My Top 10 Manga I Want to Read After I Finish Berserk

[@mikesbookreviews]

*NOTE: I don't know why people keep using the "judging a book by it's cover" line. I explicitly state that constant viewers of this channel that know my likes and dislikes gave me feedback on One Piece and said they didn't believe it was something I'd enjoy. I really don't see why everyone is so upset about it when I was completely respectful to the IP. But, as always, I never say never and I do admire the passion. Thanks for watching!* *NOTE 2: I didn't realize that I had used a One Piece panel in the thumbnail, so I have updated that. a 100% honest mistake. Remember, I am very new to manga and these things will happen. My apologies for being misleading.* Hey guys! Just a quick note: I do know that Parasite is not a Japanese movie. What I meant to say was that movie led to a discussion that derailed into the same friend and I discussing how Japan is whipping the pants off the States in horror. My apologies for not being more clear about that. But I doubt anyone will read this and continue to WELL ACTUALLY me in the comments instead. Thanks for watching!

[@turtleanton6539]

You can blaze through Hellsing because it is 3 deluxes only

[@JerodimusPrime]

Mike you really need to watch AKIRA too. Forget the fact it's an animation, the film transcends the Anime genre as it's influenced western cinema so much. From the Matrix to Tarantino movies, and several action and horror movies from the 90s to present day. AKIRA is a must for any connoisseur of cinema.

[@avsambart]

Well actually there IS a Japanese movie called Parasyte which is actually based off an anime/manga, BUT it's not the Parasite you were talking about 🤣

[@lazarinth5782]

Lmao, thank you for the One Piece disclaimer. Getting to the end of the list, I was like "but Vinland" then bam! #1

[@turtleanton6539]

Don't miss out on gantz

[@anthonycrayne2835]

Attack on Titan is one of the few series where the anime improves on the source material to me. The animation, sound track and voice acting are phenomenal.

[@goldenspiral6008]

The are plenty of animes that are better than their mangas or at least on part with them. Specially compared to any other kind of adaptation.

[@arcanethink]

This^ AoT anime is better than manga. Even though usually manga is better.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Maybe I'll find out one day. Who knows.

[@morky3673]

Ive heard a lot of negatives about things in the manga which are things that make the anime great like action sequences. None the less you can not take away from the genius writing of Isayama.

[@broidontlikeu9970]

@@arcanethink Same with Death Note. Death Note has great visuals, voice acting, OST...everything. It's an example of a perfect adaptation. AoT's art got better as time went on but the first volumes were.......not pleasing to the eyes ngl

[@PetrikLeo]

I've read all of these, I don't see any possibility of you disliking them. Good to hear you're finally changing your stance on not reading manga. They're brilliant medium of storytelling! 😄

[@mikesbookreviews]

There are a couple I could see myself wavering on, but for the most part what I learned about each they sounded like a good variety of stories I'd like. I didn't want just 10 epic fantasy/historical fantasy manga (that's why I chose Vagabond over Claymore), so I tried to mix it up some.

[@mohammedismailkhalid4395]

@@mikesbookreviews Vagabond is actually based on a book; Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa (one of my favourite books) read that book along with the Manga, very interesting experience I should say.

[@jojosoni6355]

i feel like he may not like the comedy of the FMA. other than that, i doubt he will dislike any. once he starts, he won't be able to stop himself before ending them. ( i think)

[@jayaprakash387]

@@jojosoni6355 Ya it tries too hard with the comedy in between serious moments.

[@MichaelSmith-zx5lw]

Petrik, I just finished the Golden Age arc. I AM BOT OKAY 😭😭😭

[@JavierReyes-vi7vj]

I definitely don’t think there is anything wrong with reading more “popular” manga, I think it’s a definitely a good starting point. Then you’ll be able to find other stuff based on taste. Also no harm in not being interested in one piece 👍 - a big one piece fan. Also I’m in the middle of rereading Death Note and the writing always impresses me!

[@skyanaugustus3513]

Hello, Mike. I just want to say that I appreciate the fact that you are branching out into other mediums. I also want to say that I really enjoy your channel. You essentially radiate "cool dad energy" in your videos and I find that enjoyable. Keep up the good work.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that.

[@RealHumanBean4U]

Hey Mike! I know I am late to the party but I wanted to clear up some things. 1. Vagabond is not finished and it likely will never be. However, there are some factors that make this not as big of a deal as it would sound like. First, this is based on a real historical figure, so we know how the story goes. Second, it is actually a manga adaptation of an actual novel called Musashi that was translated in English. Third, he actually did sort of finish the series in the sense that he drew an ending for an art show in Japan and there are photos online from it. You can read the novel Musashi and then read Vagabond for a different type of experience, but you will still experience the whole story in some form. 2. Akira's anime film and manga are nearly completely different stories both written/directed by the original author. The manga is more grand scale Mad Max post apocalypse while the movie is much more self contained and cyberpunk focused. The movie is considered by many non-anime fans to be one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time, if not one of the greatest films ever made period. I know you said you aren't interested in anime, but it is so influential in Western media and so far removed from many anime tropes that I think you can appreciate it as its own thing. 3. Don't expect 20th Century Boys to go full fantasy/horror like IT. It's not a literal monster they chase, more of a metaphorical political monster. If you want some more akin to a gonzo fantasy/horror like Stephen King by Naoki Urasawa, I would recommend BILLY BAT over it. Although it was never officially localized (for many reasons that become apparent if you read it), so you will have to find English fan scans online. It has elements of IT, 11/22/63, The Shining, and The Dead Zone!

[@giulioemme5452]

If you liked Berserk and are into that sort of things, like coming of age and such, I really recommend you check out Kingdom from Yasuhisa Hara, it's basically a better GOT mixed with Berserk, just the Golden Age, and extended. Don't be scared by the number of chapters, people do read hundreds in a single sitting. I bet you'll love it.

[@aemeth5418]

"Blame!" and "Eden and It's an Endless World!"

[@IbbyMelbourne]

Blame! is insane. So good!

