Oh I can even just tell from the first chapter of the Golden Age arc! The art alone was mind-blowing. Really intrigued to follow more of Guts' backstory, and very intrigued by Griffith
@@storytoob by volume 3 of delux the artwork gets very good, and by volume 7 of deluxe it suddenly shifts to some of the absolute best, on top of the story improvements
The black swordsman arc is very hard to click with mostly because it’s a pretty bad introduction to guts as a character and the world but trust me golden age will make you fall in love with berserk
Yuuup, finished Golden Age a couple weeks ago! Still thinking about whether I wanna make a video or not, I got some opinions on all that 🫣 It's a lot of heavy shit to unpack
Glad to see you're enjoying yourself. As a manga lover myself, I don't really mind it when people refuse to try it. There's so much written fiction out there. If someone wants to specialise in another type and avoid other types, that's all good. It only gets annoying when they act like a dickhead about it.
Totally agree! We want to be open minded on the channel and include all sorts of stuff, just to have a corner where we're not praising one thing and demeaning another. I'm really enjoying what I've been reading. Berserk and Monster are definitely the best so far. Thanks for watching!
Berserk and One Piece are really is like nothing I've ever read. Both absolutely different, but also both so human, deep, and humbling. Both have such a capacity to make you feel in a way I can't really put into words. I hope you enjoy your journey as much as I've enjoyed mine!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying Monster. I had a similar story when it comes to manga and anime, I thought it was pretty silly when I was a kid (I know, rich from someone who loves superheroes and Scooby Doo), but as I've grown older I've found that there are stories in manga that are just as great as in regular comics and even the best of literature. I read Pluto from Urasawa earlier this year and completed it a few months ago. Also a very strong series from Urasawa. Berserk's also pretty good. The Lost Children arc...ooh God help you when you get there.
one issue with One Piece is it's kinda messy until like Volume 5 with the Baratie arc, like it has some of what Oda's best at creating a Living world that feels real despite how goofy everything is, but he didn't really hit his stride in writing until around Baratie
Hope you found time and motivation to read Vagabond further because it really gets better. Takehiko Inoue came from a more sports background so the first volume was really hit or miss for him dialogue wise. He truly improves later on and its a masterpiece of a story in my opinion.
You have convinced me to try Manga - beginning with Vinland Saga! I shared similar assumptions about Manga and truly appreciate your thoughtful discussion about how you approached and experienced the genre. Many thanks!
Yay! I'm so glad.. that makes me very happy I appreciate it! I like trying new things and find it can be a humbling experience. I'm always trying to shake off that inner snob or that inner doubter. Let me know what you think of Vinland Saga when you try it! Comment on a future video or whatever, would love to hear what you think
A lot of the successful Mangaka do have assistants to do some of the leg work, but they generally don't interfere with the artistic intent. The case in point with Berserk, Miura's assistants carrying on his work. As for recommendations, Claymore, Blade of the Immortal & Death Note are well worth trying. All are complete. Claymore is also pretty cheap with the box set with all 27 available for under £100 Death note even cheaper at £35 - £60 depending on edition. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, a newer title is well worth having a look, it's popularity has increased a lot with the currently running anime series.
I tried Manga years ago, my best friend from school is massively into it and anime, so I might try again at some point in the future, I think I'll either start with Monster or Vagabond, but we'll see. Also yeah the art for Vagabond is class!
I was always put off due to the simple ignorant fact that anyone I knew who was really into it was reeeeeeeally into it haha. Glad I finally tried some, there's some good stuff here
Glad you enjoyed your introductions to manga! I've only read Uzumaki (a single volume horror story, highly recommend!) and the first few arcs of Berserk. I hope to pick Berserk back up and start Monster at some point!
@@storytoob If you do that, you will remember my words! Just have in mind that the manga is in hiatus (but pretty close to the end...). Takehiko Inoue is just great and an epic mangaka artist...
Fun fact: Not all mangas have the same writer and illustrator. But the classics and the most popular ones does. There are a few popular titles that have different writer and illustrator, like Death Note, Finding Neverland and One Punch Man.
You can also try out more stuff from this list for your manga journey in the future. I'll put the names and add little descriptions 1 Oyasumi Punpun This manga is easily my 2nd favorite after berserk and it's about this boy called punpun. This is kind of like a coming of age story where we see his experiences from his childhood to teens and then all the way upto adulthood. I must say this manga is very depressing and the art and the visuals are phenomenal. It deals with many heavy topics such as suicide, sexual assault, puberty and emotional manipulation etc. though it's dark it can also be very funny and wholesome at times. 2 Dr Stone This is a really fun and interesting manga. It's set in a post apocalyptic world where due to some phenomena more than 3000 years ago everything on earth turned into a stone including a 16 year old kid senku ishigami who's a genius and he uses his scientific knowledge to recreate human civilization and it's very sciencey if you're interested in sci fi This is an amazing read. There's also conflict between the characters to keep the plot moving 3 Parasyte Parasyte is a very deep and philosophical manga. In the world of parasyte, parasitic aliens invade the earth and take over bodies of human beings and eat other humans. it's very sci fi and horror and it has a really good anime too if you're interested. This manga has a conflict between Man vs Nature. Easily a 10/10 masterpiece 4 Neon Genesis Evangelion This manga is even more complex and psychological than parasyte. It has taken a lot of inspiration and themes from christianity and The Bible itself. It's set in a world which is going to be destroyed by angels hence a mysterious organization called "Nerv" recruits the main character shinji to fight these angels by operating a bio mechanical robot called an evangelion. Every character in this series is well written and complex. 5 Grand Blue All the other manga in this list are supposed to very deep, dark, edgy, and depressing so I think having a funny manga should be important right? Grand Blue is hilarious and that's all I can say I hope you enjoy more manga in the future and I can't wait to give you more recommendations side note: I've read over 500 mangas
Sorry for my broken English, since it's not my first language🙏 Manga is a medium that really demands a big commitment Most manga series are told based on Story Arcs So for most of Manga Series 1 Story Arc can be up to 3 or 4 Volumes and can even be up to 11 or 14 volumes for 1 Story Arc So It's gonna be a lot Volumes for 1 Manga Series😂 Which is why i think reading manga series that already Ended would good for newcomers Berserk, Vinland Saga and Vagabond are still on going series But Vinland Saga is on its last Story Arc so it might end in 5 years Berserk is a little bit complicated since its original creator died in 2021 but it will got its ending with his assitants and best friend since they claim the original creator already told them about the ending So Berserk is also in its Last Story Arc but we don't know how many volumes is gonna be I'm happy that more and more people try some manga I hope you like the medium Good Luck👍
Hey thank you so much for the detailed comment! Your English is probably even better than mine 😂 Yeah it functions similarly to comics alright! Yep I'm going to stick with Monster for now since it was my favourite and it's finished - I've also carried on with Berserk since I want to at least read the Golden Age arc. Thanks so much for watching!
@@storytoobYou got it man👍 Oh yeah I'm curious about what your opinions about The Lost Children (It's on Deluxe Volume 5 and 6) It's quite devisive sub story arc Some people think it's one of the best part of Berserk some other people it's just filler Deluxe Volume 5 is very rough to get through so if you drop Berserk because of that at least give it a second chance with Deluxe Volume 6 🙏 Thanks for the reply
I'll definitely keep going until Vol 6 then! I've read 3 so far and I am enjoying it! When does it eventually get back to current timeline in volume 1?
@@storytoob Yes I don't wannna say too much because it can ruin your experience 👍 Golden Age Arc have 11 Regular Size Volumes (Single Volumes) or 4 Deluxe Volumes, from Deluxe Volume 1 to Deluxe Volume 5 The Lost Children sub-arc start at Regular Size Volume 14 to Regular Size Volume 16 (Deluxe Volume 5 to Deluxe Volume 6) I hope this is not confusing 😅 A Story Arc could start or end in the middle of a Volume 😅 So that's why i personally think it's best to read manga by Story Arcs not by Volume But again it's difficult to know because if you look it up on internet it could ruin/spoil the story So end of the day it depends on the person 👍 Most manga series only have Regular Size Volume Print It's not that many manga that have Deluxe Edition or Omnibus Volume
Yep I got it, it's pretty much the same in comics, only certain runs have deluxe or omnibus treatment! Arcs collected first in trades, usually containing 4-6 issues ... But if there's a deluxe it could contain 2 and a half arcs haha.. Cheers! Really appreciate the info on the arcs!
Vagabond was such a joy to read, too bad the hiatus is going on for 8(ish) years by now.... hope he gets around to continue it sometime (in an interview Inoue stated the desire to, at least that's something). given by how many manga I have read(and reread) already, It's really shameful I have not read any of the other 3 (though, I read the first arc of Berserk, and watched the 1st episode of the Vinland anime, stuff always got in the way of continueing at least those 2 ) I don't know what it is about western comics for me, but they have somewhat of a tiring effect on me - and I get sleepy within a couple of pages. Which really sucks because this even happens with Asterix&Obelix and I really want to go back and revisit a part of my childhood there.
I highly recommend checking out Attack on Titan, it's technically a shonen (for teens/young adults), but it's very mature and complex, it gets more mature and complex as you read it too. Fullmetal Alchemist is also very good, but there are comedic aspects that may be a turn off for readers who aren't used to it. The world, story, characters, and power system are all really well done though. Some other recommendations: Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara Pluto, 20th Century Boys, Master Keaton by Naoki Urasawa
Thanks for these recommendations! Yesss both Full Metal Alchemist and AoT are on my list... Urasawa is great so far, so I got Pluto and 20th Century Boys on the shelf!
I was the same way. I really hate whats happening to comics. Feels like i lost a hobby. But manga saved it. Hey can i give you a recommendation most ppl wont give you. Read desert punk and read claymore. I really liked claymore. Desert punk was crazy af. And you should check out gundam thunderbolt be warned gundam is a crazy rabbit hole. Also read hellsing make sure you read hellsing!
Haha cheers William appreciate it! Added all those to my list - I've built quite the TBR on my phone with all these comments. Still plenty of comics out there I'm enjoying these days too though, don't lose faith there Thanks for watching man!
There is a very diverse selection of manga and so is the quality. Some of the humour can be lost in translation and with cultural differences but as a medium manga gives authors a chance to flourish and there are some beautiful works art wise like Vagabond and Berserk (once it gets into it's groove). There are also some that I personally find are master pieces of story writing. You will come across absolute rubbish with a lot of the low tier troupes but you get that with every medium.
Just letting you know while there are mangaka who do everything. Most usually have assistants that help them with filling in ink or drawing backrounds.
Lol, you chose a good list! I only read Berserk from what you pulled out, but I have Vagabond and Monster on the way! Like you, im not well versed in manga, or even anime, but Berserk really won me over when i read whilst in grad school.
Youve started with some pretty great stories here! All of these are very well known and loved! The only issue I would say is these are all pretty long series, 3 of which are ongoing (Vagabond since '98 and Berserk since '89). It may be good to start with something a bit shorter that you can actually complete. The creator of Vinland Saga has another series called Planetes that I really enjoyed, its completed in two omnibus volumes. Otherwise, you could try something like Goodbye, Eri or Look Back, which are both one shots by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of the popular Shonen Jump series, Chainsaw Man. If you want to try a classic, Devilman is also only two volumes. Theres also something like Solanin, which is a single omnibus story about young adults trying to find their place in the world. Just thought I'd throw some ideas out there! Ive personally only read Berserk out of the series here, but Ive heard amazing things about the others. Ill say, Berserk just gets better and better, really shifting in tone after the golden age arc. I'd highly recommend seeing it through!
