If Catherine isn't all about big eyes and backwards-reading books, then I suggest a non-manga graphic novel, as there are none on your list. Can't go wrong with Art Spiegelman's MAUS--a classic about Holocaust survivors wherein Jews are mice and Nazis, cats.

Oooh, a manga virgin. This will require care, and consideration. (^_^)

I think xxxHolic is a good, safe choice. The same goes for Fairy Tail. Both titles are really representative of the manga scene right now, but if I have to pick one from your list I'd go with xxxHolic.

But since you're taking suggestions (and I presume you prefer Del Rey titles), I strongly recommend the Air Gear manga. It's really popular on both sides of the Pacific, the art is amazing, and the story is a perfect blend of action and comedy.

Deathnote! It's themes are so unique and has lot's of twists and turns.

Deathnote! It's themes are so unique and has lot's of twists and turns.

I haven't read Parasyte, but it sounds great -- that gets my vote. I'd love to know what you think so I know if it's up my alley.

I'd recommend Genshiken if aliens, wizards, and the like aren't Catherine's thing. It will give her a peripheral view of those genres and some humorous insight into the lives of fanboys and girls. This series has pretty good character development, too!

If suggestions aren't restricted to Del Rey publications, Yotsuba&! is a cute and funny series about the daily exploits of a 5 year old girl.

Clarification from the boyfriend: I've never read a manga. But I constantly beg her to read every quality graphic novel I come across. Maybe I should check out whatever manga you all end up choosing, too...

From the descriptions, xxxHolic sounds the most interesting. Fairy Tail sounds like it could be cool, but I'm worried it would be way too cutesy, at least for me. Scott Pilgrim could go either way. Parasyte sounds pretty dang cool, but I can safely say it would kill Catherine. Please don't choose this.

I think xxxHolic is a good bet. If not, I recommend Eternal Sabbath.

Though I haven't read it, I'll put in a write-in for Buddha by Tezuka, based solely on the enthusiasm of its fans.

But really, my vote goes for Fruits Basket--it's a good introduction to manga themes, and it's extremely popular.

"My First Graphic Novel" is coming next. I was originally going to start with GNs, but we decided to go with Manga first because it is more difficult for the unfamiliar reader to understand--to "get"--and to read. The structure is more foreign and the art is more structured.

For example, a GN could have crazy, wild, almost incomprehensible art, but could still be a great GN for its story and movement. I don't think someone could get away with that in a Manga. (However, feel free to contradict me with some titles, because I am by no means an expert.)

And finally, we are definitely NOT limiting this voting/search to just Del Rey titles. My list is Del Rey heavy because that's where I work, that's where I was introduced to manga, and pretty much that's all I know. How did you all first start reading manga? Through suggestions from your friends, right? Well, the same goes with me. My friends just happen to publish these books. :)

I have to admit, I haven't read any of those titles. Of them, Fairy Tail sounds like the best choice. I may have to look into them myself.

Read XXXholic, although I personally wouldn't have chosen any of those for you to read. :\ Holic is probably the most Cat-friendly, and I do like it. If you read it, you might want to read up on CLAMP (author), too, since they're extremely famous! :D

Forrest--seriously? I was really pulling for Parasyte. I love it so much. Maybe I am just hoping that my overabundance of addiction and enthusiasm for that series will override any negative reaction Catherine may have. Shoot.

Since you're not looking at just Del Rey titles, I second the votes for Fruits Basket and Death Note. Death Note is a great psychological thriller with elements of horror, and Fruits Basket is just plain fun (^_^)

SCOTT PILGRIM!!! Even though I admit it's not exactly traditional manga; it is 100 tons of awesome. One of the most brilliant, joyous, fun, and charming comics I've come across in the last 10 years.

I'm voting for xxxHolic. Clamp does fantastic stories and artwork and they are just a classic type of manga team. Clover is a little manga they did, and I think one of the best ever.

If not, might I recommend some more mainstream stuff that you can watch the anime with: Deathnote, Bleach, InuYasha...

Read anything...manga rocks!

Aww, Forrest. And here i was getting ready to recommend Blade of the Immortal. In that case i'd totally second Scott Pilgrim! It may not be japanese, but its pure awesomeness makes up for it.

