Beginner's Guide to Manga 2: Genres and Subgenres

If you have been following our Beginner’s Guide to Manga series, you should have a basic understanding of manga by now. We covered the general demographics and common themes of manga in the first installment, Beginner's Guide to Manga, and we followed up with a few short titles to get you started in Quick Reads: Manga Less than Ten Volumes. Now we’re going to cover some of the most popular genres, subgenres, and tropes of manga in our latest installment.

Manga readers are no different than fiction readers. We all have our favorite genres and tropes that we love to read over and over again. If you love romantic comedies in film or fiction, then you’ll probably love romantic comedy manga. Of course, the opposite could be true and you might find out that you absolutely love action/adventure manga instead. You might even find out you love genres you didn’t even know existed!

There are tons of benefits that come from reading fiction in translation. One of them is the exposure to new genres that may not exist in your home country’s fiction. Things like "Boy’s Love" or "Harem" do not really exist in American fiction the way that they do in manga, or at least they are not as popular as they are in Japan. 

Here we have gathered some of the most popular and unique genres, subgenres, and tropes that currently exist in manga to better help you find your next read!

Action

Just like action movies, action manga are full of larger-than-life characters who engage in battles to the death against crazy awesome foes! 

Akame Ga kill!  story by Takahiro; art by Tetsuya Tashiro; translation by Christine Dashiell; lettering by James Dashiell

Teenage country bumpkin Tatsumi dreams of earning enough money for his impoverished village by working in the Capital—but his short-lived plans go awry when he's robbed by a buxom beauty upon arrival! Penniless, Tatsumi is taken in by the lovely Miss Aria, but just when his Capital dreams seem in reach yet again, Miss Aria's mansion is besieged by Night Raid—a team of ruthless assassins who targets high-ranking members of the upper class! As Tatsumi is quick to learn, appearances can be deceiving in the Capital, and this team of assassins just might be...the good guys?!

Assassination Classroom story and art by Yusei Matsui

The students in Class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Junior High have a new teacher: an alien octopus with bizarre powers and unlimited strength, who's just destroyed the moon and is threatening to destroy the earth--unless they can kill him first! Meet the would-be assassins of class 3-E: Sugino, who let his grades slip and got kicked off the baseball team. Karma, who's doing well in his classes but keeps getting suspended for fighting. And Okuda, who lacks both academic and social skills, yet excels at one subject: chemistry. Who has the best chance of winning that reward? Will the deed be accomplished through pity, brute force or poison...? And what chance does their teacher have of repairing his students' tattered self-esteem?

One-Punch Man story by ONE; art by Yusuke Murata; translation by John Werry; touch-up art  and lettering by James Gaubatz; design by Fawn Lau; graphic novel editor, Jennifer Leblanc

Every time a promising villain appears, Saitama beats the snot out of 'em with one punch! Can he finally find an opponent who can go toe-to-toe with him and give his life some meaning? Or is he doomed to a life of superpowered boredom?

Battle Manga

Primarily targeted at the shonen (young/teen boy) category, battle manga are the bread and butter of the manga world. The name says it all: battle manga is all about knock-down, drag out fights between our protagonist and a rival. It is action/adventure centered around gaining power and battling rivals, foes, and villains. Battle manga are either all about young men who come into a unique power that either helps them fight for the forces of good or helps them to obtain some goal that they have. 

The fun thing about battle manga is that literally anything can be turned into a battle manga. The series does not necessarily have to be based on traditional fighting and violence. So by the very nature of being in a competition, most sports manga tend to turn into battle manga. If the story involves a competition or a tournament of any sort whether it's a sports competition or a cooking competition, it can very easily turn into a battle manga. Heck, even ballroom dancing can turn into a battle manga!

My Hero Academia. Vol. 1, Izuku Midoriya: Origin story and art by Kohei Horikoshi; translation and English adaptation by Caleb Cook

What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called "Quirks" at age four? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless? Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but he hasn't got an ounce of power in him. With no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes, his life is looking more and more like a dead end. Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny.

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

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…

Jujutsu Kaisen story and art by Gege Akutami; translation by Stefan Koza

Although Yuji Itadori looks like your average teenager, his immense physical strength is something to behold! Every sports club wants him to join, but Itadori would rather hang out with the school outcasts in the Occult Research Club. One day, the club manages to get their hands on a sealed cursed object. Little do they know the terror they’ll unleash when they break the seal…

Comedy

Prepare to break your funny bone from laughing too hard! Over exaggeration is a staple of manga, so comedy manga tend to really play into this. Usually the series will take place in a modern or normal setting with the comedy coming from the interactions between the over-the-top characters who create ridiculous scenarios. There is a lot of crossover with "slice of life" manga. 

