How to Start Reading Manga: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Start Reading Manga
If you’ve ever been curious about manga, the captivating world of Japanese comics, you’re not alone. With its unique art style, diverse genres, and emotional storytelling, manga has captivated millions of readers worldwide. But if you’re new to it, you may be wondering where to begin. This beginner’s guide to reading manga will walk you through everything you need to know to get started confidently.
What Is Manga?
Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels, typically read from right to left. Unlike Western comics, manga covers a vast range of genres, from action and romance to slice-of-life, horror, and psychological thrillers. Whether you’re into epic battles or heartfelt drama, there’s a manga out there for you.
Why Start Reading Manga?
- Deep storytelling: Manga often explores complex characters and intricate plots.
- Wide variety: There’s a manga genre for every interest—romance, sports, fantasy, horror, mystery, and more.
- Compact format: Manga volumes are easy to read and collect.
- Art-driven emotion: The artwork conveys powerful emotions, action, and humor in ways unique to the medium.
How to Start Reading Manga in 6 Easy Steps
1. Understand How to Read Manga Properly
Manga is traditionally read:
- Right to left, starting from the top right panel and ending at the bottom left.
- Volumes (called tankōbon) also begin from the back cover (compared to Western books).
Most publishers include reading guides in the first few pages, so don’t worry—it gets easier with practice!
2. Choose the Right Genre for You
To get the most out of reading manga, start with a genre you already enjoy in books or movies:
- Slice of Life: My Roommate is a Cat, Barakamon, Horimiya
- Action/Fantasy: Naruto, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan
- Romance/Drama: Your Lie in April, Fruits Basket, Ao Haru Ride
- Mystery/Thriller: Death Note, Monster, Erased
3. Pick a Beginner-Friendly Manga Series
For newcomers, it’s best to start with a popular, completed, or easy-to-follow series. Recommended titles for beginners include:
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- One Punch Man
- Tokyo Ghoul
- My Hero Academia
These have clear plots, engaging characters, and are widely available in print and digital formats.
4. Decide How You Want to Read: Physical or Digital
You can start reading manga in two main formats:
- Digital Platforms: Use apps like VIZ, MANGA Plus, ComiXology, or Kindle for instant access on your device.
- Physical Books: Collect printed volumes from bookstores, libraries, or online retailers.
5. Avoid Spoilers and Filler
If you’re also watching anime adaptations, be aware that:
- Anime sometimes includes filler episodes or diverges from the original plot.
- The manga usually comes first, and is often more complete and detailed.
6. Join the Community
Engage with other manga fans to get recommendations, share reviews, or join discussions:
- Attend local comic conventions or book clubs.
- Follow manga-related pages on Reddit, Twitter, or Instagram.
- Use manga tracking websites like MyAnimeList or AniList.
Tips for a Better Manga Reading Experience
- Start with short series to build confidence before diving into long-running titles.
- Don’t be afraid to drop a series if it doesn’t click—there are thousands out there.
- Re-read chapters to catch subtle clues, foreshadowing, or deeper meaning in the artwork.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with reading manga might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a journey full of excitement, emotion, and imagination. With the right approach and a little curiosity, you’ll quickly find yourself hooked. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures or slow-burning romances, the world of manga has something incredible waiting for you.