Hey thanks for the great comment! I do want to get to Planetes, and since this video have discovered Junji Ito and his many one and dones! Really like his stuff too. I did finish Golden Age Berserk and had some pretty major issues with it (not the ending, which I thought was pretty spectacular, just how we get there).. I may continue someday but need a break haha 😂
@@storytoob Junji Ito definitely has some good stories, and they've been releasing story collections which are great! Ah, that's fair, as much as I love Berserk, I can accept its not perfect and maybe not for everyone! I hope you can find more series that you really enjoy and continue reading manga! Cheers :)
Weirdly I just read Monster vol 1 too and loved it, for pretty much the same reasons as you 😊 Haven’t tried the others, yet. Need a trip to the library… Regarding comics and mangas, European comics are more like mangas with a clear start. There is a tighter link between artist and character, like Herge and Tintin. He didnt pass on the rights for other artists to take Tintin on but Jacobs, creator of Blake et Mortimer did and we’ve had several collaborations, but all respecting Jacobs’ outlook and style 😊
Nice this is perfect for me as someone also wanting to dip my toes into the medium. I’ve read the first two Berserk volumes and didn’t love it, but sounds like toward the end of that deluxe edition it got better so I need to continue. I also just picked up the first omnibus for Vagabond, so we’ll see how that goes
Let me know what you make of it Ben! I think berserk has potential going forward rather than based on what is in the first couple volumes in this deluxe. Vagabond never gets past mediocre writing for me tbh - gets better with certain characters, but the art saves it. And I hope it improves in the dialogue going forward, I'll still continue
Please check out Scarred Jinsei . And Sanctuary. Great mangas seinen ..slice of life realistic. And I am a hero. Modern day take on zombies its as good as the walking dead for me. And UNDER NINJA, AND THE FABLE. Both these mangas are incredible, light fun, modern day japan.. not fantasy. I think youll like them.. these got me more into manga and arent like the VERY FAMOUS but willl be... i am a hero needs an anime adaptation but has a fun movie although not rly as close to the comics.. under ninja and the fable both have animes in production and under ninja is ongoing. The fable is split into 2 parts and just recently ended but i think hes writing part 3 now. ❤
Great choices for your first dive into manga! Vinland is one of the best and I hope you keep up with it. I just picked up the first Berzerk volume and look forward to checking it out. I hear it gets better and better the more you get into it.
Yesss! Thank you! Vinland has been a lot of fun despite very minor nitpicks tbh. And Berserk is really really good after that first deluxe volume. Hopefully I'll get a video up about that soon Cheers for stopping by!
the writing for vagabond gets great as it goes on, i'm used to alot of manga and anime explaining alot of stuff so it maybe jarring for you as a new comer
Good to know! I think there's a big difference between characters having some subtle exposition in dialogue and it just being a fairly in your face spoon-feed. It's a difficult thing to get right, and it's a common issue in comics too. But there are writers who can do it very very well so it's not just spoon feeding you through characters telling each other things they should already know
All of those series you tried are great. they're all Seinen manga so you might want to broaden your view a bit and try some other stuff. Takehiko Inoue is a great mangaka -both as an artist and a writer. He was already established as an author of several notable series before Vagabond (especially Slam Dunk, widely regarded as the greatest team sports manga ever and one of the all-time highest sellers). As far as Samurai culture and getting a feel for it I'd recommend the legendary Lone Wolf and Cub.
Oh amazing thanks a lot for the recommendation! Even just trying these ones was a stretch for me, I've no idea really what Seinen is or how it's defined (mainly because the tone is odd, feels young adult, but the content certainly isn't) would love to hear some more recs though cheers! Vagabond wasn't really clicking for me in terms of the writing I gotta say, felt quite clunky with a lot of exposition and characters explaining exactly how they feel and what's happening instead of just trusting the reader to get it. If that makes sense. I have heard of Slam Dunk since alright I'll try that one that you mentioned! Thanks a lot!
@@storytoob The demographics are easy to learn. Seinen are aimed at men from late teens and upwards. Shonen are aimed at boys from about 12 and up (this is the most popular demo as it appeals to older fans and many girls as well -naturally far less explicit than Seinen). Shojo are aimed at girls and Josei for women. A manga is classified as belonging to one of these demos because it is published in a magazine aimed at one of them (pretty much all manga are aimed at one of these demos- most Shonen manga magazines have the word Shonen in them, most Seinen periodicals have the word 'Young' in the titile etc). There is also Kodomo which is aimed at young children and is basically funny animals like Disney or Loony Tunes. That's all you really need to know to start with. I think Slam Dunk would probably be a bit too Shonen for you to start with (it has many of the classic traits of the form and I suspect given where you're coming from you may find the sudden shifts to very broad comedy a bit jarring ). I mentioned it because I was trying to explain who Takehiko Inoue is. He's a big deal. But definitely read it one day. It's ridiculously great If you were going to try some Shonen I think that Chainsaw Man would be a good choice (you mentioned liking Grant Morrison and I think you'd find that has a familiar tone to Western comics), maybe Death Note, and to give you a sense of the range of things out there how about Your Lie in April? For something that does have very classic Shonen traits but that I reckon might help you acclimatise to them I think Fullmetal Alchemist would be a good choice. If you did want to try a sports series then Haikyu would probably be a good starting point. Regarding Vagabond, I don't think reading one volume is representative. However, I do think that it's very particular in relation to the novel, the movies and indeed to Japanese history. I think you'd find Lone Wolf and Cub will immerse you in the Samurai age and the historical context and you'd probably get more from Vagabond afterwards. Another Seinen that it strikes me you'd probably enjoy is To Your Eternity. If you wanted something really dark and psychological then check out Oyasumi Punpun (but beware, it is not for the faint of heart).
Thanks so much! Yeah I get the basic definition, but it was only something I became aware of after I picked these up, so broadening my horizons was initially just reading a manga haha. The reason I mention still not really getting the definitions is because if these are aimed at adults, it still feels young in terms of tone. The content and theme are for sure adult, I just wonder about the delivery in some of these. Even in the golden age arc in Berserk where I am now, the dialogue often just explicitly tells me what themes he's trying to get across and it feels somewhat unnatural. Still enjoying that though, but yeah that's the kind of thing I'd expect more from young adult stuff. Oh yeah I get that each one of these creators is a big deal, I'm sure Inoue's writing evolves through the series, just think that so far a bit into volume 2 of the omnibus editions, that his dialogue and exposition is quite clunky. And even just compared to comics, that was 700 page omnibus, a lot of comic runs would be that long on average. Thanks a lot for those recommendations, I'll probably try Full Metal Alchemist because I looking out for some manga written by women. Took a note of the others too. Cheers!
@@storytoobby the way Inoue is also the author Real which is another sports manga about Wheelchair Basketball which is imo absolutely amazing. It deals with heavy topics of disability. Sorry for my bad english
So after I read some of your respond for berserk. It is safe to say that you found the MC Escher and Gustave Dore references in those opening arcs. And you'll get more brutal and gorgeous artworks waiting ahead for you. Then I saw your thumbnail there is also Vagabond (Takehiko Inoue). That's is also great manga after you finish berserk. Actually Berserk, Vagabond and Vinland Saga are the trinity of the Seinen (adult demographic). So if you love stories with adult themes. Those are the big three to begin with
Love this video. I also started manga. I’ve read about 4 hunter hunters, 3 Vinland, 3 20th century boys and 2 spy family. My only issue is they’re so expensive. lol.
They are expensive, but compared to comics they're quite cheap haha.. 15-30 chapters of manga costing €20 versus 6 issues of comics costing €20 is the big difference. But there are digital options that are far more reasonable too!
@@storytoob I’m used to reading $10 paperbacks. I really need to finish the ones above before I start “monster.” I am currently reading 20th century. I really like it. It seems to have a dusting of YA that doesn’t seem to bother me- it’s a very light dusting. (And besides Allen recommended it so… I mean, i HAD to get it after he recommended it. 🤣).
Hahaha of course, Allen sells things very well 😂 Oh yeah we're very used to reading cheap paperbacks so both comics and manga are very spenny.. digital is the way to go
Ohh nice thanks for the recommendation! Yeah I was more referring to these series that I read. And that in general manga more often has mangakas who are the sole creators of their books. In comics that's very rare
Dude you gotta read the ancient magus bride if you’re from Ireland it takes place in England but takes from celtic and other European mythologies but mostly Celtic
That's class! I think I'm digging Berserk more than Vagabond at the moment.. at least I've continued on more with Berserk since this video Thanks for watching!
Don't be daunted by the length of One Piece. I don't think that a lot of fans say it more but... you can STOP reading One Piece ANY TIME after any arc/saga because each arc/saga can still be a self contained story (if you minus the lore/mystery of it's world). You can stop to take a break every arc/saga or just stop reading it altogether if it doesn't fit your fancy. I'm sure the story will sell itself to you if it's that good. AND it is that good. Don't be fooled by the art, One Piece is one of the darkest and saddest mangas out there without the positivity and sillyness of the protagonist. On another note, I'm glad that you are open minded to different kinds of medium and to at least try manga! It's inspiring 😊
With the response from readers since uploading this video, I've definitely been convinced to give it a go! It does sound fun, and I've always been into pirate shenanigans 😂 really appreciate it, thanks for watching and for the thoughtful recommendation!
Not sure where you are at in your manga journey but one good one I do recommend is a one shot manga Spider man Fake Red by Yusuke Osawa nice and short read
I ran out of steam a little with Monster, which I'm on a break from right now. But that's still really solid! I did finish Berserk Golden Age and while I liked so much about it, I thought some aspects were needlessly gratuitous, particularly Wyald. So I needed a break from that too hahaha I think I'm on the third or fourth volume of Vinland and it's also still solid. Vagabond I will definitely continue! I just read a lot of other stuff too so I'll be taking my time
Bro vagabond is one best thing I have ever experienced in my life ..the start of that story is kinda hit and miss but don't stop bro.... just have faith ... trust me at the way this series grows and talks about is just so amazing... before reading it ....i had a problem of picking my fav manga...but after reading vagabond I can say it's the best experience I have ever had....and man the last that is "farming arc" i 😭 just can't express that thing with my words I just the remember the feeling after I finished that arc ...that feeling of joy and satisfaction...it was at that level that I wanted to talk about with someone..even those who doesn't even about manga and anime culture but man I just can't express in words what I felt that day so I truly suggest u to keep reading it 😭 it can change u as a person@@storytoob
I hope to do the same with comics. They are so intimidating to me and it feels like they never have a true end to them so I can barely imagine getting invested with them. Do you have any good recommendations for someone just starting with these kinds of predispositions?
It's so funny that I had the exact same reservations about manga series. One Piece, Berserk, Vagabond, Vinland all neverending haha.. Plenty of comics of runs have endings, even the ones in the superhero genre. When a writer/artist duo team up to do a run and are successful, they usually get to tell the story they want to tell and wrap it up nicely. I'd recommend Daredevil by Bendis and Brubaker, two runs that go well together Jonathan Hickman's Avengers is excellent, and has an ending. Batman by Snyder and Capullo. Saga is a great comic that is currently ongoing Y the Last Man by the same author is brilliant, and finished. Sweet Tooth is excellent too!
@@storytoob Sweet Tooth seems very easy to get into so I'll definitely order that when I can. Thank you for the quick response! Also, the person below me has really good recommendations that I have read most of and can personally say are great and rather underrated when it comes to general coverage.
