Although Japanese comic books, or manga, seem contemporary, it’s said to originate as far back as the Heian period (794 – 1185) and even has roots in traditional Japanese ukiyo-e from the 19th century. It’s only until the mid-20th century that serialised manga magazines, such as the iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump, emerged.
You’ve most likely heard of Akira, Dragonball-Z, and maybe even Astro Boy, before. But as a staple of Japanese pop culture, there’s countless other brilliant, modern manga out there. If you’re looking for an introduction to manga, check out our rundown of ten classics from different genres.
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Slam Dunk (スラムダンク)
This basketball-themed manga ran in the 1990s, or the ‘golden age’ of the weekly magazines. It follows a delinquent teenager and his teammates as they navigate the sport at high school.
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Beck (ベック)
For music fans, Beck is a must-read. About a group of teenagers in Japan who launch a budding career as a rock band, it tells the story of one boy’s coming of age and self-discovery.
- Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma (食戟のソーマ)
You wouldn’t think that a manga about cooking would be particularly exciting, but this tale about a young boy’s chef ambitions brilliantly combines realistic techniques and recipes with comedy. -
Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳)
One of the most well-known manga from the 80s, this classic follows a martial arts assassin who battles villains in the deserted aftermath of a nuclear war.
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One Piece (ワンピース)
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Eiichiro Oda’s iconic tale, loved by young and old alike. Follow Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in order to find the greatest treasure ever left by the legendary pirate, Gold Roger.
- Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人)
Read this popular series if you’re a fan of dark fantasy. Join Survey Corps members as they battle against titans that push humans to the edge of extinction. - Death Note (デスノート)
Imagine finding a Death Note, and when someone’s name is written on it, they die… Take a look at Tokyo Ghoul and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for all your horror needs, too. -
Case Closed (名探偵コナン)
Also fondly known as Detective Conan, this pint-sized detective is just as iconic as Sherlock Holmes in Japan. Once a high school student, poison transforms him into a small kid, forcing him to hide his true identity while he solves cases.
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Great Teacher Onizuka (グレート・ティーチャー・オニヅカ)
What happens when a former biker gang member with a foul temper becomes a teacher for all the wrong reasons? Comedy ensues!
- Vagabond (バガボンド)
This historical epic focuses on the life of the famous Japanese Samurai Musashi Miyamoto, from a poor teenager to a skilled Samurai. As the story was never finished, another manga for history fans to check out is the ongoing Rurouni Kenshin (るろうに剣心) series.
Happy manga-reading!
Image: Weekly Shōnen Jump