This is the ultimate guide to manga books carefully composed by our group of passionate Japanese comic book enthusiasts. 

With increased availability on platforms like Netflix, anime has become one of the hottest trends in entertainment. 

But, let's not forget the original material: the manga comic books themselves! There's nothing quite like experiencing the magic of anime through the pages of the original manga comic strips. 

From epic battles and romantic comedies to mind-bending sci-fi and heartwarming slice-of-life stories, manga has something for everyone.

This article will share a list of the best manga comics for sale in South Africa that should be in every serious collectors’ library at home.

Which Manga Should I Read As A Beginner?

When you're just starting out, it's easy to be intimidated by the sheer number of books in a series. 

Luckily, we're here to help with recommendations filled with reader-friendly titles that will give you a great starting point in the world of Japanese graphic novels. 

Soon you'll be pouring over manga books online or in-store like a pro!

Our Top 10 Manga Books For Beginners

The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland is a fantasy-thriller series set in an orphanage. These orphaned children's seemingly idyllic life is turned upside down when they discover that they are being farmed for meat to be served to demons.

The series follows the children as they try to escape the orphanage and make it on their own. But along the way, they discover that the power of these evil forces extends far beyond their small corner of the world.

 "How many manga books are there for The Promised Neverland?" you ask...

You'll be happy to know that this amazing series comprises of 20 books.

This gripping story is perfect for older teens and up. It is recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman and Garth Nix. 

Assassination Classroom

What would you do if your teacher was threatening to destroy planet Earth? Well, you could always destroy him first. 

Meet class 3-E, the End Class of Kunugigaoka Junior High School. Their homeroom teacher is an enormously powerful tentacled creature who recently destroyed 70% of the moon, and claims that within a year he will destroy the whole planet.

The creature - nicknamed Koro-sensei by his students - gives humanity one last chance: in addition to teaching his class their regular subjects, he will train them in the ways of assassination, giving them the skills necessary to kill him.

This is one of my personal favourites, and it was the first manga I ever read, proving that is a perfect manga book for beginners. This action-packed series is great for teens and up (I read it in my early 20s).

Combining sci-fi elements with action, humour, and a lot of heart, this would be great for Douglas Adams fans.

Assassination Classroom has 21 volumes. The anime of Assassination Classroom is available on Crunchyroll.

Demon Slayer

This adventure-fueled dark fantasy follows a teenage boy hunting down the demon who slaughtered his family. Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko are the only survivors, but Nezuko has been turned into a demon.

Tanjiro is recruited and trained to become a demon slayer, and dedicates his life to avenging the death of his family, and helping his sister become human again.

The anime of Demon Slayer is available on Netflix, if you want to test out an episode of the show before you try the books!

Demon Slayer is recommended for older teens and up, as it explores dark themes and doesn't shy away from violence.

Recommended for fans of grimdark fantasy, like Jay Kristoff.

Food Wars

Teenager Soma Yukihira aspires to become a full-time chef in his family restaurant, but his father gets a new job that requires him to travel around the world and close the restaurant.

Following this, Soma is enrolled in an elite culinary school where students engage in food competitions.

The story follows his adventures as he interacts with his peers and challenges the other students with the goal of becoming the best at the academy.

Food Wars contains real recipes, and actually gives a decent amount of proper cooking advice, making it educational as well as entertaining. The anime of Food Wars is also available on Netflix.

It's great for older teens and up.

Recommended for fans of fun young adult contemporaries, like Tweet Cute by Emma Lord.

Death Note

(This is another personal favourite of mine. I am particularly partial to the Black editions.)

Ryuk, a bored god of death drops his Death Note onto Earth to have a bit of fun.

The person who possesses the Death Note will have the power to kill anyone, in any way they choose. When a schoolboy, Light Yagami, picks it up, he decides to see if it does as it says.

Light becomes "Kira" an anonymous vigilante killing high-profile criminals. But when the mysterious L is recruited is catch Kira, a high-intellect game of cat and mouse ensues. 

