フルーツバスケット [Furūtsu Basuketto / Fruits Basket] #1

This Collector's Edition opening volume of Natsuki Takaya's beloved series presents a beautifully simple cover: a young girl in a blue school uniform with yellow ribbon ties in her long brown hair, hands gently clasped, her warm expression immediately drawing readers in. Takaya's clean, expressive linework — handling pencils, inks, and colors herself — gives the image a quietly personal charm that feels entirely fitting for the story ahead. Published in 1999 by Hakusensha, this is a wonderful entry point into one of shōjo manga's most heartfelt series.