Manga or Japanese comics have long had their own name and reputation in Indonesia. The strong appeal of manga makes readers loyal to follow the story that continues for years. An example is Detective Conan, a manga that has been running for 26 years, but has no sign of ending.
Are you a fan of manga? If so, you need to read the best Japanese manga that we will recommend in this article. There are ten good Japanese comics that might suit your taste, such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. Come on, take a look at the reviews!
Benefits of reading Japanese manga/comic
Reading manga can be a fun way to pass the time, especially if the story isn't too heavy. Comics are indeed suitable to accompany leisure time because the portion of the image is more than the text. That's why reading manga is often identified with relaxation time.
In addition, reading manga can also hone the creativity and imagination of the reader, you know. Manga stories and intrigues are often different from real life, giving new colors to your daily life.
For those of you who want to foster an interest in reading in children, reading comics can be an effective method. The pictures and plots presented will make children more enthusiastic about reading. However, make sure your child reads comics that are appropriate for their age.
How to choose Japanese manga/comic?
In order to find the manga that best suits your taste, there are a few things you need to pay attention to. Let's see the full explanation while determining the manga that is interesting to read this weekend.
Customize to your genres
The first thing that is also a determining factor in choosing a manga is taste. Start by asking yourself, what kind of manga would you like to enjoy. So that you have more choices, we will introduce various genres that exist in the world of manga!
Fantasy series, for those of you with high imaginations
The fantasy manga series will be ready to take you on an adventure to various types of worlds. This type of manga is the most exciting because the story is really not limited by reality.
Fantasy has a wide range, ranging from adventures in other worlds, characters with special powers, to monster slayers or stealth. This genre is suitable for those of you who like unlimited imagination.
Action series, for those of you who like the excitement of fightinggramedia.com
The action genre is one of the most popular genres in the manga world. Exciting battles between characters in the story are the main attraction of this genre.
The plot that is presented is usually not too complex, but the battle segments are described in detail. If you want to experience the excitement of fighting manga characters, this genre is the right choice!
Sports series, for those of you who have a sporty mentality
This manga genre is also one that is much favored by young people. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the culture of sports, especially team sports, is very strong in Japan!
Japanese middle and high school students often take extracurricular sports and will train hard every day.
Popular sports in Japan, such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball, have national leagues for middle and high school levels. These leagues are very prestigious, and are often shown on national TV.
With this background, stories about friendship and team sports are often used as plots in sports manga. The story about the team's hard work while training or when meeting a strong opponent, is very thrilling!
History series, if you want to learn the fun way
Did you realize that there are some manga based on real history? Although some things are adjusted to the plot of the story, basically the historical facts told are accurate. By reading historical manga, there's a lot you can learn without you even realizing it.
However, there may be some stories that tend to be boring because they don't suit your interests. No need to worry, there are many interesting historical stories. You can start with the historical stories that interest you the most.
Comedy series, to brighten up your day
Comedy series are usually successful in entertaining the heart and making you laugh out loud. The stories that are presented are generally light nuanced and have a background in everyday life. No wonder, comedy-themed manga is perfect for reading when you want to get rid of fatigue and tiredness after activities.
Detective series, for those of you who like to solve puzzles
The detective genre is always interesting to listen to because it has a variety of varied story ideas. The main characters also have different characteristics. Some have unique abilities, some have above-average analytical skills. However, the common thread of the stories is always the same, namely solving a puzzle or mysterious case. A thing that is actually exciting for those of you who like to analyze, right?
If you like detective comics, we have ten recommendations for detective comics that you can listen to via this link.
Check the length of the comic volume
Manga series have various volume lengths. Manga that is relatively long can even continue for decades. On the other hand, there are also short serial manga that are finished in one book only. Which one suits you?
Long volume, for those of you who are patient and ready to commit
Manga with complex plots certainly takes a long time to build stories and characters. For information, comics in Japan are usually published per chapter in weekly or monthly magazines.
