Top 30 Best Manga of All Time

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the back corners of global collector forums, manga has become far more than just illustrated storytelling—it’s a culture, a memory trigger, and for many, a lifelong obsession. Whether you grew up flipping pages of Dragon Ball under the covers or discovered Death Note through late-night anime marathons, manga has a unique way of shaping how we see the world. It speaks to every kind of reader: the dreamer, the rebel, the romantic, the strategist.

In this list, we’re not just naming the most popular manga—we're honoring the best manga of all time, ranked with care, backed by community insight, collector value, and cultural significance. These are the titles that changed the game, redefined genres, and still show up in Reddit debates and MyAnimeList forums today. Each entry includes the manga's first volume release, its author, and a deeper look into why it deserves a spot on your shelf—whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey.

Now, do we believe this is the final word on the best mangas ever made? Absolutely not. This is our list—our favorites, chosen with love, research, and lots of rereads. There are countless other masterpieces out there, and we hope this list inspires you to keep exploring.

This is for the people who still get chills re-reading a panel they’ve seen a hundred times. For the ones who know that the first print hits different. And for everyone who's ever searched for the best manga to read and wondered where to begin. Start here.

The Countdown Begins: Top 30 Best Manga of All Time

30. Parasyte

Rank – Best Manga: 30
First Volume Release: July 1989
Author: Hitoshi Iwaaki

Equal parts disturbing and thought-provoking, Parasyte is a sci-fi horror gem that holds up after more than three decades. Its impact and legacy lie in its ability to blend grotesque survival horror with a deep philosophical exploration of identity and morality, a feat few other titles attempt. This is a prime example of how Japanese comics can blend horror, philosophy, and emotional complexity in ways few Western titles attempt. The clean yet unsettling art and storytelling create a tense narrative, driven by the cold logic of the parasitic alien, Migi, and the emotional journey of its host, Shinichi. Its cultural significance was reignited by a 2014 anime adaptation, but manga fans know that the original panels offer a darker, more profound experience that continues to be a go-to for collectors, with early Japanese and English editions now highly sought after. It's a must-read manga for anyone who loves dark sci-fi.

29. Claymore

Rank – Best Manga: 29
First Volume Release: January 2002
Author: Norihiro Yagi

A brooding mix of myth, vengeance, and existential dread, Claymore is a quiet masterpiece that earned its place among the best manga ever created. Its cultural footprint comes from its unique pacing, which masterfully punctuates explosive action with moments of total silence and slow-burning tragedy. Norihiro Yagi’s sharp art and storytelling evolve throughout the manga series, creating a world ravaged by monsters and populated by half-human warriors, each panel conveying immense weight, movement, and pain. While it never achieved mainstream anime success, its cultural significance is cemented among dark fantasy fans who often compare its world-building and emotional grit to that of Berserk—a quiet compliment of the highest order. For dark fantasy fans, Claymore is one of the best mangas to read if you’re craving emotional weight and strategic combat arcs.

28. 20th Century Boys

Rank – Best Manga: 28
First Volume Release: January 2000
Author: Naoki Urasawa

Brilliantly intricate and hauntingly nostalgic, 20th Century Boys is Naoki Urasawa at his best. The manga series' influence is built on its multi-layered, time-jumping narrative that masterfully blends Cold War paranoia, thriller, and coming-of-age tropes. Urasawa's genius for intricate art and storytelling allows him to weave a tight personal drama around a world-threatening conspiracy, leaving readers guessing at every turn. Its cultural significance is cemented as a prestige seinen title, with early Japanese and Viz Signature editions becoming prized possessions for collectors who appreciate a masterful mystery. While less mainstream than Monster, many critics and die-hard manga readers agree: 20th Century Boys may be one of the best manga of all time—and arguably the greatest mystery ever told.

27. Vinland Saga

Rank – Best Manga: 27
First Volume Release: July 2005
Author: Makoto Yukimura

Vinland Saga is proof that manga can be both brutally epic and deeply philosophical. Its fan legacy stems from its bold tonal shift after the first arc, transforming a simple revenge tale into a profound exploration of pacifism, redemption, and what it means to be a true warrior. Makoto Yukimura's powerful art and storytelling blend historical accuracy with emotional weight, crafting layered character arcs and intricate politics. This good manga is also a popular manga favorite among modern readers, making first editions from Kodansha highly collectible and a staple for fans seeking a thought-provoking historical epic. For those who think shonen is all swords and yelling, Vinland Saga is a reminder that the best manga can ask hard questions about violence and purpose.

