If you have just started your journey into manga, you have no doubt already heard the phrase “You HAVE to read *insert title*” or “*Insert title* is the best manga ever!” from well-meaning friends. The number of titles and conflicting reviews can be exhausting to sift through, but we’re here to help!

Here we have gathered our list of absolute, must-read manga classics. You may be asking yourself now: What makes a manga a “classic” and why should I read it?

What makes a manga a “classic”?

In order for a manga to be considered a classic, it has to have impacted either the literary landscape or pop culture in some major, long-lasting way.

Naoko Takeuchi’s Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon reconfigured and popularized the concept of a “Magical Girl” into its current form, and its anime helped pave the way for the mainstream popularity of Japanese manga and anime to American audiences in the early 1990s. The series' popularity has not waned despite the almost thirty years since its publication. The characters are instantly recognizable, even to people who have never read the manga or seen the anime, and modern series still make references to it. 

Longevity is also a key factor. After all, a classic is supposed to be something that has stood the test of time and is still just as good today as it was when it was first published. So we asked ourselves: Is this content still relevant to modern audiences? Are creators still reacting to or borrowing from it? Is it just really, really ridiculously good? If the answer to any of these questions was “Yes!”, then we put the title on this list. 

Why should you read a classic?

Fifty years ago, manga and anime were niche mediums that were hard to come by through mainstream means in America. In the 1990s and early 2000s, television networks such as Cartoon Network would air anime through their Toonami and Adult Swim programming blocks, however, the selection was limited to a few series. Chain bookstores such as Barnes & Noble eventually started carrying manga, but in the early days the selection was either nonexistent or very small. More often than not, manga readers and anime fans would have to hunt through underground shops and conventions to get their hands on specific titles. Readers would sometimes have to wait months or even years for a series to become available in English. Bootleg and fan-dubbed/translated copies were rampant.

Many titles that are considered “classic” now were the only ones available to American audiences back then. It is important to note that publishing titles overseas was (and still is) expensive, so Japanese publishers were only going to invest their money into titles they absolutely believed were worth the money. These series helped pave the way for Japanese manga’s current success in mainstream American media. Nowadays, it is so much easier to access new titles. In some cases, readers can access new chapters the same day after they are published in Japan! 

The plethora of new titles and ease of access are fantastic, however, now readers are faced with an impressive load of available material that can be hard to sift through. When the pool of available titles was smaller, it was easier for fans to have favorite series in common. By reading classic manga, new readers can familiarize themselves with past series and form common ground with veteran manga readers. It is also a mini-history lesson in a way as classic manga are time capsules that show readers what was popular and groundbreaking at the time of their publication.

In the same way that film and novels borrow from past classics, modern manga consistently calls back to or pays homage to classic manga. So if you want to understand the references, you should check out the original content. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but simply a collection of titles that we thought should be read by every manga enthusiast no matter if they are a veteran or a newbie. Our picks were limited by what we currently have available in the Library's collection. A classic series from the 1980s may be freely available in its home country of Japan, but if American publishers are not reprinting them then it will be difficult for the Library to get a copy. We also limited the time frame to titles that are more than fifteen years old. 

As is the case with classic film and classic novels, classic manga can sometimes have problematic material. We encourage you to judge for yourselves how well a series has aged and whether or not it should still be considered a classic. We have included warnings where appropriate.  

Our titles are sorted according to their original demographic and year of publication. If you are having trouble understanding what words like “Shōjo” or “Shōnen” refer to, please consult our Beginner’s Guide to Manga. 

Now get ready to dive into some manga classics!

Note:  Because of their subject matter, the manga included in this list are aimed at teens and adults. If you are looking for titles appropriate for tweens and young children, please check out Manga for Middle Schoolers: Guide and Recommendations.

Shōnen (13+)

Most, if not all, of these titles are beginner friendly for older readers new to manga. Shōnen  manga are primarily aimed at the  teen boy demographic, but this does not mean they cannot be enjoyed by other genders. These titles will feature a focus on friendship, fighting bad guys, and fun action, but the genres themselves will vary.  Appropriate for teens and adults. 

Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka; translation and introduction by Frederik L. Schodt; lettering and retouch, Digital Chameleon

Volumes: 23 collected into omnibus

Published: 1952

Can a robot have a soul? Built by a brilliant scientist to replace his lost son, but with powers beyond imagination, Astro Boy fights for the oppressed and helpless, whether they be human, alien, or robot. Exciting, whimsical, and touching, Astro Boy brings back the classic era of comics and animation, featuring tales that readers young and old will enjoy.

