Manga reading order can seem daunting to newcomers. Unlike Western comics, manga is read right-to-left, and series can span dozens—sometimes hundreds—of volumes. Add in spin-offs, prequels, and the question of adaptation order, and it's easy to feel lost. But don't worry: with a little guidance, navigating manga series becomes intuitive, and the rewards are well worth the learning curve.
The good news? Most manga series are designed to be approachable. Publishers want you to read their books, so they've developed conventions that help readers find their way. Once you understand these patterns, you'll be confidently recommending reading orders to other fans.
The Basics: How Manga Works
Right-to-Left Reading
This is the biggest adjustment for new manga readers. Japanese books open from what Westerners consider the "back," and panels are read right-to-left, top-to-bottom. Most English-language manga maintains this format, with publishers including guide pages to help newcomers. After a few chapters, the reading direction becomes second nature.
Volume vs. Chapter
Manga typically serializes in weekly or monthly magazines, with chapters later collected into volumes (tankōbon). A single volume usually contains about 8-10 chapters. When tracking reading order, both chapter numbers and volume numbers may be relevant, especially when dealing with simultaneous releases or ongoing series.
Popular Series Reading Guides
One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
The world's best-selling manga series spans over 100 volumes and tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy's quest to become King of the Pirates. The good news? Reading order is simple—start with Volume 1 and keep going. The challenge is the sheer scope: One Piece rewards long-term commitment with some of the most satisfying payoffs in manga history.
For those considering the anime, note that the manga is generally considered the superior experience due to pacing issues in the animated adaptation. However, the anime offers stunning animation during major battle sequences. Many fans read the manga first, then watch favorite arcs animated.
My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
This superhero manga follows Izuku Midoriya in a world where 80% of the population has superpowers. The main series reading order is straightforward, but several spin-offs expand the world:
Reading Order: My Hero Academia (main series) → My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (spin-off, can be read after Volume 7 of the main series) → My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions (can be read alongside either)
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
This dark fantasy epic is complete at 34 volumes, making it accessible for newcomers. The story is intentionally told in a specific order, with revelations carefully positioned for maximum impact. Absolutely read in publication order—spoilers for this series are particularly damaging.
The anime adaptation is excellent and follows the manga closely, so either medium provides a great experience. Some fans prefer starting with the anime for its dynamic action sequences, then reading the manga for additional detail.
Understanding Spin-offs and Related Works
Prequels
Some manga prequels can be read before or after the main series, while others assume knowledge of the original. Generally, publication order is safest—read the main series first, then explore prequels with context for their revelations.
Side Stories and Spin-offs
These can often be read at any point after being introduced to the main series, though some reference specific events. Publisher descriptions usually indicate where a spin-off fits chronologically.
Reboots and Alternate Versions
Some manga exist in multiple versions—the original serialization, a "perfect" or "complete" edition with revised art, or a remake with updated storytelling. Research which version fans recommend before starting.
Manga vs. Anime: Which First?
This eternal debate has no universal answer. Consider these factors:
Read the manga first if: You want the author's original vision, the series is ongoing (manga is typically ahead of anime adaptations), or the anime has significant pacing issues or filler content.
Watch the anime first if: The adaptation is known for exceptional quality (like Mob Psycho 100 or Demon Slayer), you prefer audiovisual storytelling, or you want to see if a series interests you before committing to dozens of volumes.
Resources for Manga Readers
Several online communities maintain detailed reading order guides for complex series. Websites like MyAnimeList and Anime-Planet offer both anime and manga databases with user reviews and recommendations. Subreddits dedicated to specific series often have pinned posts explaining optimal reading order.
Don't hesitate to ask for help. Manga communities are generally welcoming to newcomers, and experienced readers enjoy sharing their knowledge. The barrier to entry is lower than it appears—pick a series that interests you, start at Volume 1, and let the story take you where it wants to go.