You know what all these books have too much of? Words. More books with pictures! *Thor-smashes mug*
Specifically, I’m talking about manga and graphic novels. Because someone has to! I feel like these are things that tend to get overlooked. Especially now that I work at a library, I see first-hand what a bad rap these books get, and I’m still not quite sure why?? Bookwyrms, manga and graphic novels are fantastic. Especially if you’re someone like me, who has very poor visualization skills (or someone with aphantasia). It really changes the whole reading experience!
Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is a freebie, so I want to dedicate a little time to talking about the manga and graphic novels I’ve read recently and loved. And because my TBR is unmanageable and yours should be too, I’ll also throw in some that I want to read as an added bonus!
I should preface this by saying I’m going to omit any manga that are way popularized or that I read forever ago. So yes, of course, I love Bleach, Naruto, Soul Eater, Full Metal Alchemist, Yu Yu Hakusho, Black Butler, and all these manga that are definitely going to date me at this point that I haven’t read in eternity. So don’t come at me if your favorite older manga isn’t on this list. I agree, it’s great and everyone should read it. xD
Manga/Graphic Novels I Love
Witch Hat Atelier
Why I Love It:
- Breathtaking, stunning illustrations that I just can’t get enough of.
- Super wholesome protagonist just bringing joy to everyone (despite being a dark world).
- Magic! But secret magic. With . . . lots of secrets.
- Twisty, mysterious plot that drags you along for the ride.
- Lots of monsters that you’ll definitely want to take home and cuddle.
- (Even though they will definitely eat your face.)
- Adorable guardian men who deserve a hug. (And probably need one, honestly.)
A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation
Why I Love It:
- Super adorable and wholesome slice-of-life in a fantasy world.
- Involves some low-key adventure.
- Cinnamon main character who’s clearly harboring a secret.
- Characters who fit archetypes that I absolutely love.
- You know, like the cranky loner swordsman who takes to the protagonist.
- Lots of humor that’ll keep you laughing.
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
Why I Love It:
- Very charming slice-of-life set in a high school.
- Revolves around the life of a mangaka.
- Short, bite-sized chunks of story that are easy to pick up and read a little at a time.
- Fun group of characters, each with their own unique personalities.
- Lots of cute humor and jokes.
- Sweet budding romances and cute crushes.
Case Closed
Why I Love It:
- Bite-sized murder mysteries that take some cunning to solve.
- Overarching mystery that is compelling and keeps you wanting more.
- Visual version of a whodunnit short story collection.
- Witty, know-it-all protagonist who has a knack for getting himself into trouble.
- Lots of sarcasm and snark.
A Man & His Cat
Why I Love It:
- So. Freaking. Wholesome. No, really.
- A ray of sunshine in an otherwise chaotic and stressful world.
- Can anything with an adorable fluffer be bad?
- There’s nothing better than two lost souls finding each other.
- Older widower as the protagonist, just looking for a companion to love!
- Seriously, all the freaking feels. But in a warm, fuzzy way.
Saga
Why I Love It:
- Surprising in a super extra way that’ll always catch you by surprise.
- (No, seriously. Expect the unexpected. Including troll dong, which is a phrase I never thought I’d have to type, but here we are.)
- Two broken souls trying to find a tiny sliver of peace in a horribly broken world.
- A brutally dark world that pulls absolutely no punches whatsoever.
- And yet . . . morally gray characters that you can’t help but root for.
Locke & Key
Why I Love It:
- Not for the faint of heart (very dark, very gory, very shocking – but in a good way!).
- Very interesting take on magic (via keys that grant different powers!).
- Not at all like the (much cleaner) Netflix version.
- So many plot twists that you’ll never see coming.
- A plot that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages as fast as you can.
The Witch Boy
Why I Love This:
- Utterly wholesome magic (but still with a potential dark side).
- Smashes right through gender stereotypes and roles.
- Uplifting story about being yourself and embracing who you are.
- Cute squad that supports each other and lifts each other up.
- Compelling mystery with a surprising conclusion.
