Beginners guide to Manga! Five recommendations to get you started!
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If you haven’t read my previous post: “Beginners guide to Anime! Five recommendations to get you started!” this is a simular take, but this time for those who love reading! Graphic novels is a unique way of reading. It involves a beautiful page filled with the amount of details that can bring a drawing to life. We on the western side call this a Comic. Japanese comics or what they call “Manga” are a good way to introduce an art piece that has inspired globally. You maybe thinking what is the difference? Well, Manga is a black and white graphic novel that can be read from right to left. That way sound bizarre, but that is what makes it unique as it tells a rich story with beautiful art that visually tells the narrative to another level. Not only it has the Anime look, (which is a Japanese type of art) but it has also reached a global phenomenon that enlightens other writers to their work.
Still don’t believe me, here are five Manga’s that can change your mind:
1. Dragon Ball - (As is)
To start off with the list is a good all-rounder. What I mean by “all-rounder” is that it fits for anyone, whether that be an age group or a broad scope, this pick is a good entry for Manga. Not only it is a good starter, but it is also a book that was referenced to many stories! If you like goofy characters, martial arts, and adventure–then grab your radar!
This story is about a world where there is an ancient legend, that a dragon can grant you a wish! In order to summon the dragon, you would need to collect and find all seven mystical orbs called the Dragon Balls. Our protagonist, Son Goku, is a 14-year-old boy who is a martial artist. With his marital art teachings from his grandpa, he learns his fighting journey with unlikely allies. Together, they travel around the world to find the orbs. Only to find out that they’re not the only ones hunting them. Will they find the orbs before they do?
Author FYI:
Mainstream (Global Phenomenon!)
42 Volumes and 519 Chapters!
Side stories: Dragon Ball Super 22 Volumes and 99 Chapters!
Disadvantages:
Toxic Fanbase
The story drastically changes
Many books out there, make sure your wallet is ready…
2. Berserk - (As is)
Not liking the first? That's fine, here is something that many cannot handle. If you like dark fantasy, gore, and despair–then get ready, this one hits hard!
This story is about a dreadful world where there are demons, bandits, and gods. Our protagonist, Guts, a cold hearted 21-year-old man who slays demons for vengeance after his tragic backstory. He is known across the land as a fierce swordsman and with unlikely travel companions. As we journey though Gut’s life, we understand why he is on the hunt for for revenge. Will he prevail? or Die trying?
Author FYI:
Mainstream (Ongoing!)
42 Volumes and 373 Chapters!
Very detailed art.
Disadvantages:
Very heavy subject matter NOT FOR KIDS!
The most violent recommend…
Expensive anthology, make sure your wallet is ready…
3. False Love - Nisekoi
Okay, maybe too dark to your liking… Understandable, well this is more down to earth with the life of a Japanese high school student. If you like romance, a slice of life, and comedy–then get ready for the heart aches!
This story is about a 15-year-old boy named Raku Ichijō. He is the heir of a notorious gang family, but wants to become a regular high schooler. He often thinks about a promise he made to a girl from his childhood to marry them from a lock pendant. Only to find out that he doesn't remember what they look like. During his 1st high-school year, his father decided to settle their rival gang’s feud with under a settlement. In order to make peace with their rival, Raku must be in a fake relationship with the gang leader’s daughter Chitoge Kirisaki until they graduate. The only issue is that Raku he has a crush of a girl named Kosaki Onodera. He finds out during his fake relationship, both Chitoge and Kosaki have the key’s to his pendent?! Will Raku fulfil his fathers wish? Or will he fulfill his promise?
Author FYI
Manga is finished!
25 Volumes and 229 Chapters!
Romance lovers delight :)
Disadvantages:
Old entry (Not well known).
Your heart will flutter alot.
Prepare to cry.
4. Goodnight Punpun - Oyasumi Punpun
Not into romance? Okay, Scrap the romance and let's be thoughtful in the moment. If you like philosophical, coming of age, and art, then prepare for your mind, this one will hurt.
This story is about the life of a boy named Punpun. He sees himself as pigeon like doodle to contemplate his lifestyle. As you journey with Punpun’s elementary school’s life to his early twentites, he often thinks about God alot. In order to deal with his emotions, he spirals through them by artistic experimental art depictions. Will you relate to Punpun’s feelings? Or Will you think about how things can be different in your lifetime?
Author FYI:
Manga is finished!
13 Volumes and 147 Chapters!
Beautiful art.
Disadvantages:
Mature subject matter.
Tackles Depression…
Very sad story…
5. One Piece - (As is)
Some of you might’ve read my last post. Incase you haven’t, I also recommended this for a beginners guide to anime. To save you the time I won’t go into full detail but, telling you a reason why it’s a good manga choice. If you like adventure, friendship, and pirates, then set sail for a long voyage.
This story is about a world with pirates and marines. One man named Luffy, is to find the legendary treasure the One Piece. Why’d I recommend this again? Well it is the fastest way to enjoy One Piece to it’s full glory. It has all the detailed information of the characters that the authors full intent was, and also seeing some cool additional art that the anime cannot do. What journeys will Luffy encounter? Will he achieve this legendary treasure?
Authors FYI:
Mainstream (Ongoing!)
107 Volumes and 1082 Chapters in counting!
#1 Best selling Manga in Japan!
Disadvantages:
Very long read, but I promise you it is a breeze read through.
Too much lore, take notes.
The biggest anthology here, make sure your wallet is ready…
That's it!
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you with these five manga's and feel free to disagree. If not, and wish to praise me then no need to thank me. I have blessed you with the honour of something that can be a hobby <3
Stay Cultured :)
レｲナーンマル・デウ・ロサリーオ
@the_Rey_Gun
∧,,_∧
(´－o－) =3
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Be Better By Keeping It Real
Greetings Cultured one, My name is Reynanmar Del Rosario and I am an Anime Connoisseur. I have been watching Anime ever since I was a child, and I’ve always strived to be better by the amazing stories in the East. That being said, they’re many life lessons and enjoyment from the characters that made me who I am today. If you wanna know about: Anime, Japanese Culture, Cosplays, and Manga! You have come to the right place >:)
L I N K T R E E D O W N B E L O W
“Accept everything the way it is.”
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