Walk into any large bookshop and you are sure to find colourful shelves packed full of "backwards" stories. For those who don't already know, they're manga comics, and one of their features is that - in keeping with the Japanese originals - they are printed backwards.
So why is manga so popular? We talked to some of the experts to find out more about this booming genre.
Our first call was on Steve, of the specialist shop Gosh Comics, based in London's Soho. He pointed out that manga belongs to a very specific subculture of comics with a very distinct and exotic look. "I think this can resonate with teenagers in particular who are curious about the world and their place in it and can often be intrigued by ideas and art from other countries as a way of distinguishing themselves from the place they are from."
Bookshop manager turned graphic novel critic PM Buchan said: "When I was managing the book stock for a busy comic book store in Newcastle, pretty much the only reason that teenage girls were coming into the shop was to buy manga. Shelves and shelves of the stuff. Because for the first time in decades there were comics available that actually spoke to them directly. It didn't matter whether they were horror manga, like Junji Ito's Tomie, or shonen manga like Naruto, there was no stigma attached to girls reading manga in the same way that there was superhero comics, and there was a diverse range of manga being translated, made by women and for women."
Not only is manga more accessible for readers, but it has inspired a whole new generation of writers. Buchan added: "At the moment we're seeing the first generation of British comic creators who grew up reading manga, all beginning to finally meet mainstream success. People like Emma Vieceli, Kate Brown and Paul Duffield all grew up watching translated anime and reading comics at the time Tokyopop began the proliferation of English-language manga adaptations in book and comic stores. These are creators influenced by the Japanese style of storytelling, and they're acting as role models for younger manga readers who want to create manga of their own."
One problem facing newcomers to manga is simply the overwhelming choice. Where do you begin? So we've put together our own guide to the top manga series for teens. If you have any other suggestions, let us know at childrens.books@guardian.co.uk and we'll add them to the list. Let's make this the go-to destination for manga lovers.
One word of warning: Manga can include strong themes.
Top manga series for teens
1. Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, in a fictional world where alchemy rules. However, when they try to resurrect their mother a tragic accident occurs and Edward loses his limbs and Alphonse his body. The series follows their adventures as they try to find the philosopher's stone to restore their health. After a visit from the state military they agree to join up in return for help finding the stone and their adventures begin.
2. Naruto
Originally a one-shot comic this series is now on it's 64th release and still has a way to go. Naruto is a teenage ninja in training. As a child he was orphaned when his village was attacked by the powerful fox, Nine-Tails and a number of people, including his parents, were killed. Although he doesn't know it to begin with, the fox demon has been trapped within Naruto and he continues his training unaware. The series showcases his training, exams and missions as he grows up.
3. Bleach
The inspiration for feature films, video games and even rock musicals, Bleach is one of the most popular manga series. Ishigo could always see spirits but when one passes some of her Spirit Pressure energy through to him, he is given the powers of a Soul Reaper. With his new powers he now has the responsibility to guide people through to the afterlife and protect humans from the evil spirits and Hollows that threaten them.
4. Death Note
When Light Yagami discovers a spiritual book called the "Death Note" he doesn't quite know what he's found until a shinigami (death god) called Ryuk explains that when someone's name is written in the book, they die. Light plans to use the book to wipe out the criminal underworld but with so many thugs and villains passing away people can't help but start to notice. Soon Light goes from being the hunter to the hunted.
5. Akira
The series is set in a bleak 2019 (2030 in later publications), after third world war Tokyo has been re-built as Neo-Tokyo and crime is rife. Biker gangs ride the streets looking for anything to entertain themselves but when one discovers the government is behind the destruction of old Tokyo they realise it was the fallout of an experiment gone horribly wrong and it all has something to do with a young boy known as Akira.
6. Black Butler
Ciel Phantomhive disappeared on the night of his 10th birthday, the same night a fire wrecked his family home and his parents are murdered. A month later he returns to take over the illustrious family business with a butler named Sebastian Michaelis. People think he is just a hugely attentive man but little do they know that the two have made a pact. The butler must help Ciel tie up all his loose ends and avenge his parents death, then Sebastian will get what he wants...
7. Dragonball
Teenagers Goku and Bulma join forces to track down the seven dragonballs as once they find them all they will be able to ask the dragon Shenlong for one true wish. During their travels Goku trains in martial arts and they meet numerous people that both help and hinder their mission but with a wish at stake they are not the only people hunting the dragonballs.
This series continued on to become Dragonball Z.