26. Slam Dunk

Rank – Best Manga: 26
First Volume Release: February 1991
Author: Takehiko Inoue

Before Haikyuu!! or Blue Lock, there was Slam Dunk—the manga that made sports look cool and gave shonen readers goosebumps over high school basketball. Written and drawn by Takehiko Inoue, it follows the hot-headed Hanamichi Sakuragi as he transforms from a love-sick delinquent into a determined athlete. What makes this manga legendary isn’t just the games (though they’re cinematic), but the emotional evolution of the entire Shohoku team. Inoue’s art style matures visibly as the story progresses, and by the final arc, the paneling and movement are pure poetry. The original Japanese volumes are highly collectible in full sets, especially in near-mint condition. First-print English volumes from the 2000s are also on the rise in the secondary market. Decades after its debut, Slam Dunk remains a top contender on every best manga list—especially in Japan, where it still ranks among the best-selling manga of all time. It’s not just nostalgia; it's one of those manga comics that continues to inspire new generations of fans, especially after the recent film brought Inoue’s basketball world back into the global spotlight.

25. Rurouni Kenshin

Rank – Best Manga: 25
First Volume Release: September 1994
Author: Nobuhiro Watsuki

Rurouni Kenshin is one of the most iconic historical-action manga series ever created, balancing brutal swordplay with themes of peace, regret, and redemption. The mark it left on fandom history comes from how it weaves high-stakes battles with emotional weight, using Kenshin’s vow never to kill again as a narrative anchor. Watsuki’s detailed art and storytelling elevate the historical setting, making the series not just exciting but immersive. Its cultural significance is tied to its role in bringing Japanese comics to Western audiences in the late '90s and early 2000s, and it’s still a top manga recommendation for newcomers looking for a good manga to read with swords, heart, and purpose. Early Viz Media English editions of the Japanese manga series continue to rise in value as complete sets become harder to find.

24. Tokyo Ghoul

Rank – Best Manga: 24
First Volume Release: February 2012
Author: Sui Ishida

Dark, psychological, and unexpectedly poetic, Tokyo Ghoul took the manga world by storm with its fusion of horror and existential dread. The manga series' enduring mark is defined by its visual evolution and its exploration of identity and repression through body horror. Sui Ishida’s stunning art and storytelling transition from rough but expressive linework to high-impact, abstract brilliance. Its cultural significance is deeply rooted in modern manga history, with first-print volumes from Shueisha and Viz Media highly sought after by younger collectors. Some of the most iconic manga panels of all time came from this series, and despite the anime's uneven adaptation, the manga remains one of the best mangas for those who like their stories messy, raw, and deeply personal.

23. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Rank – Best Manga: 23
First Volume Release: January 1987
Author: Hirohiko Araki

Few manga can claim the kind of multi-generational, genre-bending legacy that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure holds. Araki’s long-running saga spans eras, art styles, and entire bloodlines, starting with the Victorian-era brawler Jonathan Joestar and morphing over the decades into psychedelic stand battles and philosophical showdowns. Araki’s constant reinvention is the reason JoJo has stayed relevant for over 30 years—and that’s not even touching the fashion-forward character designs or offbeat posing that have become pop culture icons in their own right. First editions of Part 1 (Phantom Blood) are incredibly hard to find in pristine condition, and collectors often look for the earlier tankōbon versions or deluxe reprints with updated art. English-language editions, particularly hardcover re-releases of Stardust Crusaders and beyond, are prized in the West. Whether you're into wild powers, bizarre plot twists, or just want to understand the memes, JoJo is one of the best manga series of all time—and truly one of a kind.

22. Inuyasha

Rank – Best Manga: 22
First Volume Release: May 1997
Author: Rumiko Takahashi

Blending historical fantasy with romantic tension and time-traveling folklore, Inuyasha remains one of the most beloved manga of the late '90s and early 2000s. The story follows Kagome, a modern-day high school girl who falls through a shrine well into the Sengoku period, where she meets the half-demon Inuyasha and becomes tangled in a quest to recover the shattered shards of a powerful jewel. Rumiko Takahashi’s art balances cute and creepy, action and stillness, and her storytelling brought yokai mythology to international audiences. Original Japanese prints and early Viz English editions are collector staples, especially Volume 1s in good condition or full box sets. While it sometimes gets categorized as “nostalgia,” Inuyasha was genre-blending before that was trendy, and its loyal fanbase is still going strong across fan fiction sites, Reddit, and cosplay circles. It’s not just a romance or an action title—it’s one of the best manga that wears its heart (and claws) on its sleeve.