Fantastic! Yeah I've taken note of all recommendations... appreciate all of you guys! We also have a couple of videos on getting into comics here on the channel. Feel free to have a look, one in particular about some one and done books
Vinland started as being part of a Shounen (teens) magazine, and the transferred to seinen (adult). So the first part was extra cartoony compared to the rest, if you will
@@storytoob it’s amazing. The second arc (edit: which starts at volume 5 i think) will blow you away. Genuinely life changing stuff, which sounds like an exaggeration, but really isn’t
If you are a “literary guy”, probably you would appreciate more… literary manga than those sword and magic (and runaway doctors :) manga you have read. Check the garo magazine generation, and you will be in for an amazing treat! (Also, check manga published by Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, and translations by Ryan Holmberg)
I can't say I know really anything about western comics, a lot of the hurdles you explained are the main reasons I haven't gotten into it despite being interested, however I do want to explain a little on how manga is published and the impact it has on the story since you were talking about it slightly at the end, and it does have a major impact of the final product. There aren't really major manga publishers like DC or Marvel, manga in Japan is typically published through magazines chapter by chapter. A seires is only given a set number of pages per chapter, 20 to 40 usually. It is only after a series gains popularity in a magazine that it will be published in volumes, and again, only the more popular works from there will go on to be translated to different languages. Magazines will assign editors to each mangaka. Editors do have influence over story, length, tone, and art. Most Mangaka do have assistants working with them, I think 3 to 4 is the norm. While the Mangaka overall produces the story and art by themselves, assistants will usually work on backgrounds, shading, and lining. Assistants are aspiring Mangaka, and are basically never credited in the final work, even in Japan. It's a notoriously overworked and underpaid job, but they're crucial in getting deadlines met, which is usually a chapter every week or two. The most popular Mangaka have more freedom in how they're stories get published and written. Sometimes, a series gaining popularity and thus the Mangaka gaining more respect and freedom to write their story as they would like is why Manga will sometimes start off pretty weak, then grow into a more fleshed out and well rounded story. Of course, everything varies between magazines, creators, and even series by series, but saying a Mangaka is a solo act with no outside help or influence couldn't be further from the truth. It's not an industry talked about or even thought about very often outside of Japan, so I hope I offered a bit of insight to people who are curious.
Oh wow! This is such a brilliant comment, thanks for taking the time to type that up. I've learned a lot that I didn't know before. This video has been up for a few months and garnered quite a response relative to our small channel here, and I really appreciate it. Your comment is one of my favourites that I've gotten. That's quite fascinating! It's different, yet still quite similar in some ways. In comics, the story would be pitched and maybe outlined in a first arc or two to a publisher.. whether it's to DC/Marvel or even a creator-owned indie publisher like Image... And then they get a greenlight to continue based on sales. With Image for example, the creator puts up some capital so the rights stay with them, but they enter into a partnership of sorts with the publisher. I had kind of fallen off with Vinland and Vagabond since this video, but I think you've convinced me to get back to them soon enough
@@storytoobThat's really interesting! It's fascinating how different countries go about creating a similar medium. I'm glad I was able to offer some information! I really enjoyed your video, I love seeing people get into manga and hearing their initial thoughts. I've been reading for almost 10 years, since elementary school, so I sometimes forget how different and even bizarre manga is to most people. I hope you continue to enjoy reading manga!
@@storytoob One of my favorites is A Silent Voice! It's a shorter series being only 7 volumes, or 2 collectors editions. Very different from the series you picked up in this video, but still a must read imo! It's about a boy who bullies a deaf girl in elementary school, and him wanting to reconcile during his high school years. Very emotional story that delves into depression, anxiety, and suic*de.
@StrawberryRaine that sounds great! I read quite broadly in general so I'd try pretty much anything! These ones I read are the most popular on fantasy booktube it seems so I picked these up first. Cheers!
Naruto is the series that got me into manga and anime, and even though it is what started it for me it might scare some people of because it's a lengthy series. 72 volumes. (Not as much as One Piece, but still...) My recommendations are gonna be 1: A Silent Voice. (completed in 7 volumes, also has a box set) *Shoya is a bully. When Shoko, a girl who can’t hear, enters his elementary school class, she becomes their favorite target, and Shoya and his friends goad each other into devising new tortures for her. But the children’s cruelty goes too far. Shoko is forced to leave the school, and Shoya ends up shouldering all the blame. Six years later, the two meet again. Can Shoya make up for his past mistakes, or is it too late?* 2: Golden Kamuy. (Ongoing, 30 volumes out now) *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.* 3: Ajin: Demi Human. (Completed in 17 volumes) *High school student Kei Nagai is struck dead in a grizzly traffic accident, but immediately revives to learn that he may not be like every other human. Instead, he may be a mysterious almost immortal being granted not only the powers of rejuvenation but the abilities to see super-natural beings. Scared, he runs away, and is aided in his escape from society by his friend. Unfortunately for Kei, the manhunt is on and he will soon be caught within a conflict between mankind and others like him as they prepare to fight a new war based on terror.* 4: Jujutsu Kaisen. (Ongoing, 20 volumes out now) *In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!* *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…* 5: All you Need is Kill. You know the movie The Edge of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise? Yeah, it's based on this manga. (Completed in 1 2in1 omnibus) *When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally-the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?*
Absolutely love this! Thank you so much for taking the time to write out these recommendations I really appreciate it. For now, All You Need is Kill is going straight to the top of the list because I had nooo idea! That's cool! Love that movie
@@storytoob No problem! I really liked the movie as well! The manga is based on a Novel and the movie's based on the manga. And I really love All you need is Kill! The art style is really gorgeous as well, truly hope you enjoy it.
I think manga is mainly cheaper because it's all black and white, on normal paper, vs all the expensive colored inks and glossy paper. I mean IG OG comics were on newsprint, but does any big player do that anymore?
I think it’s great you took the leap and tried manga. I think everybody can benefit in trying out another medium. Personally the GoT show and Berserk have changed my hard headed outlook on just consuming things that are on the television. The great thing about jumping into another medium of art and entertainment is that you can start off by consuming the best of the best and binge it. I’ve been reading Berserk for about 15+ years and it is my personal favorite out of the four, the Golden Age arc is considered to be one of the best arcs in manga and my personal favorite. I thought Vagabond was really good but not to the level of Berserk. I’m looking forward to you reviewing or talking each series at some point in the future!
Animal Man by Jeff Lemire. It's not the best comic ever, but it's wacky and has loads of creative body horror. I also think you'd dig Jason Aaron's run on Thor. Starts with the God Butcher arc
Haha I continued with all of them! I read all of Berserk Golden Age and a bit beyond, and while for the most part it was good, and the ending was pretty incredible, I had some major issues with how we got there. (Didn't feel like talking about that on the internet tbh, but happy to chat somewhat in these comments) Vagabond just didn't do it for me .. the art was exceptional though. I ran out of steam with Monster and Vinland on Vols 5 and 4 of each, but I'll get back to em sometime! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
@@storytoob definitely finish Berserk, currently reading through vagabond myself its a slow introspective series but no complaints so far, Vinland saga I've read love the first arc not a fan of the second though for most people its the opposite, monster I quite like overall but I consumed it in anime form and it did drag at points still fine though. My favourite mangas excluding the above ones (and one piece) are Chainsaw man, Frieren at the funeral, Battle Angel Alita (+ Last order), Dorohedoro, Pluto, Dungeon Meshi, and Goblin slayer. Do check them out. They're all solid works.
Dorohedoro is definitely on my list! So are Pluto, 20the Century Boys and Planetes. Also want to try Lone Wolf and Cub. And there's another one about a quiet kid getting bullied in school that I want to try, can't remember the name right now
Many people doubt the power of the reverse pyramid but they forget that the aliens came down from the skies when they aided the Egyptians. From their POV, the base was the top.
@@storytoobLet’s put it this way: - KINGDOM (Historical fiction- ancient China around 221 BCE); - VINLAND SAGA (Historical fiction- Europe in Viking age 8th - 11th century); - VAGABOND (Historical fiction-Feudal Japan during historical samurai in 17th century ); - BERSERK (Dark fantasy- fictional world and supernatural elements).
Berserk is very hard to suggest for different reasons, but one of them is the first two volumes being easily the weakest of the series. I am not even sure if I would suggest people to skip them alltogether and start at the Golden Age. But that is sacriligious. But damn, if you think the art getting great at this point later volumes will floor you :D
The Story Arcs of Vinland Saga Available in English = 13 Omnibus Volumes/26 Single Volumes 1 Omnibus Volume = 2 Single Volumes Prologue/War Arc Omnibus Volumes 1-4 Chapters 1-54 Singles Volumes 1-8 2nd Arc Omnibus Volumes 4-7 Chapters 55-99 Singles Volumes 8-14 3rd Arc Omnibus Volumes 7-12 Chapters 100-166 Singles Volumes 14-23 4th Arc (Current Arc/On going) Omnibus Volumes 12- Chapters 167- Single Volumes 24- The Story Arc of Berserk Manga Available in English = 13 Deluxe Volumes/41 Single Volumes 1 Deluxe Volume = 3 Single Volumes The Black Swordsman Arc Single Volumes 1-3 Deluxe Volume 1 Golden Age Arc Single Volumes 3-14 Deluxe Volume 1-5 3rd Arc Single Volumes 14-21 Deluxe Volume 5-7 The Lost Children Sub-Arc Single Volumes 14-16 Deluxe Volume 5-6 Sub-Arc 2 Single Volumes 16-21 Deluxe Volume 6-7 4th Arc Single Volumes 22-35 Deluxe Volume 8-12 Sub-Arc 1 Single Volumes 22-27 Deluxe Volume 8-9 Sub-Arc 2 Single Volumes 27-35 Deluxe Volume 9-12 5th Arc (Current Arc/On going) Single Volumes 35- Deluxe Volume 12- The Story Arcs of Vagabond Manga Available in English = 12 Viz Big Volumes/Single Volumes 1 Viz Big Volume (The on that you have) = 3 Single Volumes Takezō arc (Chapters: 1-21, Viz Big 1, Single Volumes: 1-2) 2nd arc (Chapters: 22-35, Viz Big 1-2, Single Volumes: 3-4) 3rd arc (Chapters: 36-78, Viz Big 3, Single Volumes: 4-8) 4th arc (Chapters: 79-106, Viz Big 3-4, Single Volumes: 9-11) 5th arc (Chapters: 106-127, Viz Big 4-5, Single Volumes: 11-13) 6th arc (Chapters: 128-179, Viz Big 5-7, Single Volumes: 14-20) 7th Arc (Chapters: 180-269, Viz Big 7-10, Single Volumes: 21-30) 8th Arc (Chapters: 270-301, Viz Big 11-12, Single Volumes: 31-34) 9th Arc (Chapters: 302-322, Viz Big 12-, Single Volumes: 34-37) 10th Arc (Chapters: 323- Current Arc/Hiatus
I think comic book writers have also lost touch with what thier readers want...there is alot of self insert and political overtones that hit you over the head now..I also am tired of seeing the same IP get reused over and over...I find that Manga stories are often very unique and the main goal being the author wanting to tell a good story being at the forefront.
I can't say I'd agree with that. I think art is often political and always about human existence, society or cultural observations. And manga isn't excluded from that either. I understand the reusing IP thing though of course, that's very legitimate. But I'd also argue with things like One Piece and Berserk that go on for decades, that's also reusing the same IP over and over without ever finishing. I think you're referring to superhero comics with that, or with licensed comics like Ninja Turtles or Transformers, and even in those genres there are stories that begin and end with a certain writer. And there are many great stories there.. still to this day. There are also many many indie comics that are unique stories just about anything. Image comics, Boom studios, IDW are some publishers that publish amazing comic series that include almost every genre of fiction. Graphic novels also tend to be general fiction or more literary leaning. All of those have good storytelling at the forefront. And will reflect human experience and societies - which can of course include politics, but not always. So I don't agree at all that comics writers aren't in touch with what readers want
To me its more so because in manga people are ok with letting a series die where it needs to die. Not nearly as much beating a dead horse as in the west, where we have little to no new stories from either Marvel or DC that don't envolve characters that are older than the average reader.
