Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
Not recommended
Content we'd steer families away from.
Sign in to save your wishlist and reading history across devices.
- Published
- 1988
- Ages
- 17–99
About the book
About the book
A classic body horror manga about a high school student whose right hand is possessed by a parasitic alien.
AI summary
A classic body horror manga about a high school student whose right hand is possessed by a parasitic alien.
Why parents choose this book
What makes Parasyte worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 17–99 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Graphic Novels.
- Personality fit: kids ages 17–99 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Hitoshi Iwaaki, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Parasyte if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 17–99
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 17–99 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.
- Sexual content: essentially none.
Reading commitment
Similar books your child may love
- Another · Yukito Ayatsuji
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles · Mark Russell
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Uzumaki · Junji Ito
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Cerebus the Aardvark · Dave Sim
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 1 · Inio Asano
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Berserk, Vol. 1 · Kentaro Miura
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- From Hell · Alan Moore
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
- Habibi · Craig Thompson
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 17–99.
Why we recommend it
We don't broadly recommend Parasyte for the 17–99 age band; see the notes above before choosing. It leans into graphic novels in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Hitoshi Iwaaki's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
Genres
What parents say
You'll probably like
Books parents also bought
Similar authors