Top 10 Manga of All Time: A Comprehensive List of Must-Reads

If you’re a fan of Japanese comics, also known as manga, you know there are countless series to choose from. With so many options, it can be not easy to know where to start or what to read next. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 manga of all time based on popularity, critical acclaim, and impact on the industry.

Manga has become a global phenomenon, with fans worldwide enjoying the unique storytelling and artwork that sets it apart from Western comics. Understanding manga requires some background knowledge of Japanese culture and history and an appreciation for the art form itself. From shonen (aimed at teenage boys) to shojo (aimed at teenage girls) to seinen (aimed at adult men) and josei (aimed at adult women), there’s a manga series out there for everyone.

The popularity and impact of manga cannot be overstated. It has influenced other comics and animation, fashion, music, and even tourism. With so many incredible series, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 manga of all time to help guide you in your reading journey.

Understanding Manga

Manga is a Japanese term that refers to comics and graphic novels. It is a popular form of entertainment that has gained a significant following worldwide. The art style and storytelling in manga are unique and distinguish it from other comics.

Terminology

Before diving into the world of manga, it’s important to understand some key terms used in the medium. Here are a few:

• Manga: Comics and graphic novels from Japan.
• Light Novel: A Japanese novel with illustrations, often with anime or manga-style artwork.
• Anime: Animated shows and movies from Japan.
• Shojo: Manga targeted towards young girls.
• Seinen: Manga targeted towards adult men.
• Manhwa: Comics from Korea.
• Manhua: Comics from China.

History of Manga

Manga has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. However, the modern form of manga that we know today began in the late 19th century. It was heavily influenced by Western comics and cartoons, which were introduced to Japan during the Meiji period.

One of the earliest and most influential manga was “Astro Boy” by Osamu Tezuka. It was first published in 1952 and became a huge success. Tezuka’s work paved the way for the popularity of manga in Japan and around the world.

In the 1980s, manga exploded in popularity with titles such as “Fist of the North Star” and “Dragon Ball.” These manga became cultural phenomenons and helped to establish manga as a legitimate form of entertainment.

Today, manga continues to thrive with new and exciting titles being released yearly. Some of the most popular manga ever include “20th Century Boys” and “Naruto.”

Popularity and Impact of Manga

Manga has become a global phenomenon that has captivated audiences worldwide. Its popularity has increased since the 1950s, and it has now become an iconic part of pop culture. This section will explore the influence of manga on pop culture and its impact on the publishing industry.

Influence in Pop Culture

Manga has significantly impacted pop culture, inspiring countless adaptations, spin-offs, and merchandise. It has influenced the creation of popular anime series, such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece. These series have become household names, and their characters have become cultural icons.

Manga has also influenced the gaming industry, with many popular video games drawing inspiration from manga series. For example, the Persona series draws heavily from the themes and aesthetics of manga, making it a favorite among fans.

Best-Selling Manga

Manga’s popularity is also reflected in its sales and circulation figures. According to Wikipedia, the best-selling manga magazine is Weekly Shōnen Jump, with over 7.5 billion copies sold. The magazine has published some of the most popular manga series, including Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece.

Regarding individual manga series, One Piece is the best-selling manga of all time, with over 490 million copies sold worldwide. Other popular manga series include Naruto, with over 250 million copies sold, and Dragon Ball, with over 240 million copies sold.

Manga’s popularity has also had a significant impact on the publishing industry. Manga has become one of the most lucrative genres, with sales reaching almost 613 billion Japanese yen in 2020 alone, according to Statistics and Data. The popularity of manga has led to the creation of new publishing imprints and the expansion of existing ones, making it easier for readers to access their favorite manga series.

In conclusion, manga’s popularity has significantly impacted pop culture and the publishing industry. Its influence can be seen in various forms of media, including anime, video games, and merchandise. Its popularity shows no signs of slowing down, and it will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Top 10 Manga of All Time

If you are a manga enthusiast, you must be familiar with some of the best manga ever. Here are the top 10 manga that have captivated readers for years.

Berserk

Berserk is an epic dark fantasy manga created by Kentaro Miura. The story follows the journey of a lone mercenary named Guts, who seeks revenge against his former friend Griffith, who sacrificed their comrades to become a powerful demon. Berserk is known for its beautiful artwork, complex characters, and intense action scenes. The manga has been praised for its mature themes, including violence, sexuality, and existentialism.

Monster

Monster is a psychological thriller manga written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa. The story follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented surgeon who saves the life of a young boy, only to discover that the boy is a psychopath who will become a serial killer. Monster is a suspenseful and thought-provoking manga that explores the nature of evil, justice, and humanity.

Real

Real is a sports manga written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. The manga focuses on three wheelchair basketball players who struggle to overcome their physical disabilities and personal challenges. Real is a heartwarming and inspiring manga that celebrates the human spirit and the power of sports.

One Piece

One Piece is a pirate adventure manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with rubber powers, who sets out to find the treasure of the Pirate King. One Piece is known for its imaginative world-building, memorable characters, and epic battles. The manga has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and worldwide.

Vagabond

Vagabond is a historical fiction manga written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. The manga is based on the life of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in the 17th century. Vagabond is known for its realistic artwork, philosophical themes, and intense sword fights. The manga has been praised for accurately depicting Japanese history and culture.

Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk is a basketball manga written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins the basketball team to impress a girl. Slam Dunk is known for its dynamic artwork, humor, and exciting basketball matches. The manga has inspired a generation of basketball players and fans in Japan and worldwide.

Kingdom

Kingdom is a historical fiction manga written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara. The story takes place in ancient China, during the Warring States period. Kingdom follows the journey of a young boy named Shin, who dreams of becoming a great general. Kingdom is known for its epic battles, political intrigue, and character development. The manga has become a bestseller in Japan and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.