These chapters take about three to four months to be published in tankoubon (volume comic book) form. That's why long-volume manga can last for decades!
One Piece, which is the best-selling manga series, is still continuing today since its first volume 23 years ago! With long waiting times plus long volumes, you'll have to be patient with your curiosity. So, if you're ready to commit to this type of comic, please read on and enjoy the fun!
Medium volume, for those of you who just want to fill your spare time
Medium comics usually consist of two to fifteen comic volumes. The right amount if you want a manga with an interesting plot but don't want to wait too long, right? However, if the manga has just been published, you certainly can't tell whether it's long or short.
So, it's best to read a manga that's clearly finished. In this regard, we have recommendations for medium-volume manga that are finished and interesting to read. Don't forget to listen, OK!
Short series (beautiful series), if you like light and fast stories
This short series is suitable for those of you who want to read casually without having to feel curious about the continuation of the story. The characters and plots are built in a concise, solid, and clear way. This manga format is perfect for those of you who don't like being curious about hanging stories!
Match the age of the reader
In addition to a broad genre, manga also has a diverse target market. Not only for children and teenagers, there are also many manga aimed at adults.
Especially for those of you who are already parents, you need to make sure that your child reads manga that is age-appropriate.
Top 10 recommended Japanese manga / comics
Next, we will recommend ten of the best Japanese manga / comics that we selected based on how to vote above. These products are carefully selected by considering product quality, buyer reviews, and the level of trust in the seller.
1. Shanaou Yoshitsune: Genpei War by Hirofumi Sawada
Learn about Japanese characters and history during the Heian and Kamakura Period
This manga is a sequel to the manga Shanaou Yoshitsune. The Genpei War series remains centered on the story of one of Japan's legendary war generals, Minamoto Yoshitsune and his group.
In this sequel, Yoshitsune plays a general in the largest civil war in Japanese history between the Taira clan and the Minamoto clan.
While not entirely accurate, the manga's storyline aligns with the true history of Japan. Minamoto Yoshitsune's own character is very well known as one of the best war generals with a tragic ending. You can also visit the places that are the background of this comic when you go to Japan!
- Genre: History, fantasy
- Target readers: Teenager
- Volume: 1–29
- Status: End
2. Haikyu! FlyHigh! Volley ball! by Haruichi Furudate
Do you like reading comics with positive nuances or the theme of healthy competition between friends? If so, this comic will be the perfect read for you!
This comic story centers on the main characters Hinata, Kageyama, and the Karasuno High School volleyball team. Together, they strive to become a solid team that can compete in the national volleyball championship.
Although initially not a strong team, thanks to their persistent and unyielding attitude, this team became solid. The story of hard work and sportsmanship is the main attraction of this comic. When you've finished reading the comics, you can also watch the anime, you know!
- Genre: Sport
- Target readers: Children and teenagers
- Volume: 1–45
- Status: End
3. Yona, The Girl Standing in The Blush of Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi
This comic tells of a princess from the Kouka Kingdom named Yona. The day before her sixteenth birthday, Yona's father, King Il, was murdered by her closest friends. With the help of her bodyguard, General Hak, Yona managed to escape. They then embarked on an adventure to find the four Dragon Gods.
This comic is based on a fantasy story set in the backdrop of Kouka's imaginary country. The mangaka tries to bring up a story that not only features imaginative elements, but also politics. Yona's growth from a spoiled royal princess to a brave leader is so much fun to follow!
- Genre: Fantasy
- Target readers: Teenager
- Volume: 1–33
- Status: On going
4. Hi, Miiko! by Eriko Ono
As the title suggests, this comic tells of Miiko's daily life with her family and school friends. With the main character still in elementary school, this comic presents a funny and lighthearted story. The theme of the story also revolves around friendship, family, or innocent love.
This comic is very fun to read and has a special place in the hearts of manga fans in Indonesia. The mangaka, Eriko Ono, has even come to Indonesia to meet fans, you know!
