Remember when as a kid, we used to read picture books, whether they were comic books or graphic novels, and loved how we could put a face behind a name? Well, mangas are way more fun than that. However, with their terrific artwork, fantastic storytelling, and short volumes, mangas are perfect for quick reading. Enjoy every twist and turn that comes with each book. So, if you’re confused about what manga to read, this article is for you, bringing you the eleven best mangas of all time.
#1 Death Note Vol 1-13 by Tsugumi Ohba
About the Book
Title: Death Note
Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Genre: Mystery, Manga
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. Of Books: 13
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
The story begins when Ryuk, a Shinigami (God of Death), drops his death note in the human world. However, the notebook is found by Light Yagami, Japan’s ace student. The thing that is special about the notebook is that whoever names the owner writes and imagines will die of the specific cause that was written, and if no cause of death were specified, the person would die of a heart attack. At first, Light thinks that someone is messing with him. But just for fun, he tries a name of a criminal he saw in the news, and to his surprise, it works. So, finally, Light vows to use the death note to eliminate the world from criminals. But, is Light truly a hero who wants to create a perfect world, or is his intention anything but pure?
Why do we recommend this book?
To begin with, this book is incredible. Having read so many mangas, this book will remain an all-time favorite. The plot progresses in each volume, and the twist and turns that come to Light are fantastic. Your mind will be blown with every plot twist. Light is a genius, and I wish I were as bright as he is. The artwork is excellent. Lastly, you will fall in love with the characters in no time, and being a relatively short manga, this is perfect to binge-read.
To buy/gift volume 1 in Death Note, click on the below link:
#2 Berserk Vol 1-41 by Kentara Miura
About the Book
Title: Berserk
Author: Kentaro Miura
Genre: Fantasy, Manga
Publisher: Dark Horse Manga
Type: Series
No. of Books: 41
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
We follow Guts, who is commonly known as the Black Swordsman, in the book. However, he is the feared warrior who can defeat almost everyone with his long sword. But, bearer of an iron hand, a gigantic sword, and countless battle scars, he is also marked with The Brand. The Brand is the unholy symbol that draws the forces of darkness to him. After his death, his soul is to be used by these forces of darkness. But he is not someone who will lie down and accept his fate. Instead, he will fight with everything he has. Accompanied by Puck the Elf, more an annoyance than a companion, Guts relentlessly follows a dark, bloodstained path that leads only to death…or vengeance.
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, this book is dark, and some scenes are gross. But this is precisely what makes it so great. However, the unforgiving and harsh world in which Guts live is supposed to be bloody and vile, and the author doesn’t shy away from it. Also, apart from this, Puck is adorable. Moreover, being an elf, Puch is hilarious and provides the very much-needed humor in these volumes. Unfortunately, however, the series is not complete due to the author’s death. But do try these, and don’t miss out on a violent adventurous manga read.
To buy/gift Volume 1 in Berserk, click on the below link:
#3 One Piece Vol 1-102 by Eiichiro Oda
About the Book
Title: One Piece
Author: Eiichiro Oda
Genre: Fantasy, Manga
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. of Books: 102
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
In this case, the story follows Monkey D. Luffy, whose main ambition is to become a pirate. He likes to eat Gum-Gum fruit which gives Monkey strange powers, but the fruit comes with a curse: anybody who consumes it can never learn how to swim. So Monkey D. Luffy, alongside his crew, sets sail to conquer the sea which is inhabitable by other pirates, wanting to become a Pirate King and claim the treasure of ‘One Piece’ left by the late Pirate King, Gol D Roger. One Piece is a romantic tale of pirates, treasures, talking reindeer, panties, flying skeletons, and oceans roaming with Sea Monsters the size that can take down ships’ fleets.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is so much fun. There is so much nostalgia surrounding these books. The characters are well done, and one can quickly connect with almost everyone. The plot is fantastic. Everything about friendships, family, laughter, loyalty, and action is incredible and heart-touching. Do not be intimated by the number of volumes because they go by so quickly. Give these books a try; it’ll be worth your time.
To buy/gift volume 1 in one Piece, click on the below link:
#4 Naruto Vol 1-72 by Masashi Kishimoto
About the Book
Title: Naruto
Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Genre: Fantasy, Manga
Publisher: VIZ Media
Type: Series
No. of Books: 72
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
Welcome to the world of Ninjas. We follow Naruto, a ninja-in-training with a knack for mischief in this story. His wild stunts and tricks amuse his teammates, but he is earnest about the only thing, and that is becoming the world’s greatest ninja. Unfortunately, however, he is not that great at being a ninja. Twelve years ago, Naruto’s village was attacked by a nine-tailed fox spirit which claimed the village leader’s life. However, the village is at peace, and Naruto struggles to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal may be to become Hokage, but his true destiny will be complicated.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is incredible. This book will teach you a new way to look at life. The battle scenes are fascinating and wonderful. It is filled with great characterization, twists, and turns to keep your heart pumping. Not only this, it has excellent artwork, and how the friendships are portrayed is well done. It also has many plot holes, but one can easily overlook the flaws with the other positives. Please read this fantastic manga.