I certainly agree on the Marvel/DC front, but there are plenty of comic series unrelated to those two publishers that have had great runs where things change, evolve and end. There are also major series in manga that are seemingly neverending. But yes, generally speaking I'd agree
Despite me being a One Piece stan, I will argue against you picking it up. Doesn't seem like your style, despite it being in top tier in terms of world building. It is a bit of an acquired taste in terms of shonen manga because it looks and sounds juvenile on the surface, but many book channels have read it and saw the depth it also has.
Thanks for the recommendation! I'd prefer to check out different kinds of books first, since it's a new medium, but I'll definitely put that on the list
Ok, so a bit about Vinland Saga using "Awesome", that's uh, not an American term, it's originally a Christian term. Awesome literally "Awe inspiring" or "Worthy of Awe", and it's been a general term in public lexicon since the 70's or 80's. Kinda surprised you're saying Irish don't use it, because I've seen a lot of Irish content creators using it.
Yes, I know the meaning of the word, cheers. I meant in every day vernacular its usage is predominantly American. And in the context that it's used in that book, it's phrases like "that's super awesome!" as an exclamation from a younger character to something cool, which is a modern Americanism. If the context were a sentence like"the awesome power of the sea" that's different. But I found it wasn't that. The context of the language was modern. And not that it was a huge deal breaker, it's just strange. It's also just an issue with translation, not the book itself. "Awesome" (in that context) is making its way across the pond because of social media - we're inundated with American media - but it's still very sparsely used here in common vernacular. Maybe online people use it because they are online quite a bit more. But thanks for explaining the definition 😂
So the four books you held up in the thumbnail are the currently most overrated manga. They’re not bad but they’re not in the realm of best of all time. Just curious, for American/Western comics, what’s the best you’ve ever read, the elite books? If the best you’ve read is like The Walking Dead, those thumbnail books might be ok for you. If the best you’ve read is Maus or Watchmen, all of the thumbnail books fall way, way short.
Hey there! Well it's been a good few months since I made this vid and I've dropped off on all of them, so I might agree somewhat haha 😂 I think some of my favourite comics are Saga, Criminal, or pretty much anything Grant Morrison (for the most part) ... While I appreciate Alan Moore, I've never been much into him. What would you recommend?
@@storytoob For Moore I would recommend Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow (Superman) as a non-Watchmen title. I also recommend Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, the entire run. And from left field I recommend Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics. For Grant Morrison, I really liked the JLA series. For Manga, Lone Wolf And Cub is a masterwork.
@Rorschachqp oh I meant for manga - wasn't really into his Supes either sorry haha 😂 (Swamp Thing was good!) Yeah I love Morrison and Gaiman is great! Scott McCloud's books I also have on the list eventually.. I know he has a couple of books on the medium Lone Wolf and Cub has been recommended and it's on the list! Cheers!
The "american-ism" complaint is so valid... It's the thing I hate the most about manga and anime. The Vinland Saga anime deals with the exact same problem, the dialogue is so childish and modern, it doesn't sound appropriate given the time period it's set in. It sounds like dialogue from a highschool play.
@@storytoob The subtitled version of the Vinland Saga anime is incredible though. I've read the manga and watched the anime, and I really think it's one of the rare occasions where the anime is a better experience. The music and sound design just add so much. The voice acting is pretty great, the dialogue isn't as bad as it is in English.
vagabong and vinland saga are pretty good. and mo psycho 100 my hero aca is interestingif youlike superheroes. And kingdomis genuinly great. and a , its history with irtiesand, really good on all acounts, it gets realy good thou one shin is in te army pretty soon. demon sayer is a nice vampire samurai history piece. and moris manga are pretty good. And what realy good and the best is the webtoon kubera the last go, with a way better translation on mangadex. spirit circe is pretty good , maye the best story aout reincarnation, beliefs and really palllable, an not that long while doing that .And about life ,meanings, connections, grudges, and a lot surprisingly palable. About buddhism iam sure but really acessable, engaging and fun.
@storytoob oh, I have some ☺️. My dress up darling, monthly girl nozaki kun , sasaki and miyano and Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan ( this one is satirical)
I think that's an unfair and kind of untrue statement to make tbh! There are many great comics out there. As I'm sure there are many average manga series too. You just have to find them, and that's half the fun
Death note is fantastic anime! It's supernatural crime/psycho thriller! I'm sure that manga is even better! I've watched Berserk anime and quit it after 13 episodes! It was so boring and repetitive and the story was not all that interesting! It's way way overrated!
the berserk anime is not at all representative of the story, I’d heavily recommend reading the manga or watching the 1997 movies if you don’t want to read it, the berserk anime is absolutely atrocious and the entire berserk community plus anime community denounces it haha
@publicenemygelo6204 for sure! Just finished the Golden Age arc in Berserk, will continue on with Monster now I think, was at the third omnibus - really enjoying it
@@storytoob nice , golden age is my favorite arc in berserk so far. And monster another banger. I’m the opposite as you and I’ve been trying to get into comics the past 3 years. So far I read invincible, black science, green lantern Geoff johns, Superman all seasons, Blacksad, saga, house of M, and that’s all I can remember so far. Some I thought were ok, and some I thought were good. But invincible is my favorite comic of all time so far. You have any recommendations? Next series ima try is locke and key, deadly class, the incal, and venom Donny cates
@publicenemygelo6204 oh fantastic! I've read all of those, Saga probably my favourite tbh. I was meh on a couple others, Black Science for one. Love Green Lantern, it the art in that sometimes is overly sexualised to a cartoony level. Anything by Grant Morrison is great, but certainly gotta be in the mood for weirdness. Tom King's Vision, Mr Miracle or Sheriff of Babylon. Bendis Daredevil is amazing. Kill or be Killed by Brubaker Lazarus by Greg Rucka Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughn... all great books! Venom by Donny Cates is fantastic for like 20 issues then kinda goes off the rails for me haha. Locke and Key was a lot of fun, and quite emotional
You should continue Vagabond till the end, it's very strange to hear that vagabond isn't well written (but reasonable because this review is of only the first volume) and I won't be exaggerating to say that i've read not less than 150 mangas in my lifetime and none of them come even close to Vagabond in writing, the last arc (before hiatus) "farming arc" imo is THE best written story arc in fiction, not just in manga Though it also depends on taste ig because vagabond gets VERY philosophical as it goes on, up there with dostoyevsky, kafka and camus' books
I'm so happy right now. 🥹 Watching people read Berserk for the first time is one of my favorite things in the whole world. You don't yet understand what a masterpiece Berserk is because you're still at the tip of the iceberg, but you will, and I'm excited to watch your journey through it. The length of the series and the fact it doesn't have a proper ending will very quickly become irrelevant to you, because it's just that good. When you finish The Golden Age arc and experience that climax, you'll probably need a break, though, just to keep yourself emotionally sane. And Golden Age isn't even the best arc in the series! It's gonna be so fun watching you slowly become obsessed with it like all who open themselves up to it do. I'm sure you don't need to be told this since you're an experienced comics reader, but I'm gonna say it anyway: please commit to entire arcs before taking long breaks between volumes. The Golden Age arc ends in Deluxe Edition 5, so please for the love of all that is dark and unholy don't take a long break between volumes until you've finished the arc. 🙏 Also, a Berserk Pro Tip: make sure to have Deluxe 5 on hand and ready to go when you finish Deluxe 4 . . . Trust me on that. 😅
Thanks so much Coleton! I'm going to have to read it digitally for now, can't afford more of the deluxes right now, but if I love it I may just have to get them down the line. Really looking forward to more!
Please read berserk all the way, it improves dramatically with every volume
Oh I can even just tell from the first chapter of the Golden Age arc! The art alone was mind-blowing. Really intrigued to follow more of Guts' backstory, and very intrigued by Griffith
@@storytoob by volume 3 of delux the artwork gets very good, and by volume 7 of deluxe it suddenly shifts to some of the absolute best, on top of the story improvements
The black swordsman arc is very hard to click with mostly because it’s a pretty bad introduction to guts as a character and the world but trust me golden age will make you fall in love with berserk
Yuuup, finished Golden Age a couple weeks ago! Still thinking about whether I wanna make a video or not, I got some opinions on all that 🫣
It's a lot of heavy shit to unpack
@@storytoob yeah I get that you probably want to read something a little more light hearted after something like that
@@Dragnumb55 100% 😂
it only gets better after the golden age arc
@@kai4344false
Glad to see you're enjoying yourself. As a manga lover myself, I don't really mind it when people refuse to try it. There's so much written fiction out there. If someone wants to specialise in another type and avoid other types, that's all good. It only gets annoying when they act like a dickhead about it.
Totally agree! We want to be open minded on the channel and include all sorts of stuff, just to have a corner where we're not praising one thing and demeaning another. I'm really enjoying what I've been reading. Berserk and Monster are definitely the best so far.
Thanks for watching!
Berserk and One Piece are really is like nothing I've ever read. Both absolutely different, but also both so human, deep, and humbling. Both have such a capacity to make you feel in a way I can't really put into words. I hope you enjoy your journey as much as I've enjoyed mine!
Thank you! That's so kind
Same
Glad to hear that you're enjoying Monster. I had a similar story when it comes to manga and anime, I thought it was pretty silly when I was a kid (I know, rich from someone who loves superheroes and Scooby Doo), but as I've grown older I've found that there are stories in manga that are just as great as in regular comics and even the best of literature. I read Pluto from Urasawa earlier this year and completed it a few months ago. Also a very strong series from Urasawa.
Berserk's also pretty good. The Lost Children arc...ooh God help you when you get there.
Nice! Pluto is on the list too along with 20th Century Boys!
one issue with One Piece is it's kinda messy until like Volume 5 with the Baratie arc, like it has some of what Oda's best at creating a Living world that feels real despite how goofy everything is, but he didn't really hit his stride in writing until around Baratie
Good to know! Thanks so much for watching... One Piece is climbing higher and higher on the to-read list
Hope you found time and motivation to read Vagabond further because it really gets better. Takehiko Inoue came from a more sports background so the first volume was really hit or miss for him dialogue wise. He truly improves later on and its a masterpiece of a story in my opinion.
You have convinced me to try Manga - beginning with Vinland Saga! I shared similar assumptions about Manga and truly appreciate your thoughtful discussion about how you approached and experienced the genre. Many thanks!
Yay! I'm so glad.. that makes me very happy I appreciate it!
I like trying new things and find it can be a humbling experience. I'm always trying to shake off that inner snob or that inner doubter. Let me know what you think of Vinland Saga when you try it! Comment on a future video or whatever, would love to hear what you think
Any updates? Vinland Saga is my favourite so I am interested in hearing your thoughts
These are all on my list to read. We just finished season 2 of Vinland Saga, and my son and I are watching Monster on anime together. It’s soooo good!
I've never really watched anime either apart from a few as a kid. Must give Vinland a shot
if you do give one a try, vinland saga is the one, i love both the manga and anime. It is an amazing adaptation. @@storytoob
A lot of the successful Mangaka do have assistants to do some of the leg work, but they generally don't interfere with the artistic intent. The case in point with Berserk, Miura's assistants carrying on his work. As for recommendations, Claymore, Blade of the Immortal & Death Note are well worth trying. All are complete. Claymore is also pretty cheap with the box set with all 27 available for under £100 Death note even cheaper at £35 - £60 depending on edition. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, a newer title is well worth having a look, it's popularity has increased a lot with the currently running anime series.
