| Manga | Why read it | |-------|--------------| | Vagabond | Samurai epic based on Musashi Miyamoto. Gorgeous ink art, philosophical. Incomplete but legendary. | | Goodnight Punpun | Depressing masterpiece about growing up. Not for everyone. No anime. | | 20th Century Boys | From the author of Monster . A sprawling mystery about childhood friends vs. a cult. | | Oyasumi Punpun | See above – it’s that impactful. | | The Climber (Kokou no Hito) | Solitary mountain climbing as a metaphor for life. Stunning art evolution. |