21. Spy x Family

Rank – Best Manga: 21
First Volume Release: July 2019
Author: Tatsuya Endo

A rare modern hit that’s both wildly entertaining and incredibly wholesome, Spy x Family cracked the manga world like a spy camera hidden in a stuffed penguin. The story centers on Loid Forger, a spy who must build a fake family to infiltrate an elite school—only to unknowingly adopt a telepathic girl and marry an assassin. Tatsuya Endo’s storytelling dances between comedy, action, and quiet emotional beats, giving the series cross-generational appeal. Volume 1 became an instant collectible, especially first prints in Japanese and early Viz Media English releases. Despite being a newer entry in the world of japanese manga, Spy x Family has already earned its spot among the best-selling manga of the decade. It's a perfect blend of genre appeal—action, comedy, slice of life—and continues to appear in every modern manga list. Whether you're a collector or just browsing for must read manga, this series delivers laughs, tension, and heart in every panel. Spy x Family proves that even in a saturated market, a fresh concept, sharp humor, and found-family feels can still create one of the best manga of the decade—and maybe of all time.

20. Fairy Tail

Rank – Best Manga: 20
First Volume Release: December 2006
Author: Hiro Mashima

With its explosive battles, flashy spells, and deeply loyal guild members, Fairy Tail secured its spot as a cornerstone of shonen manga. Its lasting influence stems from a perfect storm of emotional camaraderie and magic-fueled action that defined an entire generation of readers. As one of the most popular mangas in the world, Fairy Tail consistently lands on top manga lists and continues to be a go-to for fans looking for a good manga to read with heart and spectacle. Mashima’s clean and dynamic art and storytelling only improved with time, and his ability to deliver emotional payoffs helped the series rise through the manga ranks. Its cultural significance is undeniable as one of the most popular manga of its generation, with original Japanese volumes and early Kodansha English releases being widely collected. Fairy Tail is one of the best mangas for readers who crave flashy action and strong, lovable characters.

19. Fullmetal Alchemist

Rank – Best Manga: 19
First Volume Release: July 2001
Author: Hiromu Arakawa

A masterclass in balance—action and heart, science and magic, brotherhood and war—Fullmetal Alchemist is often cited as one of the best manga series ever created, and for good reason. It tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who break the laws of alchemy trying to resurrect their mother and must face the brutal consequences. Arakawa’s world-building is tight and meaningful, her pacing flawless, and her cast unforgettable. Fullmetal Alchemist’s anime adaptation is frequently ranked among the best anime of all time—but its manga counterpart offers even deeper character arcs and philosophical themes. From Volume 1, the tone is set with heartbreak, mystery, and ethical questions that deepen with each chapter. The original Japanese editions and the hardcover English Fullmetal Editions are collector favorites, especially early volumes with embossed covers. Even as new manga titles continue to rise, Fullmetal Alchemist holds a special place among both longtime fans and new readers looking for a complete, perfectly crafted manga experience. It’s not just great—it’s essential.

18. Bleach

Rank – Best Manga: 18
First Volume Release: August 2001
Author: Tite Kubo

Stylish, moody, and packed with iconic sword fights, Bleach helped define 2000s shonen and remains one of the most influential Japanese comic books ever made. As a staple of the “Big Three,” it helped shape manga genres for years to come, cementing its status as one of the best shonen manga and a must-have for any serious manga collection.

The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally inherits the powers of a Soul Reaper and is thrust into a world of Hollows, secret realms, and escalating interdimensional wars. Tite Kubo’s flair for sleek character design and iconic panel work gave Bleach a visual identity that stood out instantly.

While its pacing came under fire in later arcs, the Soul Society saga remains one of the most beloved storylines in shonen history. First-edition Japanese volumes and early Viz English prints are essential pieces in many collectors’ libraries, with complete sets especially prized. Despite a decade of ups and downs, the recent return with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has reignited love for the series—reminding everyone why this remains one of the best manga in both spirit and style.