The Way of the House Husband story and art by Kousuke Oono; translation by Sheldon Drzka; English adaptation by Jennifer LeBlanc; touch-up art and lettering by Bianco Pistillo

He was the fiercest member of the yakuza, a man who left countless underworld legends in his wake. They called him 'the Immortal Dragon'. But one day he walked away from it all to travel another path—the path of the househusband! The curtain rises on this cozy yakuza comedy!

Aho-Girl by Hiroyuki; translation by Karen McGillicuddy; lettering by Maggie Vicknair

Yoshiko is a hopelessly clueless high school girl. Her rock-paper-scissors strategy is “rock.” She somehow gets zeroes on multiple-choice tests. And she has an often-nearly-fatal weakness for bananas. Her devoted friends have no choice but to hang around and make sure nobody takes advantage of her. (Of course, the entertainment value might have something to do with it, too.) Cute characters, weird gags, and lots and lots of bananas!

Azumanga Daioh Omnibus by Kiyohiko Azuma; translation by Stephen Paul; lettering by Hope Donovan

The best high school stories are simultaneously funny, warm, and endearing—but most importantly, the characters come alive on the page. Get to know the girls who set a new standard for the high school experience!

Want more laughs? Check out April Fools Comedy Special! Our Favorite Funny Manga!

Fantasy

Currently one of the most popular genres, fantasy revolves around stories set in alternative settings where magic and sorcery run rampant. Isekai, a subgenre of fantasy, currently dominates the market, however, there are plenty of traditional high fantasy manga that run the gamut from child friendly to extremely intense. 

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

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.

Warning: sexual assault, violence. 

Magus of the Libraryby Mitsu Izumi; translation by Stephen Kohler; lettering by Evan Hayden

In the small village of Amun lives a poor boy named Theo. Theo adores books, but because of his pointed ears and impoverished life, he isn’t allowed to use the village library. As he endures the prejudice and hatred of the village, he dreams of going where such things don’t exist: Aftzaak, City of Books. But one day, Theo chances to meet a Kafna—a librarian who works for the great library of Aftzaak—and his life changes forever …

Mythical Beast Investigator story byKeishi Ayasato; art by Koichiro Hoshino; character design by Lack; translation by Angela Liu; adaptation by Ysabet MacFarlane; lettering and retouching by Simone Harrison

In a dangerous land where fantastical creatures exist, humans must live beside dragons and other supernatural monsters. That’s where Mythical Beast Investigators like Ferry come in. Ferry might look like a young girl, but she has extensive knowledge of magical creatures and dreams of creating peace between humankind and monsters. With her otherworldly bodyguard Kushuna by her side, Ferry will work to calm any conflict, no matter where that takes her!

Food/Cooking Manga

The focus here is obvious: food. Stories in this genre revolve around characters coming together and bonding over meal prep and consumption. Exquisite detail is put into the creation and design of the meal, and many food manga will actually include the recipes the characters are working on so that readers can try them out for themselves. The history of the meal itself will often be incorporated into the story as well. Recently there has been a trend towards combining the fantasy genre with cooking, which has led to some interesting and fun new concepts.

Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui; translation by Taylor Engel; lettering by Abigail Blackman

When young adventurer Laios and his company are attacked and soundly thrashed by a dragon deep in a dungeon, the party loses all its money and provisions… and a member! They're eager to go back and save her, but there is just one problem: If they set out with no food or coin to speak of, they're sure to starve on the way! But Laios comes up with a brilliant idea: "Let's eat the monsters!"

Slimes, basilisks, and even dragons… none are safe from the appetites of these dungeon-crawling gourmands!

Oishinbo, a la carte, Japanese Cuisine, story by Tetsu Kariya; art by Akira Hanasaki

As part of the celebrations for its 100th anniversary, the publishers of the Tōzai News have commissioned the creation of the "Ultimate Menu," a model meal embodying the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.

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​What Did You Eat Yesterday?by Fumi Yoshinaga; translation by Maya Rosewood

Part comic and part cookbook, a hard-working middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo come to enjoy the finer moments of life through food. After long days at work, Shiro and Kenji will always have down time together by the dinner table, where they can discuss their feelings and enjoy delicately prepared home cooked meals. Not only is food incorporated into the narrative, but the frames actually take readers through the process of preparing meals in great detail, with recipes listed at the end of the chapters.

For more food-related manga, check outNom-Nom November: Food-Related Manga!