To buy/gift volume 1 in Naruto, click on the below link:
#5 Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 1-27 by Hiromu Arakawa
About the Book
Title: Fullmetal Alchemist
Author: Hiromu Arakawa
Genre: Fantasy, Manga, Science Fiction
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. of Books: 27
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
In this story, we follow two brothers, Edward Elric and Alphonse, who are alchemists. Alchemy is a blend of magic and science that can bend natural laws. In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward lost his arms and legs, and his brother became a soul in the suit of armor. Now, the brothers need to search for that one thing that can restore both of their bodies to their original form. And that one thing is Philosopher’s Stone. But unfortunately, the abuse of alchemy has ravaged the world. And in pursuit of the ultimate alchemical treasure, the Philosopher’s Stone, their enemies are even more ruthless than they are. Will they be able to make it?
Why do we recommend this?
It is a delightful manga series. The characters are well fletched, and you fall instantly in love with both the brothers. New characters and plotlines are introduced as the volume progresses, filling the book with mystery, twists, and turns. The story starts simple, but it gets complex fast. The story flows; naturally, every plot twist seems well deserved, and nothing felt out of context. The action scenes are well done. Give this series a try, and don’t miss out on a beautiful, adventurous manga read.
To buy/gift volume 1 in Fullmetal Alchemist, click on the below link:
#6 SpyxFamily Vol 1-10 by Tatsuya Endo
About the Book
Title: SpyxFamily
Author: Tatsuya Endo
Genre: Manga
Publisher: Shueisha
Type: Series
No. of Books: 10
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
This story follows a spy who goes by the’ Twilight’ code name. His role is to prevent the tensions between East and West and prevent another war. He is given a new mission, and for this mission to get successful, he has to get a wife and a child. Then comes the child named Anya, who has telekinetic powers that enable her to read people’s minds. And the last element of his mission is his wife: Yor, who is an assassin. How will the things turn out between a spy, a telekinetic kid, and a killer? Will twilight be able to accomplish his mission?
Why do we recommend this book?
This book is hilarious and cute. Anya is so attractive. With her telekinetic abilities, she adds humor to the series. All the characters we encounter are fantastic and have distinct personalities, making them unique. In my opinion, the main character that shines in every volume of this series is Anya. She is just so cute, I can’t help myself. Also, Twilight and Yor’s changes as a family are fantastic. It is a splendid manga to read.
To buy/gift volume 1 in SpyxFamily, click on the below link:
#7 Skip and Loafer Vol 1-6 by Misaki Takamatsu
About the Book
Title: Skip and Loafer
Author: Misaki Takamatsu
Genre: Manga, Romance
Publisher: Seven Seas
Type: Series
No. of Books: 6
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
In this story, we follow Iwakura Mitsumi, an excellent student who has always dreamed of leaving her small town and going to the prestigious university in Tokyo and making a positive change. She has her entire life planned out. But planning and executing are two different things. The things that she didn’t plan for were the overwhelming school life in Tokyo. Luckily, she makes fast friends with Shima Sousuke, a handsome classmate as laid-back as she is over-prepared. Can this naive country girl make it big in Tokyo with Sousuke by her side?
Why do we recommend this book?
This is not so popular manga series on this list, and let me tell you, this book deserves all the hype it can get. I love the character of Iwakura Mitsumi. She is so determined in what she wants, and nothing and nobody can stand in her way. The book perfectly captures the hesitation and feeling of lostness we all might have felt when we left our safety of homes and went out to study in another city/country. Whereas Iwakura is a to-do list girl, Shima Sousuke is her complete opposite. He is calm while she is filled with anxiety. I love both the duo and all the other side characters. So please give this manga series a read!
To buy/gift volume 1 in Skip and Loafer, click on the below link:
#8 Tomie Part 1-3 by Junji Ito
About the Book
Title: Tomie
Author: Junji Ito
Genre: Manga, Horror
Publisher: VIZ Media
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
This is the story of Tomie Kawakami. She is a beautiful female with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce any man and make them do unforgivable acts like murder with her beauty. Although most of the time, the criminal is Tomie herself. While some love her, the others are terrified of Tomie. No matter how many times one kills Tomie, the world will never be free of Tomie. It is a fantastic manga to read.
Why do we recommend this book?
