Book List: Manga for teens

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Bee Trudgeon provides an introduction to manga, for grown ups who may be trying to keep up with the kids.

Japan has had a failsafe way to attract teens to books for decades, but in Aotearoa the magnetic wonder of manga for young adults remains a bit of a mystery to their keepers. Around the time of the Covid lockdowns, when the young adult library collection I manage began increasing its amount of manga—physical and electronic—we bought our way into a revolution. Upon reopening to physical borrowing, the young adult comics collection as a whole reported a 300 percent increase in issues, happening at the manga end. This trend wasn’t exclusive to my city, or even country, with Booklist’s Guide to Graphic Novels in Libraries saying publishers reported sales more than doubled in 2021 alone. 

Teens were making their reading preferences known, well-informed about series continuation, and begging for more. Yet many parents, not to mention library staff, were confused about the genre. Initially perceived as a hotbed of violence and sexual degradation, people soon discovered the breakout manga section—with the same informed, age-appropriate selection protocols we apply to all book selections—ticked many of the social-emotional learning boxes vital to supporting young adult development.  

Where to find manga

Manga’s many electronic platforms make it the perfect match to meet teens where they are at, particularly when physical books are harder to come by (such as during lockdowns or isolations). It is common for teens to read manga digitally on tablets or smartphones, accessing online libraries (like Libby and Borrowbox), using dedicated apps (like Shonen Jump Manga and Comics) and subscription services (like Crunchyroll and MangaDex). Some of these services provide capability to zoom in, alter panel sizes, and read in translated versions, catering to readers’ preferences and accessibility needs. 

One can also read physical manga books in the traditional way. Here, I am referencing manga that can be borrowed or purchased in tankōbon (independent or standalone book) format, citing English release dates. The term tankōbon specifically refers to a printed collection of a manga that was previously published in a serialised format. Manga tankōbon typically contain a handful of chapters—intense bursts of a complete story within themselves; short fragments of chronology intensely magnified— and may collect multiple volumes as a series continues, building on the narrative. This is how you will find manga in your library and comic shop, and is a good way to start a personal collection. Some series run into scores of volumes, but at what price a teen’s desire to read voraciously? 

Manga are masterfully marketed, and consistent attention to age ratings (printed on tankōbon covers) can assist you with decisions regarding suitability for your reader(s). Manga is sometimes based on ‘light novels’ (which look like manga, but read like traditional text-based books), and sometimes turned into Anime (animated films/TV series). This further broadens their reach, meeting consumers in the format they favour. Anime certainly aids the popularity of manga, as does its visual marketability (Jay Jay’s trendy Junji Ito clothing range comes to mind).  

Manga genres

Children’s manga (kodomomuke manga), traditionally read right to left, may not be the best fit for beginner English language readers, who are learning to read left to right, although graphic novels at appropriate levels in their language of choice are certainly gateway keys to all kinds of reading doors. (Pokémon Adventures would be the bestselling exception to the rule, as it is translated in left to right format.) Seinen, josei, gekiga manga are (broadly speaking) categories targeted at older men and women (respectively). Consequently, except for titles where crossover has been demonstrated, landing an item in the older teen bracket, this overview will generally not include discussion of these categories. 

Shonen (the Japanese word for ‘young boy’) manga refers to manga aimed at an audience of adolescent boys, with the primary target audience defined as (variously) 10 to 21 years old. It is the most popular category in the Japanese market. The actual readership of shonen manga, as is the case for all demographic categories of manga, extends significantly beyond its target group to include all ages and genders.

Shōjo (the literal, if not typically used Japanese translation of ‘girl’) manga is aimed at adolescent females and young adult women. Specific aesthetic, visual, and narrative conventions are associated with shōjo: uber-detailed eyes, innovative panel layouts, focus on human relationships, defiance of traditional roles and gender/sexuality stereotypes, and fondness for the supernatural. However, these conventions have evolved through time, and none are specifically exclusive to Shōjo. The eyes, for example, are a critical window into a character’s state of mind; so manga art style typically features larger eyes than realist illustration would support. 

[Manga] ticked many of the social-emotional learning boxes vital to supporting young adult development.

This brings me to the eyes of the reader. Like comics, manga operate on multiple levels at once, so—while many caregivers express a concern that they’ll dumb down or pervert a reader—they actually have the potential to smarten them up, making complex ideas accessible, and offering a more engagingly immersive reading experience than conventional reading can. They allow the reader to pick up on non-verbal information—everything from fashion to food and facial quirks—as quickly as we can brush our eyes from panel to panel. 

There are as many genres and subgenres within the previously mentioned manga categories, and manga often pushes the envelope in ways that don’t similarly proliferate in Western publishing. Manga includes adventure and love stories, sport dramas, fantasy, ‘boys’ love’ (or BL), ‘found family’, medieval, and comedic stories. Manga is also an inspiring channel for a broad range of narratives delving into gender identity, mental health, and other disability issues (keep an eye out for a list to come!).

A starter list

I’ve chosen this taster list to illustrate the broad range of manga paths a teenager might be compelled to wander. Primary authors (and sometimes primary illustrators) are noted, but these may not be the entire cast of creators involved. Cover pictures are taken from the first tankōbon of each series. 

The Apothecary Diaries

Natsu Hyuuga

14 volumes, 2017–2024, series ongoing

After breaking a ‘curse’ on the imperial heirs, a lowly palace servant trained in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster. This gorgeously illustrated period mystery follows her adventures through a whirl of palace intrigue.

