A BEGINNER S GUIDE TO MANGA

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MANGA 

Dating as far back as the 12^th century, manga has grown to become one of Japan's most popular artistic forms and to be sure one of its most lucrative exports. The manga -mania has reached even our Greek shores with an overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, gaining every year in its popularity. But how to begin to delve into the manga-universe with its hundreds of series and thousands of issues? Do not fear! We have assembled a list of the biggest, best and most influential series. From Naruto to My Hero Academia and Fullmetal Alchemist to Death Note, here are the essential manga series that you need to know. 

1. ONE PIECE

One of the most long running and most beloved manga series of all time One Piece follows the adventures of a boy pirate Monkey D Luffy and his crew in their attempt to find the ultimate treasure; the One Piece. 27 years and still running Oda’s amazing comic epic is packed with unforgettable characters and spectacular arcs.

2. FULL METAL ALCHEMIST

If you want a manga series that has it all search no more. Follow the adventures of two brothers who after abusing the laws of alchemy and equivalent exchange they undergo life-changing transformations. This is the story of their quest to become whole again and how they are miss-used at the hands of a ruthless government. An awe-inspiring dystopian adventure. Action packed, moving and mesmerizing the 27 volumes will make you a fan for life!

3. MY HERO ACADEMIA

An immediate hit when it first came out in 2014 and gained fans all over the world. Join the likeable Izuku, a boy born without superpowers in a world where such abilities are commonplace, on his quest to become an all-powerful hero in Horikoshi’s highly addictive manga.

4. NARUTO

Delve into the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. One of the best-selling series of all time Naruto has captivated the hearts and minds of all who read his story.

5. ATTACK ON TITAN

An instant commercial and critical success captivating the minds of readers worldwide, this manga series is set one hundred years after a race of giants has destroyed most of humanity. People are forced to barricade themselves in cities surrounded by enormous walls that protect them from man-eating titans. The story follows Eren who vows to exterminate the Titans as they destroyed his hometown and killed his mother.

6. THE BREAKER

This is a manhwa series, which means it is from South Korea. A truly amazing series, action packed with incredible and memorable characters. It is the story of Si-woon Lee, a shy high school student who becomes the disciple of one of the best martial artist in the world. Learn all the fighting skills and secrets of martial arts in this captivating, sensational and critically acclaimed story that will keep you glued to the page!

7. DEATH NOTE

Whoever's name is written in the book will die. Follow Light an ace student who starts off with noble intentions to rid the world of evil with the help of a lethal notebook, ultimately becoming the worst criminal of them all. Deftly blending horror, action and mystery and asking intriguing questions of morality.

8. JUJUTSU KAISEN

Follow the life of high schooler Yuji Itadori who has vowed to save the world from cursed demons that plague the world. What he soons finds out is that in order to save humanity he must lose his and become a demon himself. A huge critical and financial success Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the best selling manga series of all time.

9. TOKYO GHOUL

One of the greatest horror series in manga history, the visceral Tokyo Ghoul introduces the shy Ken Kaneki, who is transformed into a half-human, half-ghoul hybrid when a first date goes seriously wrong.

10. BLEACH

Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager that obtains the powers of a Shinigami-a Soul Reaper. With his new found powers and the help of his friends he must defend the human world from evil spirits and save the Spirit realm from destruction. An award-winning series, with accolades around the world packed with heart stopping battle sequences and emotional angst.

11. BERSERK

Berserk is a brutal, unflinching and stylistically stunning manga not for the feint hearted. Miura's ground-breaking manga is an action-packed story of free will, retribution and bloody violence in a dark medieval fantasy world.