This book series feels like a short story collection featuring Tomie in each one. The world is horrible, and no matter what, Tomie gets killed and can always come back and get vengeance. Some of the stories in this are great and horrific at the same time. The artwork is excellent. However, it all starts feeling repetitive after a while, and the horror elements begin to feel not so horrific. The collection has great stories with great horror and gross moments. Do give this manga one read.
To buy/gift Tomie click on the below link:
#9 HunterxHunter Vol 1- 37 by Yoshihiro Togashi
About the Book
Title: HunterxHunter
Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. of Books: 37
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
What basically is a hunter? A hunter is a special breed that is a genius at tracking its prey. But being a hunter in this world requires a license. In this story, we follow Gon Freecss, who wants to be a hunter so that he can find his father, who abandoned him in the early stages of his life, to pursue a life filled with adventure. But being a hunter is not as easy and straightforward as it seems. Only one in a hundred thousand can pass the exam, which is only the beginning. Will he be able to pursue his goal?
Why do we recommend this book?
This is the manga that I’ve read countless times. So, you can very well understand that this deserves all the love that it can get. The characters and the friendships in these books are fabulous. This series gives you continuous action, significant character interaction, strong female characters, a well-developed and enjoyable story, and lots and lots of emotional attachment and all the feels.
To buy/gift HunterxHunter, click on the below link :
#10 My Hero Academia Vol 1-34 by Kohei Horikoshi
About the Book
Title: My Hero Academia
Author: Kohei Horikoshi
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. of Books: 34
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
Everyone wants power. Imagine a world in which 80% of the population gains unique superpowers at the tender age of four. These superpowers were called “Quirks.” Being in this world isn’t easy. With power comes heroes and villains battling everywhere to gain more control. In this story, we follow Izuku Midoriya, a middle school student who wants nothing more than to have some sort of superhero powers and be able to get into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes. But you can’t get everything you want. With no powers whatsoever, his dreams are about to remain just dreams. However, an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny.
Why do we recommend this book?
Being a kid who always loved superheroes and villains, this manga series was one of my favorite. This series holds a lot of nostalgia. The characters are really great in this book. You really like the characters that you are not really meant to. You know, like a love-hate relationship. The artwork is also great, which is always a plus. Apart from the fantastic worldbuilding and excellent character work, this series is hilarious. The only problem with this was that sometimes it had many monologues that could throw a person out of the story. If you are an X-Men fan or really like superhero/villain trope, this manga is a must-read.
To buy/gift volume 1 in My Hero, Academia, click on the below link :
#11 Uzumaki Vol 1-3 by Junji Ito
About the Book
Title: Uzumaki
Author: Junji Ito
Genre: Manga, Horror
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
Spirals. Spirals contaminate the world. Kurouzo-Cho, a small town on the coast of Japan, seems to be cursed. However, according to Shuichi Saito, their village is not condemned by any person but by a pattern, Uzumaki, which means spirals. Finally, follow this odd Piece of horror manga and try to figure out what is going on with the town.
Why do we recommend this book?
Finally, this book is fantastic. The plot keeps you guessing as to what is going on. Sometimes, it ends with an open ending which can frustrate some readers. But if you are someone who doesn’t mind available finishes and looking for a horror manga, then this one is for you all to read.
P.S.: The 2nd and 3rd book of this series is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read this book for free.
To buy/gift Uzumaki, click on the below link :
That’s it for the recommendations. This Manga series enhanced my imagination, and I hope it does the same for you. Lastly, read these mangas and then try to watch the anime; it’ll be so entertaining. Trust me!
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
That’s it. SO to conclude, here is the list of 11 Best Mangas of All Time (Full series) :
1 | Berserk Vol 1-41 by Kentara Miura | Buy Now |
2 | Death Note Vol 1-13 by Tsugumi Ohba | Buy Now |
3 | Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 1-27 by Hiromu Arakawa | Buy Now |
4 | HunterxHunter Vol 1- 37 by Yoshihiro Togashi | Buy Now |
5 | My Hero Academia Vol 1-34 by Kohei Horikoshi | Buy Now |
6 | Naruto Vol 1-72 by Masashi Kishimoto | Buy Now |
7 | One Piece Vol 1-102 by Eiichiro Oda | Buy Now |
8 | Skip and Loafer Vol 1-6 by Misaki Takamatsu | Buy Now |
9 | SpyxFamily Vol 1-10 by Tatsuya Endo | Buy Now |
10 | Tomie Part 1-3 by Junji Ito | Buy Now |
11 | Uzumaki Vol 1-3 by Junji Ito | Buy Now |
Do read all the books on this 11 Best Mangas of All Time. You are going to enjoy reading them.
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