Why should you read it? This is the oldest entry on our list, but its age has not lessened its impact. Astro Boy was one of the first Japanese series American audiences were introduced to after World War II. If you want to read a true classic, check it out!

 

 

The Drifting Classroom by Kazuo Umezu

Shogakukan Manga Award General Category 1974

Volumes: 3 (omnibus)

Published: 1972

In the aftermath of a massive earthquake, a Japanese elementary school is transported into a hostile world where the students and teachers are besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. Out of nowhere, an entire school vanishes, leaving nothing but a hole in the ground. While parents mourn and authorities investigate, the students and teachers find themselves not dead but stranded in a terrifying wasteland where they must fight to survive.

Why should you read it?  Kazuo Umezu is a master of horror manga. This classic has recently been re-published and is once again available for English reading audiences to be both mesmerized and horrified. If you want to know what classic horror manga looks like, start here. 

 

Cutie Honey story and art by Go Nagai ; translation, Zack Davidson.

Volumes: 1

Published: 1973

Beautiful but unassuming schoolgirl Kisaragi Honey has a secret--she's actually an android! Through her father's amazing technology, she can transform into the unstoppable Cutie Honey. It's a power that the nefarious criminal organization known as Panther Claw will stop at nothing to possess, even if it means destroying that which Honey loves the most. Experience the original saga of Japan's iconic super-heroine by Go Nagai, the author of Devilman!

Why should you read it?  Female protagonists are rare in shonen manga, and Cutie Honey was the first to break out onto the scene. This iconic and fun series laid the groundwork for future magical girl series such as Pretty Girl Guardian Sailor Moon. 

Urusei Yatsura story & art by Rumiko Takahashi; translation and English adaptation/Camellia Nieh; lettering/Erika Terriquez.

Volumes: 34 (collected in omnibus form)

Published: 1978

Beautiful space alien princess Lum invades Earth on her UFO, and unlucky Ataru Moroboshi's world gets turned upside down! Will Lum become Earth's electrifying new leader? Or will Ataru somehow miraculously save Earth from space alien onslaught?

Why should you read it?  Do you like cute, alien girls and slapstick shenanigans? Then you'll love this manga classic! There was a ton of hype following the recent re-release of this title with decades worth of fans celebrating their love for the series. So check it out for yourself!

Dragon Ball story & art by Akira Toriyama; translation by Mari Morimoto; English adaptation by Gerard Jones; touch-up & lettering by Wayne Truman; design bySean Lee, Shawn Carrico; edited by Jason Thompson, Annette Roman.

Volumes: 42 volumes collected into 3-by-1 omnibuses

Published: 1984

Legend has it that if all seven of the precious orbs called "Dragon Balls" are gathered together, an incredibly powerful dragon god will appear to grant one wish. Unfortunately, the orbs are scattered across the world, making them extremely difficult to collect. Enter 16-year-old Bulma, a scientific genius who has constructed a radar to detect the exact locations of the Dragon Balls. She's on a mission to find all seven orbs, but first she must convince young Son Goku to join her on her quest. With a monkey tail, superhuman strength and a magic staff for a weapon, Son Goku is ready to set out on the adventure of a lifetime...

Why should you read it? Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is a goliath of a franchise that has dominated the manga, anime, and gaming markets for decades. The original manga was published in 1985 and was aimed at the teenage boy demographic, which is why the humor in the first few volumes is very juvenile. An anime adaptation was produced during the 1990s that split the manga’s storyline into two shows: Dragon Ball (which follows the adventures of young Goku) and Dragon Ball Z (which follows the adventures of Goku as an adult and father). The manga does not make a distinction between these two stages of Goku's life and continues the story nearly seamlessly. Most audiences are familiar with Dragon Ball Z, which was an action-packed, intergalactic battle series that became the blueprint for almost all shonen battle manga and anime to this day. If you have ever wondered why Dragon Ball became a giant of the anime world, check out where it all started for yourself. 

