The manga industry is bigger than ever, which is why books like The Essential Manga Guide are becoming increasingly relevant. With the best-selling manga reaching well over 100 million sales, new fans are likely curious about which series they should check out. However, differing cultural norms, a vast array of series to choose from, and the sheer length of some series can all be barriers to entry for anyone wondering where to start. Luckily, The Essential Manga Guide breaks down 50 of the most popular manga of all time to let fans know what manga will be worth their time.

Published by Running Press, written by Briana Lawrence, and illustrated by Ebipo, The Essential Manga Guide breaks down 50 popular manga series, analyzing their appeal and their historical relevance. In addition to discussing the 50 manga, the book goes over the history of the medium and how it arrived in the United States.

The meaty tome will be released on June 11th and is currently available for pre-order from Hatchett Book Group for $24.99 USD.

The Essential Manga Guide is an Exuberant Tribute to the Growing Medium

Lawrence’s Enthusiastic Prose and Ebipo’s Great Art Make the Book a True Treasure

The first thing that stands out about The Essential Manga Guide is the expressive prose by Briana Lawrence. Lawrence’s deep respect for the medium shines through on every single page. It’s infectious in a way, making every series sound just as deep or epic as the next. The 50 manga chosen also speak to Lawrence’s deep well of knowledge as series deserving of more attention are highlighted right alongside titans like Dragon Ball and One Piece. The Essential Manga Guide also comes with several useful pieces of information including fun facts and recommendations for manga not covered in the book.

In addition to Briana Lawrence’s engaging writing, The Essential Manga Guide also draws readers in with illustrations by Ebipo. Ebipo is a manga artist who does a fantastic job emulating a wide variety of styles. Just on the cover alone there appear to be references to Kamisama Kiss, Delicious in Dungeon, and Kuroko’s Basketball. Ebipo’s art in the actual book is equally as energetic, always supporting Lawrence’s writing in a way that makes the book feel quite cohesive.

Manga is an Art Form Deserving of the Kind of Respect & Analysis Shown by The Essential Manga Guide

It is easy to assume that manga is just a lesser form of anime, but that ignores the fact that there are many manga better than their anime adaptations. Manga is a unique medium with its own strengths. With The Essential Manga, Lawrence proves why manga is a legitimate art form worthy of respect and analysis. Filled with insight, The Essential Manga Guide lives up to its name and will be a welcome addition to any manga fan’s library.

Look for Running Press’ The Essential Manga Guide when it releases on June 11th!