In a review of "The Secret of Friendship," a commenter wrote, "I think manga like this can make the reader a better person."
That's what I'm looking for. Manga that make you better. This is a subjective question, but I think you know what I mean.
Here's an example: a huge number of mangas have protagonists who are determined. Some mangas have protagonists that are methodical. However, "Baby Steps" is a great manga because it A) shows how the lead does it, and B) makes me believe I could do it too.
When I read "Baby Steps" I want to be a better man, and not in the generic "I want to be a badass" way; I mean that Baby Steps gives me a real feeling that I could follow the character's example in this manga and be a better guy. Years from now, if I'm frustrated by a complex task, I could seriously see myself looking back and saying, oh, Eichan tackled this, I can do this.
Another example: without getting into it too much, I'm a bit like Arima from "Karekano" -- and maybe some of you are, too. When I have my doubts, I remember that
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
everything turned out the best for Arima, and they will for me too.
Karekano in general is a wonderful manga: though showing that though there can be downer parts to life, it's a joyous affair with love and friendship overall. Having read Karekano makes me feel that my friends will never let me down, ever. A lot of manga have friendship as a theme, but Karekano somehow does it right, in a way other manga I've read haven't.Maybe the character sets a good example (Kang-TooJee in "Change Guy" did that, by showing that a person can have the best in body and mind, and not be narcissistic about it.)
Maybe it's a manga that shows us the valuable of tolerance, or determination, or any other important virtue. Or maybe it's a horror manga which shows you what not to do.
What I'm looking for are manga that you've read that have had real results in your life, that have affected you in a good way. I'd prefer that the way it made you better would be something more than "This book taught me how to play mahjong!" although if that's a big part of your life, who am I to judge?
Any suggestions, and reason for the suggestions, appreciated!