Harem/Reverse Harem

One of the most pervasive and popular tropes in manga is the Harem/Reverse Harem. The main protagonist will be surrounded by love interests who will spend the entirety of the series vying for their attention until the protagonist ultimately chooses one of them as their romantic partner. Traditionally it popped up in romantic comedy manga, but it is currently most common in fantasy adventures, especially isekai. However it can appear in any genre. It is entirely wish fulfillment and is mostly harmless (if not a little bit annoying). 

Harem: A male character surrounded by female companions. 

Reverse Harem: A female is surrounded by male companions.

Waiting for Spring by Anashin; translation by Alethea and Athena Nibley; lettering by Sara Linsley

Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she’s been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include … love?

Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori

One day, Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at exclusive Ouran High School, breaks an $80,000 vase that belongs to the "Host Club," a mysterious school club consisting of six super-rich (and gorgeous) guys. To pay back the damages, she is forced to work for the club as their seventh member, and hide the fact that she's really a girl from the rest of the student body! 

Nisekoi: False Love story and art by Naoshi Komi; translation by Camellia Nieh; touch-up art and lettering by Stephen Dutro

Raku, still searching for his childhood sweetheart whose name and face he cannot remember, is upset when his gangster father arranges a love match between Raku and a rival gang leader's daughter.

Historical Fiction

Another pillar of the manga community, historical fiction includes any manga that takes place in an alternative version of real world history. This is a fun genre for many reasons, but the main one being how much crossover there is between the other genres. Historical fiction battle manga is probably one of the most well-known types of manga due to the popularity of swords and samurai. They usually take place in feudal Japan, however, Europe is also a popular setting. Some of the most internationally well-known manga in existence fall under this category, and we highly suggest you check them out.

Lone Wolf & Cub story by Kazuo Koike; art by Goseki Kojima; translated by Dana Lewis; lettering by Digital Chameleon; cover art by Frank Miller

Shogunate executioner Ogami Itto is framed as a traitor by the agents from a rival clan. With his wife murdered and with an infant son to protect, Ogami chooses the path of the ronin, the masterless samurai. The Lone Wolf and Cub wander feudal Japan, Ogami's sword for hire, but all roads will lead them to a single destination: vengeance.

Golden Kamuy story and art by Satoru Noda; translated by Eiji Yasuda; touch-up art and lettering by Steve Dutro

In the early twentieth century, Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto scratches out a meager existence during the postwar gold rush in the wilderness of Hokkaido. When he stumbles across a map to a fortune in hidden Ainu gold, he sets off on a treacherous quest to find it. But Sugimoto is not the only interested party, and everyone who knows about the gold will kill to possess it! Faced with the harsh conditions of the northern wilderness, ruthless criminals and rogue Japanese soldiers, Sugimoto will need all his skills and luck—and the help of an Ainu girl named Asirpa—to survive.

Demon slayer = Kimetsu no Yaiba story and art by Koyoharu Gotouge; translation by John Werry; English adaptation by Stan!; touch-up art and lettering by John Hunt

In Taisho-era Japan, Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who makes a living selling charcoal until his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his family and turns his sister into another demon, forcing Tanjiro on a dangerous journey to destroy the demon and save his sister.

For more titles, check out Blast from the Past: Historical Fiction Manga. 

Horror

Horror manga exists in a class of its own. Nothing is off limits in this genre. Unlike horror fiction which relies on the reader’s imagination to fill in the blanks, horror mangaka bring their monsters to life in exquisite detail that will haunt your nightmares for years to come. Master of horror Junji Ito is known internationally for his work, and he is a must read for anyone interested in horror manga. 

I Am a Hero by Kengo Hanazawa; translation by Kumar Sivasubramanian; English adaptation by Philip R. Simon; lettering by Steve Dutro

The zombie apocalypse has never been more surreal! A mentally unhinged manga artist witnesses the beginning of a zombie outbreak in Tokyo, and he's certain of only two things: he's destined to be the city's hero, and he possesses something very rare in Japan--an actual firearm!

Gyo: The Death-Stench Creeps story and art by Junji Ito; translation and English adaptation by Yuji Oniki; touch-up art and lettering by Stephen Dutro

The floating smell of death hangs over the island. What is it? A strange, legged fish appears on the scene…So begins Tadashi and Kaori's spiral into the horror and stench of the sea. Here is the creepiest masterpiece of horror manga ever from the creator of Uzumaki, Junji Ito. Hold your breath until all is revealed. Something's rotten in Okinawa.

The Drifting Classroom by Kazuo Umezz

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.

Isekai

Traditional isekai followed the setups from Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz with the protagonists suddenly being whisked away to a fantasy world where they have to find their way back home. Modern isekai has switched to a “Help! I’ve been reborn in a fantasy world” setup. This has been one of the most popular genres of the past ten years, and as such there are tons of titles to choose from. 