[@jasondoe2596]

A man of culture, I see! I'd suggest something more "conventional" for a beginner, though - like _Vagabond_ , which has incredible art and the added advantage of being a good introduction to Japanese culture. Or any series by Naoki Urasawa... Perhaps _Monster_ or _Pluto_ .

[@jasondoe2596]

@Shin Shaman It's actually really really good, but overly ambitious. The author hadn't found his stride, yet.

[@jasondoe2596]

@Shin Shaman I like the author's vision and art style, but as I said it was too ambitious for him. His other work from the same period is very interesting, IMO (I remember a short story that was pure genius). His later work fixed most flaws and is more modest, you might want to check it out ( _All-Rounder Meguru_ , a manga on MMA)

[@ivanjelenic5627]

@Shin Shaman I liked it a lot back when I read it

[@invaderzod8092]

Btw in case people don’t know, the movie Edge of Tomorrow is based on a manga/book called All you need is kill. The movie is amazing and highly underrated so I recommend watching it and the fact that it’s based on a manga shows that it’s possible to adapt one and make it good.

[@sabojezles]

Although I agree the movie is good it is NOT faithful to the manga which is way, waaaaay better than the movie and it deserves to be adapted as faithful as possible the manga, did it right, so is not impossible to adapt into visual narrative.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Agreed, the movie is amazing, it's one of my top rewatch movies.

[@JLchevz]

100% that's what I was thinking

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have seen it. Quite enjoyed it.

[@forkrhoades1953]

Man someone's gotta recommend this man Kingdom. Anyway, nothing wrong with reading popular manga, and I appreciate your mentality on that. This seems like a really solid list with some I still need to read myself.

[@drafezard7315]

Finally, found the comment I was looking for! When he mention likening the epic battles in Beserk's Golden Age arc I wondered what he'd think of Kingdom. Super disappointed it didn't at least get an honorable mention in his list and now I'm wondering if he even got recommended it by anyone.

[@Mandogbruhcuz]

Regarding American comic books you have to find some independent publishers to read because Marvel and DC are just rehashing the same characters with not much change.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I do still read some things from Image. Marvel/DC are unrecognizable these days.

[@Sertecktv]

Vagabond is my favorite, highly recomended!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard great things.

[@Fightanddie]

@@mikesbookreviews hey I have a random manga I like. It's called asper Kanojo and it talks about people with mental illnesses.

[@benjaminmolina3456]

Not all anime are based of manga, some are originals. Usually when a manga becomes very popular it gets an anime. For example, this past season Vivy Flouride Eye’s Song is an original anime about a cyborg that has to stop a machine apocalypse from happening. Hope this helps.

[@brandonw6139]

Another anime only is Evangelion

[@benjaminmolina3456]

@@brandonw6139 Good one, specially such a divisive classic as Evangelion. Zankyou no Terror is a personal favorite of mine, great OST

[@mikesbookreviews]

It does! I'm always willing to learn these things.

[@benjaminmolina3456]

@@mikesbookreviews just a tip, usually there are top animation studios that put out quality anime like Studio UFOTable, Madhouse, Mappa, Kyoto Animation, A-1 Pictures are a few of the high quality ones. Highly recommend Violet Evergarden.

[@fetchyryu]

Code geass is a big one

[@sloop1337]

glad to see Monster on this list, even as a huge fan and avid manga reader in the community not enough people know about it and it is an amazing well told story.

[@refia288]

Monster is the series I use to introduce my reticent friends to manga and it never fails, I'm sure you'll love it !

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds like it's right in my wheelhouse.

[@ultimateretroasd]

You can't go wrong with Vinland Saga and Monster. great picks! My vote goes to Golden Kamuy. That's one of the most underrated mangas I've ever read and it's awesome. The story of a former soldier and a Ainu girl (A tribe that live in the mountains of hokkaido) that hunt convicts with a code tattoed in their bodies that lead to a treasure. Historical, lots of action and bizarre comedy

[@hellogoodbye3786]

I actually disagree with you. In my experience, most people rate it quite well, as it deserves. The problem is it’s kinda under the radar compared to other ones, you know what I mean?

[@zahrakj5746]

Every media has their own stereotypes and tropes, even books, but we mostly ignore them and focus on the good parts. Manga and anime are the same. So glad you're expanding your horizons :) Remember you said never say never! I recommend Zankyou No Terror as your first anime! Thank me in a few years lol and I heard a lot about chainsaw man. It could definitely fit into this list

[@mikesbookreviews]

This is absolutely true.

[@Riverpeth]

There is definitely a wide spectrum of anime, some that are quite adult with none of the aspects that you described disliking, so I'm sure there are a few classics that you'd appreciate. The Monster anime comes to mind as being a top pick.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll probably watch Death Note since I'm enjoying the manga and people are so high on the anime.

[@Riverpeth]

@@mikesbookreviews Definitely a great place to start! (the first half at least). If you do ever get the chance I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on Monster

[@Alpharius]

Time to get Mike watching anime as his next step. One of us. One of us. (The Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood anime is 10/10 and it's on your Manga list)

[@Yummeosbada]

Hunter x Hunter and FMBA are definitely at the top.

[@annehelatrix4627]

Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood is on my top 3!!! Loved that anime

[@espadamt8839]

FMA is overrated

[@JLchevz]

Elfen Lied, brutal but I'm not sure he would like it lol

[@kirilmitrev8391]

@@JLchevz he didn't he was introduce to anime with EL

[@daultonhardee4387]

Great choices. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and reading some of these along with you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's gonna be fun!

[@user-bp5ix6fz8g]

It's so nice to see fantasy book reviewers like you and Daniel Greene branch out into manga. You have a really great list. I'd also recommend Chainsaw Man and Oyasumi Punpun.

[@whazyonumbah]

not a huge fan of anime or adaptations vs manga but the AKIRA movie is one of the best films ever made and historically really pushed the limits in terms of animation, just if ur into film at all. An adaptation above all others lol

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@ivanjelenic5627]

I haven't read the manga, but the movie is sick, and almost drawn like a manga.