Oh great recommendations! Cheers!
I tried Manga years ago, my best friend from school is massively into it and anime, so I might try again at some point in the future, I think I'll either start with Monster or Vagabond, but we'll see.
Also yeah the art for Vagabond is class!
I was always put off due to the simple ignorant fact that anyone I knew who was really into it was reeeeeeeally into it haha.
Glad I finally tried some, there's some good stuff here
Glad you enjoyed your introductions to manga! I've only read Uzumaki (a single volume horror story, highly recommend!) and the first few arcs of Berserk. I hope to pick Berserk back up and start Monster at some point!
I'll have a look at Uzumaki! Thanks Pat
Try junji ito shiver. Finish BERSERK. Start vagabond 😊
Vagabond is amazing! Yes the first volume is not that good but it goes better and better and so much better on next volumes...
I will keep going!
@@storytoob If you do that, you will remember my words! Just have in mind that the manga is in hiatus (but pretty close to the end...). Takehiko Inoue is just great and an epic mangaka artist...
Fun fact: Not all mangas have the same writer and illustrator. But the classics and the most popular ones does. There are a few popular titles that have different writer and illustrator, like Death Note, Finding Neverland and One Punch Man.
Indeed! Was just a general statement about what seems most prominent compared to comics.
Thanks for watching!
Bakuman is by the same team as death note
I've been so tempted to pick up Berserk, I've heard amazing things! enjoyed hearing all ur thoughts on the manga volumes:)
Thanks Julia!
You can also try out more stuff from this list for your manga journey in the future. I'll put the names and add little descriptions
1 Oyasumi Punpun
This manga is easily my 2nd favorite after berserk and it's about this boy called punpun. This is kind of like a coming of age story where we see his experiences from his childhood to teens and then all the way upto adulthood. I must say this manga is very depressing and the art and the visuals are phenomenal. It deals with many heavy topics such as suicide, sexual assault, puberty
and emotional manipulation etc. though it's dark it can also be very funny and wholesome at times.
2 Dr Stone
This is a really fun and interesting manga. It's set in a post apocalyptic world where due to some phenomena more than 3000 years ago everything on earth turned into a stone
including a 16 year old kid senku ishigami who's a genius and he uses his scientific knowledge to recreate human civilization and it's very sciencey
if you're interested in sci fi This is an amazing read. There's also conflict between the characters to keep the plot moving
3 Parasyte
Parasyte is a very deep and philosophical manga. In the world of parasyte, parasitic aliens invade the earth and take over bodies of human beings and eat other humans. it's very sci fi and horror and it has a really good anime too if you're interested. This manga has a conflict between Man vs Nature. Easily a 10/10 masterpiece
4 Neon Genesis Evangelion
This manga is even more complex and psychological than parasyte. It has taken a lot of inspiration and themes from christianity and The Bible itself.
It's set in a world which is going to be destroyed by angels hence a mysterious organization called "Nerv" recruits the main character shinji to fight these angels by operating
a bio mechanical robot called an evangelion. Every character in this series is well written and complex.
5 Grand Blue
All the other manga in this list are supposed to very deep, dark, edgy, and depressing so I think having a funny manga should be important right?
Grand Blue is hilarious and that's all I can say
I hope you enjoy more manga in the future and I can't wait to give you more recommendations
side note: I've read over 500 mangas
Ohhh amazing! Thanks so much for these, super kind of you to type all those recommendations up.
Really appreciated
Sorry for my broken English, since it's not my first language🙏
Manga is a medium that really demands a big commitment
Most manga series are told based on Story Arcs
So for most of Manga Series 1 Story Arc can be up to 3 or 4 Volumes and can even be up to 11 or 14 volumes for 1 Story Arc
So It's gonna be a lot Volumes for 1 Manga Series😂
Which is why i think reading manga series that already Ended would good for newcomers
Berserk, Vinland Saga and Vagabond are still on going series
But Vinland Saga is on its last Story Arc so it might end in 5 years
Berserk is a little bit complicated since its original creator died in 2021 but it will got its ending with his assitants and best friend since they claim the original creator already told them about the ending
So Berserk is also in its Last Story Arc but we don't know how many volumes is gonna be
I'm happy that more and more people try some manga
I hope you like the medium
Good Luck👍
Hey thank you so much for the detailed comment! Your English is probably even better than mine 😂
Yeah it functions similarly to comics alright!
Yep I'm going to stick with Monster for now since it was my favourite and it's finished - I've also carried on with Berserk since I want to at least read the Golden Age arc.
Thanks so much for watching!
@@storytoobYou got it man👍
Oh yeah I'm curious about what your opinions about The Lost Children (It's on Deluxe Volume 5 and 6)
It's quite devisive sub story arc
Some people think it's one of the best part of Berserk some other people it's just filler
Deluxe Volume 5 is very rough to get through so if you drop Berserk because of that at least give it a second chance with Deluxe Volume 6 🙏
Thanks for the reply
I'll definitely keep going until Vol 6 then! I've read 3 so far and I am enjoying it!
When does it eventually get back to current timeline in volume 1?
@@storytoob Yes
I don't wannna say too much because it can ruin your experience 👍
Golden Age Arc have 11 Regular Size Volumes (Single Volumes) or 4 Deluxe Volumes, from Deluxe Volume 1 to Deluxe Volume 5
The Lost Children sub-arc start at Regular Size Volume 14 to Regular Size Volume 16 (Deluxe Volume 5 to Deluxe Volume 6)
I hope this is not confusing 😅
A Story Arc could start or end in the middle of a Volume 😅
So that's why i personally think it's best to read manga by Story Arcs not by Volume
But again it's difficult to know because if you look it up on internet it could ruin/spoil the story
So end of the day it depends on the person 👍
Most manga series only have Regular Size Volume Print
It's not that many manga that have Deluxe Edition or Omnibus Volume
Yep I got it, it's pretty much the same in comics, only certain runs have deluxe or omnibus treatment! Arcs collected first in trades, usually containing 4-6 issues ... But if there's a deluxe it could contain 2 and a half arcs haha..
Cheers! Really appreciate the info on the arcs!
"OMG, that's awesome!" is taken verbatim from ancient Nordic texts and is actually a common phrase used by the Vikings.
😂😂
Vagabond was such a joy to read, too bad the hiatus is going on for 8(ish) years by now.... hope he gets around to continue it sometime (in an interview Inoue stated the desire to, at least that's something).
given by how many manga I have read(and reread) already, It's really shameful I have not read any of the other 3 (though, I read the first arc of Berserk, and watched the 1st episode of the Vinland anime, stuff always got in the way of continueing at least those 2 )
I don't know what it is about western comics for me, but they have somewhat of a tiring effect on me - and I get sleepy within a couple of pages. Which really sucks because this even happens with Asterix&Obelix and I really want to go back and revisit a part of my childhood there.
He got slam dunk and real if yoy can rhink 2 try sportsmanga
@@turtleanton6539 i've read Slamdunk 12y-ish ago .... but maybe I should revisit it :)
I highly recommend checking out Attack on Titan, it's technically a shonen (for teens/young adults), but it's very mature and complex, it gets more mature and complex as you read it too.
Fullmetal Alchemist is also very good, but there are comedic aspects that may be a turn off for readers who aren't used to it. The world, story, characters, and power system are all really well done though.
Some other recommendations:
Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara
Pluto, 20th Century Boys, Master Keaton by Naoki Urasawa
Thanks for these recommendations! Yesss both Full Metal Alchemist and AoT are on my list...
Urasawa is great so far, so I got Pluto and 20th Century Boys on the shelf!
I was the same way. I really hate whats happening to comics. Feels like i lost a hobby. But manga saved it. Hey can i give you a recommendation most ppl wont give you. Read desert punk and read claymore. I really liked claymore. Desert punk was crazy af. And you should check out gundam thunderbolt be warned gundam is a crazy rabbit hole. Also read hellsing make sure you read hellsing!
Haha cheers William appreciate it! Added all those to my list - I've built quite the TBR on my phone with all these comments.
Still plenty of comics out there I'm enjoying these days too though, don't lose faith there
Thanks for watching man!
There is a very diverse selection of manga and so is the quality. Some of the humour can be lost in translation and with cultural differences but as a medium manga gives authors a chance to flourish and there are some beautiful works art wise like Vagabond and Berserk (once it gets into it's groove). There are also some that I personally find are master pieces of story writing.
You will come across absolute rubbish with a lot of the low tier troupes but you get that with every medium.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm going to try Slam Dunk and Planetes soon as well. And I've discovered a liking for Junji Ito
Damn you started with the best
yesssssss that's what I like to hear!
Just letting you know while there are mangaka who do everything. Most usually have assistants that help them with filling in ink or drawing backrounds.
Cheers!
Lol, you chose a good list! I only read Berserk from what you pulled out, but I have Vagabond and Monster on the way!
Like you, im not well versed in manga, or even anime, but Berserk really won me over when i read whilst in grad school.
Youve started with some pretty great stories here! All of these are very well known and loved! The only issue I would say is these are all pretty long series, 3 of which are ongoing (Vagabond since '98 and Berserk since '89). It may be good to start with something a bit shorter that you can actually complete. The creator of Vinland Saga has another series called Planetes that I really enjoyed, its completed in two omnibus volumes. Otherwise, you could try something like Goodbye, Eri or Look Back, which are both one shots by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of the popular Shonen Jump series, Chainsaw Man. If you want to try a classic, Devilman is also only two volumes. Theres also something like Solanin, which is a single omnibus story about young adults trying to find their place in the world. Just thought I'd throw some ideas out there!
Ive personally only read Berserk out of the series here, but Ive heard amazing things about the others. Ill say, Berserk just gets better and better, really shifting in tone after the golden age arc. I'd highly recommend seeing it through!
Hey thanks for the great comment! I do want to get to Planetes, and since this video have discovered Junji Ito and his many one and dones! Really like his stuff too.
I did finish Golden Age Berserk and had some pretty major issues with it (not the ending, which I thought was pretty spectacular, just how we get there).. I may continue someday but need a break haha 😂
@@storytoob Junji Ito definitely has some good stories, and they've been releasing story collections which are great!
Ah, that's fair, as much as I love Berserk, I can accept its not perfect and maybe not for everyone! I hope you can find more series that you really enjoy and continue reading manga! Cheers :)
Yesss they're beautiful collections as well!
Cheers for the recommendations btw!
Weirdly I just read Monster vol 1 too and loved it, for pretty much the same reasons as you 😊 Haven’t tried the others, yet. Need a trip to the library…
Regarding comics and mangas, European comics are more like mangas with a clear start. There is a tighter link between artist and character, like Herge and Tintin. He didnt pass on the rights for other artists to take Tintin on but Jacobs, creator of Blake et Mortimer did and we’ve had several collaborations, but all respecting Jacobs’ outlook and style 😊
Nice this is perfect for me as someone also wanting to dip my toes into the medium. I’ve read the first two Berserk volumes and didn’t love it, but sounds like toward the end of that deluxe edition it got better so I need to continue. I also just picked up the first omnibus for Vagabond, so we’ll see how that goes
Let me know what you make of it Ben! I think berserk has potential going forward rather than based on what is in the first couple volumes in this deluxe.
Vagabond never gets past mediocre writing for me tbh - gets better with certain characters, but the art saves it. And I hope it improves in the dialogue going forward, I'll still continue
Please check out Scarred Jinsei . And Sanctuary. Great mangas seinen ..slice of life realistic.
And I am a hero. Modern day take on zombies its as good as the walking dead for me.