17. Black Clover

Rank – Best Manga: 17
First Volume Release: June 2015
Author: Yūki Tabata

Often hailed as the “new shonen classic,” Black Clover delivers nonstop magical action while quietly crafting one of the most emotionally satisfying underdog stories in recent manga history. Asta, born without magic in a world where magic defines everything, fights with nothing but grit, ambition, and anti-magic powers that flip traditional manga genres on their head.

Yūki Tabata’s storytelling is fast, fierce, and constantly evolving—each arc brings sharper stakes, deeper rivalries, and surprise power-ups that keep even longtime readers on edge. First-edition Volume 1 prints from Shueisha and Viz Media are now among the most wanted for collectors of modern Japanese manga series. As the anime surges in popularity and the manga nears its endgame, Black Clover is finally getting the credit it deserves—an exciting, heartfelt entry in any top manga list and a good manga to read if you love magic with meaning

16. Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Rank – Best Manga: 16
First Volume Release: June 1994
Author: Gosho Aoyama

Few manga can claim the kind of long-running dominance that Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed) enjoys. Following the story of Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective turned into a child by a mysterious drug, the series combines crime-solving with a compelling long-term mystery involving secret organizations and evolving character relationships. Gosho Aoyama’s clean, consistent art style and his genius for crafting satisfying one-shot cases helped the series rack up over 100 volumes—making it one of the best-selling manga of all time. First-print volumes, particularly from the mid-’90s, are rare collector finds, and Viz’s English editions from the early 2000s are increasingly hard to come by in good condition. Despite being somewhat underappreciated outside Japan, Detective Conan remains one of the most influential Japanese manga series ever created, especially for fans of logic, suspense, and perfectly placed plot twists.

15. Attack on Titan

Rank – Best Manga: 15
First Volume Release: March 2010
Author: Hajime Isayama

While Attack on Titan's manga carries unmatched narrative tension, its anime adaptation became a pop culture beast in part thanks to one of the best anime openings of all time.Brutal, haunting, and endlessly dissected on Reddit and YouTube, Attack on Titan changed the manga landscape forever. Set in a dystopian world surrounded by towering walls and flesh-eating giants, it begins as a survival story and evolves into a sprawling political and philosophical epic. Hajime Isayama’s art style grew with the story, transitioning from rough lines to cinematic page layouts that conveyed scale, fear, and emotion like few series can. Volume 1 exploded in both Japan and the West, and first prints—especially of the original Japanese release—are now prized collectibles. The series became a global phenomenon thanks to its anime, but the manga stands alone in its bleak, brilliant storytelling and masterful foreshadowing. Whether you love or hate the ending, there’s no denying that Attack on Titan is one of the best manga of all time—an ambitious, era-defining force that left an entire generation shaken.

14. One-Punch Man

Rank – Best Manga: 14
First Volume Release: June 2012
Author: ONE (story), Yusuke Murata (art)

A love letter to superheroes, battle manga, and absurd comedy, One-Punch Man is a visual juggernaut with surprisingly deep undertones. Originally a webcomic created by ONE, the series was reimagined with jaw-dropping art by Yusuke Murata and quickly became one of the most beloved modern manga in the world. Saitama, the bald hero who defeats any enemy with a single punch, is both a parody and a philosophical enigma—bored by his own strength and detached from the world around him. The manga’s layouts are legendary, with some fight sequences rivaling animation in their fluidity. Early prints of Volume 1 are already seeing collector interest, especially in pristine English editions by Viz. Beyond the jokes and hype fights, One-Punch Man is one of the best manga for readers looking for something smart, stylish, and just the right amount of unhinged.

13. The Promised Neverland

Rank – Best Manga: 13
First Volume Release: August 2016
Author: Kaiu Shirai (story), Posuka Demizu (art)

Eerie and elegant, The Promised Neverland delivered one of the most gripping first arcs in modern manga, capturing attention with its blend of innocence and horror. It begins in a peaceful orphanage—but when Emma, Norman, and Ray uncover the dark truth behind their existence, the story pivots into a tense escape thriller with layered mind games and moral dilemmas. Posuka Demizu’s art adds soft, dreamlike textures to an increasingly sinister world, and Kaiu Shirai’s writing keeps readers second-guessing everything. Volume 1 first prints from Shueisha and early Viz English editions are already becoming collector targets, especially complete sets in good condition. While the anime adaptation lost steam after its first season, the manga remained consistent and emotionally resonant to the very end. It’s one of the best manga for those who crave tightly plotted psychological twists wrapped in deceptively beautiful packaging.