So I'm a Spider, So What?, art by Asahiro Kakashi; original story by Okina Baba; character design by Tsukas Kiryu; translation by Jenny McKeon; lettering by Bianca Pistillo

 I used to be a normal high school girl but in the blink of an eye, I woke up in a place I've never seen before and—and I was reborn as a spider?! How could something that's nothing more than a tiny spider (that's me) possibly survive in literally the worst dungeon ever? Are there no rules? There should be some rules! Who the hell is responsible for this?!

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, story by Fuse; art by Taiki Kawakami; character design by Mitz Vah; translation by Stephen Paul

Average, unexceptional, 37-year-old salaryman Satoru Mikami has found himself in a gooey situation. After getting killed while saving his coworkers' lives, he gets a new lease on life—just not the life he was expecting. He has been reincarnated in a fantasy world as a magic-wielding slime creature. Under his new name "Rimuru Tempest," this once-normal man will have to learn to survive in this strange, new world—and with his incredible wit, affable nature, and a few powerful allies, he'll quickly ooze his way into the hearts and minds of everyone he encounters along his journey.

The Rising of the Shield Hero: The Manga Companion by Aiya Kyu; original story by Aneko Yusagi; character design by Minami Seira

Naofumi Iwatani, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction. As the Shield Hero, the weakest of the heroes, all is not as it seems. Naofumi is soon alone, penniless, and betrayed. With no one to turn to and nowhere to run, he is left with only his shield. Now, Naofumi must rise to become the legendary Shield Hero and save the world!

For more information and titles, check out Beginner's Guide to Isekai!

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ manga are titles that focus on the lived experience of queer characters. These manga are NOT to be confused with Yaoi/Boy’s Love or Yuri titles, which do NOT focus on the queer experience. For a more in-depth look at LBGTQ+ manga, check out our Beginner's Guide to LGBTQ+ Manga.

The Bride was a Boy, (true) story and art by Chii; translation by Beni Axia Conrad; adaptation by Shanti Whitesides; lettering and retouch by Karis Page

A diary comic with an upbeat, adorable flair that tells the charming tale of Chii, a woman assigned male at birth. Her story starts with her childhood and follows the ups and downs of exploring her sexuality, gender, and transition—as well as falling in love with a man who's head over heels for her. Now, Chii is about to embark on a new adventure: becoming a bride!

My Brother's Husband by Gengoroh Tagame; translated from the Japanese by Anne Ishii

Yaichi is a work-at-home suburban dad in contemporary Tokyo, formerly married to Natsuki, and father to their young daughter, Kana. Their lives suddenly change with the arrival at their doorstep of a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan, who declares himself the widower of Yaichi's estranged gay twin, Ryoji. Mike is on a quest to explore Ryoji's past, and the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in. What follows is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it's been affected by the West, and how the next generation can change the preconceptions about it and prejudices against it.

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, (true) story and art by Nagata Kabi; translation by Jocelyne Allen; adaptation by Lianne Sentar

The heart-rending autobiographical manga that's taken the internet by storm! My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is an honest and heartfelt look at one young woman's exploration of her sexuality, mental well-being, and growing up in our modern age. Told using expressive artwork that invokes both laughter and tears, this moving and highly entertaining single volume depicts not only the artist's burgeoning sexuality, but also many other personal aspects of her life that will resonate with readers.

For more information and titles, check out Beginner's Guide to LGBTQ+ Manga.

Magical Girl

Magical girl manga hit their peak in the 1990s. A young girl gains access to a magical talisman that gives her powers and a new form that she uses to battle against the forces of evil. Although magical girl manga are in short supply nowadays, they are classic manga that are still fun. 

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

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!

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

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!

Note: Although there are no sexual situations, there are a few inappropriate relationships between adults and children. The sequel series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, has rectified this and has taken pains to remove these relationships as they ultimately do not affect the narrative. 

Tokyo Mew Mew written by Reiko Yoshida; illustrated by Mia Ikumi; translated by Elina Ishikawa; lettered by Andworld Design

On her first date with the cutest boy in school, Ichigo is exposed to a mysterious ray that meshes her DNA with that of the endangered Iriomote wildcat. She soon discovers that she has developed super-human abilities and enhanced agility. Her new powers are put to the test when she leads a team with four other girls, each endowed with special abilities of their own. Together, they must now protect the Earth from an alien menace known as Deep Blue.

Mecha

Mecha used to be one of the most popular genres of manga, but now new titles are in short supply. If you ever look at a list of “classic manga,” you’ll likely see quite a few mecha titles on it. In short, this is a science fiction subgenre focused on robots, androids, and cyborgs. For more information and titles, check outA Beginner's Guide to Mecha.