8. Blue Exorcist
Rin Okumura and his twin brother Yukio were raised by well-known exorcist Father Shiro but during a bitter argument it is let slip that the twins true father is Satan, which explains Rin extraordinary strength. When Rin witnesses Shiro die which trying to protect him, Rin decides to battle his heritage, swearing to beat Satan and begins training as an exorcist himself. But can he hide his history and the demon battling within.
9. Astro Boy
One of the original manga series, first published in 1952, it follows the Ministry of Science creation known as Astro Boy. Created by Doctor Tenma after the death of his son, Astro Boy was made more human than most robots but after he realises the mistake he's made the Doctor pushes Astro boy away.
Eventually he ends up in the hands of professor who discovers his powers and his ability to feel emotions. from then on Astro Boy is a crime fighting good guy, battling evil robots and alien invaders.
Your suggestions
Ewan
My other suggestions would be Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki - I think it's the only comic book he's done but it's just as absorbing as his animated films and even more epic - and Tekkonkinkreet by Taiyo Matsumoto; his deceptively rough drawing style is rather different to what you'd expect from most manga, being more influenced by European comics, but it's a beautifully surreal tale about an unusual friendship. I know that Paul Duffield, who you mentioned in the article, is very influenced by his work.
Ron
What about any about girls? Ghost in the Shell, maybe, but what about something from Clamp, the all-female and highly talented quartet of magna artists who have produced such excellent work as Tsubasa (multi-dimensional love quest with tragic twist), Chobits (human-android love story), XXXholic (humorous horror) and Angelic Layer (gladiatorial battles with small fighting robots)? Then there's stuff like Steel Angel Kurumi and Love Hina, Cowboy Bebop, His And Her Circumstances and so many more that would appeal to girls as much as, if not more so, than some of your choices.
Samuel
One Piece is another well-known and very popular manga. It's very imiginative and, in my opinion, better than the two other 'popular manga' which were in your list, Bleach and Naruto. Another 'great' absent in the list is Rurouni Kenshin. I enjoyed its anime-form "Samurai X" very much and the manga is even better.
Dagger Child
Firstly, why is everything from the pubescent boys' shelf? Nothing for Twilight fans like "Vampire Knight"? Secondly, where is "Alita"? It goes beside "Akira" and "Ghost In The Shell", always. Finally, "Nightschool", which I adore even more than Sandman. (They now have her drawing James Patterson scripts - Neil, you need to save her!)
Gabriella
For me, the great absent of your list is Rurouni Kenshin. A beautiful manga whose storytelling is based on love, honor and courage. Rurouni Kenshin also helped many teenagers to decide to study japanese as a foreign language. In Mexico we received this manga under the name of "Samurai X"
Ramon
What? No mention of Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima's classic Lone Wolf and Cub? It's is a epic work reknown for is complex characters, historical detail, wondeful artwork, and the iconic title characters. I suggest you give it a read if you missed this one (though, with the exception of a charming tribute/cameo in Genndy Tartakovsky's "Samurai Jack," I'd skip any of the film and TV adaptations).
Amritpal
I noticed some very interesting manga here and am ever so glad that you chose to include Full Metal Alchemist but I saw no reference to Buso Renkin which is also very interesting! It's about a child (teen) who is killed in battle, later revived using a special alchemical talisman. However having been resurrected the main character must fight to preserve the female alchemist who saved him, which expands into a very lovely story about love, battle and the idea of an 'inner strength' through the use of the main character's Buso Renkin. Very interesting characters, one fellow dresses up as a butterfly for some reason, and nice plot-line.
Antje
I was very pleased to read your very positive article on manga as a genre, and while I certainly agree that Fullmetal Alchemist belongs at the top of any list of manga (for teens or otherwise), I find the remainder of your list somewhat one-sided and biased. It lists pretty much exclusively shonen manga, which with their male-dominated cast, male main protagonists, and high density of fights and battles (whether with ninja skills as in Naruto, or with swords in Bleach) is directed at and appeals mainly to male teenagers.
I'm not saying that girls can't enjoy this manga as well, but most certainly none of the series on your list is "made by women and for women", as you put it in your article.
Shojo manga can be a bit sickly sweet, but for manga with a bit more romance than martial interest I would for example recommend Ouran High School Host Club (a girl disguised as a boy in a rather crazy elite high school), or Kamisama Hajimemashita (about a young girl who gets conferred the powers of a deity, and goes to live in a temple with its fox guardian spirit).
Three more of my favourite series which stand out among the rest and can appeal to both male and female teenagers are Natsume Youjinchou (about a boy who can see demons, and helps both humans and demons with their problems), Rurouni Kenshin (about a wandering samurai in Meiji-era Japan) and Hikaru no Go (a young boy's journey to becoming a profession Go-player, helped by the ghost of a long-dead Go-master).