12. Naruto

Rank – Best Manga: 12
First Volume Release: March 2000
Author: Masashi Kishimoto

A coming-of-age ninja saga turned global empire, Naruto redefined what it meant to grow up alongside a manga series. Naruto Uzumaki's journey from outcast prankster to hero of the Hidden Leaf Village inspired millions of readers over its 15-year run. Masashi Kishimoto created a vast world of jutsu systems, clan politics, and emotional rivalries—none more iconic than Naruto vs. Sasuke. The early arcs blend comedy and friendship with brutal missions, while the later chapters deliver scale and stakes worthy of mythology. First-print volumes from Shueisha are collector staples, and original Viz English releases, especially the earliest black-and-white issues, are increasingly valuable. With one of the most loyal fandoms in manga history and its place in the “Big Three” secured, Naruto is more than a best-selling manga—it’s a rite of passage.

11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Rank – Best Manga: 11
First Volume Release: June 2016
Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Demon Slayer exploded onto the scene to become one of the most popular mangas of the decade, redefining modern shonen for a new generation of fans. In just a few years, Demon Slayer went from modest Weekly Shōnen Jump debut to a billion-dollar juggernaut, and much of its success stems from Gotouge’s ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with raw emotional storytelling. The manga follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy turned demon slayer after his family is slaughtered, and his sister Nezuko is cursed. What starts as a revenge tale transforms into a moving exploration of grief, compassion, and the burden of strength. The art style—raw and stylized—is sometimes overlooked because of the anime’s flashiness, but the manga delivers quiet moments, intense layouts, and one of the most cathartic finales in shonen history. While the manga handles its arcs with emotional consistency, the anime’s adaptation—especially the Mugen Train sequence—is often listed among the best anime episodes of all time.First editions of Volume 1 are already seeing spikes in collector demand, and full box sets are hot items worldwide. Demon Slayer may have ended quickly, but it carved itself into the history books as one of the best manga to ever hold that balance of heart, horror, and heroism.

10. Death Note

Rank – Best Manga: 10
First Volume Release: April 2004
Author: Tsugumi Ohba (story), Takeshi Obata (art)

Tense, intellectual, and utterly addictive, Death Note became a gateway manfa for an entire generation. The story follows Light Yagami, a brilliant student who discovers a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. What follows is a cerebral chess match between Light and L, the enigmatic detective determined to stop him. Tsugumi Ohba’s plot twists and psychological layers keep readers hooked, while Takeshi Obata’s art delivers some of the best manga panels of all time, each filled with intensity, shadow, and the moral weight of a single thought. The anime adaptation is just as iconic—praised on Reddit as one of the best anime of all time, with some of the best anime quotes and one of the most unforgettable villains in Ryuk. First-print Japanese volumes and early English Black Editions are now collector staples. Whether you're in it for the mind games or the moral questions, Death Note is a must-read manga, and a perfect starting point for anyone exploring the top manga series ever created.

9. Dragon Ball

Rank – Best Manga: 9
First Volume Release: September 1985
Author: Akira Toriyama

When people think of Japanese comics, Dragon Ball is often the first image that comes to mind. What started as a loose retelling of Journey to the West quickly evolved into one of the most influential manga of all time. Goku’s journey from innocent martial artist to galactic savior set the standard for shonen heroes, and Akira Toriyama’s art—punchy, expressive, and deceptively simple—became a style blueprint across the industry. Volume 1 introduced characters who would go on to become pop culture titans, and original tankōbon prints (especially first editions) are holy grails among collectors. Viz’s early English releases are highly sought after too, particularly the uncensored formats. Dragon Ball wasn’t just a hit—it was a global explosion, giving rise to anime fandom worldwide. Its legacy remains unmatched, and it’s still one of the best manga to start with, study, and celebrate for its boundless energy and endless heart.