Basilisk. It's gorgeous.

Scott Pilgrim, hands down. Those are all great choices - but Scott Pilgrim has the virtue of being a seamless manga gateway drug, and of having the characters occasionally burst into synchronized ninja dance. Game, set, match.

Manga? Pfffft! It all looks like ジャングル大帝 to me.

That said, in addition to the abovenamed choices, you can't go wrong with any of the titles in the Cowboy BeBop series. Its true beauty is in how it proudly and wittily displays the general Japanese ignorance about facets of American culture much beloved in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Wow, a new guinea pig.

From Del Rey's stock, I recommend:

Air Gear - A stylistic blend of shounen with an ecchi side that will keep you screaming "PERVERT!" The art is beautiful and stylistic, and the characters bold and very daring.

xxxHolic - From the superhouse Clamp, xxxHolic tells the story of Kimihiro Watanuki and his part time job at a store led by Yuuko, the Witch of Dimensions. A great, comedic story with deep, engaging plots and mysteriousness that will keep you wanting more.

Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle - Honestly, I wonder why no one picked this one. As a complete new type in its genre that blends together all of CLAMP's previous works, TRC is a shounen manga on a twist of young romance that will let you traverse worlds, all in the name of saving the one you love.

I'd go with xxxHOLiC, simply because it does one thing I absolutely adore about manga: short story-arcs. While there is definitely an overall plot, the series is defined by the smaller adventures and conflicts that are undertaken and solved along the way. The characters are well-developed and the plot points all come together, so it's a very rewarding read - especially for a first manga.

As a second: Aquarian Age: Juvenile Orion is a really beautiful series, although I found it felt rather unfinished

I myself, however, will be investigating Parasyte.

Start with "Fruits Basket", because its really easy to get into. The themes are easy and its not confusing. It has it all: romance, comedy, and drama.

Although its a manwha and not a manga, "Goong" is a really, really good story about a modern teenage girl who is forced to marry the arrogant but hot prince of Korea. I recommend this one also.

xxxHolic!!! CLAMP IS THE BEST!!!!

I second David Farney - Maus might be a good non-manga graphic novel with which to start, or maybe Watchmen or V For Vendetta.

For manga: Love Hina was my first, and I fell totally in love with the series. Anything by Clamp is well worth reading. Other possibilities that I really enjoy are 3x3 Eyes, Sgt. Frog, and Oh My Goddess.

For the boyfriend-
Great Teacher Onizuka,Claymore,School Rumble,Black Lagoon,Slam Dunk,Beck.
For Catherine-
LovelyComplex,Nana,Pastel,Nodame,Suzuka,Blood+ (for both),Wallflower,Boys over Flowers.

Genshiken,Blade of Immortal,Welcome to NHK,Mushishi are great reads but I'm not so sure for first timers since it requires more manga exposure to really enjoy it.

I personaly started reading manga because I watched anime for quite some time and thought that manga was the only thing missing. I went to the shopping one day and found the first 3 volumes of basilisk for sale (there were several other mangas but basilisk was the only vol 1 available). I bough them and liked it a lot.
But I recommend xxxHOLiC, because the drawings are simple (better start simple), but the story is really captivating.

I would recommend "Monster". Probably the best manga I have ever read.

I would recommend "Monster". Probably the best manga I have ever read.

Even though I haven't read any of this manga, I have heard great things about the manga xxxHolic. I really enjoy clamp. They have great art, and great stories. To me, those are the most important qualities of a manga. My favorite manga series is Yu Yu Hakusho. Yes, I'm a girl who's addicted to fighting manga and shojo manga. I hope you pick the right manga for you! Best of luck! ^^

-Hikaru (a really obsessed
anime otaku.)

Parasyte (kiseijuu) is a classic, and provides a more "grown up" story than the rest on your list. Definately a great sci-fi story with an awesome plot and freaky aliens, you have to check that one out.

...I vote for XXX HOLIC because CLAMP BOOKS are the ones to be remember by and are the ones that just seems to go on forever. I suggest Merupuri myself because that was my first manga book that I read...

