With so much manga out there, it can be a little daunting trying to decide where to start! In this post I recommend a few of my favourite shoujo series that I believe are rather easy to get into, and that will make you want to keep reading! All of the recommended series are available in both English and Japanese.
There will be links to purchase and sample all titles through Amazon, K-Manga, and various Japanese E-Readers
*Please note that I am an Amazon affiliate! That means I may make a small commission, at no extra expense to you!*
Colette Decides to Die / コレットは死ぬことにした
What’s it about?
Colette is a young, incredibly overworked, apothecary. Though she loves her job with all her heart, it leaves her without much time to eat, let alone sleep. One day as she’s fetching water from the well behind herself, yet another patient comes looking for her. Her stress combined with a multitude of sleepless nights finally catch up with her, and she falls down the well.
Upon waking up, she finds herself in a prison cell. What’s more, there are a few talking skeletons talking amongst themselves on the other side. They lament that their master—the lord of the underworld, Hades—has fallen ill and needs a doctor. Colette is then given the opportunity to treat an ultra-special patient. One that isn’t all the interested in receiving help.
Why I recommend this series
Colette Decides to Die is a slow burn romance, that fully explores both main character’s hopes and dreams. Both Colette and Hades prioritize their jobs above all else, and they bond as they both realize they are overworked. As this is a rather long series, all introduced characters are given time to fully develop.
This is a touching story about romance, familial bonds, and the importance of having friends that you can rely on.
Failure at God School / 神さま学校の落ちこぼれ
What’s it about?
Nagi is a shrine daughter, born with no magical power in a world where gods and goddesses exist. After an accident stole her goddess grandmother and caused her psychic brother to lock himself away in his room, Nagi has been fulfilling all of the shrine duties by herself.
In her town, there have been whispers of kami kakushi—god-nappings—happening. Just Nagi’s luck, as she’s on her way to catch the bus one day, she stumbles upon the next would-be victim. She’s able to save the boy from a mysterious fate, but even she isn’t sure how accomplishes it. The next morning, she is met with an invitation to god school, a school specially designed to help train those with godly powers. Only, Nagi is sure she is powerless!
Why I recommend this series
Shoujo manga is not a synonym for romance manga, and I think this is the perfect series to represent that! This is a story that follows Nagi on her quest to discover herself, and to save her brother. There is quite a large ensemble of interesting characters, and as the story goes on, they turn into Nagi’s second family.
This is a story about believing in yourself, and the importance of teamwork!
Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite / 推しに甘噛み
What’s it about?
Hina is one of the world’s most powerful vampires, who only concerns herself with one thing: otaku culture. She is so obsessed with all things Japanese pop culture, that she moves away from her family home to experience Japan first-hand. There, she quickly meets her neighbour, a young man who somehow looks exactly like her favourite anime character!?
This young man is lucky to have caught Hina’s attention, as while she does bring her own set of problems, his blood smells so delicious that it attracts all the nearby vampires. While he would be totally defenceless if he was on his own, there aren’t many vampires who can match Hina’s strength.
Why I recommend this series
This is a very fun comedy series written by the author of Kamisama Kiss! If you’re a fan of oshi-katsu or otaku culture in general, you’ll find yourself quickly becoming a fan of Hina!
This manga is rather unique, as while things are typically kept lighthearted and comedic, the author doesn’t shy from making some of the vampiric scenes extra-spooky. Just when you’ve forgotten exactly how powerful Hina is, the world turns upside-down and black just to remind you.
Glasses With a Chance of Delinquent / メガネ、時々、ヤンキーくん
What’s it about?
When Momose was in middle school, she was tormented by her delinquent classmates. Now a high school student, she has changed her appearance and is trying to distance herself from her middle school self. When given the opportunity, she ends up joining the “helper” club at her school—a club that offers help to her classmates and other clubs. Her fellow club member, Ichikura, is a diligent, studious boy. At least, that’s what she thought until he let his mask slip—it turns out he’s a so-called “former” delinquent. Once he learns about Momose’s history and fear of delinquents, he sets out on a mission to show her that not all delinquents are scary.
Why I recommend this series
This is a very lighthearted, fun and fluffy rom-com series! While the romance does begin in the first volume, the author takes their time to slowly build up Momose and Ichikura’s relationship. Rather than insta-love, we get to watch as they learn more about each other and slowly fall more in love. You’ll never find yourself questioning why they are dating.
In the later volumes new characters are introduced, allowing for quite a bit more comedy and a bit of action to take place.
This series will also be getting an anime soon!
A Sign of Affection / ゆびさきと恋々
What’s it about?
Yuki is a deaf university student who makes a chance encounter with Itsuomi, a multilingual boy with a love for exploration. The two quickly become drawn to each other, and slowly begin developing a romantic relationship. Not everyone is ready to root for them—Yuki’s friend is worried Itsuomi is taking advantage of her, and Itsuomi’s friend has had her eye on him for a long time now. As the two of them are young adults experiencing the freedoms that only university can give, they aren’t about to let others put a stop to what they want.
Why I recommend this series
If you’re looking to read a romance story where everything is sweet as cotton candy, this is what I would recommend to you. The plot is completely focused on Yuki and Itsuomi’s relationship from the very first chapter. While there are bits of drama here and there that threaten their relationship, they’re strong enough to make it through anything.
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