Japanese culture has spread all over the world, and one of the most popular ways of consuming this culture is through manga. Nowadays, there are several options for reading manga online, both through scans, which are fan groups that translate and distribute the works, and on official platforms, which offer a cool, high-quality reading experience.
In this article, we will explore some of the best platforms and apps for reading manga online, with options that cover different languages and devices. We will also talk about the role of scans, which continue to be one of the main ways to access unlicensed manga in various countries.
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The Role of Scans in Manga Culture
Before talking about the official platforms, it's important to understand the role of "Scans" in the dissemination of manga around the world. Scans are groups of fans dedicated to digitizing, translating and distributing manga that has not yet been licensed in their country. This process, although controversial, has been key to many titles gaining popularity outside Japan, especially in regions where manga licensing is limited.
Most scans work on a voluntary basis, with dedicated fans investing their time to scan the pages of the manga, translate the content and edit the images to ensure a good reading experience. Although this method is technically illegal, it has helped popularize many titles that were later licensed by official publishers.
1. Crunchyroll Mangá
As well as being one of the largest anime streaming platforms, Crunchyroll also offers a vast library of manga. Users can access popular titles such as Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, The Seven Deadly Sins, and many others.
The platform has an easy-to-use interface and is available in several languages, including Portuguese, English, Spanish and French. For those who want to support the manga industry, Crunchyroll is an excellent option, with legal and regular access to new releases.
2. Comixology
Comixology, known for being a digital comic platform, is also one of the best options for reading manga online. It offers a vast collection of titles in various languages, such as English and 日本語, and is available on devices such as Kindle Fire, iOS, and Android.
Some of the most popular series available on Comixology include Lone Wolf and Cub, Attack on Titan and Fairy Tail. The platform is ideal for those who want a more traditional reading experience, with options to buy by chapter or volume.
3. Viz Media
For fans of English-language manga, Viz Media is one of the leading publishers and distributors of highly successful titles. The site offers access to thousands of volumes of manga, covering a wide range of genres, from action to romance.
Titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist and Naruto are available on the platform. Viz Media also offers apps for Android and iOS, making reading manga more accessible and practical.
4. MangaKakalot
If you're looking for a free platform to read manga, MangaKakalot is one of the most popular options. It offers a wide range of titles in various genres and is available to read directly in your browser. The interface is simple and straightforward, and the site is regularly updated with new releases. Although the content is offered free of charge, it is important to remember that these platforms are often not officially licensed.
5. Webtoons
Although mainly focused on manhwas (Korean webcomics), Webtoons also offers a wide range of titles that mix elements of manga and comics. It is one of the most popular platforms in the genre and allows users to read original and independent stories, as well as submit their own creations. The platform is available on mobile devices and offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface.
6. Bato.to
Bato.to is a platform known for its large community of manga fans. It offers a free reading experience, with manga in several languages, including English, Spanish and French. The site stands out for its chat functionality and active community, where fans can discuss the latest updates and releases.
7. Honto
Popular in Japan, Honto is an official platform that offers a large collection of Japanese-language manga. The interface is user-friendly and allows users to explore the latest and most popular titles in a wide range of genres. For those who prefer to read manga in its original language, Honto is an excellent choice.
8. ComicWalker
ComicWalker is a free platform that allows fans to read a selection of licensed manga directly in their browser. It's ideal for those who want a cool, high-quality experience, with titles in both Japanese and English. The interface is simple, and the site is regularly updated with new chapters.
9. NineManga
Website design is very simple, it has some advertisements. Extensive catalog, available in several languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian. It's always getting updates.
Reading manga on this site is relatively good if used on Desktop computers. Otherwise, you will have some problems using it on the mobile version.
9. MangaFox
MangaFox is one of the oldest and well-known platforms for reading manga online. It offers a vast selection of popular and lesser-known titles, spanning various genres such as action, romance, comedy, and horror. The platform is easy to navigate, and the chapters are updated regularly. Although the content is free, it is important to note that not all titles have official licensing.
10. MangaDex
MangaDex is a popular international platform among manga readers. It offers a clean interface, with minimal advertisements, and allows users to read manga in various languages, including English, 日本語, and Spanish. MangaDex is known for being a collaborative community, where scanlation groups can share their translations directly on the site.
Support the Manga Industry
Although scans have played a fundamental role in popularizing manga around the world, it's important to remember that supporting official platforms is crucial to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the industry. By buying manga legally, you are helping to finance the creation of new titles and the translation of works into other languages.
Whether through scans or official platforms, reading manga has never been more accessible than it is today. For fans who want to support the industry in a legal way, there are plenty of platforms and apps to explore.
For those who prefer to have their favorite works in physical format, Amazon offers a wide variety of manga translated into different languages, with complete collections and special editions that are great for collectors.