[@ChichiNaka]

Looking forward to content on all of these! Also, even the manga crowd on reddit basically only reads the most popular manga don't think to bad about it, r/mangacollections is literally just everyone showing off their shelves of the same 15-20 manga daily for ten years

[@mrmanjumac3454]

Akira is awesome. Read it first with some dope music and then later watch the movie. The movie would also be fun to watch first but you would definitely want to watch it again after reading it I guarantee

[@nightlam3419]

Drifting Classroom is a classic manga horror in the vein of Twilight Zone episodes. The art is a bit dated but the vibe is super fun and engaging.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll look it up!

[@LootingKyle]

I'm so happy to see you giving a chance to more manga series. It's definitely one of the most interesting mediums of entertainment these days.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yep. My eyes have been opened. The current state of Western entertainment just isn't entertaining to me at the moment.

[@Revanchist]

I know you might be overwhelmed by all the recommendations but I would also like to add "Claymore" manga. Basically it's a blend of Berserk and Witcher. I think you might enjoy it. And if you like Kentaro Miuras artwork and storytelling you might want to check out his two short mangas: Gigantomachia and Duranki. Really short and enjoyable reads. When it comes to Vinland saga, Fullmetal Alchemist and Hellsing you can literally watch the anime series because they adapt the story almost perfectly.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Mark from Slowly Red really rec'd Claymore to me.

[@bloomiii7481]

Attack on Titan is one of those cases where because its so popular, you're going to have a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon of having opinions on it without even having probably read/watched it. It's really good up until the ending, which isn't bad but it is controversial, and different from what a lot of people expected.

[@KalleVilenius]

Pluto is a remake of an old Osamu Tezuka Astroboy story, and as such it has the distinction of being the greatest remake in history. Attack on Titan has twists in it that would make M. Night Shyamalan's head spin. It doesn't shit the bed until the very last chapter. Akira is a classic for a reason, Otomo's insanely influential in the industry. Vagabond probably has the best artwork outside of Berserk. The 12 Vizbig editions (3-in-1 volumes) all have images on the spines that connect they look mighty fine on a shelf. The hiatus isn't because Inoue doesn't know how to end it (the very last chapter was already shown in art exhibit in Japan) but because he burned himself out working on two manga at once. Hellsing sucks, I hope reading it won't turn you off of manga forever. Monster is an excellent psychological thriller. Fullmetal Alchemist is a nice and tight story about conspiracies and such, but if you refuse to read One Piece I can't see why you'd read this. 20th Century Boys is like IT but also it's Urasawa interrogating the nostalgia of his own generation, people who are totally ignorant of all that Japanese stuff might no appreciate all of it (it introduced me to Ashita no Joe). Uzumaki is wonderful. I'm not a big horror fan but Junji Ito has some real bangers, and that is one of them. Death Note is probably the first manga I'd recommend to someone looking to get into the medium. Vinland Saga is an excellent series. A lot of people got upset when the story stopped being about mindless violence and turned to character development, but those people are silly.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

I liked the original Hellsing anime when I was younger (I'd have to rewatch it to know if I still like it), but I think Mike won't like it that much. He's also reading the manga, so I don't know if it's any different.

[@War_Maker]

I disagree with AOT. The last arc is where it goes pretty bad. Writing and dialogue takes a heavy hit and story development as well.

[@rubenblanco4149]

did you really compare FMA with One piece? pfff

[@KalleVilenius]

@@rubenblanco4149 Is there some reason not to do that?

[@KalleVilenius]

@@FranciscoRamirez-qw6nn FMA and One Piece are both shounen. There are very few themes in FMA that aren't also covered in One Piece. Moreover FMA has more of those gags where the art style changes to be "funny". If you can tolerate FMA, you can tolerate OP.

[@AnthonyHudg]

Have you read The Walking Dead or Invincible? They’re pretty popular American Comic series so I’m sure you have but both offer an amazing lengthy story

[@emilioignacioortizberrios5607]

Even without an ending, vagabond its easier a top tier manga, and the place were it has being left works as a closer anyway, and we know the historical ending and there was an exhibition back in 2008 (yea, like 7 years before the hiatus) were inoue made a kinda open ending for the manga, so its not so "unfinished" and really is a worth to read

[@mikesbookreviews]

That definitely won't deter me. I mean I'm loving Berserk, knowing it won't have an ending.

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

This is wild. I just found your channel yesterday bc of your First Law reviews but I also just finished Berserk. Great videos.

[@mikesbookreviews]

First Law is so fun.

[@Kimch87]

I strongly recommend Drifters (by the same author of Hellsing) and Parasyte. Also glad to see you put one of my all time favorite, 20th Century Boys, on your list.

[@sircheese288]

Ooooo, I'm also starting Akira pretty soon! I'm looking forward to reading it :D

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

In defense of Attack on Titan (no spoilers, ofc!) while I agree the ending wasn't good (to be fair I more so took issue with the sloppy execution of it rather than the ending itself) and that it was very frustrating coming from a writer who has provided quality content time and time again, but I do not in any way regret reading it as opposed to other stories with bad endings that invalidate everything the series did to get there *cough* GoT S8 *cough.* I think it's a series that will be remembered for the journey rather than the destination but boy, what a journey it was and was it worth embarking on it. It still has plenty to give even with a rushed/clumsy ending.

[@user-element115]

Without spoilers, do you think this is something that can or will be fixed in the anime adaptation because I haven’t read the manga, but love the anime. Also, by ending do you mean the final chapter only or the build up to it also. I just don’t want another GoT S8 so I don’t like hearing that a lot of people weren’t happy with the ending.

[@lloydirving6209]

@@user-element115 depends on who you ask. some people say just the final chapter, some say the last 10 chapters. personally I fall in the former camp, but honestly it wasn't _that_ bad, and most certainly not even close to as bad as the ending of GoT. Isayama has already released a rewrite of the final chapter (or maybe an additional chapter after the last one?) which fixes some things. so based on that I think the anime ending will definitely be the "final cut".