Assassination Classroom

Yusei Matsui 

21 volumes, 2012–2016, series complete

This series began a shift in the library collection I manage. Teenagers were sending messages to me about it; reserves mounted. I loved watching the evolution of the story told at a basic level through its cleverly brand-styled covers—the last cover made me cry. The title sounds awful, until you realise how urgently it must be enacted. Koro Sensei has already blown up the moon. He promises to spare Earth under the condition that he be allowed to teach a certain junior high school remedial class for a year. In addition, he’ll allow the students to attempt to destroy him at any time without retaliating. A huge cash reward is offered to the winner. Now a class of misfit students are all that’s stopping world destruction, with Koro Sensei turning out to be the best teacher they’ve ever had. 

Boys Run the Riot

Keito Gaku

4 volumes, 2020, series complete

A transgender boy’s journey of self-discovery and expression culminates in the establishment of a fashion label, in this compelling gender identity/coming-of-age story. Kodansha USA added an extra seal of authenticity, hiring an all-transgender localisation team to translate it into English. Ashley Hawkins, of blog and YouTube channel Manga Librarian, said one student told her: ‘This made me cry because I’ve never seen myself in a manga before.’. 

The Elusive Samurai

Yusei Matsui

19 volumes since 2021, series ongoing

Set between the late Kamakura and early Muromachi periods, this story follows historical figure Hōjō Tokiyuki, a boy on the run after his family is overthrown by a rival samurai who betrayed his family. With the help of a shady priest and his followers, the young lord must seek revenge and regain glory, using the only weapon available: his supernatural ability to run and hide. 

Frieren—Beyond Journey’s End

Kanehito Yamada, illustrated by Tsukasa Abe

13 volumes since 2020, series ongoing through occasional hiatuses

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This visually lovely, multi-award winning fantasy series follows the elf mage of its title on a journey to the resting place of souls. Frieren’s elven nature grants her an unnaturally extended lifespan, causing her to experience long spans of time as ephemeral. The story occurs over a long time period—with supporting characters shown changing through periodic flashbacks—which Frieren perceives as fleeting. Perhaps it is this altered nature of time that has allowed it to retain fans unbothered whether the series will truly ‘finish’ at any minute, or not; they are happy to leave characters where they have found them (literally) for the time being. 

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to Be My Childhood Friend

Kennoji, artwork by You Midorikawa

11 volumes, 2020–2024, series complete

A young man confronting a groper on the train finds out the young woman he’s standing up for is an estranged childhood friend. They drifted apart in middle school, victims of the usual Breakfast Club kind of politics. She never forgot him, and this could be her chance to rebuild their relationship—perhaps to new depths—if her secrets don’t come between them, and he gets smart. Do we want them to hurry up and make some moves already? We really do.

 Jujutsu Kaisen

Gege Akutami

30 volumes, 2018–2024, series complete

Jujutsu Kaisen—translated as Sorcery Battle—is one of the biggest selling manga of all time. The premise is that all living beings emanate ‘cursed energy’, arising from their bodily flow of negative emotions. Ordinary people cannot control this flow, so continually leak cursed energy, creating Curses, a race of spiritual beings set on destroying humanity. ‘Cursed Technique Masters’ or ‘Shamans’ are humans able to control the flow and release of cursed energy. Being an action-packed manga bristling with fight scenes doesn’t preclude plenty of insightful statements being made in the speech bubbles, helping elevate Jujutsu Kaisen to iconic status. ‘I want to have a connection with someone. I want to be needed by someone. I want the confidence to feel like it’s okay to live’, says Yuta Okkutsu in Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

The Promised Neverland

Kaiu Shirai, art by Posuka Demizu

20 volumes, 2016–2020, series complete

A ‘found family’ manga about children in an orphanage whose carefree lives are disrupted when they discover they’re being raised as demon feed. The story was influenced by Peter Pan, and its title, which—as well as sharing a location with the JM Barrie work—further references a ‘promise’ (like that between Barrie’s Peter Pan and Wendy characters), but this one between humans and demons, lending the familiar term ‘Promised Land’ diabolical connotations.  

Takane and Hana

Yuki Shiwasu

18 Volumes, 2014–2020, series complete

After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with a handsome young empire heir, spunky schoolgirl Hana (10 years his junior) takes her place. This odd non-couple proceed to attempt outwitting each other every chance they get. You just know they may be conning themselves out of some kind of perfect match. While we don’t see the pair explicitly entering a deeper relationship, one does develop. Readers seem willing to accept the 10-year age gap (which the author does address) as a fantasy romance element, and both characters mature as the series progresses.  

The Way of the Househusband

Kousuke Oono

15 volumes, 2015–present, series ongoing

A comedic series aimed at a young adult audience, following the domestic travails of a former gangster. Tatsu was the baddest member of the yakuza—’the Immortal Dragon’—leaving swathes of underworld legends in his wake. Now he has left it all behind to travel another path—as a househusband. He lives life on the edge, battling grocery clerks, cleaning products, and the automated vacuum cleaner. This series has fun subverting gender roles and various tropes, making for a whole lot of ‘cozy yakuza’ (gag manga). With proviso for mild swearing and comedic violence—perceptions of blood are often revealed to be stains from red wine or cooking, for example—it is rated T+ (for older teens) by the publishers, showing the potential for Seinen to appeal to older Shonen readers. 

The manga listed here can be ordered from Graphic Comics, BookHub or your local comics store.

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