Whether you pick up a manga volume from a bookstore or queue up an episode on Crunchyroll/Netflix, you cannot go wrong with any of these titles. Start with Death Note if you want something short and smart. Start with Attack on Titan if you want a wild ride. Or, if you are brave, pick up Berserk Volume 1 and have your soul changed forever.

The worlds of anime and manga have exploded in popularity over the last decade, transcending niche subculture to become a dominant force in global entertainment. Whether you are a complete newcomer looking for a place to start, or a seasoned otaku searching for your next binge-watch, finding the right title can be overwhelming. With thousands of series spanning every genre imaginable—from high-octane action to gut-wrenching drama—where do you begin?