As far as previously named choices are concerned, you certainly can't go wrong with Fruits Basket. Several gazillion people buying each new volume as they come out can't be wrong. ^_~

As for new suggestions, how about Love Roma or Maison Ikkoku? The former's a nice, quirky romantic comedy with an art style that doesn't really say "manga" right away. The latter was MY gateway manga 11 years ago, a love story that starts off simple and builds to a lovely, fitting crescendo.

Wow, Parasyte. It's been YEARS since I've read that manga, and never did get the chance to finish it. Although, out of all of the choices, I'd have to go with xxxHolic hands down. I just love CLAMP's storytelling.

Hopefully, it will be the first of many manga she'll read to come. ^_^

From this list I would go with xxxHolic, though I would also say to read Tsubasa with it, as those two go together. On a side note, xxxHolic is the piece that combines all of CLAMP's work into a multi-verse.

Now the choice of what to read should be decided upon Catherine's personal preference, like what do you like to read most, romance, drama, psychological thrillers, murder mysteries,sci-fi, everyday life, and the such. Look at Fruits Basket, Tenshi Ja Nai, After School Nightmare, Nana, Ouran High School Host Club, Death Note, D.Grayman, Naruto, Bleach (yes those last two are huge but they are a good read with lots of action and tales of growing up, I personally love Naruto, the theme of the importance of bonds runs rampant through that series) Alice 19th, Fushigi Yuugi, Nana (a really good read, but if you want something of Ai Yazawa's for a quick intro to her look at Paradise Kiss then get to Nana) and what I consider to be the end all in everything, my most favorite manga of all, it's the series that got me into collecting every little thing I could find from it, from wallscrolls to phonebuddies to playing cards is Rurouni Kenshin, it might be a bit old but this is still my favorite series after 13 years of being an anime fan.

Death Note - would be a great choice. It seems that many are critical of this title because it's a mainstream manga, but I guarantee that it'll be an exciting and pleasurable read if you just give it a try. Cliffhangers, Murder and machinations, elements that make Death Note such a great manga. And that is why so many people have indulged themselves in reading such an epic manga.

IF you are more interested romance manga, Fushigo Yugi is definitely an interesting read. Sensual Phrase is another great suggestion for those who're into more mature stuff. Death Note's storyline is still executed in a better way, compared to any other story I've read [and I've read A LOT. I've been watching anime since I was a child.]

I've been reading since I was in middle school (I'm in my senior year of high school) but it was still at the time when manga was really just starting to become a bit popular in the United States. However, one manga that really kind of started the whole trend was, and don't kill me for saying this, Love Hina. It's a bit of cutesy read, but I still don't remember laughing near as much while I was reading another manga.

Of course now Ken Akamatsu is now currently busy with Negima, which is also let's you get a good idea of the Japanese culture as well because there's like 6 pages of translation notes at the back of all the books to explain some things you might not have understand.

I would also recommend as others have, Death Note, which has one of the greatest stories I've ever read, both in how it's told and the morals that are debated throughout the entire book.

You could always go really mainstream with Naruto, Bleach, and a personal favorite One Piece (excellent story and art, just avoid the anime for god's sake xD). These all have very interesting stories, but I believe you would want a series you could pick up and finish as those (and Negima) are also still in production.

In my opinion, one of the greatest and most underrated manga titles that is officially in print in the U.S. is "From Eroica with Love." A lot of manga fans simply snub it because it is an older title. (It was first written in the late 1970s, and is on-going to this day.) The writing and characterization is superb, and it's utterly hilarious. I shall warn you that the first volume does not set the tone for the series, and is by far the weakest volume of the bunch.

Also, may I suggest that you look at the titles found on this page: http://shaenon.livejournal.com/60625.html I haven't read all of those titles myself (some are reeeeaaally hard to find), but most of the ones I have read have not disappointed me.

Oh, and if you come across anything written by Moto Hagio, Keiko Takemiya, or Osamu Tezuka, then read it! Seriously, more of their work deserves to be published in English than what is currently available.

Well from what I see, the only ones I've read were Fary tail and xxholic. Both of them were very entertaining and Iwas hooked with the story. That's my opinion though, if she's into sci-fi, parasyte doesn't look bad, considering the synopsis

If you don't mind my consideration, a manga that is very enjoyble is Skip Beat. I'm not particularly fond of Romantic comedies, bu this was enjoyable.