[@chiefpurrfect8389]

​@@user-element115 More or less what @Lloyd Irving said. I've seen all sorts of opinions. Personally- though I think the later chapters became increasingly rushed- it only ever became a problem to my enjoyment and the drop in quality was jarring in the last few, mostly really just the very final one. As I said though, I think the ending itself + the endgames of the characters were more often than not what the story needed for us to gain closure. Based on my personal complaints, let me set the bar for the finale as presented in the manga (without getting into spoilers): it. is. RUSHED. There are important scenes that need to happen in very little time because that's just how far Isayama is willing to write. So you get these huge info dumps making the final plotwist make sense while characters hardly get the time to react to the information. You get them reacting with shock and horror to certain revelations, then joke around and have comedic lines no further than a page later like it's nothing. And because of this, the tone is all over the place and perhaps even worse is the dialogue. The lines are clumsy, messy and easily allow plenty of room for bad faith criticism- though SOME are worse than others (anyone who has read the final chapter should know EXACTLY which one I'm referring to). And because it's so short on time it doesn't have the luxury of planting things before coming into play and have them pay off later so much of the lore/developments don't feel as earned as they did before. That's not to say it was all bad though. But it's true there was so much uncharacteristically wrong with the final chapter especially that some of its sloppiness is bound to carry over to the anime as well. However, Isayama has fully owned that it was a rushed, badly executed ending and is- at least to my knowledge- wiling to make re-writes for the anime so it should at the very least be better than what we got in the manga, considering Isayama has proved himself to be a talented writer when he isn't speedrunning things. Many "fans" seem to have forgotten just because they were given a rushed ending, but literally every piece of good writing that has lead up to those final chapters wasn't a fluke and could not have been written by just anyone. The moment I read it I was feeling kinda concerned and left wondering in what kind of state Isayama must have been when writing it, as opposed to acting like this man just ruined my life and wishing death upon him (and btw no, that is not hyperbole. I've seen people wishing he had died instead of Miura, it's actually sickening). It really goes to show these people do not view creators as people but content-making machines. Would you like to like, take into account the unlivable working culture in Japan? Isayama has been open about how mentally and physically draining writing AoT is for years and he's about to enter a new chapter in his life. Surely his health is worth more than our entertainment? No? Okay peeps. tl;dr Ending fine, execution bad. Anime should at least be better though. Also people suck.

[@6pathuser344]

Aot final arc was awesome except the finale. Yeah last 10-12 chapter could have slowed down a lil bit, felt like Isayama was in a hurry to end the story but it's only the last chapter that needs real fixing. So it shouldn't be that difficult to fix, that is if the anime intend to do so. Btw most of the people who whines about the last 10-12 chapters are the fanboys who wanted all the main cast (Armin,Mikasa,Levi etc) to throw their characters and either just sit back and enjoy the shitshow even while knowing that world was pretty much ending or join Eren's global genocide like in a dream fanfiction. They want Mikasa,Jean ,Levi etc all to be exactly like Floch .When that didn't happen they got pissed lol.

[@Evercatonthemoon]

Fun that you are getting more into manga! I want to also add my vote/rec for Claymore!

[@syafiqkamalazmi]

For someone who likes Berserk, vagabond should be right up ur alley. But the best manga is probably still One Piece. There is a reason its been at the top for so long. Probably should try Kingdom, it is so underrated outside of Japan

[@jaylucino8890]

Kingdom is highly recommend. Its one of the few mangas that gave me goosebumps just reading.

[@HartlyLion]

The Vinland Saga anime is what got me into reading manga in the first place, the anime was so beautiful that I needed to see more, the manga did not disappoint at all and I'm currently waiting for the next chapter. You will love Vinland, that I promise.

[@HaulinOats315]

Miura was heavily inspired by "Devilman" and "Violence Jack" two manga from the 70s by Go Nagai who is considered one of the most revolutionary mangaka.

[@SmartJapanHacks]

Fist of the North Start apparently also had a big impact on him and is also worth reading.

[@HaulinOats315]

@@SmartJapanHacks true and true 👍

[@coltondavis7022]

The AKIRA manga is so good, it’s probably my favorite completed manga. P.S. just to be clear vagabond is finished… in a way. The author is a real sensitive guy and writing vagabond was just too hard on him, so he has officially dropped it, but he did put out an epilogue chapter a while ago.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Good to know on Vagabond. Thanks!

[@coltondavis7022]

@@mikesbookreviews no problem. Still is a definite recommend. The journey is more than worth it.

[@ClasherofWorlds]

wait, where did you get that information from?

[@coltondavis7022]

@@ClasherofWorlds I mean it’s pretty obvious. It’s been on indefinite hiatus since 2015, and last year Inoue said he doesn’t plan on revisiting it anytime soon.

[@ClasherofWorlds]

@@coltondavis7022 but I want a link for it, same for the epilogue chapter

[@jayaprakash387]

I am pretty sure you will like seinen manga(which is mature manga) more

[@MC-py9io]

Almost all of this manga are seinen, there are only two that are half shonen half seinen, but the others are 100% seinen. I am pretty sure you are not saying otherwise, but it sounds a bit confusing.

[@jayaprakash387]

@@MC-py9io I was talking about how in general he will like seinen more not about how much seinen this list contains.

[@MC-py9io]

@@jayaprakash387 I am with you, but judging by the list he made Iam sure he knows that.

[@tanavast7337]

Seinen doesn’t mean “more mature manga” it is just a demographic. Kaguya sama is a seinen.

[@jayaprakash387]

@@tanavast7337 Everything has exceptions. There are really dark manga in shounen too.

[@jamiea4791]

Great selections, a lot of classics! I am so glad to see you picked up Junji Ito, he's one of my favs and I love the hardcover editions that have been getting released. His stories are not always the strongest, but his art is incredible and I really appreciate his creativity. I agree with you that there are some stereotypes I feel of manga and comics in general, and western comics have been a bit dry to me. I'm glad you're giving manga a try, there's a lot to choose from and a little something for everyone.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

Regarding One Piece, for a long time I didn't watch it because the art style didn't look cool like Naruto or Bleach. The concept also sounded strange and unappealing. But once I started to watch it, it just sucked me in through fantastic world building, writing and superb characters that have more depth in them than most fantasy novel characters. I'm sure you'd have given it a lot of thought before coming to your decision, but based on my own experience (and the fact that your reasons to not read echoed mine) reading a volume or two might not be such a bad idea

[@gilbertozambrano6182]

One Piece is actually one of the darkest and emotionally heavy things I've ever read

[@ramen2032]

i had the same experience, but im not really down about his decision not to read it though since his list is pretty goated as is

[@Slayereyez]

One piece is one hell of a commitment but it's worth it!

