Death Note is the ultimate gateway series. The cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami, a teen with a notebook that can kill, and L, a world-class detective, is legendary. Both the manga and anime are tight, suspenseful, and intellectually stimulating.

As a starting guide , it’s excellent. As a comprehensive recommendation, it falls short if it doesn’t challenge the viewer beyond the Shonen Jump canon. For best results, look for lists that separate “Beginner,” “Intermediate,” and “Deep Cut” sections.