Ranma ½ story and art by Rumiko Takahashi; English adaptation by Gerard Jones, and Matt Thorn

Volumes: 38 collected into 2-in-1 omnibuses

Published: 1987

Years ago, Genma promised his old friend Soun Tendo that Ranma would marry one of Soun’s three daughters and carry on the family’s martial arts school. Except that the girl picked to be Ranma’s bride doesn’t seem to like him, Ranma keeps getting into fights…and did we mention that whole changing into a girl thing?

Why should you read it? Ranma ½ has often been praised as an absolute must-read comedy manga. It has everything: hilarious hijinks, ridiculous situations, martial arts, etc.. It was published in 1987 and originally aimed at teenage boys, so its views on gender and other stereotypes are a product of its time. That being said, judge it for yourself!

Case Closed story and art by Gosho Aoyama; English adaptation by Naoko Amemiya; translated by Joe Yamazaki; touch-up art & lettering, by Walden Wong

Volumes: 98 (still ongoing)

Published: 1994

High school student Jimmy Kudo solves cases the police can't crack. While chasing a suspect, Jimmy is attacked and given a chemical that changes him into a grade schooler. Adopting the name Conan Edogawa, he searches for the culprits and a cure, but that doesn't stop him from tackling mysteries.

Why should you read it? Case Closed is also known as Detective Conan. The series is ongoing and is currently the fifth best-selling manga of all time. Even if you cannot commit to all 98+ volumes, at least check out the first few! 

Fullmetal Alchemist story and art by Hiromu Arakawa; translation by Akira Watanabe; English adaptation by Jake Forbes and Egan Loo; touch-up art and lettering by Steve Dutro

Volumes: 27

Published: 2001

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical "auto-mail" limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.

Why should you read it? Fullmetal Alchemist has everything: action, adventure, deep dives into the eternal dichotomy between science and morality, etc.. All the good stuff! The anime adaptation has consistently topped “Best Anime of All Time” lists, and the manga is no different. Time to see what all the fuss is about!

Death Note story by Tsugumi Ohba; art by Takeshi Obata

Volumes: 12

Published: 2003

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he's bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. Will Light's noble goal succeed, or will the Death Note turn him into the very thing he fights against?

Why should you read it? At a time when battle shonen was at its peak, Death Note stood out from the crowd with its exploration of morality and the epic psychological mind games between the main protagonists. There really is no series quite like this one. 

The Big 3: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach

Around 2004, three manga titles came to dominate the shonen demographic both in terms of sales and their impact on pop culture on an international level. These were Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto, and Tite Kubo’s Bleach, and they were referred to as "The Big 3", "The Holy Trinity of Shonen Jump", etc..  Most first time manga readers will be recommended at least one of these three manga titles as they have undeniably left their mark on the public consciousness.

However, all three of these series can be a bit daunting for newbies as they feature more than 50 volumes each: One Piece (96 volumes and still ongoing), Bleach (completed at 74 volumes), and Naruto (completed at 72 volumes). While we are in no way discouraging you from checking any of them out, we do want to give you a fair bit of warning as most people tend to forget to mention the volume number when recommending them. It is also worth noting that One Piece was the top-selling Shonen Jump manga in Japan from 2007 to 2018. In 2019, it was finally outsold by another Shonen Jump title, Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer = Kimetsu no Yaiba, which we also recommend because it is fantastic.

One Piece story and art by Eiichiro Oda; English adaptation by  Lance Caselman; translation by Andy Nakatani

Volumes: 96

Published: 1997

As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer "Red-Haired" Shanks. But his life changed when Luffy accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber...at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure...one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world.

Naruto story and art by Masashi Kishimoto; English adaptation by Jo Duffy

Volumes: 72

Published: 1999

Twelve years ago the Village Hidden in the Leaves was attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others. Today, the village is at peace, and a troublemaking kid named Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal may be to become Hokage, but his true destiny will be much more complicated. The adventure begins now!

 

Bleach story and art by Tite Kubo; English adaptation by Lance Caselman; translation by Joe Yamazaki

Volumes: 74

Published: 2001

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia--who is slowly regaining her powers—it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.

Shōjo (13+)

Shōjo manga are primarily aimed at the teen girl and young women demographics, but this does not mean they cannot be enjoyed by other genders. Most of these titles are beginner friendly for older readers new to manga, but there are some that feature heavier subject matter. Warnings have been placed where appropriate. Most of them have a heavy focus on romance and relationships, but their genres vary. Appropriate for teens and adults. 