Hooky
Why I Love It:
- Very cute twin bonds, and siblings supporting each other. (Well . . . mostly.)
- Magic! In a world that isn’t always kind to witches.
- Complex character stories, backgrounds, and politics.
- Adorable cinnamon rolls just struggling to figure out who the heck they are/want to be.
- A squad that you will absolutely fall for, every single time.
Wingbearer
Why I Love It:
- Super gorgeous, colorful illustrations that will steal your breath (and your heart!).
- Vivid fantasy world that you will absolutely want to live in.
- Kids just doing their best to find a place to belong in a world that doesn’t want them.
- Compelling mystery that’s just getting started.
- Fascinating lore that is unique and interesting.
Manga/Graphic Novels I Want To Read
Spy x Family
Because who could resist a dangerous spy whose next mission is . . . *gasp* . . . to have a family?! The horror! No, really, the absolute horror. This poor man. Given the family he ends up with, I’m assuming that some form of hilarity will ensue? I’m looking forward to it.
Fire Force
I actually meant to begin this one already, but I just didn’t get time and ended up returning it for now. This one’s from the author of Soul Eater, which I absolutely love (and want to re-read at some point!). But also, I’m sort of a fan of fire. So I’m not really seeing a downside to this one at all.
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster
I’ve seen the anime, which I absolutely fell in love with! I’ve watched it multiple times over again. (And now that I think about it, I want to watch it again!) I’m a big fan of the moral dilemmas, of gray characters and antiheroes, and this one just hit the spot for me. I’m super curious about how close the manga is to the anime.
The Promised Neverland
Everyone keeps telling me how much I need to read this manga. I just . . . haven’t . . . yet. It’s still on my list to read, though! I’m digging the sinister vibes and dark world.
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins
I actually received volumes I and II for Christmas (but where’s three, hubby, huh?!?!) so I’ll probably get to this sooner rather than later. Honestly? I can’t wait. I absolutely love Vox Machina. Before I loved the series, I just enjoyed watching all the voice actors be goofs on Critical Role.
Monstress
I somehow keep forgetting that I own this book and have been meaning to read it? I received it years ago for Christmas, but I wasn’t really in a graphic novel phase at that point, so it was set aside. Then I just keep forgetting. I’ve heard mixed reviews about this one, but it sounds like something that I’ll enjoy!
Amulet
I honestly don’t know a whole lot about this series other than it’s really popular at my library and everyone seems to enjoy it. Hard to argue with that, so I’ve been meaning to check it out! Seems like a really fun, wholesome adventure, and I’m into that every now and then.
Bone
I know literally nothing about this series other than that it’s humor, mystery, adventure. And honestly? That’s really all I need to know. Seems like the perfect graphic novel series for when I’m in the mood for something lighter!
Do you know any manga/graphic novels that aren’t on my list that I should definitely check out? Leave a recommendation for me in the comments! I’d love to add it to my TBR. ^_^
Yes, A Man and His Cat is one the best! I also love Locke and Key, and Saga. I need to try Witch Hat Atelier and Spy x Family asap.
You definitely need to try Witch Hat Atelier! I try to recommend that to everyone. I’m very surprised it’s not more popular, because the art is top notch and the story has a lot of popular tropes done in a really interesting way!
This is such a great topic.
I wish I could get into manga and graphic novels more often, but I struggle with those genres (styles? Not sure what to call them). I think it’s a wonderful option for reading for people who enjoy them, though! 🙂
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It’s definitely not for everyone, but I know people who struggle with text-heavy tomes that do really well with graphic novels and manga. 🙂 I just love the artwork! It’s like watching a movie in my head. I don’t do that when I actually read, which I’ve heard other people do, so that’s maybe why I’m drawn to them!
I am not a graphic novel person, but I love seeing the covers! The are so fun.
Graphic novels and manga definitely have some of the most interesting (and pretty) covers!
Omg!!!! I love love love the Vox Machina Comics!!! I’m trying to read more graphic novels this year.
I’m so glad to hear that! Even more excited to pick them up now. 😀 Good luck! I hope you get to.
