Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented brain surgeon, chooses to save a young boy's life over a powerful politician's. Years later, he discovers that the boy he saved has grown into a cold-blooded serial killer.

This guide is divided into three tiers: (for absolute beginners), The Modern Classics (for those who want the best of the last decade), and The Deep Cuts (for viewers ready to explore beyond shonen battles).

- When Light Yagami, a high school student, stumbles upon a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note, he discovers that it has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. With the help of L, a genius detective, Light must use his wits to outsmart his enemies and create a utopian society without crime.

The world of anime and manga has exploded past the boundaries of "niche hobby" and into the global mainstream. With over a thousand new shows airing each year and countless manga volumes lining bookstore shelves, the biggest challenge for a new fan isn't finding a series—it's choosing where to start.

Light Yagami, a brilliant student, finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to cleanse the world of criminals, but a mysterious detective known as "L" is determined to stop him.

If you read only one manga on this list, make it Vagabond . Illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, it is arguably the most beautifully drawn comic in history. Using ink brushes, Inoue creates panels that belong in art museums.

Seinen / Psychological Thriller / Mystery The Hook: A surgeon saves the life of a boy who grows up to be a serial killer. A cat-and-mouse game across post-Cold War Europe ensues.

Naoki Urasawa is often cited as the master of suspense for a reason. Monster is not an anime with powers or high-stakes explosions. It is a slow-burn descent into the nature of evil. It feels less like a Japanese cartoon and more like a lost Hitchcock screenplay or a Dostoevsky novel brought to life.