
Top 10 Manga Titles Every New Otaku Should Start With – Part 2
Aktie
Your journey through the world of manga doesn’t stop at the first 10. There’s a whole universe of powerful stories waiting to be discovered—each with its own charm, depth, and unforgettable characters. In this Part 2, we’re highlighting more titles that are perfect for new otakus, especially those who want to explore different genres and emotional tones. These aren’t just “great manga”—they’re series that stay with you.
Whether you're into school life, fantasy worlds, or slice-of-life drama, there’s something in this list for you.
1. Bleach
At first, I picked up Bleach because of its striking art style and cool swords—and I stayed for the character growth and rich world-building. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally becomes a Soul Reaper and gets pulled into the battle between humans, spirits, and Hollows. It starts off simple but quickly unfolds into a much deeper narrative with strong arcs and intense emotional stakes.
What I loved most was the variety of characters—each one has a distinct personality, backstory, and purpose. The way Ichigo matures and shoulders responsibility really resonated with me. It’s perfect for readers who want action, supernatural themes, and a long-running story you can get lost in for weeks.
2. Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail was my comfort manga for months. It’s full of magic, adventure, and found-family vibes that really warm the heart. The story revolves around Natsu, Lucy, and their wild guild of mages as they take on quests, face powerful enemies, and build bonds that are stronger than steel.
While the fights are exciting and the world is massive, what makes this manga special is the emotion. There are moments that genuinely made me tear up—not just from sadness, but from the joy of seeing deep friendships in action. It’s a great place to start if you want something fun, magical, and deeply human.
3. Blue Exorcist
I stumbled across Blue Exorcist randomly and got hooked fast. It follows Rin Okumura, a hot-headed teen who finds out he’s the son of Satan—but decides to fight against his fate by becoming an exorcist. It’s a unique twist on the good vs. evil trope, with beautiful art and powerful emotional arcs.
What kept me reading was Rin’s internal conflict—how do you fight the very nature you were born with? And how do you build trust when everyone is afraid of you? If you're new to manga and enjoy themes of identity, brotherhood, and spiritual warfare, this series is a great choice.
4. Fruits Basket
This is a totally different vibe—Fruits Basket is gentle, emotional, and deeply healing. It follows Tohru Honda, a sweet girl who ends up living with a mysterious family cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. At first it sounds lighthearted (and it is, at times), but it goes so much deeper than you'd expect.
What made me fall in love with Fruits Basket is how it deals with trauma, acceptance, and the quiet strength of kindness. It’s the kind of story that sneaks into your heart and stays there. If you’re looking for something heartwarming, reflective, and emotionally rich, this is the one.
5. Black Clover
Black Clover gives major shonen vibes—if you loved Naruto or My Hero Academia, you’ll feel right at home here. It follows Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything, as he competes to become the Wizard King. I love his energy—he’s loud, determined, and absolutely refuses to give up.
It’s a classic underdog story, but the pacing, fight scenes, and magical world make it stand out. Asta and Yuno’s rivalry/friendship adds a lot of heart, and the series just keeps getting better as you go. This is a great pick if you want something action-packed, inspiring, and full of fantasy elements.
6. Haikyuu!!
I never thought a sports manga would move me the way Haikyuu!! did. It’s about high school volleyball, yes—but it’s also about passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. Hinata Shoyo, the short but explosive main character, completely won me over with his drive to prove himself.
Every match feels like a battle, but it’s not just about winning—it’s about teamwork, growth, and chasing something bigger than yourself. Haikyuu!! is an amazing intro to the world of sports manga and a feel-good, high-energy read that I recommend to everyone—especially if you’ve ever chased a dream.
7. Spy x Family
This one is just pure fun. Spy x Family follows a spy who has to build a fake family as part of his mission—but his “wife” is a deadly assassin, and his “daughter” is a telepath. The chaos that follows is hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
I was immediately drawn to the unique premise, but I stayed for the characters. Anya, the little girl, is adorable and carries so much of the humor, while the parents try to balance their double lives and somehow grow to love each other for real. It’s great for new readers who want something light, clever, and endlessly charming.
8. Noragami
Noragami is about a minor god named Yato who’s trying to gain followers and build a shrine—but he’s broke and barely recognized. When a girl named Hiyori gets caught between the human and spirit world, their fates intertwine. It’s funny, touching, and sometimes really haunting.
What drew me in was the blend of humor and depth—Yato is goofy, but his past is dark and complicated. The world-building is rich and the spiritual themes are fascinating. If you’re interested in Japanese folklore and want something that balances action and emotion well, Noragami is an excellent pick.
9. The Promised Neverland
I went into The Promised Neverland thinking it was just a sweet orphan story—and then it flipped everything upside down. It’s best to go in with as little information as possible, but trust me: it’s a suspenseful, brilliantly written ride.
Every chapter leaves you wanting more. The children are incredibly smart, and watching them outwit their terrifying world kept me on edge. If you’re looking for a mystery-thriller manga with psychological twists and a lot of heart, this one is unforgettable.
10. Dr. Stone
If you love science and survival, Dr. Stone is one of the most unique manga out there. It begins with the world turning to stone—and thousands of years later, teenage genius Senku wakes up and decides to rebuild civilization using science.
It’s surprisingly educational and full of exciting inventions, clever thinking, and great character dynamics. The series is optimistic, creative, and different from the usual action-packed shonen. It’s a fun way to learn while being entertained, and a great choice if you want something fresh and inspiring.
✨ Keep Exploring
Manga is a universe, not a genre—and this list proves just how diverse and powerful it can be. Whether you’re in the mood for action, slice of life, fantasy, or psychological drama, there’s a perfect first manga waiting for you.
Remember: new manga collections are uploaded regularly in our shop, and you can always request a title you want to see next—free of charge. So dive in, explore more, and let your otaku journey grow!