And UNDER NINJA, AND THE FABLE. Both these mangas are incredible, light fun, modern day japan.. not fantasy. I think youll like them.. these got me more into manga and arent like the VERY FAMOUS but willl be... i am a hero needs an anime adaptation but has a fun movie although not rly as close to the comics.. under ninja and the fable both have animes in production and under ninja is ongoing. The fable is split into 2 parts and just recently ended but i think hes writing part 3 now. ❤
Great choices for your first dive into manga! Vinland is one of the best and I hope you keep up with it.
I just picked up the first Berzerk volume and look forward to checking it out. I hear it gets better and better the more you get into it.
Yesss! Thank you! Vinland has been a lot of fun despite very minor nitpicks tbh. And Berserk is really really good after that first deluxe volume. Hopefully I'll get a video up about that soon
Cheers for stopping by!
Kentaro Miura's final chapters before he died is almost poetic
the writing for vagabond gets great as it goes on, i'm used to alot of manga and anime explaining alot of stuff so it maybe jarring for you as a new comer
Good to know! I think there's a big difference between characters having some subtle exposition in dialogue and it just being a fairly in your face spoon-feed. It's a difficult thing to get right, and it's a common issue in comics too.
But there are writers who can do it very very well so it's not just spoon feeding you through characters telling each other things they should already know
All of those series you tried are great. they're all Seinen manga so you might want to broaden your view a bit and try some other stuff.
Takehiko Inoue is a great mangaka -both as an artist and a writer. He was already established as an author of several notable series before Vagabond (especially Slam Dunk, widely regarded as the greatest team sports manga ever and one of the all-time highest sellers).
As far as Samurai culture and getting a feel for it I'd recommend the legendary Lone Wolf and Cub.
Oh amazing thanks a lot for the recommendation!
Even just trying these ones was a stretch for me, I've no idea really what Seinen is or how it's defined (mainly because the tone is odd, feels young adult, but the content certainly isn't) would love to hear some more recs though cheers!
Vagabond wasn't really clicking for me in terms of the writing I gotta say, felt quite clunky with a lot of exposition and characters explaining exactly how they feel and what's happening instead of just trusting the reader to get it. If that makes sense. I have heard of Slam Dunk since alright
I'll try that one that you mentioned! Thanks a lot!
@@storytoob The demographics are easy to learn. Seinen are aimed at men from late teens and upwards. Shonen are aimed at boys from about 12 and up (this is the most popular demo as it appeals to older fans and many girls as well -naturally far less explicit than Seinen).
Shojo are aimed at girls and Josei for women.
A manga is classified as belonging to one of these demos because it is published in a magazine aimed at one of them (pretty much all manga are aimed at one of these demos- most Shonen manga magazines have the word Shonen in them, most Seinen periodicals have the word 'Young' in the titile etc).
There is also Kodomo which is aimed at young children and is basically funny animals like Disney or Loony Tunes.
That's all you really need to know to start with.
I think Slam Dunk would probably be a bit too Shonen for you to start with (it has many of the classic traits of the form and I suspect given where you're coming from you may find the sudden shifts to very broad comedy a bit jarring ). I mentioned it because I was trying to explain who Takehiko Inoue is. He's a big deal.
But definitely read it one day. It's ridiculously great
If you were going to try some Shonen I think that Chainsaw Man would be a good choice (you mentioned liking Grant Morrison and I think you'd find that has a familiar tone to Western comics), maybe Death Note, and to give you a sense of the range of things out there how about Your Lie in April?
For something that does have very classic Shonen traits but that I reckon might help you acclimatise to them I think Fullmetal Alchemist would be a good choice. If you did want to try a sports series then Haikyu would probably be a good starting point.
Regarding Vagabond, I don't think reading one volume is representative. However, I do think that it's very particular in relation to the novel, the movies and indeed to Japanese history.
I think you'd find Lone Wolf and Cub will immerse you in the Samurai age and the historical context and you'd probably get more from Vagabond afterwards.
Another Seinen that it strikes me you'd probably enjoy is To Your Eternity. If you wanted something really dark and psychological then check out Oyasumi Punpun (but beware, it is not for the faint of heart).
Thanks so much!
Yeah I get the basic definition, but it was only something I became aware of after I picked these up, so broadening my horizons was initially just reading a manga haha.
The reason I mention still not really getting the definitions is because if these are aimed at adults, it still feels young in terms of tone. The content and theme are for sure adult, I just wonder about the delivery in some of these. Even in the golden age arc in Berserk where I am now, the dialogue often just explicitly tells me what themes he's trying to get across and it feels somewhat unnatural. Still enjoying that though, but yeah that's the kind of thing I'd expect more from young adult stuff.
Oh yeah I get that each one of these creators is a big deal, I'm sure Inoue's writing evolves through the series, just think that so far a bit into volume 2 of the omnibus editions, that his dialogue and exposition is quite clunky. And even just compared to comics, that was 700 page omnibus, a lot of comic runs would be that long on average.
Thanks a lot for those recommendations, I'll probably try Full Metal Alchemist because I looking out for some manga written by women.
Took a note of the others too. Cheers!
@@storytoobby the way Inoue is also the author Real which is another sports manga about Wheelchair Basketball which is imo absolutely amazing. It deals with heavy topics of disability. Sorry for my bad english
Vineland Saga changed magazines mid series actually (from a teen to a young adult's magazine), but it is a late teen to young 20s series
Ah that makes sense!
The art and story in Vagaond get even better as it goes on
So after I read some of your respond for berserk. It is safe to say that you found the MC Escher and Gustave Dore references in those opening arcs. And you'll get more brutal and gorgeous artworks waiting ahead for you.
Then I saw your thumbnail there is also Vagabond (Takehiko Inoue). That's is also great manga after you finish berserk. Actually Berserk, Vagabond and Vinland Saga are the trinity of the Seinen (adult demographic). So if you love stories with adult themes. Those are the big three to begin with
I have not yet read Berzerk, but I heard it gets really good as the volumes go on.
Love this video. I also started manga. I’ve read about 4 hunter hunters, 3 Vinland, 3 20th century boys and 2 spy family. My only issue is they’re so expensive. lol.
They are expensive, but compared to comics they're quite cheap haha..
15-30 chapters of manga costing €20 versus 6 issues of comics costing €20 is the big difference. But there are digital options that are far more reasonable too!
@@storytoob I’m used to reading $10 paperbacks. I really need to finish the ones above before I start “monster.” I am currently reading 20th century. I really like it. It seems to have a dusting of YA that doesn’t seem to bother me- it’s a very light dusting. (And besides Allen recommended it so… I mean, i HAD to get it after he recommended it. 🤣).
Hahaha of course, Allen sells things very well 😂
Oh yeah we're very used to reading cheap paperbacks so both comics and manga are very spenny.. digital is the way to go
You should try reading 20th Century Boys and Uzumaki, another recommendation of mine would be Ashita no Joe, an incredible and heavy storyline.
Not all mangaka do all the work, I suggest to try "Sanctuary", story Sho Fumimura, Art Ryoichi Ykegami.
Ohh nice thanks for the recommendation!
Yeah I was more referring to these series that I read. And that in general manga more often has mangakas who are the sole creators of their books. In comics that's very rare
Dude you gotta read the ancient magus bride if you’re from Ireland it takes place in England but takes from celtic and other European mythologies but mostly Celtic
Oh class! Thanks for the rec!
Vagabond and Berserk are so fucking amazing. As a martial artist both have dramatically changed the way I view fighting and training.
That's class! I think I'm digging Berserk more than Vagabond at the moment.. at least I've continued on more with Berserk since this video
Thanks for watching!
Don't be daunted by the length of One Piece. I don't think that a lot of fans say it more but... you can STOP reading One Piece ANY TIME after any arc/saga because each arc/saga can still be a self contained story (if you minus the lore/mystery of it's world). You can stop to take a break every arc/saga or just stop reading it altogether if it doesn't fit your fancy. I'm sure the story will sell itself to you if it's that good. AND it is that good. Don't be fooled by the art, One Piece is one of the darkest and saddest mangas out there without the positivity and sillyness of the protagonist. On another note, I'm glad that you are open minded to different kinds of medium and to at least try manga! It's inspiring 😊
With the response from readers since uploading this video, I've definitely been convinced to give it a go! It does sound fun, and I've always been into pirate shenanigans 😂 really appreciate it, thanks for watching and for the thoughtful recommendation!
I recommend a manga called innocent. The art is in my opinion the best in the manga industry. Its about a family of executioners in medieval France
Ooooh that sounds great! Thank you!
Not sure where you are at in your manga journey but one good one I do recommend is a one shot manga Spider man Fake Red by Yusuke Osawa nice and short read
Just started watching monster but pluto made me cry like a baby urasawa is a genius
4 Great mangas I hope you finish them. Vagabond is my favorite out of these 4. Its mildly based off a true story.
I ran out of steam a little with Monster, which I'm on a break from right now. But that's still really solid!
I did finish Berserk Golden Age and while I liked so much about it, I thought some aspects were needlessly gratuitous, particularly Wyald. So I needed a break from that too hahaha
I think I'm on the third or fourth volume of Vinland and it's also still solid.
Vagabond I will definitely continue!
I just read a lot of other stuff too so I'll be taking my time
Bro vagabond is one best thing I have ever experienced in my life ..the start of that story is kinda hit and miss but don't stop bro.... just have faith ... trust me at the way this series grows and talks about is just so amazing... before reading it ....i had a problem of picking my fav manga...but after reading vagabond I can say it's the best experience I have ever had....and man the last that is "farming arc" i 😭 just can't express that thing with my words I just the remember the feeling after I finished that arc ...that feeling of joy and satisfaction...it was at that level that I wanted to talk about with someone..even those who doesn't even about manga and anime culture but man I just can't express in words what I felt that day so I truly suggest u to keep reading it 😭 it can change u as a person@@storytoob
I hope to do the same with comics. They are so intimidating to me and it feels like they never have a true end to them so I can barely imagine getting invested with them. Do you have any good recommendations for someone just starting with these kinds of predispositions?
It's so funny that I had the exact same reservations about manga series. One Piece, Berserk, Vagabond, Vinland all neverending haha..
Plenty of comics of runs have endings, even the ones in the superhero genre. When a writer/artist duo team up to do a run and are successful, they usually get to tell the story they want to tell and wrap it up nicely.
I'd recommend Daredevil by Bendis and Brubaker, two runs that go well together
Jonathan Hickman's Avengers is excellent, and has an ending.
Batman by Snyder and Capullo.
Saga is a great comic that is currently ongoing
Y the Last Man by the same author is brilliant, and finished.
Sweet Tooth is excellent too!
@@storytoob Sweet Tooth seems very easy to get into so I'll definitely order that when I can. Thank you for the quick response! Also, the person below me has really good recommendations that I have read most of and can personally say are great and rather underrated when it comes to general coverage.
Fantastic! Yeah I've taken note of all recommendations... appreciate all of you guys!
We also have a couple of videos on getting into comics here on the channel. Feel free to have a look, one in particular about some one and done books
@@storytoob Love one-shots a lot, I'll definitely check it out! Thank you!
Vinland started as being part of a Shounen (teens) magazine, and the transferred to seinen (adult). So the first part was extra cartoony compared to the rest, if you will
Oh that's great to know! I ended up tapping out around volume 4 but I will return to it someday
@@storytoob it’s amazing. The second arc (edit: which starts at volume 5 i think) will blow you away. Genuinely life changing stuff, which sounds like an exaggeration, but really isn’t
If you are a “literary guy”, probably you would appreciate more… literary manga than those sword and magic (and runaway doctors :) manga you have read. Check the garo magazine generation, and you will be in for an amazing treat! (Also, check manga published by Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, and translations by Ryan Holmberg)
If you like monster I would recommend psychopass, serial experiments lain and deathnote
I recommend 20 century boys, kingdom, death note, psycho pass, aku no hana,trail of blood, oyasumi punpun , promise neverland .
