Manga and the Japanese animation industry has experienced some major growth over the last few years. From the perspective of a long term follower of the manga and anime industry, this list will help new manga readers get started.

5. Fruits Basket

The Fruits Basket 23-volume series by Natsuki Takay, is a go-to for the casual manga reader as well as the romance seekers. Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda, an orphan girl who learns that 13 members of the Sohma family are possessed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac and are cursed to turn into their animal forms when they are weak, stressed, or when embraced by anyone of the opposite sex. Through her own generous and loving nature she helps heal some of their emotional trauma while also finding how she feels about them.

Fruits Basket is one of those sit down manga/anime that brings readers back to discover where the series will go and which new characters Tohru Honda will meet. The development and growth of the characters is a strength of the series. While Tohru figures her own feelings, different members of the family grow romantically attached to her. This series deserves nothing less than 8/10.

4. Attack on Titan

Humanity is forced to live in cities protected by three gigantic walls that keep them separated from the titan creatures. Our story follows the life of Eren Yeager, a boy who promised to exterminate all titans. After the titans destroyed his hometown, Eren joins the military hoping to finally get revenge on the titans. He, along with his childhood friends, goes through many struggles to stay alive. He faces having to see casualty after casualty of both regular civilians and his fellow soldiers. Attack on Titan is action-packed and filled with moments that keep you on your feet.

This 34-volume manga series is not for the faint of heart, as it includes unexpected moments of gore and violence with humanity as prey to the treacherous titans. Serious and fast-paced, this manga hits you hard with suspense and tension. Humans getting bitten in half and titans getting split open, these moments are the reason why this manga is loved by so many people. Overall I would give it a 9/10.

3. Dragon Ball

Son Goku, while on his adventure to get stronger discovers more about his true power and who he truly is. On his way to collect the seven dragon balls to get a wish granted by the mighty dragon Shenron, he makes some new friends as well as enemies. As Goku fights his way through the various volumes, he gets stronger and develops his super saiyan which is a power up that only the saiyan warriors have. Will Goku and his friends survive their next battle? As viewers hear at the end of each episode, “Find out in the next episode of Dragon Ball.”

This manga is a classic for all readers to enjoy, as it is considered one of the top three first generation manga. Son Goku starts off living alone in the forest, but quickly meets Bulma, a girl who is hunting for the dragon balls like the one his guardian had gifted him before his death. Son Goku teams up with several other dragon ball hunters, and the results are funny, action-packed and filled with adventures. Goku’s martial arts training with Master Roshi will pay off as he fights gods of destruction and gods of destruction and . I give this manga a solid 9/10.

2. Assassination Classroom

Students in class 3-E must learn to kill an octopus-like alien who will otherwise destroy Earth at the end of the school year. With his mix of funny and serious, Koro sensei, is teaching the class concepts like math and literature while training them on how to kill him. This manga will keep you wondering if the students in class 3-E will be able to follow through with the mission.

This manga is hilarious and has amazing jokes. For instance, all the times were Koro sensei shapeshifts and disguises himself as others. It also keeps you on your feet as you see some of the very serious and dangerous scenes. Seeing how the students grow so attached to Koro sensei, because of his surprisingly calming and nice personality you almost forget the fact that he promises to destroy the world. This masterpiece deserves a 10/10.

1. Black Clover

Asta, a young orphan motivated to become the next Wizard King, is born with no magical abilities. While the rest of the world has the ability to utilize mana in the form of magical power; Asta focuses on improving his physical strength. After an unexpected encounter, Asta realizes that he is much stronger than he thought.

This manga is one of my favorites. Asta goes through a rough time while trying to get used to his new life of magic. Asta, alongside his childhood friend Yuno, decides to compete in a magic competition where if they perform well they will be chosen by one of the 10 magic captains. Yuno is chosen by all of the captains but ends up going with the strongest one based on his peak magical skills while Asta is chosen by Yami who is the captain of the black bull squad. This manga is one of the big 3 (newer and older generations of anime are rated by top 1,2,3 hence it being called the big 3). I give this manga 100/10. It’s nearly perfect.