Mobile Suit Gundam the Origin by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko; original story by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate; mechanical design by Kunio Okawara; translation by Melissa Tanaka

It is the year Universal Century 0079. In a space colony, the Earth Federation is storing and testing a new piloted robot for use in the battle against the Principality of Zeon. The experimental RX-78 Gundam mobile suit is scheduled to be transported to Federation command in Jaburo, deep within the Brazilian jungles. Unfortunately, before the transporter would arrive, the Federation would come under attack from Zeon. With few resources available against the Zeon's most mobile mechs, Federation forces strike back using their new weapon, the mobile suit Gundam.

Caught in the crossfire is a young teen named Amuro Ray. Not willing to see innocent people die like this, Amuro crawls into the cockpit of the closest machine around him. Whether it be a tank, jeep, or jet, Amuro would use it to help stop this slaughter. And he happened to slide into another Gundam. Having never operated a machine like this, what are the chances he can do anything to repel an experienced squad of mech-piloting invaders?

Battle Angel Alita by Yukito Kishiro with a new introduction by Brenden Fletcher; translation by Stephen Paul; lettering by Scott O. Brown

In a dump in the lawless settlement of Scrapyard, far beneath the mysterious space city of Zalem, disgraced cyber-doctor Daisuke Ido makes a strange find: the detached head of a cyborg woman who has lost all her memories. He names her Alita and equips her with a powerful new body, the Berserker. While Alita remembers no details of her former life, a moment of desperation reawakens in her nerves the legendary school of martial arts known as Panzer Kunst.

In a place where there is no justice but what people make for themselves, Alita decides to become a hunter-killer, tracking down and taking out those who prey on the weak. But can she hold onto her humanity as she begins to revel in her own bloodlust?

Voices of a Distant Star story by Makaoto Shinkai; art by Mizu Sahara; translation by Melissa Tanaka

Schoolgirl Mikako has been recruited into the UN Space Army to fight a war against an alien race known as the Tarsians. Mikako's close friend, Noboru, remains on Earth. The two continue to communicate across space using text messages. But as the distance between them increases, the wait between messages gets longer and longer.

For more information and titles, check out A Beginner's Guide to Mecha.

Monster Girls/Boys

This category may seem unique to manga, but western media has heavily popularized this genre without realizing it. Romances between “monsters” such as vampires or werewolves have always been extremely popular in multiple forms of media. For manga, this category basically includes any media that focuses on a relationship between a human and a monster be it sexual or not. 

My Father is a Unicorn story and art by Monaka Suzuki; translation by Nova Skipper; adaptation by Jay Trust

Uno Issei is still in high school when his mother remarries. His mom’s new husband, Masaru, is a nice enough guy, he just happens to be a unicorn. Sometimes in the form of a talking horse, sometimes in the form of a beautiful man, Masaru is determined to run the household while his wife is away and win Issei over. For better or worse, now Issei is stuck teaching this unicorn man how to be a good dad in this idiosyncratic comedy about the magic of family.

Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts by Yu Tomofuji; translation by Paul Starr; lettering by Lys Blakeslee

A young girl has resigned herself to being the next sacrificial meal for the Beast King, but the king is no mere monster! Love is more than skin deep in this gorgeous fantasy manga.

Interviews with Monster Girls by Petos; translation by Kevin Steinbach; lettering by Paige Pumphrey

Vampires, dullahans, succubi, snow women. These are just a few of those beings once known as "demi-humans," and high school Biology teacher Testsuo Takahashi has always wanted to meet them. He gets his chance when the new term starts, and there are four "demis" in his school! Join the caring, bumbling Tetsuo in his quest to get to know these adorable monster girls, while helping them navigate the highs and lows of high school!

Nonfiction

Did you know that there are nonfiction manga titles? Boy howdy there sure are! These are typically handy guides that give helpful information on a variety of topics ranging from moments in history to computer processors. If you need help understanding a topic, check out a nonfiction manga. 

Makeup is Not (Just) Magic: A Manga Guide to Cosmetics and Skin Care by Ikumi Rotta

For anyone intimidated by the world of makeup, you're in luck—a former beauty consultant turned comic artist is here to walk you through it. Join the author as she breaks down the fundamentals of cosmetics and skin care, guided by common questions from her online followers! Learn the basics and develop your own signature style! The perfect illustrated how-to book for fans of makeup tutorials online.

The Manga Guide to Physics by Hideo Nitta, Keita Takatsu, Trend-pro Co., Ltd.