Oh thanks! I've got 20th Century Boys on the shelf!
I can't say I know really anything about western comics, a lot of the hurdles you explained are the main reasons I haven't gotten into it despite being interested, however I do want to explain a little on how manga is published and the impact it has on the story since you were talking about it slightly at the end, and it does have a major impact of the final product.
There aren't really major manga publishers like DC or Marvel, manga in Japan is typically published through magazines chapter by chapter. A seires is only given a set number of pages per chapter, 20 to 40 usually. It is only after a series gains popularity in a magazine that it will be published in volumes, and again, only the more popular works from there will go on to be translated to different languages. Magazines will assign editors to each mangaka. Editors do have influence over story, length, tone, and art. Most Mangaka do have assistants working with them, I think 3 to 4 is the norm. While the Mangaka overall produces the story and art by themselves, assistants will usually work on backgrounds, shading, and lining. Assistants are aspiring Mangaka, and are basically never credited in the final work, even in Japan. It's a notoriously overworked and underpaid job, but they're crucial in getting deadlines met, which is usually a chapter every week or two.
The most popular Mangaka have more freedom in how they're stories get published and written. Sometimes, a series gaining popularity and thus the Mangaka gaining more respect and freedom to write their story as they would like is why Manga will sometimes start off pretty weak, then grow into a more fleshed out and well rounded story.
Of course, everything varies between magazines, creators, and even series by series, but saying a Mangaka is a solo act with no outside help or influence couldn't be further from the truth. It's not an industry talked about or even thought about very often outside of Japan, so I hope I offered a bit of insight to people who are curious.
Oh wow! This is such a brilliant comment, thanks for taking the time to type that up. I've learned a lot that I didn't know before. This video has been up for a few months and garnered quite a response relative to our small channel here, and I really appreciate it. Your comment is one of my favourites that I've gotten.
That's quite fascinating! It's different, yet still quite similar in some ways.
In comics, the story would be pitched and maybe outlined in a first arc or two to a publisher.. whether it's to DC/Marvel or even a creator-owned indie publisher like Image... And then they get a greenlight to continue based on sales. With Image for example, the creator puts up some capital so the rights stay with them, but they enter into a partnership of sorts with the publisher.
I had kind of fallen off with Vinland and Vagabond since this video, but I think you've convinced me to get back to them soon enough
@@storytoobThat's really interesting! It's fascinating how different countries go about creating a similar medium.
I'm glad I was able to offer some information! I really enjoyed your video, I love seeing people get into manga and hearing their initial thoughts. I've been reading for almost 10 years, since elementary school, so I sometimes forget how different and even bizarre manga is to most people. I hope you continue to enjoy reading manga!
@StrawberryRaine Thanks so much ❤️ you're super kind!
Do you have any personal favourites to recommend?
@@storytoob One of my favorites is A Silent Voice! It's a shorter series being only 7 volumes, or 2 collectors editions. Very different from the series you picked up in this video, but still a must read imo!
It's about a boy who bullies a deaf girl in elementary school, and him wanting to reconcile during his high school years. Very emotional story that delves into depression, anxiety, and suic*de.
@StrawberryRaine that sounds great! I read quite broadly in general so I'd try pretty much anything! These ones I read are the most popular on fantasy booktube it seems so I picked these up first.
Cheers!
Naruto is the series that got me into manga and anime, and even though it is what started it for me it might scare some people of because it's a lengthy series. 72 volumes. (Not as much as One Piece, but still...) My recommendations are gonna be
1: A Silent Voice. (completed in 7 volumes, also has a box set)
*Shoya is a bully. When Shoko, a girl who can’t hear, enters his elementary school class, she becomes their favorite target, and Shoya and his friends goad each other into devising new tortures for her. But the children’s cruelty goes too far. Shoko is forced to leave the school, and Shoya ends up shouldering all the blame. Six years later, the two meet again. Can Shoya make up for his past mistakes, or is it too late?*
2: Golden Kamuy. (Ongoing, 30 volumes out now)
*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.*
3: Ajin: Demi Human. (Completed in 17 volumes)
*High school student Kei Nagai is struck dead in a grizzly traffic accident, but immediately revives to learn that he may not be like every other human. Instead, he may be a mysterious almost immortal being granted not only the powers of rejuvenation but the abilities to see super-natural beings. Scared, he runs away, and is aided in his escape from society by his friend. Unfortunately for Kei, the manhunt is on and he will soon be caught within a conflict between mankind and others like him as they prepare to fight a new war based on terror.*
4: Jujutsu Kaisen. (Ongoing, 20 volumes out now)
*In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!*
*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…*
5: All you Need is Kill. You know the movie The Edge of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise? Yeah, it's based on this manga. (Completed in 1 2in1 omnibus)
*When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally-the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?*
Absolutely love this! Thank you so much for taking the time to write out these recommendations I really appreciate it.
For now, All You Need is Kill is going straight to the top of the list because I had nooo idea! That's cool! Love that movie
@@storytoob No problem! I really liked the movie as well! The manga is based on a Novel and the movie's based on the manga. And I really love All you need is Kill! The art style is
really gorgeous as well, truly hope you enjoy it.
If you like all of these manga you should try light novels. They’re a cross between manga and novels which you may enjoy or Atleast be accustomed to
The are no 3 words sadder than gold age arc
Berserk, Vagabond, Vinland Saga and Monster? Legendary.
Hahaha I woke up that week and chose heavy hitters 🤣
I think manga is mainly cheaper because it's all black and white, on normal paper, vs all the expensive colored inks and glossy paper. I mean IG OG comics were on newsprint, but does any big player do that anymore?
Also very true! Mainstream comics moved away from newsprint to thick, glossy paper a loong time ago
I think it’s great you took the leap and tried manga. I think everybody can benefit in trying out another medium. Personally the GoT show and Berserk have changed my hard headed outlook on just consuming things that are on the television.
The great thing about jumping into another medium of art and entertainment is that you can start off by consuming the best of the best and binge it.
I’ve been reading Berserk for about 15+ years and it is my personal favorite out of the four, the Golden Age arc is considered to be one of the best arcs in manga and my personal favorite. I thought Vagabond was really good but not to the level of Berserk.
I’m looking forward to you reviewing or talking each series at some point in the future!
Thanks so much! It's been really fun discovering this stuff!
You have sold me on Monster man. You mentioned a comic I should read during the live I was on. What was it?
Animal Man by Jeff Lemire. It's not the best comic ever, but it's wacky and has loads of creative body horror.
I also think you'd dig Jason Aaron's run on Thor. Starts with the God Butcher arc
Will you give light novels a try
overlord, bunny girl senpai, bakemonogatari and Re:Zero the popular ones
Hey there!
I'm afraid I'll have to show my ignorance and ask; what are light novels? 😅
@@storytoob light novels are a different type of novels for the weebs and younger teens
Do continue these 4 series. Don't just start 1 volume and give up!!!
Haha I continued with all of them!
I read all of Berserk Golden Age and a bit beyond, and while for the most part it was good, and the ending was pretty incredible, I had some major issues with how we got there. (Didn't feel like talking about that on the internet tbh, but happy to chat somewhat in these comments)
Vagabond just didn't do it for me .. the art was exceptional though.
I ran out of steam with Monster and Vinland on Vols 5 and 4 of each, but I'll get back to em sometime!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
@@storytoob definitely finish Berserk, currently reading through vagabond myself its a slow introspective series but no complaints so far, Vinland saga I've read love the first arc not a fan of the second though for most people its the opposite, monster I quite like overall but I consumed it in anime form and it did drag at points still fine though.
My favourite mangas excluding the above ones (and one piece) are Chainsaw man, Frieren at the funeral, Battle Angel Alita (+ Last order), Dorohedoro, Pluto, Dungeon Meshi, and Goblin slayer.
Do check them out. They're all solid works.
Dorohedoro is definitely on my list! So are Pluto, 20the Century Boys and Planetes. Also want to try Lone Wolf and Cub. And there's another one about a quiet kid getting bullied in school that I want to try, can't remember the name right now
@@storytoob OH and add deadman wonderland to your list of mangas too.
Very good content bro
Thanks!
Many people doubt the power of the reverse pyramid but they forget that the aliens came down from the skies when they aided the Egyptians. From their POV, the base was the top.
Much better than marvel/dc 😅😅😅
Not sure I can say that any of these stack up against some of my favourite comics yet!
But the quest goes on
If you liked monster then I would read 20th century boys. You should also continue Vinland saga it gets very good later on
BTW The Golden Age Arc is gonna fuck you up. The ending of that arc man....
👀👀 I'll have to make another vid soon
@@storytoob Do so right after you finish that arc. Like right after. While it's still fresh in your mind lol
My Top 4:
•KINGDOM
•VINDLAND SAGA
•BERSERK
•VAGABOND
Oh I've never heard of Kingdom, will check it out! Thanks 😊
@@storytoobLet’s put it this way:
- KINGDOM (Historical fiction- ancient China around 221 BCE);
- VINLAND SAGA (Historical fiction- Europe in Viking age 8th - 11th century);
- VAGABOND (Historical fiction-Feudal Japan during historical samurai in 17th century );
- BERSERK (Dark fantasy- fictional world and supernatural elements).
Berserk is very hard to suggest for different reasons, but one of them is the first two volumes being easily the weakest of the series. I am not even sure if I would suggest people to skip them alltogether and start at the Golden Age. But that is sacriligious. But damn, if you think the art getting great at this point later volumes will floor you :D
The Story Arcs of Vinland Saga
Available in English = 13 Omnibus Volumes/26 Single Volumes
1 Omnibus Volume = 2 Single Volumes
Prologue/War Arc Omnibus Volumes 1-4 Chapters 1-54 Singles Volumes 1-8
2nd Arc Omnibus Volumes 4-7 Chapters 55-99 Singles Volumes 8-14
3rd Arc Omnibus Volumes 7-12 Chapters 100-166 Singles Volumes 14-23
4th Arc (Current Arc/On going) Omnibus Volumes 12- Chapters 167- Single Volumes 24-
The Story Arc of Berserk Manga
Available in English = 13 Deluxe Volumes/41 Single Volumes
1 Deluxe Volume = 3 Single Volumes
The Black Swordsman Arc Single Volumes 1-3 Deluxe Volume 1
Golden Age Arc Single Volumes 3-14 Deluxe Volume 1-5
3rd Arc Single Volumes 14-21 Deluxe Volume 5-7
The Lost Children Sub-Arc Single Volumes 14-16 Deluxe Volume 5-6
Sub-Arc 2
Single Volumes 16-21 Deluxe Volume 6-7
4th Arc Single Volumes 22-35 Deluxe Volume 8-12
Sub-Arc 1 Single Volumes 22-27 Deluxe Volume 8-9
Sub-Arc 2 Single Volumes 27-35 Deluxe Volume 9-12
5th Arc (Current Arc/On going) Single Volumes 35- Deluxe Volume 12-
The Story Arcs of Vagabond Manga
Available in English = 12 Viz Big Volumes/Single Volumes
1 Viz Big Volume (The on that you have) = 3 Single Volumes
Takezō arc (Chapters: 1-21, Viz Big 1, Single Volumes: 1-2)
2nd arc (Chapters: 22-35, Viz Big 1-2, Single Volumes: 3-4)
3rd arc (Chapters: 36-78, Viz Big 3, Single Volumes: 4-8)
4th arc (Chapters: 79-106, Viz Big 3-4, Single Volumes: 9-11)
5th arc (Chapters: 106-127, Viz Big 4-5, Single Volumes: 11-13)
6th arc (Chapters: 128-179, Viz Big 5-7, Single Volumes: 14-20)
7th Arc (Chapters: 180-269, Viz Big 7-10, Single Volumes: 21-30)
8th Arc (Chapters: 270-301, Viz Big 11-12, Single Volumes: 31-34)
9th Arc (Chapters: 302-322, Viz Big 12-, Single Volumes: 34-37)
10th Arc (Chapters: 323- Current Arc/Hiatus
Wow that's amazing! Will screenshot this so I don't have to Google this as I read ❤️ thanks so much, really appreciate that haha
@@storytoobTrigger Alert for Berserk
Berserk is very dark manga
It have very disturbing "content" like Sexual Violence, Violence and Gore
Golden Age is some of the best that Berserk has to offer.