Thanks to the often conflicting information on the internet, you may have been wondering how many volumes there are in the Death Note series.

As we are presenting manga books for beginners, it seems only right to clear up any confusion for you.

There are only 12 volumes of the Death Note story, and book 13 is the How-to-read edition, which gives you all the information you could ever hope to know about the series and characters.

Death Note is great for teens and up who enjoy intricate crime and thrillers, like Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs.

The anime of Death Note is available on Crunchyroll (please don't torture yourself with the Netflix movie).

Love Stage

Love Stage follows a boy who comes from a family of superstars. 

Unfortunately, he has stage-fright. He found this out the hard way at 8 years old, when he had an unfortunate accident while starring in a commercial - dressed as a girl.

His male co-star - believing him to be a girl - falls in love with him, and when they are reunited on a shoot ten years later, is shocked to discover that "she" is actually a he. Despite this, sparks begin to fly.

Love Stage is a sweet story showing how opposites attract. It is one of the most popular series in the Boys Love manga subgenre and would appeal to fans of Casey McQuiston's Red, White, and Royal Blue.

It does contain explicit content, and is not recommended for readers younger than 17. The anime of Love Stage is available on Crunchyroll. 

Naruto

When Naruto was born, his parents used their last breath to seal away a Nine Tailed Fox into him, causing him to be an outcast throughout his youth.

Naruto combats this by being helpful and saving people's lives as he starts on his path to become a ninja.

Naruto has a strong emphasis on friendship and putting others first. It is perfect for younger teens and up, and will appeal to anyone who wanted to be a ninja as a kid.

The anime of Naruto is available on Crunchyroll. 

Jujutsu Kaisen

When his after-school club finds a cursed object, a high school boy is caught in the middle of a fight between a Jujutsu Sorcerer and a Curse.

The cursed object is a finger of one of the most powerful Curses around, but the boy accidentally swallows it...

Due to his physical strength, he manages to suppress the powerful Curse of which he is now a vessel.

He begins training as a Jujutsu Sorcerer as his teachers help him find all of the fingers of the Curse in order to destroy it.

Jujutsu Kaisen has a great mix of funny moments and hair-raising fight scenes. It is suitable for older teens and up and would be enjoyed by fans of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's Good Omens. The anime is available on Crunchyroll. 

One-Punch Man

Have you ever wished you could be a superhero?

Saitama does, and trains to the point of being so powerful that he can kill his enemies with just one punch.

But with great power comes great... boredom? And Saitama is desperately seeking a rival that he can have a real battle with.

One-Punch Man is a lot of fun, erring on the side of silliness. It doesn't take itself too seriously and as such is a great manga book for beginners to try.

It is suitable for younger teens and up, and perfect for fans of superhero movies. The anime is available on Netflix.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia focuses on Izuku, a young man who dreams of becoming a Hero, despite the fact that he lacks a Quirk - the term for the special powers most of his peers have.

But, when he meets All Might - one of the world's greatest heroes - Izuku impresses him so much that All Might reveals the nature of his Quirk and passes it down to Izuku to succeed him. 

The series follows Izuku as he begins his journey towards becoming a hero, while trying to hide the source of his new power.

My Hero Academia is a heartfelt series that shows that with hard work you can achieve your dreams.

It is suitable for young teens and up and perfect for fans of Renegades. The anime is available on Crunchyroll. 

My Hero Academia is another series that can feel particularly daunting. I would recommend starting with the 32 original volumes of the manga, then moving on to the School Briefs light novels and the Vigilantes series.

I'm Hooked. Which Manga Books Should I Read Next? 

Manga comics resonate with us on a deep level because they offer a unique blend of compelling storytelling, stunning artwork, and relatable characters. 

We love how each manga series has its own distinct flavour and style, whether it's a heart-pounding action-adventure or a heartfelt coming-of-age story. The characters in manga are often complex and multifaceted, with flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people.