In The Manga Guide to Physics, you'll follow Megumi as she learns about the physics of everyday objects like roller skates, slingshots, braking cars, and tennis serves. In no time, you'll master tough concepts like momentum and impulse, parabolic motion, and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Ichi-F: A Worker's Graphic Memoir of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant by Kazuto Tatsuta; translation by Stephen Paul

Tatsuta was an amateur artist who signed onto the dangerous task of cleaning up the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, which the workers came to call 'Ichi-F.' This is the story of that challenging work, of the trials faced by the local citizens, and of the unique camaraderie that developed between the mostly blue-collar workers who had to face the devious and invisible threat of radiation on a daily basis

Romance

Probably only second to battle manga in terms of popularity, romance manga is a pillar of the manga community. Oftentimes romance will cross over with other genres, so you might see a cooking manga that also serves as a romance or a romance set in a fantasy world. From first loves to new loves to reincarnated souls reuniting in the modern day, there’s a romance for everything. 

Romance manga are primarily targeted at both the shojo (young/teen girl) and josei (adult woman) demographics. As such, they range in terms of how sexually explicit they can be. They are also mainly focused on romance between heterosexual partners. 

Same-sex romances are often marketed under different subgenres: yaoi/boy’s love (male same-sex relationships) and yuri (female same-sex). Of course, manga like any other form of media is constantly evolving and updating to become more inclusive to different types of love. LGBTQ+ love stories are becoming more and more common. The main difference between LGBTQ+ love stories and boy’s love (BL) manga is that LGBTQ+ will focus on how their queer identity affects their life whereas BL typically do not. 

My Love Story! story by Kazune Kawahara; art by Aruko; English adaptation by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane; translation by JN Productions

Giant Takeo Goda's love life takes a surprising turn when he saves a girl named Yamato, but will she be drawn instead to Takeo's handsome best friend, Sunakawa?

Boarding School Juliet by Yousuke Kaneda; translation byAmanda Haley; lettering by James Dashiell

The prestigious Dahlia Academy educates the elite of society from two countries: to the East is the Nation of Touwa; across the sea, the Principality of West. The nations, though, are fierce rivals, and their students are constantly feuding--which means Romio Inuzuka, head of Touwa's first-year students, has a problem. He's fallen for his counterpart from West, Juliet Persia, and when he can't take it anymore, he confesses his feelings. Now Romio has two problems: a girlfriend, and a secret...

Our Dining Table story and art by Mita Ori; translation by Amber Tamosaitis; adaptation by Marykate Jasper; lettering by Laura Heo

Eating around other people is a struggle for salaryman Yutaka, despite his talent for cooking. All that changes when he meets Minoru and Tane—two brothers, many years apart in age—who ask him to teach them how to make his delicious food! It's not long before Yutaka finds himself falling hard for the meals they share together—and falling in love!

For more romance, check out Everybody Say Love: Romance Manga!

School Life

Another pillar of the manga community is School Life. Typically, these are slice of life stories that revolve around the highs and lows of protagonist's life in middle or high school. Like romance, school life manga can be combined with other genres such as fantasy school life or battle school life. As long as it takes place in or involves a school, then it can be classified as a school life manga. 

Love in Focus by Yoko Nogiri; translation by Alethea and Athena Nibley

Mako’s always had a passion for photography. When she loses someone dear to her, she clings to her art as a relic of the close relationship she once had … Luckily, her childhood best friend Kei encourages her to come to his high school and join their prestigious photo club. With nothing to lose, Mako grabs her camera and moves into the dorm where Kei and his classmates live. Soon, a fresh take on life, along with a mysterious new muse, begin to come into focus!

No Matter How I Look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular! by Nico Tanigawa; translation/adaptation by Krista Shipley and Karie Shipley; lettering by Lys Blakeslee

Tomoko Kuroki naturally assumed she'd be popular when she got to high school-- but then cold, hard reality swooped in for the attack! Turns out all the popularity points she'd racked up in her video game dating sims are worth squat in real life, and Tomoko's far from prepared to navigate high school! How can she possibly hope to impress her classmates when she can't even talk to them?! A new high-school heroine is born (maybe?)!

Daytime Shooting Star story and art by Mika Yamamor; translation by JN Productions; touch up art and lettering by Inori Fukuka Trant

After arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park when she remembers once seeing a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they'll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch. And her homeroom teacher is none other than the handsome stranger!

Science Fiction

While mecha is probably the most well-known science fiction subgenre in manga, there are plenty of series that do not revolve around robots. Some of the most famous and groundbreaking graphic novels of all time are science fiction manga. Journey around the cosmos with space pirates or experience life on another planet with science fiction manga!