- Genre: Comedy
- Target readers: Children, teens
- Volume: 1–34
- Status: On going
5. Detective Conan by Aoyama Gosho
If you are a detective comics lover, then this comic is definitely familiar to you. This comic started with the transformation of the famous detective Shinichi Kudo into an elementary school boy named Conan Edogawa. Finally, Conan stays at the Mori family's house while solving cases around him.
This comic is one of the veteran comics in Japan. Even so, it seems that there is no desire from the mangaka to finish this comic. However, the plot of the story is always interesting to read, right? In addition, the story already has its own spin-off manga, you know.
- Genre: Detective
- Target readers: Teens and adults
- Volume: 1–99
- Status: On going
6. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
This manga is suitable for those of you who are fans of complicated plots. Themed dark-fantasy, this comic tells when human existence is threatened by the existence of Titan, a man-eating giant. Through this manga, the mangaka wants to convey that there is no black or white in a conflict.
According to a recent interview, the Attack on Titan manga has now entered its final arc. Therefore, this is the right time if you want to start reading this comic! You don't have to wait long to find out the ending.
- Genre: Dark-fantasy
- Target readers: Mature
- Volume: 1–32
- Status: End
7. Tokyo Revengers by Ken Wakui
If you like stories related to time leaps, the Tokyo Revengers comics are definitely interesting to follow. This comic tells the story of a man named Takemichi who has low self-esteem and often considers himself a coward.
Takemichi has just found out that Hinata, his past lover, has died as a result of the dreaded gang of thugs in Tokyo.
After some time, Takemichi fell onto the train track while walking down the platform. Instead of being hit by a train, Takemichi goes back in time to when he was still a middle school student. Takemichi then determined to save Hinata by joining the most brutal gang of delinquents in the Kanto region.
- Genre: Action
- Target readers: Mature
- Volume: 1
- Status: On going
8. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
The existence of One Piece comics has become one of the important assets in the manga world. This comic has circulated in 43 countries around the world and made it the best selling manga in history. With a very long story, One Piece mangaka finally announced that this comic will soon enter its final arc.
Tells the story of a straw hat crew led by Monkey D. Luffy, you will be immersed in this comic story. Not only humor that invites laughter, you will also be treated to heartwarming stories that might make you sob. This comic is perfect for those of you who want to feel the thrill of adventure stories with friends.
- Genre: Fantasy, action
- Target readers: Teens and adults
- Volume: 1–98
- Status: On going
9. Kaisen Jujutsu by Gege Akutami
Anyone willing to swallow a cursed spirit to protect friends? Yuji Itadori, the main character of Gege Akutami's manga, wants to do just that! This manga tells the story of an ordinary high school boy with extraordinary athletic abilities named Yuji. In order to get acquainted with seniors, he prefers to join the Occult Research Club. In fact, Yuji is an athlete in the Running Club at his school.
That's where Yuji swallowed the cursed talisman and became a vessel from Sukuna to protect his friends and seniors. Interestingly, Yuji can still control his body even though he has been possessed by the strongest spirit. That's great, isn't it? This manga is definitely not to be missed if you like the dark-fantasy genre!
- Genre: Dark-fantasy
- Target readers: Teens and adults
- Volume: 1–5
- Status: On going
10. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge
Fantasy genre, this manga is very popular among children and adults in Japan. This manga begins with the family of Tanjiro Kamado who was killed by a man-eating monster named Muzan. This fateful event also turned Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, into a monster.
With messages about friendship and family, this manga is colored by slick action scenes. The manga has also been adapted in anime and drama. For sure, Demon Slayer is a manga you shouldn't miss!
- Genre: Fantasy, action
- Target readers: Teenager, mature
- Volume: 1–23 vol
- Status: End
Conclusion
There are a huge number of manga currently circulating. In this article, we have recommended some of the best manga titles that you can try reading. Reading manga can now be accessed through other media besides physical books.
Thanks to this, more and more readers are reading manga via the internet. Even so, make sure that you access the manga legally, okay? Happy reading!