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

One Piece is so dark and so action packed and the artwork is next level I love it. I'm reading it now, and I just started the Davy Back Fight and I love every second of this

[@Zehahahaa]

One piece is a mixture of so many genres that I think it has become its own genre lol. Yes it’s really really good

[@mayhem502]

I got excited when I saw this video and even more excited when I saw your Red Rising mug.

[@mr.hatandclogs2386]

Hellsing is great but the humor isn't for everyone.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to finding out.

[@magmatrack3915]

@@mikesbookreviews It is pretty good. Not very PC. I believe Kouta Hirano began as a hentai artist then transitioned to mainstream manga. It is a bit rough in the beginning but art improves a lot as the story goes, results in a very unique artstyle. Anime is also great, i am mainly talking about Hellsing Ultimate OVA - one of the best (dare i say ultimate) anime adaptations

[@whiskeycorridor90]

Akira is like a superhero story flipped around. The kid who gets the powers ends up as the villain, and the protagonist is just a biker punk who only has his weapons and wits on his side.

[@Yummeosbada]

One Piece's art style is definitely rough to get into. It took me about 5 tries to get passed it, but once I did..... It was tremendous. The world building and foreshadowing by Eiichiro Oda is incredible. I'd recommend it as a personal time read, because if you were to review it on your channel, it would probably take it over because it's so long and so popular lol. Definitely give it a shot if you feel up to it at some point, the art style becomes an acquired taste that gets better as the story goes on.

[@Zehahahaa]

Yes! The story and characters just suck you in. I’ve been reading since middle school, but as I got older I realized just how good it is

[@eriktippie978]

yeah one piece is kinda in its own box, theirs not much like it. I guess the closest thing would be star trek but that's still quite different

[@ivanjelenic5627]

It's not just about the artstyle, Mike probably wouldn't like it for many reasons. One of them being that the manga/anime is targeted at kids; Mike is not a kid.

[@Drums_of_Liberation]

@@ivanjelenic5627 Full Metal Alchemist is targeted towards kids too you know. But yeah, One Piece is a very acquired taste. And I don't see him being a fan of a lot of the comedy in it.

[@paijwa]

@@ivanjelenic5627 Something being okay for *teenagers* to read doesn't mean it can't also be appropriate for adults. This is just a non point. Am I not supposed to like hotdogs if kids like em.

[@LastMinuteGuess]

Attack on Titan has a very controversial ending. By no means are opinions of it unanimous unless you dwell on specific online communities, very much the definition of hit or miss. Without a doubt still a masterpiece.

[@chaitanyasoman9722]

It's amazing to see you reading manga can't wait to hear your opinion on vinland saga . You sold me on reading faithful and fallen and really loving it just finished book2 and man I am really loving it

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome to hear!

[@guitarhero640]

about Attack on titan, the reception for the ending is very mixed. some like it, some hate it.

[@Joenah5]

I strongly recommend Hunter x Hunter. I would argue it has the best magic system in all of manga. It has some of my favorite characters (especially antagonists), and the writing and plotting gets deliciously rich the further you get into it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gotten a few recs for that one so far.

[@paperbackwriter1111]

the thing that seems like it might be the most up Mike's alley is that it is an interesting version of a coming of age story, what with the way Gon and Killua develop.

[@joel3399]

@@mikesbookreviews but I warn you, it's been on pause for years

[@kennethmendoza1350]

@@mikesbookreviews the thing with HxH is, if you're familiar with battle manga let's say like dragonball, it takes some of the Tropes/conventions established on that work then somehow he plays with them to kinda give them a new look and execution, still depends on what you like about manga anyway, but definitely a high reccomend at least from me

[@terrynieuwoudt8586]

I love HxH, but to get the most out of it I feel you need to have awareness of shonen trends and tropes. Togashi excels at subverting typical shonen plots and themes

[@LightningRaven42]

Planetes is a hard sci-fi story written by Vinland Saga's author. He knows his stuff. The story is quite short (only 26 chapters), but the world depicted there is really well thoughtout and the story poses some interesting questions about humanity's early days in space travel. Another great story is BLAME!, it's light on the plot and characterization, because the focus is mainly the visual storytelling, but it is worth it. Awesome action scenes and great environmental world-building and storytelling. If you want to check out a martial arts manga, my favorite is Tenjou Tenge. It's a seinen story but also has some shounen elements mixed in. The story is uneven, but the characters are fun, the battles are amazing and the art is STELLAR (Kentaro Miura is good, but this guy manages to be even better somehow).

[@theonestrawhat]

I have a feeling Monster would be for you... one of the greatest antagonists in all of manga comparable to Griffith

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

In all manga and fiction in general.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds incredible.

[@ScullyPop]

I'm really loving this book channel. I'm a big fan now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@generalsol0568]

20th century boys is amazing! I randomly picked up the first volume at a local library and immediately became hooked. I binged the series in a couple weeks!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent to hear!

[@pencerahpencerah4680]

All of them is decent read, i bet you will have a very good time reading those manga. Can't wait to see you make a video about Monster and Uzumaki!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm excited about reading Ito.

[@smartalittlebit8943]

Well about the goofiness in anime ,it s like how you thought about manga, there are a lot of great and mature anime without that style, but i guess you will get more open with the time and reading manga will make you more comfortable with the japanese fiction.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Sadly, there are not many mature and good anime, most are for kids and young adults, or goofy/weird in some way, with weak stories. And if that's not enough, the number gets reduced by your preferences. It's a bit better with manga, there are more seinen manga to choose from than anime.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

​@@ivanjelenic5627 I respect your opinion👌🏼, but I totally disagree when you say that "there are *not many* mature *and good* anime" I think that it is something exaggerate to say and a fallacy. If you have searched and discovered, and even filtered enough anime, you will know that this statement: "there are *not many* mature and good anime" *is not true.* It is true that there are animes for kids, but anime is way more than that, and what is wrong with the anime for young adults? The fact that something is not specifically "aimed" for mature adults, doesn't mean that it can't be as good.