Saturn Apartments by Hisae Iwaoka; translation by Matt Thorn

Far in the future, humankind has evacuated the earth in order to preserve it. Humans now reside in a gigantic structure that forms a ring around the earth, 35 kilometers up in the sky. The society of the ring is highly stratified: the higher the floor, the greater the status. Mitsu, the lowly son of a window washer, has just graduated junior high. When his father disappears and is assumed dead, Mitsu must take on his father's occupation. As he struggles with the transition to working life, Mitsu's job treats him to an outsider's view into the living-room dioramas of the Saturn Apartments.

Sazan & Comet Girl story and art by Yuriko Akase; translation by Adrienne Beck; adaptation by Ysabet MacFarlane; layout and lettering by Karis Page, Gwen Silver

Note: Full Color

Sazan, a young man from Earth, works on other planets and has seen his share of galactic oddities. But when he meets Mina, a red-headed girl who zooms into his life on a space scooter, he knows he’s run into someone special. Mina contains shocking power within her body–a power coveted by space pirates who hope to steal it from her. Mina zooms out of Sazan’s life almost as quickly as she arrived, but Sazan is determined to find her again…no matter how far he has to chase her across the galaxy. This spectacular full-color manga–an homage to energetic space operas of years past–is entirely contained in this 500-page omnibus. 

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

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.

Slice of Life

If you’re looking for a break from action/adventure, then this is the genre for you. Slice of life manga focus on (mostly) normal people living their (mostly) normal lives. There might be whacky neighbors or silly shenanigans, but overall the adventures are almost always lighthearted and fun. Sometimes you just need a calm, sedated read with a little comedy thrown in. 

Barakamon by Satsuki Yoshino; translation-adaptation by Krista Shipley and Karie Shipley

Seishuu Handa, a handsome young calligrapher, uproots himself and moves to an island on the westernmost edge of Japan. "Sensei," as he comes to be known, is a city boy through and through and has never experienced rural life until now. And by the looks of it, he has much to learn! Luckily (?), he has a willing teacher in Naru, the energetic expert islander, to help show him the ropes. But can Sensei keep up with the plucky first-grader, or will he get schooled?! Settle in for a heartfelt island comedy about a gruff on the outside, soft on the inside urbanite teacher and his new, unfailingly kind island neighbors.

My Neighbor Seki = Tonari no Seki-kun by Morishige Takuma; translation by Yoshito Hinton.

Toshinari Seki takes goofing off to new heights. Every day, on or around his school desk, he masterfully creates his own little worlds of wonder, often hidden to most of his classmates. Unfortunately for Rumi Yokoi, his neighbor at the back of their homeroom, his many games, dioramas, and projects are often way too interesting to ignore; even when they are hurting her grades.

Saint Young Men Hikaru Nakamura; translation by Alethea and Athena Nibley; lettering by Lys Blakeslee; foreword by Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere

Jesus, the Son of God. Buddha, the enlightened one. Two of history's most important figures whose sagely deeds have been told and retold. After a few millennia of helping humanity, they have decided to take some time off and rent an apartment together in modern-day Tokyo. But even their saintly status hasn't fully prepared them to navigate the ups and downs of life in 21st century Japan, from theme parks, to shopping for rice cookers, to the wonderful world of manga. Follow this pair on a goofy, light-hearted, and pun-filled adventure in friendship.
 

Sports

Due to the competitive nature of sports in general, sports manga generally go hand-in-hand with battle manga. You have a plucky protagonist with dreams of greatness joining a team with the shared goal of defeating their rivals and taking the gold. Even if you have no interest in real-life athletics, reading a sports manga may just change your mind. The focus is on the camaraderie between the team members as they navigate through wins and losses. Will friendship or rivalry win the day? No sport is off limits! 

Kuroko's Basketball by Tadatoshi Fujimaki; translation by Caleb Cook

Kuroko Tetsuya doesn't stand out much. In fact, he's so plain that people hardly ever notice when he's around. Though he's just as unremarkable on the basketball court, that's where his plainness gives him an unexpected edge-one that lets him execute awesome moves without others noticing! And now that he's a high school student, he's on a mission to defeat each member of his legendary middle school team, known as the Miracle Generation, with the help of a new transfer student fresh from the U.S.-Taiga Kagami! When incoming first-year Taiga Kagami joins the Seirin High basketball team, he meets Tetsuya Kuroko, a mysterious boy who's plain beyond words. But Kagami's in for the shock of his life when he learns that the practically invisible Kuroko was once a member of the "Miracle Generation"—the undefeated, legendary team!

