Trying to read a Japanese comic can be a little daunting when you enter the world of manga. The direction, for western readers, feels "backward," and you may be unsure of where to look next.
However, once you get the hang of it, the stories will open your eyes to new perspectives and ideas. Here's how to get started reading manga.
Start at the Back of the Book
The first thing beginners have to get used to is the flow. Reading manga can feel counter-intuitive to someone accustomed to western comics. That's because the cover of a manga sits at what westerners would consider the back of the book. Open the "back cover" to begin reading a volume of manga (known as a tankōbon).
Manga Is Read Top to Bottom, and Right to Left
The way to follow a manga page is also drastically different from that of a western comic. Where western comics are read from left to right; manga are read from right to left. Individual panels always start at the top right. When you reach the far left of the page, readers should return their eye to the far-right, and continue to read the next row of panels. Another bit of advice is that, if the panels are vertical, start with the topmost panel, and then read downward.
Even if panels don't line up perfectly, readers should stick with the right-to-left; top-to-bottom rule. Begin with the topmost panel, and then make your way to the bottom. Remember to always follow right to left.
Word Bubbles Flow Right to left, Too
Word bubbles in manga are read much in the same way as the panels. Again, readers should follow right to left; top to bottom. Begin with the word bubble on the top right, and move to the left. If multiple word bubbles are in one panel, you should still read them right to left; top to bottom.
Manga Has Some Small Quirks
This part can be a little confusing to new readers: The gutters -- that is, the space between panels -- of manga are a little more explicit in what they do than in western comics. In manga, the gutter is a strong indication of time passing or changing. For example, when the gutters are black,that generally indicates that a part of the story is taking place in the past. When the gutters fade from black to white, it's an indication the story is moving into, or out of, a flashback sequence.
By contrast, western comics tend to use gutters more to create pacing for the reader. In comic books, a black gutter usually indicates the artist wants the reader to slow down and really take in the information. It can also make fight scenes move a little more slowly because readers will look at panels slower. If you ever find yourself getting lost on a page, don't be afraid to go back and reread the whole thing.
Which Manga to Start With
It's best to start with the first volume or chapter of a series, rather than jump into the latest issue, as you might do with long-running superhero comic. If you're looking for something similar to the latter, Dragon Ball offers classic shonen ("boys" comics) action, while My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba are three great modern hits. If you're looking for something slower-paced, then "slice=of-life" titles like Barakamon or Classmates: Dou Kyu Sei might be for you. If you're into horror, then Tokyo Ghoul or No Longer Human will give you chills, while romance fans might want to start with Fruits Basket or Ouran High School Host Club. In terms of genre, the options really are endless.
It can be intimidating to figure out where to find your feet with manga. That's because there are so many stories, and reading them is a learned skill. However, like any skill, it just requires a little time and practice. The payoff is that you'll open yourself up to a whole new world of comics to explore.