagoon. See the 16 best newcomers of 2008, including 2 underappreciated gems.
Best Vampire Manga
From gothic romances and gory horror to suspenseful modern mysteries and goofy comedies, these shojo, shonen and seinen manga offer lots of the bats, blood, fangs and drop-dead gorgeous creatures of the night that make vampire fans swoon.
From gothic romances and gory horror to suspenseful modern mysteries and goofy comedies, these shojo, shonen and seinen manga offer lots of the bats, blood, fangs and drop-dead gorgeous creatures of the night that make vampire fans swoon.
Michael Gombos' Top 9 Manga
If you love reading GANTZ, MPD Psycho or Blood+, you have Michael Gombos to thank for that. As Dark Horse's Director of Asian Licensing, Gombos reads a lot of manga and manhwa to find the next big thing. But out of all of the graphic novels he's read over the years, which ones have found a front and center spot on his bookshelf?
If you love reading GANTZ, MPD Psycho or Blood+, you have Michael Gombos to thank for that. As Dark Horse's Director of Asian Licensing, Gombos reads a lot of manga and manhwa to find the next big thing. But out of all of the graphic novels he's read over the years, which ones have found a front and center spot on his bookshelf?
Spookiest (and Silliest) Ghosts and Zombies Manga
Ghosts, spirits, poltergeists and zombies -- the dead, the almost dead and the undead haunt the pages of these horror manga picks. Some are spooky, some are silly and some are even romantic -- but all are supernaturally entertaining reads.
Ghosts, spirits, poltergeists and zombies -- the dead, the almost dead and the undead haunt the pages of these horror manga picks. Some are spooky, some are silly and some are even romantic -- but all are supernaturally entertaining reads.
11 Best New Manga Announced at Comic-Con 2008
After a shojo-heavy selection of new manga news at Anime Expo, the manga announcements at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 were much more manly and mature by comparison. See what's new and notable for 2009 from VIZ Media, Dark Horse, Del Rey Manga and more.
After a shojo-heavy selection of new manga news at Anime Expo, the manga announcements at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 were much more manly and mature by comparison. See what's new and notable for 2009 from VIZ Media, Dark Horse, Del Rey Manga and more.
Top 10 New Manga from Anime Expo 2008
With representatives from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Dark Horse, Digital Manga Publishing, CMX Manga, Aurora and Go! Comi on hand, there was lots of new manga showcased at Anime Expo. But what were the stand-out announcements? See my picks for the top 10 new manga for '09 from AX '08.
With representatives from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Dark Horse, Digital Manga Publishing, CMX Manga, Aurora and Go! Comi on hand, there was lots of new manga showcased at Anime Expo. But what were the stand-out announcements? See my picks for the top 10 new manga for '09 from AX '08.
Erica Friedman's Top 10 Yuri Manga
Probably no one knows (and loves) yuri manga more than publisher, blogger and Yuricon founder Erica Friedman. So we asked her for her favorites – the girls love manga that she loves to read and recommend.
Probably no one knows (and loves) yuri manga more than publisher, blogger and Yuricon founder Erica Friedman. So we asked her for her favorites – the girls love manga that she loves to read and recommend.
10 Major Manga Trends for 2008
Many major manga publishers announced their new titles, licenses and products for 2008 at conventions throughout 2007. When the dust settled, 10 major trends emerged, from manga movies to "mooks" and mobile phone manga.
Many major manga publishers announced their new titles, licenses and products for 2008 at conventions throughout 2007. When the dust settled, 10 major trends emerged, from manga movies to "mooks" and mobile phone manga.
2008 Preview: 20 Hot New Manga
Looking ahead to 2008, there's a lot of great manga coming soon to a comics shop or bookstore near you. But what are the titles that are generating the most pre-publication buzz? See my top 20 manga, books and magazines you'll most want to read.
Looking ahead to 2008, there's a lot of great manga coming soon to a comics shop or bookstore near you. But what are the titles that are generating the most pre-publication buzz? See my top 20 manga, books and magazines you'll most want to read.
2007 Best Continuing Manga List
We paid tribute to the Best New Manga of 2007, so now it's time to give a nod to the current manga series that kept me coming back for more. Here's my picks for the Best Manga of 2007 list, featuring the ten series that I'm hooked on and one manga I never want to read ever again.
We paid tribute to the Best New Manga of 2007, so now it's time to give a nod to the current manga series that kept me coming back for more. Here's my picks for the Best Manga of 2007 list, featuring the ten series that I'm hooked on and one manga I never want to read ever again.
2007 Readers Poll: Best New Seinen Manga
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new seinen (men's) manga series for 2007. See our top 10 nominees, including new titles from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Del Rey Manga and Dark Horse, including Parasyte, Variante, Vampire Hunter D and more.
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new seinen (men's) manga series for 2007. See our top 10 nominees, including new titles from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Del Rey Manga and Dark Horse, including Parasyte, Variante, Vampire Hunter D and more.
2007 Readers Poll: Best New Josei Manga
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new josei (ladies) manga series for 2007. See our top 10 nominees, including new titles from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Yen Press and Dark Horse, including Suppli, Walkin' Butterfly, Inubaka and more.
We asked About.com Manga readers to choose their favorite new josei (ladies) manga series for 2007. See our top 10 nominees, including new titles from TokyoPop, VIZ Media, Yen Press and Dark Horse, including Suppli, Walkin' Butterfly, Inubaka and more.
2007 Best New Manga List
2007 was a pretty good year for manga, with a lot of new shojo, shonen, josei and seinen manga released for your reading pleasure. See my picks for the 2007 Best New Manga list, and discover new manga that just might be your next favorite.