 

The Rose of Versailles by Riyoko Ikeda; translation by Mari Morimoto; lettering and touch up by Jeannie Lee

Volumes: Originally 13 collected into omnibuses

Published: 1972

Oscar François de Jarjeyes is a young noblewoman raised as a son by her father. Oscar rises to commander of Marie Antoinette's palace guard and is brought face-to-face with the luxury of King Louis XVI's court at Versailles. Oscar and the servant, André, have an inside look at the intrigue and deceit of France's last great royal regime.

Why should you read it?  This series is a time capsule that shows the reader exactly what 1970s Shojo was all about. If you love beautiful artwork, over the top soap-opera esque plot, and stories that play around with gender, then read this. 

Banana Fish  story and art by Akimi Yoshida; English adaptation by Matt Thorn and Carl Gustav Horn; translation by Matt Thorn; lettering and touch-up art by Cato

Volumes: 19

Published: 1985

Ash Lynx, the adopted heir of crime lord "Papa" Dino Golzine, rejected Papa's kingdom and formed his own gang at the age of seventeen. One night, a dying man gives a tiny vial to Ash. Its mysterious contents lead him into conflict with Papa's mafia, provide a clue to his brother's post-Vietnam madness, and lead him to make the acquaintance of a young Japanese photographer.

Why should you read it?  This series has been given a second life thanks to a recent reprinting and a new anime. Because its target demographic is the shojo audience (young women), it is technically a shojo, but it really does not read like one. The relationship between the two male leads had a huge influence on the formation of the Boys Love/Yaoi genres. Gangs, violence, and drama await! Also, our iconic Rose Main Reading Room makes an appearance in the anime! 

Warning:  Sexual assault, violence, this series will make you cry.  

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi; translation by Alethea Nibley and Athena Nibley; lettering by Lys Blakeslee

Volumes: 12 plus 2 short story bonus volumes

Published: 1991

Teenager Usagi is not the best athlete, she's never gotten good grades, and, well, she's a bit of a crybaby. But when she meets a talking cat, she begins a journey that will teach her she has a well of great strength just beneath the surface and the heart to inspire and stand up for her friends as Sailor Moon!

Why should you read it?  Sailor Moon is one of the most influential manga franchises of all time. It set the standard for the “Magical Girl” genre, became one of the pillars of Shojo, and offered up a world where love and kindness are their own superweapon (alongside actual weapons). Its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and positive relationships between women is just as important today as it was when it was published. 

Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play story and art by Yuu Watase; English adaptation byYuji Oniki; touch-up art and lettering by Andy Ristaino

Volumes: 18 (collected into omnibuses)

Published: 1992

Fifteen-year-old Miaka Yuki is transported into an ancient Chinese kingdom by an old book, 'The universe of the four gods.' Following the legend in the story, Miaka becomes the Priestess of Suzaka and must find her seven Celestial Warriors before she can save the kingdom and return home.

Why should you read it? Action, adventure, and romance abound in Fushigi Yugi. This series is a predecessor for reverse harem (reverse harem: when a female character has multiple male suitors vying for her attention) and action-adventure shojo such as Mizuho Kusanagi’s Yona of the Dawn. 

Warning: sexual assault, violence. 

Cardcaptor Sakura story and art by CLAMP; original translation by Mika Onishi and Anita Sengupta; lettering and retouch by IHL

Volumes: 12 collected into 4 omnibus

Published: 1996

Fourth grader Sakura Kinomoto finds a strange book in her father's library—a book made by the wizard Clow to store dangerous spirits sealed within a set of magical cards. But when Sakura opens it up, there is nothing left inside but Kero-chan, the book's cute little guardian beast—who informs Sakura that since the Clow cards seem to have escaped while he was asleep, it's now her job to capture them!

Why should you read it?  Cardcaptor Sakura is the epitome of classic 1990s shojo. We have beautiful artwork, endearing characters, and a fun story. The series was groundbreaking for its portrayal of characters on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. However, the series also features a few inappropriate relationships between children and adults. There is minimal violence and no sexual situations. If you want a light-hearted, but fun adventure series with a female lead, this is it! 

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya; translation by Sheldon Drzka; lettering by Lys Blakeslee

Volumes: 23 (collected into omnibuses)

Published: 1998

Awards: Kodansha Manga Award Shōjo Category 2001

After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, plucky high schooler Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out...into a tent! Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Sohma clan, and it isn't long before the owners discover her secret. But as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Sohmas have a secret of their own—when embraced by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese zodiac!

