Recs if you like Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1...

picture this: you meet a woman. she’s SO pretty. so you hang out with her, go on a date, even. fall in love. you’re maybe even thinking you could have a future with her! and then, the night ends with you (almost) dying. that’s when you realize you courted a monster 😔 (recs are always welcome!)

Manga isn't just for kids! These are titles intended for more mature audiences, including my personal recs and influential, well-known and bestselling titles that are available in English. Whether it's frank discussions of mental illness, abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, violence, sexuality, horror or dark fantasy, these are manga that either originally ran in seinen (young adult men) or josei (young adult women) magazines, or I've otherwise broadly categorized through research as "not for for kids."

an extremely unserious list of manga featuring the dark-haired boys (usually more normal) with white haired boyfriends (scary, inhuman, or otherwise unnerving), will include series with manga where the boys are "just friends" but have boyfriend esque chemistry. the pairing may not feature in the first issue as listed but that is what i'll include. dark haired boys with blonde boyfriends will be added if felt to suitably fit the trope.

Cultural phenomenon mangas that have become global household names over the years. All of these series have defined or impacted the animanga culture globally, in one way or another. From international movie releases, live-action adaptations, and instantly recognisable titles, these are the mangas to read if you want to sound like you know what you're talking about. Mainstream? Starter pack? Maybe, but they're pop culture icons for a reason. Believe it!

Suggestions and discussions welcome!!

Manga (and novels) that had disappointing anime adaptations (according to me). Series that only had piecemeal "greatest hits" OVAs will also be included. Series that fell off after a promising debut are also included. Series with one good adaptation but some bad ones are also included.

i don't know why i am always so drawn to books that contain cannibalism. what does that say about me??? 🔪 note: it may be a spoiler to some of these books to have them listed here! please peruse at your own risk!!! these are just books that i have read but i am open to adding others!

these are the first volumes of some of the best comic and manga series. if you are new to comics/graphic novels or are looking to try a new series, this is the list for you.

these books have characters or themes that will make you think twice before RSVPing to the next cookout...

I wanted to collate all the largest and greatest manga completed series with the first and last volumes to help me look to what to read next but also maybe this list will be helpful for others.

If you have any recommendations please leave a comment (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

for all my readers that like beautifully written action and storylines <3

manga with darker themes. only included the first volume of each series.