2007 was a pretty good year for manga, with a lot of new shojo, shonen, josei and seinen manga released for your reading pleasure. See my picks for the 2007 Best New Manga list, and discover new manga that just might be your next favorite.
2007 Readers Poll: Best New Shonen Manga
There were lots of new shonen manga titles that made their debut in 2007, and now it's your chance to choose your favorite. Was Zombie Loan a killer read? Did Aventura cure those "No more Harry Potter books blues?" Or did Gin Tama earn a place on your book-buying list? Vote for your favorite in our online poll!
There were lots of new shonen manga titles that made their debut in 2007, and now it's your chance to choose your favorite. Was Zombie Loan a killer read? Did Aventura cure those "No more Harry Potter books blues?" Or did Gin Tama earn a place on your book-buying list? Vote for your favorite in our online poll!
2007 Readers Poll: Best New Shojo Manga
It's your turn to show your love for your favorite new shojo manga series for 2007. Did Vampire Knight make you swoon? Was Kitchen Princess good enough to eat? Or did newcomer Gakuen Alice have you counting the days until the next volume? Vote for your favorite in our online poll!
It's your turn to show your love for your favorite new shojo manga series for 2007. Did Vampire Knight make you swoon? Was Kitchen Princess good enough to eat? Or did newcomer Gakuen Alice have you counting the days until the next volume? Vote for your favorite in our online poll!
Jason Thompson's Top 10 Manga List
Manga editor, author and expert Jason Thompson has read thousands of Japanese comics. But given the choice, what did the author of Manga: The Complete Guide pick as his top 10 all-time favorite Japanese comics? See his picks, from the popular to the obscure, in his all-time favorite manga list.
Manga editor, author and expert Jason Thompson has read thousands of Japanese comics. But given the choice, what did the author of Manga: The Complete Guide pick as his top 10 all-time favorite Japanese comics? See his picks, from the popular to the obscure, in his all-time favorite manga list.
8 "War is Hell" Military Manga
After World War II, Japan's armed forces pay only a marginal role in daily life. But soldiers, sailors and pilots are center-stage in these military-focused manga series. Time-traveling commandos, post-apocalyptic warriors and even infantry rabbits battling cat Vietcong are just some of the soldiers you'll meet on this manga battlefield.
After World War II, Japan's armed forces pay only a marginal role in daily life. But soldiers, sailors and pilots are center-stage in these military-focused manga series. Time-traveling commandos, post-apocalyptic warriors and even infantry rabbits battling cat Vietcong are just some of the soldiers you'll meet on this manga battlefield.
Top 10 Manga Must-Reads
New to the joys of manga? Before you read the rest, check out some of the best. Our top 10 list includes recommended reads for every age and every taste. Choose from action-packed shonen manga and romantic shojo manga for kids and teens or cutting-edge graphic novels for adults -- you're sure to discover a comic book that will blow you away.
New to the joys of manga? Before you read the rest, check out some of the best. Our top 10 list includes recommended reads for every age and every taste. Choose from action-packed shonen manga and romantic shojo manga for kids and teens or cutting-edge graphic novels for adults -- you're sure to discover a comic book that will blow you away.
Top 10 Shonen Manga Must-Reads
Hooked on the adrenaline-rush of shonen manga, but looking for some new thrills? Take a chance on of the most action-packed, hilarious and addictive Japanese comics for boys with our top 10 list of current and classic shonen manga titles.
Hooked on the adrenaline-rush of shonen manga, but looking for some new thrills? Take a chance on of the most action-packed, hilarious and addictive Japanese comics for boys with our top 10 list of current and classic shonen manga titles.
Top 10 Shojo Manga Must-Reads
Curious about shojo manga but can't figure out where to start? Discover some of the most romantic, hilarious, magical and memorable Japanese comics for girls with our top 10 recommended reading list. Discover shojo favorites, including Paradise Kiss, Kare Kano and Fushigi Yugi.
Curious about shojo manga but can't figure out where to start? Discover some of the most romantic, hilarious, magical and memorable Japanese comics for girls with our top 10 recommended reading list. Discover shojo favorites, including Paradise Kiss, Kare Kano and Fushigi Yugi.
5 Cooking Manga Good Enough to Eat
From the land of Iron Chef comes cooking manga -- Japanese comics about the thrills and spills (mostly spills) that happens when you turn baking, frying and slicing into a competitive sport, and turn the kitchen into a backdrop for romance, comedy and intrigue.
From the land of Iron Chef comes cooking manga -- Japanese comics about the thrills and spills (mostly spills) that happens when you turn baking, frying and slicing into a competitive sport, and turn the kitchen into a backdrop for romance, comedy and intrigue.
Horror Manga: 13 Creepy Comics and Gruesome Graphic Novels
From the slightly spooky tales of Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation to the extremely disturbing Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show, our list of horror manga offers a chilling array of paranormal delights, ghostly lore and gruesome gore.
From the slightly spooky tales of Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation to the extremely disturbing Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show, our list of horror manga offers a chilling array of paranormal delights, ghostly lore and gruesome gore.
Manga Reviews from Slightly Biased Manga
Read 'slightly-biased' opinions on the latest manga releases from this informative and fun blog.
Read 'slightly-biased' opinions on the latest manga releases from this informative and fun blog.
Manga Worth Reading Starting Points
Recommendations of manga worth reading from the Comics Worth Reading blog. Slightly biased toward shojo titles, but a good list to check out.
Recommendations of manga worth reading from the Comics Worth Reading blog. Slightly biased toward shojo titles, but a good list to check out.