Why should you read it?  If you are looking for a manga that combines low fantasy, slice of life, and a smidge of romance,  then you’re looking at Fruits Basket. Despite being more than 20 years old, readers still flock to it. This series is a pillar of the shojo genre and has received a mini-revival in interest thanks to a new anime adaptation. Perfect for readers new to manga. 

Nana story & art by Ai Yazawa; English adaptation by Allison Wolfe; translation by Koji Goto

Volumes: 21

Published: 2000

Awards: 2002 Shogakukan Manga Award Shōjo Category

Nana "Hachi" Komatsu hopes that moving to Tokyo will help her make a clean start and leave her capricious love life behind her. Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, has plans to score big in the world of rock'n'roll. Although these two young women come from different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends in a whirlwind world of sex, music, fashion, gossip and all-night parties!

Why should you read it?  Nana consistently manages to make it on “Best Shojo manga of all time” lists. If you love coming-of-age with plenty of romance and drama, you’ll love Nana. 

Seinen (18+)

Manga in this category are geared towards adults and therefore may feature adult material such as violence, gore, sexual assault, etc.. Some series will feature a warning as the content may be deemed excessive and potentially sensitive material to some readers. As always, we encourage you to read at your own discretion.

While we would never discourage anyone from reading, we acknowledge that these titles would not be considered "beginner friendly".  We recommend readers familiarize themselves with other manga first before starting any of these series. If you are a veteran manga reader looking for new titles, then dive right in. 

Lone Wolf and Cub story, Kazuo Koike; art by Goseki Kojima; translation by Dana Lewis; lettering by Digital Chameleon; cover art by Frank Miller

Volumes: 28 collected into 12 omnibus

Published: 1970

Follows the adventures of Ogami Itto, a samurai framed and forced into exile with his infant son, as he pursues his quest for revenge against those who murdered his wife.

Why should you read it?  Lone Wolf and Cub has influenced countless graphic novel artists on an international level. It set the standard for the subgenre of “warrior with a child” (We're looking at you The Mandalorian.). If you want to check out a standout of 1970s manga, check it out! 

The Drifting Classroom by Kazuo Umezz 

Volummes: 11 collected into multivolume omnibus

Published: 1972

In the aftermath of a strange earthquake, an entire elementary school vanishes, leaving nothing but a hole in the ground. While parents mourn and authorities investigate, the students and teachers find themselves somewhere far away...somewhere cold and dark... a lifeless, nightmarish wasteland among which their school stands like a lone fortress. As panic turns to terror, as the rules start to fall apart, a 6th-grade boy named Sho and his friends must try to survive in a hostile new world...

Why should you read it? If you’re looking for a horror manga that is more psychologically scarring rather than gory, look no further. This story will stick with you long after it’s over. Be warned: this series features children in danger. 

Warning: Child death.

Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima by Keiji Nakazawa; translated by Project Gen.

Volumes: 10

Published: 1973

This harrowing story of Hiroshima was one of the original Japanese manga series. New and unabridged, this is an all-new translation of the author's first-person experiences of Hiroshima and its aftermath, is a reminder of the suffering war brings to innocent people. 

Why should you read it?  Loosely based on the creator’s own experiences as a Hiroshima survivor, Barefoot Gen is an important look at a historical event and its long term effects. 

Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo

Volumes: 6

Published: 1982

Award: Kodansha Manga Award General Category 1984

In Neo-Tokyo, built on the former site of Tokyo after World War III, two teenagers are targeted by agencies after they develop paranormal abilities.

Why should you read it?  Akira is a landmark work of the cyberpunk genre and helped introduce American audiences to Japanese manga after the release of its 1988 film adaptation. If you like stories featuring political corruption, psychic abilities, and futuristic motorcycles, check it out! 

Berserk by Kentarō Miura; translation by Jason DeAngelis; lettering and retouch by Dan Nakrosis

Volumes: 40

Published: 1989

His name is Guts, the Black Swordsman, a feared warrior spoken of only in whispers. Bearer of a gigantic sword, an iron hand, and the scars of countless battles and tortures, his flesh is also indelibly marked with The Brand, an unholy symbol that draws the forces of darkness to him and dooms him as their sacrifice. But Guts won't take his fate lying down; he'll cut a crimson swath of carnage through the ranks of the damned - and anyone else foolish enough to oppose him! 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 should you read it?  Berserk is a highly significant entry in the high fantasy genre. Excessive violence, moral ambiguity, and stunning artwork are just some of what you can expect from this series. Fair warning, this series is still ongoing and is also frequently on hiatus. 