If she likes action, D-Grayman might be a good choice. If horror, even mystery is her prefrence, then Godchild might be perfect.

THese are just some of the mangas I like, and I would recomend to anyone. But it depends on what her prefrence first of all. I mean if she likes romatic genres she might notlike a sports anime.

Hopefully she'll like whatever choice you choose. Good luck, and hopefully you let us know what she thinks.

Ja mata ne

i think u should read XXXHolic first because it really is a good mystery. And it may even scare you. EHEH like me. lmao

XXXHolic is good manga to read. I've read some of it online and its really good!

ANY manga? ... *rub hands in delight* This would be very interesting indeed.

A little list:

1) Fruits Basket from TOKYOPOP: The safest and most touching story you will read in your life.
2) The Record of Fallen Vampire from Viz: The fact that it's about vampires is a plus. And the only one that made me cry for a whole volume.
3) Hellsing from Dark Horse: There's extreme violence and horror. And then there's Hellsing brand of extreme violence and horror. 'nuff said.
4) Le Chevalier D'Eon from Del Rey: The fact that Psalms are used as spells is an interesting concept.
5) Death Note: A personal favorite. Especially enjoyed the psychological concepts and subtle manipulation.

Of course, there's always the more popular series, i.e. Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, etc. (Just don't watch the anime please! XD)

What about Emma (published by CMX)? This could be a good choice if Catherine is generally into romance stories, and particularly if she's ever gone through a Jane Austen phase in her reading. Emma's a bit different, for a manga, in that it takes place in Victorian England, and therefore the reader doesn't have to know anything about modern Japan. The storyline is fairly slow-paced, there are no supernatural elements, no horror or gore...it's really just a thoughtful, gentle little look at class differences and romance in the Victorian era. If Catherine is at all familiar with Victorian fiction, then this might be a nicely accessible manga to start with.

Naoki Urasawa's Monster, especially considering the most recent volume (16), is the best thing on shelves right now. So obviously, that's what I'd suggest. There's minimal knowledge of japanese culture required, (unlike with something like Azumanga Daioh) and the atypical plot and genre is much better than just throwing her a copy of Naruto or Kenshin or what-have-you CLAMP.

Parasyte is another good one, albeit the slightly bland artwork, but still makes you think. I wouldn't really go with any of the others on your list.

Mushishi has great artwork, and it's episodic nature makes it easy to pick up. It's also not one of those "cheap twists" paranormal series (Like the disappointing Nightmare Inspector.) The world is very detailed and believable.

Pluto is forthcoming from Viz, but if you wait until February when it comes out, that'll knock her socks off. It is really my favorite translated manga series. (Now, if only someone would license Soil and Nasu... *hint,hint*)

Sexy Voice and Robo is another fantastic one in terms of art, and the story is fun and avoids all the manga cliche's that can scare people away from the medium.

Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation is a very cutesy series that I find myself salivating for the next volume of. The art has a lot of flair, and it's like Harry Potter with a lot more action and less school. If she's squeamish about gore or adult situations, this would be a good choice.

Blade of the Immortal has artwork that's unbelievably detailed in many places, and while it's a lot of dismemberment and torture, there's just enough romance to make it balanced.

All other comedy manga bows to Cromartie High School. And it's not a "lost-in-translation" type of humor, either. My dad loves it too.

The Embalmer has just enough cutesy romance to make you smile, despite all the death. It's got a funny cast and some very moving episodic stories. Also, it's not horribly long.

Planetes is a pretty obvious and common recommendation, too. It's a science fiction classic, mainly because it's just so believable. It reads like a glimpse 50 or 60 years into the future. The characters are really varied and interesting, too.

Trigun is good, but Trigun Maximum is amazing. I wouldn't recommend this as a first series, but rather for "further reading."

Nodame Cantabile, Emma and Love Roma are the only romance series I'll go near. Emma is the only one I'd recommend for a first series. Love Roma will tend to get buried in Japanese humor at times, which might be a little alienating, and Nodame Cantabile may take patience for people who are more into the "give it to me now" style romance.

Also, King City! I almost forgot. Great artwork, genuinely funny. I love it... and I'm kind of addicted to looking for updates on the artist's DA page right now.

