You’ve watched the anime, fallen in love with the characters, and now you’re desperate to find out what happens next. It’s time to dive into the original source: the manga! But if you live outside of Japan, you might be wondering, “Where can I actually get it?”
Finding manga legally can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think. There are many fantastic official services that let you read manga digitally or buy physical copies, all while directly supporting the creators who work so hard to bring these stories to life.
This guide will show you the best places to read manga legally, so you can avoid risky illegal sites and enjoy your favorite series with peace of mind.
Digital Manga: Read Instantly on Any Device
For instant access, digital manga is the perfect choice. You can buy and read it on your phone, tablet, or computer.
1. BookWalker Global
BookWalker Global is one of the best digital stores specifically for manga and light novels. It’s operated by KADOKAWA, a major Japanese publisher, so you know it’s legit.
- Best for: A huge selection from many different publishers, frequent sales and promotions, and a great reading app.
- Why we love it: It’s a one-stop shop for manga fans, and you can often get new releases on the same day they come out in Japan.
2. MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA
If you’re a fan of series from Weekly Shonen Jump like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, or My Hero Academia, then MANGA Plus is essential. It’s the official app from the publisher, Shueisha.
- Best for: Reading the latest chapters of popular Jump series for free and at the same time as they are released in Japan (this is called a “simulpub”).
- How it works: Typically, the first three and the latest three chapters are available for free. To read the entire series, you may need to use their app or look for the collected volumes on other platforms.
3. VIZ Manga / Shonen Jump App
For readers in North America, the VIZ Manga app (which includes the Shonen Jump library) is a powerhouse. VIZ Media is one of the largest English-language manga publishers.
- Best for: An incredible all-you-can-read subscription model. For a small monthly fee, you get access to a vault of over 10,000 manga chapters.
- Why we love it: The value is unbeatable for avid readers. It’s a fantastic way to discover new and classic series legally.
4. Amazon Kindle
Don’t forget Amazon Kindle! Many official English translations of manga are available for purchase on the Kindle store.
- Best for: Convenience. If you already use a Kindle or the Kindle app, it’s easy to build your manga library here.
- Tip: Make sure you are buying from the official publisher (like VIZ Media, Kodansha USA, or Yen Press) and not an unofficial upload.
Physical Manga: For Those Who Love to Own the Book
There’s a special joy in holding a physical book. If you’re a collector, these sites will ship manga right to your doorstep.
1. Crunchyroll Store (formerly Right Stuf Anime)
The Crunchyroll Store is a massive online retailer for anime, figures, and of course, manga. They are experts in packing books carefully so they arrive in perfect condition.
- Best for: A huge selection of physical manga, pre-orders for upcoming releases, and excellent packaging for international shipping.
2. CDJapan
CDJapan is a fantastic site that exports all kinds of Japanese pop culture items, including a great selection of manga—both in English and in the original Japanese.
- Best for: Finding manga, art books, magazines, and character goods all in one place.
3. Your Local Amazon (Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, etc.)
Your country’s local Amazon site is often the easiest way to buy translated manga volumes. Major publishers sell their books directly through Amazon.
- Best for: Fast (and often free) shipping, especially if you have a Prime membership. It’s a reliable and simple option.
A Warning About Illegal Scanlation Sites
When you search for manga online, you will find illegal sites that post unauthorized scans (these are called “scanlations”). Please avoid these sites.
- They Hurt Creators: The authors and artists receive no money from these sites. Supporting official releases ensures they can continue making the stories you love.
- They Are Unsafe: Illegal sites are often full of viruses, malware, and intrusive ads that can harm your computer.
- The Quality is Lower: Official translations are done by professionals and have high-quality lettering and editing.
By choosing to buy from one of the legal sources above, you’re not only getting a better and safer product, but you’re also casting a vote for the future of manga.
Happy reading!
