The great thing about manga, as with movies and novels, is that it allows us to have different perspectives by simulating different stories. Here I have made a list of manga that could change your perspective on life. These are all great manga that you should read now. Each one is in a different genre, such as science fiction, historical, or fantasy, so you’re sure to find one that you like.
1. Parasite
Title : Parasyte
Written by : Hitoshi Iwaaki
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Morning Open Zōkan(1988–1989), Monthly Afternoon(1990–1995)
Original run : 1988 – 1995
Volumes : 10
It is a masterpiece in the history of manga. It is a horror science fiction depicting the battle between parasitic organisms and humans, with philosophical themes at the heart of the story, questioning the reader about the value of human existence.
2. Beastars
Title : Beasters
Written by : Paru Itagaki
Published by : Akita Shoten
Magazine : Weekly Shōnen Champion
Original run : 2016 – 2020
Volumes : 22
This manga depicts a world of anthropomorphic animals. However, it is by no means a “heartwarming story.” Human nature is replaced by that of animals, and friendship and affection that transcends species and, conversely, irreconcilable conflicts are depicted. What emerges is the difficulty of tolerating diversity.
3. Blue Giant
Title : Blue Giant
Written by : Shinichi Ishizuka
Published by : Shogakukan
Magazine : Big Comic
Original run : 2013 – 2016
Volumes : 10
It is an incredibly passionate jazz manga. The performance scenes are superbly expressed, and the “sound” and the “spirit” of the performers are powerfully depicted, so that you can hear the sounds in your head. Life and jazz may well be similar, with many people meeting and influencing each other.
4. Vagabond
Title : Vagabond
Written by : Takehiko Inoue
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Morning
Original run : 1998 – 2015 (on hiatus)
Volumes : 37
The story is based on the life of the real-life swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. It is a stylish manga work without the old-fashioned feel of conventional historical fiction. The psychological depiction that vividly shows the dark side of people is truly a masterpiece, and the extremely beautiful drawings are one of its charms, but its greatest highlight is its expression of tension and silence.
5. Attack on Titan
Title : Attack on Titan
Written by : Hajime Isayama
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine
Original run : 2009 – 2021
Volumes : 34
This is the story of a world inhabited by Titans. The storyline is a masterpiece that grows larger and larger in scale as various mysteries are gradually revealed. Although completely fictional, readers will feel an overlap between the story and the real world when they finish reading this story. What is truth? What is justice? Why do we continue to fight?