Warning: features instances of excessive violence, gore, and sexual assault.

Ghost in the Shell by Shirow Masamune; translation and English language adaptation by Frederik L. Schodt and Toren Smith, additional translation by Stephen Paul

Volumes: 1 plus 4 sequels

Published: 1989

In a near future, technology has firmly taken root into society at large. Cybernetic implants are nothing uncommon and robots roam as plentiful as humans, all connected through their "ghosts" to the electronic datastreams of the net. Major Motoko Kusanagi and the Public Security Section 9 find themselves in a constant battle with the newly created wave of technological terrorists and cyber-hackers. But things take a turn once Motoko gets involved in a certain case involving an extremely dangerous "ghost" hacker nicknamed the Puppeteer, as she dives deeper and deeper into the limitless reality of the net, to reach her own startling conclusions.

Why should you read it? Ghost in the Shell is a staple of the cyberpunk genre and has influenced countless creators on an international level. 

Blade of the Immortal art and story by Hiroaki Samura; translation by Dana Lewis and Toren Smith

Volumes: 30

Published: 1993

Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Prize 1997 

Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Best U.S. Edition of International Material —Asia 2000

A cursed, seemingly immortal warrior aids a young girl in her quest for revenge, as the students of a brutal new sword school tear a bloody path across Japan. 

Why should you read it?  If you like violent, bloody feudal warriors slashing their way to victory in a beautiful detailed style, then you’ll like this. 

Monster by Naoki Urasawa; story coproduced with Takashi Nagasaki; translation and English adaptation by Camellia Nieh; lettering by Steve Dutro; cover and interior design by King Clovis; edited by Mike Montesa

Volumes: 18 (collected into omnibuses)

Published: 1994

Awards: Japan Media Arts Award Excellence Prize 1997

Tezuka Osamu Cultural Grand Prize 1999

Shogakukan Manga Award General Category 2000

Everyone faces uncertainty at some point in their lives. Even a brilliant surgeon like Kenzo Tenma is no exception. But there's no way he could have known that his decision to stop chasing professional success and instead concentrate on his oath to save peoples' lives would result in the birth of an abomination. The questions of good and evil now take on a terrifyingly real dimension. Years later, in Germany during the tumultuous post-reunification period, middle-aged childless couples are being killed one after another. The serial killer's identity is known. The reasons why he kills are not. Dr. Tenma sets out on a journey to find the killer's twin sister, who may hold some clues to solving the enigma of the "Monster."

Why should you read it?  If you like manga that explores morality and the dichotomy between good and evil, then you’ll want to read this. 

Uzumaki by Junji Ito; translation and English adaptation by Yuji Oniki; touch-up art and lettering by Susan Daigle-Leach.

Volumes: 3-in-1

Published: 1998

Kurouzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but a pattern: UZUMAKI, the spiral—the hypnotic secret shape of the world. The bizarre masterpiece horror manga is now available all in a single volume. Fall into a whirlpool of terror!

Why should you read it? If you have ever wanted to try horror manga, then you might as well start with one of the masters! 

Warning: Body horror. Might cause excessive nightmares. 

20th Century Boys story and art by Naoki Urasawa; with the cooperation of Takashi Nagasaki; English adaptation by Akemi Wegmller

Volumes: 22

Published: 1999

Award: Kodansha Manga Award 2001

Shogakukan Manga Award  General Category 2002

Japan Media Arts Award Excellence Prize 2002

Japan Cartoonists Association Award Grand Prize 2008

Will Eisner Comic Industry Best U.S. Edition of International Material  Asia 2011

Humanity, having faced extinction at the end of the 20th century, would not have entered the new millennium if it weren't for them. In 1969, during their youth, they created a symbol. In 1997, as the coming disaster slowly starts to unfold, that symbol returns. This is the story of a gang of boys who try to save the world. Failed rock musician Kenji's memories of his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all.

Why should you read it?  This series won all of those awards for a reason. You should judge for yourself whether it deserved them. 

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Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.