[@smartalittlebit8943]

@@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723 Avatar last air bender si aimed for kids but it s an actually mature show, more mature than your horror movies, violent shows. An adult can easily enjoy it because it has really good dialogue and the characters are explored.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

@@smartalittlebit8943 exactly, Avatar is a great example.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Most likely. I know I've probably not seen enough to make a real judgment. And I admit I'm ignorant to it all. Those are just the things that have chased me off in the past.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

Very good list, I haven't read all of them but it feels like you'll cover a lot of ground, look forward to watching you cover them through the years.

[@InvertedWIng]

You mean you actually encountered One Piece fans who can understand you wouldn't like it and are okay with that? Man you're lucky. Seems that whenever it slips that I have no interest in it (and I hated what I read), the fanboys come out of the woodwork and start aggressively pushing it on me, saying that I HAVE to read it and that I WILL like it because it supposed SO GOOD, acting like they know what appeals to me more than I do (and sometimes being assholish about it). It's like they refuse to acknowledge that it's NOT everyone's cup of tea.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, read the comments. They’re raking me over the coals for saying it wasn’t something I was planning to read.

[@InvertedWIng]

@@mikesbookreviews LOL, I can see that. I've never seen a more aggressive fanbase for anything in my life. You'd think One Piece was a religion or something.

[@balerion302]

Maaan, I'm so happy you are excited about Urosawa. My fave manga of all time is 20th Cent Boys, then Monster, Berserk. Can't wait until you get to 20CB.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He is definitely my most anticipated author.

[@jormungandthemidgardserpen1845]

Okay, as a guy, who reads manga for more than 11 years, i should say that Naoki Urasawa is pure genius. Mature stories, great themes, well written plot, etc. Monster is probably his weaker work, but it is still a m a z i n g. Takehiko Inoue is also genius. If you, Mike, won't be satisfied by Vagabond hiatus, i can recommend to read "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa. This is a proper book, that Vagabond is based on. If you want the ending of Musashi's journey, you can find it there. Manga is outstanding. Deeply philosophical journey, fantastic visual metaphors and art that successfully rivals Berserk. Fullmetal alchemist, in my opinion, is near perfect and the best battle shounen. Mike, i suggest you to push through it, if you'll find humour childish, because it is all there. However, the actual story is, as i said, near perfect. Religion vs science theme is SO WELL crafted, it is 1000% worth it.

[@jasondoe2596]

Great suggestions for a beginner - _Vagabond_ , _Monster_ , _Pluto_ , _20th Century Boys_ are all excellent. And _Fullmetal Alchemist_ is still the king of the "shonen" demographic (that is, the manga written for younger audiences), while it avoids most of the tired tropes of the genre.

[@jasondoe2596]

@Shin Shaman No, *you* can't be taken seriously - not with that childish attitude. There's no need for confrontational language just because you disagree. (Your taste is horrible, BTW.)

[@ivanjelenic5627]

OOOOH I didn't know Vagabond is about Miyamoto Musashi! I've read a book about him, and love the legends surrounding him. Thanks for this, now I will definitely read Vagabond.

[@jormungandthemidgardserpen1845]

@@jasondoe2596 Jesus, don't feed the troll

[@jormungandthemidgardserpen1845]

@Trashthlete i honestly don't think that hxh outdoes fma. Hxh is all about great combat and several great trope subversion/deconstruction examples. The rest is fine, but nothing outstanding. While fma has very tight well written plot, fantastic characters and arcs, worldbuilding is great, themes, philosophical ideas are just genius, combat is good enough to serve the purpose. The only thing that actually sours hxh for me is this huge deus ex machina which is Kullia's sister. And, well, hiatus, but i think i know why Togashi struggles so hard apart from health issues.

[@blakechildress944]

I highly highly recommend reading these 5 manga series if you enjoy mature serious stories similar to Berserk. (Some where already on your list.) 1. Vinland Saga 2. Lone Wolf & Cub 3. Monster 4. Freesia 5. Battle Angel Alita (and it's sequel Last Order)

[@y4lnux]

uzumaki is amazing also you can go for Alita o think it is between 10 or 11 volumes, or Gantz is around 40 books

[@turtleanton6539]

Yeah all ito.stuff is king and lovecraft influenced

[@jknob82125]

GANTZ is a hell of a ride. Just when you think you have it pinned down it takes crazy turns to expand its world.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@sergiolopez6505]

If you don't like goofy manga/anime, I don't think you are going to like Hellsing. It's pretty weak storywise, in my opinion.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hmm. Guess we will see.

[@DigiDemii]

What a fantastic selection you have there! I'm a huge Junji Ito fan and one thing I think that is important to note is that as much as he is a horror author, his stories are never scary, but more disturbing or unsettling. He isn't really known for great stories (even though I must say, a couple of his shorter ones are brilliant), but it's his artwork and use of creating "jump scares" with the turn of a page is what makes him so brilliant! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can't wait to dive into his work this October.

[@Jonas3793]

Wanted to say, stop comparing yourself to other book tubers. I have tried most of them, and despised their videos. Either they act like they are the Supreme voice of all readers or they force their politics down our throats. I wanna book tuber who can think for themselves and who has great taste. Not someone who won't read a writer for something said a hundred years ago. Also, you just got really great taste Will keep watching you, and only you, brother. Keep those reviews coming.

[@Gabzilla27]

I am so excited for this!!

[@Between_Scylla_and_Kharybdis]

Uzumaki doesn't just sound weird, it IS weird and it's great. If you end up enjoying it, I highly recommend Junji Ito's one shots, great stuff.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have 4 of his collections now, so I'm certainly hoping I enjoy Spiral ha ha

[@MetalGildarts]

So glad you’re getting into manga! I’ve definitely watched way more anime then I have read manga, but it’s such a wonderful medium. You’ll Love Fullmetal Alchemist

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm thinking I'll dig it.