If you're looking for some of the best manga books of all time to read, we have scoured the depths of the Japanese comic universe to bring you just that. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the next level in the world of manga!

8 More Epic Manga Comics To Read

Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is an epic manga comic that will take you on a wild ride through a world of magic, science, and political intrigue.

Set in an alternate universe where alchemy is a powerful force, the story follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are on a quest to restore their bodies after a disastrous experiment to bring their dead mother back to life goes horribly wrong. But their quest for redemption is just the beginning of a much larger story that encompasses themes of war, government corruption, and the consequences of playing God.

As they travel the world, facing dangerous enemies and uncovering dark secrets, the Elric brothers must confront their own limitations and learn to work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But with their unbreakable bond and unyielding determination, they may just have what it takes to save their world from destruction.

Fullmetal Alchemist is a masterpiece of storytelling, with complex characters, intricate plotlines, and stunning artwork that will leave you breathless. So if you're ready for an unforgettable journey through a world unlike any other, then grab a copy of Fullmetal Alchemist and prepare to be blown away!

Spy x Family

Get ready for some espionage,  comedy, and family drama, all wrapped up in one fantastic manga comic: Spy x Family!

In a world of spies, every mission could be your last. Follow the misadventures of spy extraordinaire, Twilight, who is on a mission to infiltrate an elite school and gather intel on a dangerous terrorist plot. The catch? He has to do it all while pretending to be a loving husband and father, with the help of his newly-adopted daughter, Anya, who just happens to be a powerful telepath, and his wife, Yor, who is a mind-reading assassin.

As they navigate the perils of family life, juggling school projects, social obligations, and secret missions, Twilight and his family soon discover that they might just be the only ones who can save the world from impending doom.

Full of hilarious hijinks, heartwarming family moments, and thrilling spy action, Spy x Family is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a good adventure. So join the Spy x Family today, and get ready for a wild ride through a world of espionage and family fun!

Dr. Stone

The fascinating world of Dr. Stone is where science meets adventure in a thrilling manga comic that will expand your mind and captivate your imagination.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been turned to stone for thousands of years, Dr. Stone follows the story of Senku Ishigami, a genius high school student who awakens to a world where technology and civilization have been lost. With his knowledge of science and a burning desire to rebuild the world, Senku sets out to revive his friends and allies and create a new world from scratch.

Dr. Stone is packed with scientific concepts and theories that will make you want to grab a lab coat and join Senku in his experiments. From chemistry and physics to botany and geology, the manga covers a wide range of scientific topics in a fun and engaging way that will leave you wanting to learn more.

But it's not just the science that makes Dr. Stone so exciting. The manga is also filled with thrilling action, compelling characters, and a rich and detailed world that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

So if you're looking for a manga comic that's both educational and fun, then look no further than Dr. Stone. Join Senku on his quest to rebuild civilization, and discover the power of science to change the world!

Bleach

Bleach is a manga series that has earned its place as a centrepiece of the manga world due to its massive popularity, significant impact on the industry, and international following. Its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and epic fight scenes have captivated fans around the world.

The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who can see ghosts, and his journey to becoming a Soul Reaper. Together with his friends, Ichigo faces a world of supernatural threats and battles, uncovering a vast conspiracy involving the Soul Society and the mysterious nature of Hollows.

Bleach's unique blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements has helped popularise the shonen genre of manga and has inspired countless imitators. Its influence can be seen in many other successful manga series, making it a classic that will continue to be loved by fans for generations to come.

Evangelion

Evangelion is a captivating and emotionally-charged manga comic that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. It's a story about the relentless battle between humanity and the monstrous beings known as Angels.

The series follows Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy, thrust into the role of an Eva pilot by his distant and cold-hearted father. As he grapples with the responsibility of saving the world from destruction, Shinji also confronts his inner demons, battling feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a haunting past that threatens to consume him.