Oh yes even in America we hate how the localizers butcher the translations with Americanisms and Zoomer slang.
Thank god! Thought I might have been the only one. Definitely not an issue with the manga themselves, but something I keep noticing for sure
I don't recommend reading monster. The anime is so faithful word by word panel by panel.
I think comic book writers have also lost touch with what thier readers want...there is alot of self insert and political overtones that hit you over the head now..I also am tired of seeing the same IP get reused over and over...I find that Manga stories are often very unique and the main goal being the author wanting to tell a good story being at the forefront.
I can't say I'd agree with that. I think art is often political and always about human existence, society or cultural observations. And manga isn't excluded from that either.
I understand the reusing IP thing though of course, that's very legitimate. But I'd also argue with things like One Piece and Berserk that go on for decades, that's also reusing the same IP over and over without ever finishing.
I think you're referring to superhero comics with that, or with licensed comics like Ninja Turtles or Transformers, and even in those genres there are stories that begin and end with a certain writer. And there are many great stories there.. still to this day. There are also many many indie comics that are unique stories just about anything. Image comics, Boom studios, IDW are some publishers that publish amazing comic series that include almost every genre of fiction.
Graphic novels also tend to be general fiction or more literary leaning. All of those have good storytelling at the forefront. And will reflect human experience and societies - which can of course include politics, but not always.
So I don't agree at all that comics writers aren't in touch with what readers want
To me its more so because in manga people are ok with letting a series die where it needs to die.
Not nearly as much beating a dead horse as in the west, where we have little to no new stories from either Marvel or DC that don't envolve characters that are older than the average reader.
I certainly agree on the Marvel/DC front, but there are plenty of comic series unrelated to those two publishers that have had great runs where things change, evolve and end. There are also major series in manga that are seemingly neverending.
But yes, generally speaking I'd agree
You should read One piece. it may be pricy but it is one of the best series in fiction.
Despite me being a One Piece stan, I will argue against you picking it up.
Doesn't seem like your style, despite it being in top tier in terms of world building. It is a bit of an acquired taste in terms of shonen manga because it looks and sounds juvenile on the surface, but many book channels have read it and saw the depth it also has.
I think I'll definitely try it at some point! I try not to pre judge and if I go in with the expectations set, I could be surprised!
Awesome
As you love comics superheroes you can try the "My hero academia" serie
Thanks for the recommendation! I'd prefer to check out different kinds of books first, since it's a new medium, but I'll definitely put that on the list
Ok, so a bit about Vinland Saga using "Awesome", that's uh, not an American term, it's originally a Christian term.
Awesome literally "Awe inspiring" or "Worthy of Awe", and it's been a general term in public lexicon since the 70's or 80's. Kinda surprised you're saying Irish don't use it, because I've seen a lot of Irish content creators using it.
Yes, I know the meaning of the word, cheers. I meant in every day vernacular its usage is predominantly American. And in the context that it's used in that book, it's phrases like "that's super awesome!" as an exclamation from a younger character to something cool, which is a modern Americanism. If the context were a sentence like"the awesome power of the sea" that's different. But I found it wasn't that. The context of the language was modern. And not that it was a huge deal breaker, it's just strange. It's also just an issue with translation, not the book itself.
"Awesome" (in that context) is making its way across the pond because of social media - we're inundated with American media - but it's still very sparsely used here in common vernacular.
Maybe online people use it because they are online quite a bit more.
But thanks for explaining the definition 😂
So the four books you held up in the thumbnail are the currently most overrated manga. They’re not bad but they’re not in the realm of best of all time.
Just curious, for American/Western comics, what’s the best you’ve ever read, the elite books?
If the best you’ve read is like The Walking Dead, those thumbnail books might be ok for you. If the best you’ve read is Maus or Watchmen, all of the thumbnail books fall way, way short.
Hey there!
Well it's been a good few months since I made this vid and I've dropped off on all of them, so I might agree somewhat haha 😂
I think some of my favourite comics are Saga, Criminal, or pretty much anything Grant Morrison (for the most part) ... While I appreciate Alan Moore, I've never been much into him.
What would you recommend?
@@storytoob For Moore I would recommend Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow (Superman) as a non-Watchmen title. I also recommend Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, the entire run. And from left field I recommend Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics.
For Grant Morrison, I really liked the JLA series.
For Manga, Lone Wolf And Cub is a masterwork.
@Rorschachqp oh I meant for manga - wasn't really into his Supes either sorry haha 😂 (Swamp Thing was good!)
Yeah I love Morrison and Gaiman is great! Scott McCloud's books I also have on the list eventually.. I know he has a couple of books on the medium
Lone Wolf and Cub has been recommended and it's on the list! Cheers!
The "american-ism" complaint is so valid... It's the thing I hate the most about manga and anime. The Vinland Saga anime deals with the exact same problem, the dialogue is so childish and modern, it doesn't sound appropriate given the time period it's set in. It sounds like dialogue from a highschool play.
OMG, I thought I was like literally the only one 😂
I do enjoy Vinland honestly, but sometimes I feel like the only one who notices that hahaha
@@storytoob The subtitled version of the Vinland Saga anime is incredible though. I've read the manga and watched the anime, and I really think it's one of the rare occasions where the anime is a better experience.
The music and sound design just add so much. The voice acting is pretty great, the dialogue isn't as bad as it is in English.
@@ohIear oh amazing! Okay, I'll keep that in mind.. it's on Netflix so that's easy
Its pretty sad that berserk author died so we cant see his true vision and ending
vagabong and vinland saga are pretty good. and mo psycho 100
my hero aca is interestingif youlike superheroes.
And kingdomis genuinly great. and a , its history with irtiesand, really good on all acounts, it gets realy good thou one shin is in te army pretty soon.
demon sayer is a nice vampire samurai history piece.
and moris manga are pretty good.
And what realy good and the best is the webtoon kubera the last go, with a way better translation on mangadex.
spirit circe is pretty good , maye the best story aout reincarnation, beliefs and really palllable, an not that long while doing that .And about life ,meanings, connections, grudges, and a lot surprisingly palable. About buddhism iam sure but really acessable, engaging and fun.
Thanks for the recommendations! I will certainly add them to the list!
please read Blade of the Immortal and Kingdom
I'm more of a slice of life/ Comedy/ romance manga reader 😊
Nay particular recommendations!? I love slice of life/comedy/romance in general fiction
@storytoob oh, I have some ☺️. My dress up darling, monthly girl nozaki kun , sasaki and miyano and Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan ( this one is satirical)
Amazing! Thank you so much, just made a note of each one!
So many people/ roles to make a comic book and yet they are still so mid compared to manga series. That’s insane.
I think that's an unfair and kind of untrue statement to make tbh! There are many great comics out there.
As I'm sure there are many average manga series too. You just have to find them, and that's half the fun
If you love berserk, you will love hunter X hunter
Welcome to the suffering of wonky translation 😔
manga
Indeed!
Death note is fantastic anime! It's supernatural crime/psycho thriller! I'm sure that manga is even better! I've watched Berserk anime and quit it after 13 episodes! It was so boring and repetitive and the story was not all that interesting! It's way way overrated!
Ohh cool yeah we just bought the first volume of Death Note!
@@storytoob So glad that you will read it! It's fantastic and thnx for reply!😁😄
the berserk anime is not at all representative of the story, I’d heavily recommend reading the manga or watching the 1997 movies if you don’t want to read it, the berserk anime is absolutely atrocious and the entire berserk community plus anime community denounces it haha
@@bread_bear7878 I watched 1997 Berserk and I was bored to tears!
@@sasapejcin3568 the manga is the best way to consume the story, I’d heavily recommend reading through it it’s genuinely life changing
Manga > Western Comics
Eloquently put 🤝🏼 so far, I gotta disagree, but I shall continue the adventure! I'll enjoy both
@@storytoob you off to a good start , those are top 10 manga you got right there. Hope you enjoy.
@publicenemygelo6204 for sure! Just finished the Golden Age arc in Berserk, will continue on with Monster now I think, was at the third omnibus - really enjoying it
@@storytoob nice , golden age is my favorite arc in berserk so far. And monster another banger.
I’m the opposite as you and I’ve been trying to get into comics the past 3 years.
So far I read invincible, black science, green lantern Geoff johns, Superman all seasons, Blacksad, saga, house of M, and that’s all I can remember so far. Some I thought were ok, and some I thought were good. But invincible is my favorite comic of all time so far.
You have any recommendations? Next series ima try is locke and key, deadly class, the incal, and venom Donny cates
@publicenemygelo6204 oh fantastic! I've read all of those, Saga probably my favourite tbh. I was meh on a couple others, Black Science for one. Love Green Lantern, it the art in that sometimes is overly sexualised to a cartoony level.
Anything by Grant Morrison is great, but certainly gotta be in the mood for weirdness. Tom King's Vision, Mr Miracle or Sheriff of Babylon. Bendis Daredevil is amazing.
Kill or be Killed by Brubaker
Lazarus by Greg Rucka
Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughn... all great books!
Venom by Donny Cates is fantastic for like 20 issues then kinda goes off the rails for me haha. Locke and Key was a lot of fun, and quite emotional
You should continue Vagabond till the end, it's very strange to hear that vagabond isn't well written (but reasonable because this review is of only the first volume) and I won't be exaggerating to say that i've read not less than 150 mangas in my lifetime and none of them come even close to Vagabond in writing, the last arc (before hiatus) "farming arc" imo is THE best written story arc in fiction, not just in manga
Though it also depends on taste ig because vagabond gets VERY philosophical as it goes on, up there with dostoyevsky, kafka and camus' books
I'm so happy right now. 🥹
Watching people read Berserk for the first time is one of my favorite things in the whole world. You don't yet understand what a masterpiece Berserk is because you're still at the tip of the iceberg, but you will, and I'm excited to watch your journey through it. The length of the series and the fact it doesn't have a proper ending will very quickly become irrelevant to you, because it's just that good. When you finish The Golden Age arc and experience that climax, you'll probably need a break, though, just to keep yourself emotionally sane. And Golden Age isn't even the best arc in the series! It's gonna be so fun watching you slowly become obsessed with it like all who open themselves up to it do.
I'm sure you don't need to be told this since you're an experienced comics reader, but I'm gonna say it anyway: please commit to entire arcs before taking long breaks between volumes. The Golden Age arc ends in Deluxe Edition 5, so please for the love of all that is dark and unholy don't take a long break between volumes until you've finished the arc. 🙏
Also, a Berserk Pro Tip: make sure to have Deluxe 5 on hand and ready to go when you finish Deluxe 4 . . . Trust me on that. 😅
Thanks so much Coleton! I'm going to have to read it digitally for now, can't afford more of the deluxes right now, but if I love it I may just have to get them down the line.
Really looking forward to more!
@storytoob Yeah, they are super expensive. Reading it digitally is a smart move! 👌