[@orionmegastar]

I’m surprised Blade of the Immortal didn’t make the cut. Considering the titles that made the list and the kind of books you read it seems to be right up your alley. Saw that Netflix has the live-action movie of the manga if you are okay with subtitles.

[@jasondoe2596]

_Blade of the Immortal_ has incredible art, and the story has compelling elements - but it's also heavily flawed. There's an entire arc (a *big* one) that's very difficult to read through, is poorly connected to the rest of the plot, and is almost torture porn. You know what I'm talking about. I'd absolutely suggest it for the godly art (very different from Miura's), but not to a beginner.

[@orionmegastar]

@@jasondoe2596 Does that arc come early or late in the series because I don't remember anything resembling torture porn? When I read the manga, it was still being published and since I borrowed them from a friend I never finished it. As for being a beginner, he has Junji Ito on his list, whose art I find nightmare inducing, I think he’ll be fine with Blade of the Immortal.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If I had done a Top 11 it definitely would have been there. It's very much on my radar.

[@OkieAllDay]

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is hands down my favorite anime of all time

[@MO-OP]

I also say that you shouldn't read One Piece at this point. It is an absolutely amazing and fantastic series, but it will need a huge commitment from you. Maybe check it out down the road.

[@espadamt8839]

He read WOT...

[@MO-OP]

@@espadamt8839 I know. It took him a long time to finish it. So, it is a big commitment

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

Yeah, I am pretty sure that he will give it a try in the future, if you enter to this world of anime/manga One Piece IS A MUST, for me it would be like a sin not to read it haha

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@MO-OP Ha. It took me a long time by choice though. I never planned to read all 14 in a row.

[@MO-OP]

@@mikesbookreviews I understand. You aren't obligated to read or watch anything. I love One Piece, but the last thing I want is to shove it down someone's throat. If you get to read, then that's great, if you don't, it's not like you are gonna lose a limb or something. Good luck Mike.

[@hiddenpandas6954]

You need to check out Lone Wolf & Cub!! It's an Epic Revenge story about an Assassin and his Son in feudal japan. Unfortunately it doesn't get much attention in the english-speaking manga community because it's a rather old work but it's an absolute classic and definitely worth checking out.

[@cutiepielias]

Great list! I hope you continue to enjoy reading manga! Gonna add a few suggestions if you want to check something else after finishing your list. Oyasumi Punpun - A heart wrenching, dark, realistic coming of age story with amazing art. Not for the faint of heart but it will be a rewarding and life changing read. Claymore - Group of female knights on a quest to eradicate their kingdom with demons. If you want some badass female manga characters you can find them here. BLAME! - A stylistic sci fi manga full of environmental story telling. If you want a manga that respects the reader’s intelligence and will jump you straight to the world without any explanation or hand holding, you will enjoy this one.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ve heard a lot about Claymore.

[@marocat4749]

Claymore is dark about humanity and exploiting women and, ... and nothing is as it seems.

[@anastasiayager2476]

Something I love about Vinland Saga (and many other manga honestly) is watching how his art grows. Like chapter 1 the art isn’t bad but it’s simplistic and then jump to later chapters and it’s like night and day in the shading and detail he puts in

[@mikesbookreviews]

I really enjoyed that in Berserk, too.

[@brightskysyl3913]

You should read Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles by CLAMP. That underrated manga series has the best meta narrative re: parallel timelines. It’s like Sanderson’s Cosmere but on steroids. Not to mention the intricate artwork!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sounds awesome!

[@brightskysyl3913]

@@mikesbookreviews it is awesome! Tsubasa is Japanese for the word Wings. So its translation is Chronicles of the Wings or Chronicles of the Wings’ Reservoir. You’d know early on how “wings” will take play in the plot and what “reservoir” they’re referring to

[@anthonycrayne2835]

Nice solid list man. I think you would love Gantz. It's completed as well. Very violent.

[@basedtsumugi8706]

Gonna say it, my favorite coming of age manga is Oyasumi Punpun. Definitely weirder than some other manga, but it’s one of the best easily. Highly recommend. Plus it’s short, around 7 volumes.

[@goldenspiral6008]

Oyasumi Punpun is the best manga I´ve read. So I´m interested in knowing which ones would you consider better.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've gotten this rec a lot.

[@hugovillarreal1663]

@@mikesbookreviews yea slot of people consider it the best manga of all time

[@basedtsumugi8706]

@@goldenspiral6008 Punpun is my favorite manga ever, but critically speaking, I consider Berserk and maybe 20th Century Boys to be better than it.

[@goldenspiral6008]

@@basedtsumugi8706 Interesting. Thanks for the reply.

[@Matt-lb2ed]

Just found your channel from the Berserk videos. Berserk is not only one of my favourite manga ever but also one of my favourite stories ever. Really like your channel and look forward to watching this new manga series continue. Manga is guily of a lot of the Otaku culture tropes but if you sift through it there are a lot of great series.

[@invaderzod8092]

I gotta say in regards to Attack on Titan, I think on the whole the community was fully on board with the ending up until the last chapter. So it’s just that the very end is very disappointing. I would argue that everything up until then is fantastic.

[@LastMinuteGuess]

I think the ending is incredible and a whole host of people do, so I think it is more arguable to say its incredibly controversial.

[@invaderzod8092]

@@LastMinuteGuess it’s arguable whether it’s good or bad. And that in itself means that it’s controversial. The fact is a lot of people aren’t happy regardless of how you or I feel about it. I’ll just say that the fact that Isayama had to clarify what happened and explain what he was tryin to do, as well adding extra pages means that things didn’t go as smoothly as we would have all liked.

[@Zehahahaa]

I really liked the ending and I have been reading since the 3rd chapter in manga. But I respect your opinion I can see why most don’t like it

[@Javifaa]

@@invaderzod8092 I read somewhere that he couldn't publish the entire final chapter on the magazine dude to it's size, so he did need to cut some parts of it and publish them latter.