The characters in Evangelion are complex, relatable, and flawed, each carrying their own traumas and emotional scars. As they battle against the Angels, we see the devastating impact on their mental health. The manga tackles themes like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder with sensitivity and nuance, offering a raw and honest exploration of the darker aspects of the human experience.

But amidst the darkness, there is also hope. The series ultimately offers a message of resilience and the enduring human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can find the strength to carry on, fight for what we believe in, and foster meaningful connections with others.

Evangelion is a powerful and gripping manga comic that will leave readers spellbound. Its themes are universal, and its message will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

One Piece

Get ready to embark on an epic journey of adventure, discovery, and danger in the world of One Piece! This manga series is not just a story of a boy's dream to become the Pirate King, but also a tale of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of justice.

With a diverse and unforgettable cast of characters, One Piece takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from heartwarming moments of camaraderie and triumph to heart-wrenching moments of loss and sacrifice. And the action-packed battles between pirates, marines, and powerful foes will keep you entertained and leave you craving more.

But it's not just the characters and the battles that make One Piece so special. The series is packed with fascinating world-building, from the vast and mysterious Grand Line to the various islands, cultures, and creatures which Luffy and his crew encounter on their journey. And with each new discovery, readers are pulled deeper into the secrets of the world and the true nature of the One Piece treasure.

One Piece is a manga series that has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans all over the world. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the heroes, and it's a journey that you'll never forget. So, join Luffy and his crew on their quest for One Piece, and discover why this manga series is a true masterpiece of storytelling.

Berserk

Berserk is a dark and gritty manga series that will take readers on a thrilling and haunting journey through a world of violence, corruption, and supernatural horror.

At the core is the tragic story of Guts, a mercenary warrior with a brutal past and a bitter thirst for revenge. From his earliest childhood memories, Guts has known only pain, cruelty, and bloodshed, and his relentless drive to survive and overcome his past has made him an unstoppable force on the battlefield.

But Guts' quest for vengeance takes him down a path fraught with danger, as he faces not only human enemies but also supernatural beings known as Apostles, monstrous creatures that serve a malevolent master known only as the God Hand. As Guts delves deeper into this world of darkness and horror, he discovers his destiny is intertwined with that of the enigmatic and powerful Griffith, a charismatic leader who commands an army of mercenaries, harbouring his own dark secrets and ambitions.

Berserk is a manga series not for the faint of heart, as it explores themes of trauma, betrayal, and despair with unflinching intensity. But it is also a story of redemption, hope, and the enduring power of human will, as Guts and his companions struggle against impossible odds to overcome their demons and forge a new future. With its visceral and breathtaking artwork, complex characters, and gripping narrative, Berserk is a masterpiece of dark fantasy.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is a whimsical and wickedly entertaining manga that will take you on a wild ride through a world of eccentric characters, outlandish powers, and unbelievable adventures.

The series follows the Joestar family, a group of larger-than-life characters, each endowed with a unique power or ability used to battle against all manner of bizarre foes. From vampires and ancient gods to time-travelling assassins and interdimensional beings, the Joestar family is never short of enemies to face.

But Jojo's Bizarre Adventure isn't just about epic battles and over-the-top powers. It's also a story about family, loyalty, and the enduring bonds that unite us even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

With its colourful cast of characters, outlandish plot twists, and infectious sense of fun, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is a manga that will leave you smiling, laughing, and cheering for the Joestar family as they battle against the forces of evil and save the world time and time again.

Wordsworth Book Store offers a fantastic range of manga comics online that cater to various preferences and interests. Whether you're a seasoned manga reader or a newcomer, you're sure to find something that piques your interest. 

From popular titles like Naruto,  Bleach and Spirited Away to newer releases such as Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia, Wordsworth Book Store has you covered. 

There are Manga for all ages to enjoy, please ask a staff member for more advice or read up before purchasing as some of these aren't suitable for younger children.

We know how hard it can be to find specific manga titles in South Africa. However, with our extensive collection, we strive to make the search easier for you. In the event that you are unable to locate your desired title on our website, please feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to source it for you.