Grand Blue

Grand Blue is a comedy manga written by Kenji Inoue and illustrated by Kimitake Yoshioka. The story follows Iori Kitahara, a college student who moves to a seaside town to attend diving school. Grand Blue is known for its hilarious situations, colorful characters, and beautiful underwater scenery. The manga has become popular among readers who enjoy light-hearted and entertaining stories.

Naruto

Naruto is a ninja adventure manga written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. Naruto is known for its dynamic fights, emotional moments, and memorable characters. The manga has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.

Death Note

Death Note is a psychological thriller manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. Death Note is known for its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and ethical dilemmas. The manga has become a classic in the genre and has been adapted into anime, movies, and TV series.

These are the top 10 manga you should check out if you haven’t already. Each manga has its unique style, genre, and themes, making them timeless classics.

Honorable Mentions

If we were to list all the amazing manga series that have been published, we would need a whole book. However, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 for our article. That being said, some fantastic manga series still deserve an honorable mention.

Ashita No Joe

“Ashita No Joe” is a classic sports manga that follows the story of a troubled young man named Joe Yabuki as he tries to become a professional boxer. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of boxing and its characters. It’s a must-read for any sports manga fan.

Chainsaw Man

“Chainsaw Man” is a relatively new manga series that has overtaken the manga world. Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the series follows the story of a young man named Denji, who becomes a devil hunter after merging with his pet devil, Pochita. The series is known for its unique storyline, dark humor, and incredible action scenes.

Detective Conan

Also known as “Case Closed,” “Detective Conan” is a long-running manga series published since 1994. The series follows the story of a teenage detective named Shinichi Kudo, who is turned into a child after being poisoned. The series is known for its intricate and engaging mystery stories.

Dragon Ball

“Dragon Ball” is a classic manga series that has greatly impacted the manga and anime industry. Created by Akira Toriyama, the series follows the story of Goku as he trains in martial arts and battles against powerful foes. The series is known for its iconic characters, epic battles, and humor.

Demon Slayer

“Kimetsu no Yaiba” or “Demon Slayer” is a recent manga series that has gained immense popularity since its release. The series follows the story of a young boy named Tanjiro, who becomes a demon hunter after demons kill his family. The series is known for its stunning artwork, emotional story, and intense action scenes.

Bleach

“Bleach” is a classic manga series that follows the story of a teenage boy named Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after accidentally obtaining them from Rukia Kuchiki. The series is known for its unique storyline, incredible character designs, and epic battles.

My Hero Academia

“My Hero Academia” is a popular manga series that follows the story of a young boy named Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero in a world where almost everyone has superpowers. The series is known for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and amazing action scenes.

Fullmetal Alchemist

“Fullmetal Alchemist” is a classic manga series that follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who try to use alchemy to bring their deceased mother back to life. The series is known for its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and incredible world-building.

Vinland Saga

“Vinland Saga” is a historical manga series that follows the story of a young Viking named Thorfinn, who seeks revenge against the man who killed his father. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of Viking life, incredible battle scenes, and engaging characters.

Tokyo Ghoul

“Tokyo Ghoul” is a dark manga series that follows the story of a young man named Kaneki, who becomes a half-ghoul after a failed surgery. The series is known for its unique storyline, well-developed characters, and intense horror elements.

These are just a few examples of the many amazing manga series out there. They are all worth checking out if you’re a fan of the medium.

Conclusion

You have just read about the top 10 manga of all time. These manga have captivated audiences worldwide and have become cultural phenomena. Each of these manga has a unique story and art style that has made it stand out from the rest.

Using the search results, we have compiled a list of manga critically acclaimed and beloved by fans. From the epic battles of “Kingdom” to the emotional journey of “Fullmetal Alchemist,” each manga has something special to offer.

If you are a fan of manga or looking to get into it, we highly recommend checking out these top 10 manga. They are a great introduction to the medium and will provide hours of entertainment.

If you have any questions or comments about this list, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thank you for reading, and happy manga reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the greatest manga of all time?

The greatest manga of all time is subjective and varies from person to person. However, some of the most highly acclaimed manga include “One Piece,” “Berserk,” “Death Note,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” and “Naruto.”

What is the #1 rated manga?

The #1 rated manga is “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda. It has been consistently ranked as the best-selling manga series of all time and has won numerous awards.

What is the top 10 most-sold manga?

According to the Guinness World Records, the top 10 most-sold manga are:

1. “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda
2. “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama
3. “Naruto” by Masashi Kishimoto
4. “Death Note” by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
5. “Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama
6. “Fullmetal Alchemist” by Hiromu Arakawa
7. “Sailor Moon” by Naoko Takeuchi
8. “Detective Conan” by Gosho Aoyama
9. “Bleach” by Tite Kubo
10. “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” by Hirohiko Araki.

What are the best manga recommendations?

Some of the best manga recommendations include “Attack on Titan,” “Berserk,” “Death Note,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Naruto,” “One Piece,” “Sailor Moon,” “Vagabond,” “Vinland Saga,” and “Yotsuba&!”

What are the best seinen manga?

Seinen manga targets young adult males and includes themes such as violence, sexuality, and politics. Some of the best seinen manga include “Berserk,” “Blade of the Immortal,” “Gantz,” “Monster,” “Vagabond,” and “Vinland Saga.”

What are the most underrated manga?

Some of the most underrated manga include “20th Century Boys,” “Blame!,” “Dorohedoro,” “Golden Kamuy,” “Honey and Clover,” “Kokou no Hito,” “Oyasumi Punpun,” “Planetes,” “Real,” and “Solanin.” These manga are often overlooked but are highly recommended for their unique storytelling and character development.