[@invaderzod8092]

@@Javifaa if that’s the case then that sucks for getting in the way of his creative freedom, but on the other hand the extra pages made it even worse so idk.

[@rumelingecristescu6046]

Glad to see that you start reading manga, it's just literature expressed in more graphic way.

[@whodis3489]

I'll warn you now Mike, no matter what manga you read you won't find one you like better than Berserk😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Most likely.

[@waifuhunter9709]

Mike started with final boss XD

[@rigobertosolorzano8568]

When is the next Berserk Arc dropping?

[@cmmosher8035]

Uzumaki was originally three volumes. Have fun with the lovecraftion spirals. Maybe avoid the liveaction film.... I know you said you wont watch anime but if you like Akira it might be worth checking out the movie. Despite being over 30 years old it still has some if the best animation either western or eastern.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Very excited to read Mr. Ito.

[@robinvuorinen9402]

Great list! really happy youre getting deeper into the manga medium

[@moirad3504]

you'd probable like Blade of the Immortal by Hiroaki Samura and maybe Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike

[@martenwahlstrom2001]

I really recommend Dorohedoro if you are interested in some horror manga with great weirdness and a unique style. It’s dirty, grimy, violent, and psychotic, but with some of my favourite characters in all of fiction. It’s not too long either (23 volumes, 190 ish chapters), so it’s not that huge of an undertaking. I must also mention that this manga balances comedy with horror in such an amazing way. I could literally be in tears laughing on one page and then be afraid of going to sleep on the next page

[@mikesbookreviews]

First I've heard of that one. I'll look it up. Thanks!

[@martenwahlstrom2001]

@@mikesbookreviews i found it through the anime adaptation and just had to know what happened next after finishing season one, so I picked the manga up. The art style is really love it or hate it, but I love it. I suggest looking at the first couple of panels for the general “vibe” and what kind of insanity you’re in for. I haven’t finished it yet (got like 60 chapters left) so I don’t know if it’s sticks the landing, but his far it has only gotten better and more captivating.

[@coreydinardo5525]

AKIRA is one of my favorite anime films of all time! I'd also love to read the manga one of these days.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

I'm in your shoes. Watched the anime film, it's great.

[@bigfupa69]

the manga is way more cohesive and amazing

[@mikesbookreviews]

It has some really cool looking art.

[@maximasforrester8689]

Best fucking reviewer man how I wish I could go back in time and reread some of these stories. These are some really amazing stories you mentioned I thinks it’s very refreshing how open minded you are I know a lot of people never even try manga. I’m very excited for you but I hope you know this is a rabbit hole your about to drop into man.

[@bruceh1660]

All of the recommendations on this video are great (that I’ve seen or read) however I think you should also look into hunter x Hunter while it may have some anime tropes you dislike it has some of the deepest themes/ characters in the genre, and the best magic system in fiction

[@mikesbookreviews]

HxH has gotten a lot of recs this vid.

[@sour4626]

All of those are top-tier picks, I think you'll love them all! It's probably been suggested to you, but Claymore is also excellent and worth your time if you enjoy dark fantasy like Berserk.

[@MikedieONE]

Man its really a shame when people get scared away from One Piece just because of the artstyle(beside that the manga art quality itself is way better than for example Attack on titan. the anime of AOT is WAY better than the manga. but still a great story in the manga too). One Piece has one of the best stories ever written in ANY media. and the manga is, together with Berserk, my fav manga of all time. Its world/worldbuilding and characters even make stories like lord of the ring dwarf in compare. but beside that, its a solid list. cant go wrong with any of them. Death Note is also a very good "beginner manga" to pull people into the medium.

[@hasarin9764]

Very solid list, you probably won't regret reading any of them. no spoiler recommendation: One manga I'd for sure put on this list is Oyasumi Punpun or Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano. It's a coming of age story, it has amazing art and story, it's super depressing, and it's finished. I'd say it's equally as good as Berserk. Side note if you wanted to read it so you won't get too confused, one weird but genius thing about this manga is the fact that the main character and his family are drawn as "birds" even though they're all human, very simple drawings as if a child drew them, which contrasts heavily with all the other characters and backgrounds being drawn almost hyper-realisticly. It's very unique, you may hate it, you may love it. For me it's art, 10/10.

[@janmgreys]

Why is no one recommending Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara?

[@nikolessard6860]

For Vagabond it's definitely worth it to go pick up the Vizbig 3 in 1 editions. You get 3 volumes for the price of 2 and some sick spine art that makes a larger picture when you put them on your shelf

[@hipiticlivi7400]

*My guesses before watching* For sure: - Vinland Saga - Kingdom - Attack on Titan - Vagabond - Death Note And then maybe: - Monster - 20th Century boys - Made in Abyss - Gantz ? - Chainsawman ?? It looks like a search of "Seinen" in google, tbh. hahaha.

[@hipiticlivi7400]

Yeah, so it was the Seinen all stars as I thought. The only ones I haven't read are Vagabond and Hellsing. Kingdom is not that known now that I think about it. But I always think of Vinland saga and Kingdom at the same time for some reason. Surprised about FMA, that's a shonen but it fits with the his taste so we will see. I will definetly keep an eye on his impressions, what lands for him and what doesn't

[@switchbladeponger2373]

@@hipiticlivi7400 kingdom doesnt have an official translation, so i doubt he will read it. If Viz or any other company translates it and starts selling it, i guarantee it will be top selling.

[@6pathuser344]

@@hipiticlivi7400 FMA, attack on Titan, death note, Chainsawman are all shounen tho

[@nickamen]

I highly recommend Lone Wolf and Cub. One of the most influential comics ever. It was a huge influence on Frank Miller

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oooh. I'm a Frank Miller guy, so that's a good sell.

[@kojirosasaki8412]

You're gonna love Vagabond man, it's truly the best Manga of all time in my eyes

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can't wait.

[@hellogoodbye3786]

Best of luck, and take it easy. Edit: out of all of these I’d say my favorite is Monster, what I consider the best would be 20th century boys. Oh wow, they’re both urasawa, lol I didn’t realize till I typed it out.