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Where to Start? A Beginner's Guide to Anime, Manga, and Manhwa

Stepping into the world of anime, manga, and manhwa can overwhelming to say the least. With so many genres, art styles, and stories to explore, deciding where to begin might feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or introducing a friend, this guide will help you find the perfect entry points.

Anime: Short and Sweet for Starters

Anime doesn’t always have to dive into complex plots or heavy emotions right away. Sometimes, it’s the lighter, easier-to-digest stories that pull you in. Here are three perfect anime for beginners:
My Hero Academia (Action, School Life)
A fun, fast-paced story of Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world full of heroes, as he trains to become the greatest hero of all.
Why start here? Personally this was the anime that got me into the animeverse, its fandom and lighthearted nature when it came to shipping characters and the no lack of finding fanart or reaction videos keep you entertained for a long time. Not to mention the manga ending recently and the anime on its final leg now is a perfect time to start.

💚🧡
Haikyuu!! (Sports, Comedy)
Join Hinata Shoyo on his journey to become a volleyball champion alongside his quirky teammates.
Why start here? Its non life-threatening nature is probably the most alluring thing about the anime, its pretty fast paced and all the characters are so easy to love and root for, there's multiple storylines, of course Hinata Shoyo being the centric but nonetheless seeing the side characters stories is just as fun as seeing his.

The Promised Neverland (Season 1) (Mystery, Thriller)
Follow a group of children as they unravel the dark secrets of their orphanage.
Why start here? Its pretty perfect in the first season, the suspense, the horror element and one of the best parts, the opening. Everything from the last minute is paced perfectly and the big reveals are done with the most ear-opening music in the background, one of my favorite thriller, mystery.

Honorable Mentions:
Spy x Family (Comedy, Action): A lighthearted mix of action and family antics.
Komi Can’t Communicate (Slice of Life, Comedy): A sweet and simple story about overcoming social anxiety.

Manga: Easy Reads with Stunning Art

Manga can sometimes feel overwhelming with dense black-and-white pages or sprawling sagas. For beginners, starting with shorter, visually lighter, and easy-to-follow stories is a great way to ease into this medium.
A Silent Voice (Drama, Slice of Life)
This emotional tale follows Shoya, a boy seeking redemption for bullying Shoko, a deaf girl, during their childhood.
Why start here? To begin with the art style is absolutely gorgeous, the way the characters are represented and the themes it talks about it perfect for a sit down after a long study session and to just ball your eyes out, not to mention its length, which isn't too long and is easy for readers to get into and finish.
Length: 7 volumes.

(in da clerb we all hate the green braids girl 👿)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Action, Fantasy)
A gripping story about Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer to save his sister and avenge his family.
Why start here? The story is super easy to get into, the character depths is portrayed in such a beautiful way and even though some panels may feel a bit too much at times especially in the action scenes when you get into it you really start to start patching in some movements in your mind making you REALLY get into it.
Length: 23 volumes.

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (Romance, Comedy)
A hilarious and relatable workplace romance between two otaku (fans of anime/manga culture).
Why start here? It's cute and lighthearted, all characters are easy to love and once you start reading it, its almost like you cant stop. The character interactions and their relationships keeps developing and makes you root for them. In overall in comparison to the other two this one would probably be the best started if you're into lighthearted workplace adult romance.
Length: 6 volumes.

(fave gamer couple) 🙈
Honorable Mentions:
Horimiya (Romance, Comedy): A sweet high school romance with simple art and lots of humor.
Death Note (Thriller, Supernatural): A globally popular classic that’s easy to find and thrilling for new readers.

Manhwa: Korea’s Hidden Gems

Manhwa, the Korean counterpart to manga, has surged in global popularity thanks to its vibrant art, unique stories, and accessibility through platforms like Webtoon and Tapas. These selections are beginner-friendly and perfect for getting a taste of this genre.
Solo Leveling (Action, Fantasy)
Witness the rise of Sung Jin-Woo, a weak hunter who transforms into the world's strongest after gaining mysterious powers.
Why start here? The main thing is definitely the art, its clean lines, the character designs-- I mean they even managed to make SHADOW beings look fine. But otherwise than that, the plotline is pretty faced pace and in definitive arc, the rise of the main character is satisfying and in no way is it undeserved. Probably my number one recommended for manwha no matter what genre you like, definitely one of the classics.
Length: 179 chapters (completed).

The Beginning After the End (Fantasy, Adventure)
Follow King Grey, reincarnated into a magical world, as he seeks a second chance at life, balancing power, family, and purpose.
Why start here? It’s an addictive blend of fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth. Once you dive into King Grey's reincarnation journey, it’s almost impossible to stop. The story balances epic battles, heartfelt relationships, and meaningful growth, keeping you hooked. Watching the protagonist navigate his second chance at life and overcome challenges makes you root for him every step of the way. Among similar fantasy stories, this one stands out for its strong character development and beautiful artwork.
Length: Ongoing (170+ chapters).

The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion (Romance, Mystery)
A young woman reincarnates into a novel as a minor character destined to die and must navigate court politics by allying with a powerful duke.
Why start here? Probably one of the most staple classics of historical romance manhwa. The female lead being in control, her mindset, the male lead and especially its world building is gorgeous, the plot twist in the end and the heartwarming ending, everything is paced perfectly and within the 149 chapters it really makes you feel connected to each and every single one of the characters
Length: 149 chapters (completed).

(adam is such a cutie i love him sm 😻😻)

Honorable Mentions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (Action, Fantasy): A gripping story about a man who finds himself living in the world of his favorite web novel.
I’m the Max-Level Newbie (Action, Gaming): A fresh twist on dungeon-crawling stories, with stunning art and a comedic undertone.
The Legend of the Northern Blade (Action, Martial Arts): A beautifully illustrated tale of vengeance and perseverance, perfect for fans of classic martial arts.
I Shall Master This Family (Historical, Drama): A compelling family-centered story filled with ambition and power struggles.

Tips for Getting Started

Choose Your Platform:
- For anime: Try Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Funimation.
- ~~( if you need the actual sites i would recommend Hianime)~~
- For manga: Check out Shonen Jump, MangaPlus, or local bookstores.
- ~~( i would recommend mangabuddy)~~
- For manhwa: Webtoon and Tapas are great starting points.
- ~~(one of the best sites is bato.to if not i would recomment mangabuddy aswell)~~
Pick a Genre You Love:
Whether it’s action, romance, or mystery, there’s something for everyone.
Be Open to New Styles:
The art and storytelling might feel different, but that’s part of the charm.

Let’s Dive In Together

What was the first anime, manga, or manhwa you fell in love with? Or are you just starting your journey? Share your favorites—or what you’re excited to try—in the comments below!

+meme