A classic is 'Akira'. Set in a post - apocalyptic Neo - Tokyo, it delves into the powers of the human mind, politics, and the consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong. The detailed world - building and complex characters make it a must - read for any sci - fi fan.
Another great Chinese sci - fi novel is 'Wandering Earth' which also has a movie adaptation. It presents a unique vision of the future where the Earth has to be moved to survive. The story is full of action, adventure and the struggle of humanity against the harsh universe.
One of the best Japanese cyberpunk novels is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. Although Gibson is American, his work has had a huge influence on Japanese cyberpunk. In Japan, 'Akira' by Katsuhiro Otomo is a classic. It's not just a manga but also has a strong cyberpunk narrative with its post - apocalyptic Tokyo setting and themes of power, mutation, and technology. Another great one is 'Ghost in the Shell' by Masamune Shirow. It delves deep into the concept of what it means to be human in a world dominated by cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence.
Some great 'best new sci - fi fiction' titles include 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a unique take on alien contact and the challenges it poses to humanity. Another is 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which has a fascinating exploration of identity and a complex, far - reaching galactic setting.
Some of the best Japanese sci - fi novels include 'Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project'. It takes the complex world of Evangelion and delves deeper into the characters' lives and the overall plot in a unique way. Another great one is 'All You Need Is Kill' which has an interesting concept of a time - loop in a war - torn future. And 'Ghost in the Shell' is also a classic, exploring themes of human - machine interface and what it means to be human in a highly technological world.
For beginners, 'Akira' is a great start. It has a lot of action and a really engaging story that can draw you in right away. The art style is distinct and helps to bring the post - apocalyptic world to life.
The 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon is also a wonderful choice. It features diverse queer characters and a vast, epic fantasy world filled with magic, dragons, and political intrigue. The relationships between the characters add depth to the overall story and make it a very engaging read for those interested in queer fantasy.
One of the best Hollywood crime novels is 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1950s, with complex characters and a convoluted plot full of corruption, sex, and murder. The characters, like Detective Exley, are multi - dimensional and the story weaves through different layers of Hollywood glamour and crime.
One great Russian graphic novel is 'The Pilot and the Little Prince' which offers a unique take on Antoine de Saint - Exupery's classic. It combines Russian artistry with the beloved story.
Another great one is 'Blacksad'. This graphic novel series features anthropomorphic animals in a noir - like setting. The detailed illustrations bring the dark and moody world to life, and the stories are full of mystery and intrigue. Each volume explores different themes while maintaining a high - quality narrative.
One great Korean fantasy novel is 'The Tower of the God'. It has an incredibly immersive world - building with unique characters and a complex plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story is filled with action, mystery, and elements of magic that are distinctively Korean in flavor.