As far as graphic novels, I'd have to say The Complete Persepolis is a great deal, and Peter Kuper's adaptation of The Metamorphosis is good, too, especially if she's a lit geek like me.

Well, there are my suggestions. You can find most of these at any Borders.

from the list although i don't know the other titles i believe xxxholic is a safe choice, after all clamp is one of the most known artists and the mystery behind every panel, the stories which make you view the world in acompletely diferent way, the drawings that pull you into a completely different and magic world. it defenitly is a manga anyone would enjoy.
the caracters are unique and they grow up and mature as the manga progresses forward, the sceneries and stories are original, beautiful and very well timed, if anything you will also change by reading it like it did to me :)
other manga i can recomend is most clamp works such as sakura (despite it being for a more younger audience it's sweet and romantic), tsubasa chronicle which is linked to xxxholic, fruits basket one of the sweetest and funny although a little dramatic love stories found among growing up and moving on leaving the past behind but not forgotten, chobits, and from other authors karin, vampire knight, ouran high school, alice gakuen, perfect girl evolution, mars, emma and so on it depends on what you like but any of these would make an ejoyable read but so many exist most will give you a different list on great mangas lol

I'd recommend Katekyo Hitman Reborn! if you like comedy with a bit of fighting action. It's lots of fun and got me hooked at the first 5 pages!

my first manga was Di Gi Charat... but really, I would have to suggest anything by Arina Tanemura.

Hmmmmm for a first readread somthing like Fruits Basket, but from the choices xxxHolic would be best. And if you read Tsubasa (another title by CLAMP) at the same time you may notice some tie-ins.

A really great series is DEATHNOTE!!!!!!
It is awesome and if you don't want to read you can watch the anime, there is an English dub for the whole series. It's a must read for an manga/anime lover/otaku.

Another great title if you like shojo is Kitchen Princess, because its very cute and "light" not having to do with other mature topics (lol)

And if you love violence and blood/gore you MUST read Claymore, Trinity Blood or/and Blood+. There are many other titles to recommend but since you are a *gasp* manga virgin you gotta start light.

HOPE YOU ENJOY THE MANGA EXPERIENCE~~~~~~~~~~~~!

For a first time reader of manga, I would personally go with something very simple. Sometimes manga and anime can be really out there...and that alone is enough to drive many people away. So, perhaps go with a manga that is very realistic. Honestly, based on that, I would recommend anything by Yazawa Ai (Paradise Kiss or NANA). Her art style is not super outlandish, and her storylines are very down-to-earth. The characters are often easy to imagine as real people, as are their situations. The only problem I see with this is the length of the stories. NANA is an extraordinarily long series, but that might not be a bad thing, depending on whether or not your friend takes to it. Paradise Kiss is only five volumes long, so that might be better to go with. If I have to recommend any single volume to start your friend off with though it would be Bryan Lee O'Malley's "Lost At Sea." This is a one volume manga, so it would be a good stepping stone. The story is also intriguing, and it has quite a lot of psychological depth to it. It is outlandish in some aspects, but not overly so...it is outlandish in a way that many people can deal with, I suppose is the best way to put it. So I guess...

My recommendation is Bryan Lee O'Malley's "Lost At Sea."

Hope that helps. ^_^

i recommend school rumble b/c is funny is romantic and it has action also in some parts it may bring a tear to your eye and it may not make seance at first but anyway manga docent have to make seance. I hope i could help.

Parasyte, definetely parasyte.

Parasyte, definetely parasyte.

Parasyte, definetely parasyte.

my first manga was Bleach after a friend explained what a manga was and that I looked like the main character. I quickly became hooked and since have read 1?? manga of different genre. If one's interested in life ater death read this.
However the manga that has since spured my interest has been Negima. A funny/romantic manga of wizards, vampires and robots and the occasional decendent from the future to make one laugh. Hey if you like the thought of a TEN year old getting hit on by his 31 female teenage students then read this. The art work has really come a long way since the days of My Santa, AI Love You and Love Hina while seeing the growth of the characters along with the artist is always a benefit, reading how Ken-dono maintains the creation of human emotion is stuning. With one liners from old grandpas trying to get their grandaughters a boyfriend in the most unlikely person.

Go Negi.