What a fun gathering up of manga! My kids really like the Amulet series. Lately, we’ve been very into the Manga Classics series of retellings of classic books — they are gorgeous!
My TTT this week…
Oh, I’ve read one of those! The artwork was super pretty. I think it’s a great way to introduce kids to the classics in maybe a more easily digestible format.
They’re such a fun way to experience a story — kind of like watching a movie adaptation, but on paper!
I was never much into comics or graphic novels but have recently got more into them with VE Schwab’s Shades of Magic comics which I’ve been reading over the last couple of years. Like you, I’m someone with quite poor visualisation skills, so I do find that the pictures help!
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Oooh, yes, I read the first book in that series. I should really finish it!
I haven’t read any graphic novels, but I want to try some soon.
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You really should! If you’re just getting into them, I recommend starting with something simple, like middle grade graphic novels. They tend to either be fast-paced adventure or very cute/charming, so perfect to get started with. ^_^
I use to read a lot more comic/graphic novel/anime/magna than I do now. My daughter reads a lot of it and loves the series Fruits Basket.
I love Fruits Basket, too! I want to get a set of the new releases. 😀 It’s been a while since I read it.
I enjoyed Case Closed! (I also watched it on Adult Swim religiously ages ago and was so disappointed when they axed it). I am adding A Gentle Noble’s Vacation Recommendation to my TBR. I need a wholesome read with a secretive cinnamon roll in my life.
I hope you enjoy Amulet!
I never watched it on Adult Swim. My husband actually got me into it, after the fact, but I was so sad when it ended, too. D: I hope you enjoy it! There’s not a ton out yet, but it was fun while it lasted!
Love this list! I’m a secondary school librarian and finding age-appropriate manga is such a minefield! I don’t read much of it myself but you’ve absolutely sold me on A Man and His Cat.
We struggle with the same thing. Our kids love manga so much, and when we have school groups in, we often have to turn them away from most of the manga we have because that’s basically the one and only time we’re operating in loco parentis and most of it is more mature (and our groups are elementary school kiddos).
I hope you enjoy it! It’s so cozy, wholesome, and heartwarming. 😀
I’m not a big fan of manga or graphic novels but I always admire the art and how much artists put into them.
‘Witch Hat Atelier’ looks good. I have seen Saga a tons of time but never really had any interest, even now, I just don’t think I would read them.
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Me too! It’s amazing to me how much of a story can be told through artwork and how detailed some artists can get.
I only had read Witch Hat Atelier and is so good, so cute and charming, and the art is just hearwarming
YES! I’m so excited to find other people that have read it. xD I keep trying to push it in my library, even comping it to Harry Potter meets Fullmetal Alchemist, but I still struggle to get kids to pick up it and I can’t figure out why!
Great list! I’ve tried a couple of these series, but want to try more of them. (And my library has the Amulet series, so I can start with those!)
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If you get to read them before I do, let me know how it is! My library has the full series, but I’ve just been waiting for a time when I can sit down and read them all.
I don’t have anything against manga and graphic novels/memoirs, but they’re just not my genre. They’re great for reluctant readers, I know. My 14yo daughter isn’t much into books, but she ADORES manga and graphic novels. I do have MAUS on my list today, actually. I’ve heard so much about the series, I just have to try it!
Happy TTT (on a Thursday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Hey, not every genre is for everyone. Nothing at all wrong with that. 😀 I haven’t read Maus yet either and really want to. I just got a library card in a neighboring county last week, and I noticed they had Maus (our library does not), so I might check that out next time. :3
Monstress is very good, but I haven’t finished it. The art is amazing!
I’ve flipped through the first book and was very impressed with the art! Looking forward to diving in deeper.
I have Saga on my TBR shelf. I’m looking forward to reading it. I love graphic novels.
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I hope you enjoy it! It’s definitely not what I had expected when I picked it up, but it was a fantastic read all the same.
Great list! I’ve tried a couple of these series, but want to try more of them. Monstress is very good..
Hope you get a chance to try more series soon. 😀