Haikyu!! story and art by Haruichi Furudate; translation by Adrienne Beck; touch-up art and lettering by Erika Terriquez

Ever since he saw the legendary player known as 'the Little Giant' compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else? After losing his first and last volleyball match against Tobio Kageyama, 'the King of the Court,' Shoyo Hinata swears to become his rival after graduating middle school. But what happens when the guy he wants to defeat ends up being his teammate?!

Yowamushi Pedal by Wataru Watanabe; translation by Su Mon Han; lettering by Lys Blakslee

Power-pedaling Sakamichi Onoda has long been conquering the steepest slopes and regularly making the ninety-kilometer round-trip to Akihabara on a mommy bike!! But when his bike commute to his new high school lands him in a confrontation with the serious first-year road racer Imaizumi, Onoda has a major showdown on his hands! Can this meek geek really out-pedal the future ace of the school road-racing team?

For more titles, check out Get Your Head in the Game! Sports and Game-Based Manga Recommendations!

Supernatural

Ghosts, goblins, demons, oh my! Anything goes in supernatural manga so long as it is...supernatural. Supernatural romance is extremely popular, so this genre will often crossover into Monster Love territory. Supernatural horror is common as well.  If you're tired of typical western supernatural tales, try some supernatural manga for a change of pace. 

Penguindrum art by Isuzu Shibata; story by ikunichawder; character designs by Lily Hoshino; translation by Beni Axia Conrad; adaptation by Lora Gray; lettering by Jennifer Skarupa

Twins Kanba and Shoma live with their terminally ill little sister, Himari. One day, they visit the aquarium, a place full of warm memories for Himari, but she suddenly falls ill—and dies! At that very moment, a voice cries out, “Survival Tactic!” and Himari, wearing a penguin hat, comes back to life…?!

The Demon Prince of Momochi House story and art by Aya Shouoto

On her sixteenth birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits her ancestral estate that she's never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role!

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun by Aidalro; translation by Alethea Nibley and Athena Nibley; lettering by Jesse Moriarty and Tania Biswas

At Kamome Academy, rumors abound about the school's Seven Mysteries, one of which is Hanako-san. Said to occupy the third stall of the third floor girls' bathroom in the old school building, Hanako-san grants any wish when summoned. Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl who dreams of romance, ventures into this haunted bathroom... but the Hanako-san she meets there is nothing like she imagined! Kamome Academy's Hanako-san...is a boy!

Yaoi/Boy’s Love and Yuri

These categories are dedicated to romantic and sexual relationships between males (Yaoi/Boy’s Love) and females (yuri). Yaoi/Boy’s Love tend to be more sexually explicit than yuri titles, but this can vary. Many new fans will often confuse Boy’s Love and Yuri with LGBTQ+ manga, but there are key differences between the two. 

The focus here is less on how their queer identity affects their lives in real world scenarios and more on the fantasy of living a life where you do not have to think about those things. If you just want to read about love and sex between same-gendered characters, then this is the category for you. For more in-depth information check out, Beginner's Guide to LGBTQ+ Manga.

Embracing Love story and art by Youka Nitta

Rating: M for Mature, 18+

Iwaki Kyousuke and Katou Yoji are two hugely popular adult film stars looking for a way out of the industry. Their chance arrives when they’re both invited to audition for a new erotic film. Imagine their surprise when the director decides the only way for him to choose who will get the coveted lead role is for them to perform one of the film’s love scenes on the spot—with each other! Things get even crazier when Katou decides to take drastic measures to ensure he can continue seeing Iwaki after film production wraps. How will Iwaki respond to Katou’s impulsive act?

10 Dance by Inouesatoh; translation by Karhys; lettering by Brndn Blakeslee

Shinya Sugiki, the dashing lord of Standard Ballroom, and Shinya Suzuki, passionate king of Latin Dance: The two share more than just a first name and a love of the sport. They each want to become champion of the 10-Dance Competition, which means they'll need to learn the other's specialty dances, and who better to learn from than the best? But old rivalries die hard, and things get complicated even further when they realize there might be more between them than an uneasy partnership.  

Éclair: A Girls' Love Anthology that Resonates in Your Heart, illustration by Non, translation by Eleanor Summers, lettering by Alexis Eckerman

Full of beating hearts and fluttering feelings, this anthology of girls' love stories will leave you breathless. With contributors like Canno (Kiss and White Lily for My Dearest Girl), Sakuya Amano (Gosick), and Nio Nakatani (Bloom into You), this collection is sure to satisfy the desire for a sweet love story (or sixteen!)

Discover more recommended manga titles with these popular blog posts:

• Manga for Days: Manga 25 Volumes or Fewer for Adults
• Manga for Days: Manga 25 Volumes or Fewer for Teens
• A Beginner's Guide to Manga Classics
• Award-Winning Manga 1: General Category
   

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