Best Manga To Collect For Beginners: What Should You Start With?

Manga is a captivating medium that has gained immense popularity worldwide. For beginners, collecting manga can be an exciting journey filled with adventure, emotion, and incredible storytelling. This guide will introduce the best manga to collect for beginners, offering insights into titles that make excellent starting points.

What to Consider When Collecting Manga

Decide Your Genre Preferences

To enjoy manga fully, first determine which genres interest you. Popular genres include:

• Shonen: Targeted at young males, featuring action and adventure. Examples include "Naruto" and "One Piece."
• Shoujo: Aimed at young females, often focusing on romance and relationships. Popular titles are "Sailor Moon" and "Fruits Basket."
• Seinen: Designed for adult men, exploring complex themes like "Berserk" and "Tokyo Ghoul."
• Josei: Targeted towards adult women, depicting realistic romance and drama, such as "Nana" and "Paradise Kiss."

Check for Adaptations

Manga with anime adaptations can enhance your experience. Watching the anime offers context and visual appeal, making it easier to follow the story. Notable examples include:

• "My Hero Academia"
• "Attack on Titan"
• "Death Note"

Top Manga Series for Beginners

1. My Hero Academia

"My Hero Academia" follows young heroes in training within a society where superpowers are the norm. The story emphasizes friendship, determination, and overcoming adversity. This series introduces readers to various characters, each with unique quirks, making it engaging and easy to follow.

2. One Piece

"One Piece" revolves around Monkey D. Luffy and his ambition to become the Pirate King by finding the legendary One Piece treasure. With its extensive world-building and diverse cast of characters, this series has captivated millions since its debut, making it perfect for new collectors.

3. Attack on Titan

This series portrays humanity's struggle against giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. "Attack on Titan" combines horror, action, and deep philosophical questions, appealing to a wide range of readers. Its gripping narrative makes it an essential addition to any collection.

4. Death Note

"Death Note" centers on Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. With its intricate plot and philosophical dilemmas about justice, this psychological thriller is a must-read for beginners.

5. Fruits Basket

"Fruits Basket" tells the story of Tohru Honda, a girl who discovers that members of the Sohma family are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. This heartwarming tale beautifully explores themes of love, acceptance, and healing, making it perfect for shoujo fans.

Collecting Manga: Tips and Best Practices

Start with Box Sets

For newcomers, purchasing box sets is an efficient way to start your manga collection. Box sets usually contain multiple volumes of a series, providing a cohesive reading experience. For example, "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "Attack on Titan" box sets offer significant savings compared to buying individual volumes.

Explore Digital Manga

Digital manga platforms like VIZ Media or Shonen Jump allow readers to access vast libraries conveniently. This format is budget-friendly, often providing free samples, making it easier for beginners to discover new series without committing to physical copies.

Where to Buy Manga

Local Bookstores and Comic Shops

Visit local bookstores and comic shops to browse their manga collections. Many stores have knowledgeable staff who can recommend popular titles based on your interests.

Online Retailers

Online retailers like Amazon, Right Stuf Anime, and Book Depository offer extensive selections, often at discounted prices. Purchasing online allows you to explore reviews and recommendations easily.

Second-Hand Stores

Thrift stores and used bookstores frequently stock second-hand manga. This is a cost-effective way to expand your collection while discovering hidden gems. Always check the condition of the books before buying.

Conclusion

In summary, collecting manga is an enjoyable endeavor, especially for beginners. Start with the best manga to collect for beginners, explore various genres, and consider both physical and digital formats. With this guide, you're now equipped to embark on your manga collection journey confidently!