8. Vagabond

Rank – Best Manga: 8
First Volume Release: March 1999
Author: Takehiko Inoue

A visual triumph and philosophical odyssey, Vagabond reimagines the life of real samurai Miyamoto Musashi with haunting beauty and introspective depth. Blending philosophy with brutal swordplay, Vagabond stands as a must read manga for anyone serious about storytelling in graphic form Based on Eiji Yoshikawa’s historical novel, the manga chronicles Musashi’s path from violent brute to spiritual warrior. Takehiko Inoue’s art is often considered some of the best manga illustration ever created—each page feels like fine art, with brushstroke textures, stark contrast, and dynamic movement. The series balances brutal duels with extended periods of reflection, silence, and internal struggle. First edition volumes, especially in Viz’s deluxe format, are deeply collectible, though many volumes have been long out of print. Vagabond remains unfinished, but even in its current state, it’s hailed as one of the greatest seinen manga of all time. It’s not a power fantasy—it’s a meditation on violence, purpose, and what it means to truly live.

7. Berserk

Rank – Best Manga: 7
First Volume Release: November 1990
Author: Kentaro Miura

Dark, tragic, and unmatched in its scope, Berserk is the crown jewel of mature manga storytelling. It follows Guts, a lone swordsman cursed by fate, fighting through a world plagued by demons, betrayal, and cosmic horrors. Kentaro Miura’s art is legendary—detailed beyond belief, violent yet poetic, and capable of making even the most horrific scenes feel beautiful in composition. The Golden Age arc alone is often considered one of the best manga arcs ever written, blending friendship, ambition, and ruin in a way that leaves readers permanently changed. First-print volumes from Hakusensha are collector gold, and early Dark Horse English editions are climbing fast in value. Despite Miura’s heartbreaking passing, the series is being respectfully continued, and its influence on games, anime, and fantasy as a whole is irreversible. Even with spelling typos like ‘mangah’ floating around forums, there’s no mistaking what readers mean when they say Berserk is the gold standard of dark fantasy. Berserk isn’t just a manga—it’s a legacy of pain, artistry, and eternal struggle.

6. My Hero Academia

Rank – Best Manga: 6
First Volume Release: November 2014
Author: Kohei Horikoshi

Equal parts superhero tribute and shonen powerhouse, My Hero Academia exploded onto the scene with a bang—and never looked back. Set in a world where 80% of the population has superpowers called “Quirks,” it follows Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy given the chance to become the world’s greatest hero. Kohei Horikoshi blends Marvel-style action with Japanese emotional depth, delivering iconic rivalries, redemption arcs, and world-ending stakes—all while honoring the traditions of the best manga before it. First prints of Volume 1 (especially sealed English Viz editions) are already attracting attention in the collector market, and box sets are quickly selling out. While debates rage over power scaling and character arcs, few can deny that My Hero Academia revitalized modern shonen, gave rise to a new generation of fans, and earned its place among the best manga series of the 2010s and beyond.

5. Hunter x Hunter

Rank – Best Manga: 5
First Volume Release: June 1998
Author: Yoshihiro Togashi

Wildly unpredictable and intellectually brutal, Hunter x Hunter is shonen manga at its most ambitious—and often most rewarding. On the surface, it follows Gon Freecss, a cheerful boy searching for his absent father. But what begins as a simple adventure quickly spirals into dense power systems, dark philosophy, and morally complex arcs like Chimera Ant and Yorknew City.

Yoshihiro Togashi, also known for Yu Yu Hakusho, pours staggering depth into every arc—blending strategy, emotion, and unpredictability in a way few manga comics ever match. First-edition Volume 1s are must-haves for collectors of Japanese manga series, especially early prints from Shueisha and Viz Media.

Despite its infamous hiatuses, Hunter x Hunter remains one of the greatest manga of all time, constantly recommended on Reddit and manga forums as essential reading. If you're building your library of top manga or looking for good mangas that break the mold, this one belongs near the top of your list.

4. One Piece

Rank – Best Manga: 4
First Volume Release: December 1997
Author: Eiichiro Oda

The undisputed king of longevity and world-building, One Piece is more than a manga—it’s a cultural icon. With over 100 volumes and still going strong, Eiichiro Oda’s epic tale of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates has defined what a long-running Japanese comic can achieve.

From whimsical beginnings to politically charged arcs and emotional gut-punches, One Piece continuously surprises readers with its layered storytelling, unforgettable characters, and world-spanning mysteries. Volume 1 is a prized collectible, and early tankōbon editions are among the most valuable in the manga world.

As the best-selling manga of all time with over 500 million copies sold, One Piece has influenced generations of creators and fans alike. It consistently appears on every top 10 best-selling manga of all time list and remains a gateway into the entire medium. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer asking what is a manga and where to start, this is a no-brainer manga recommendation—and one of the best manga series of all time, hands down.

3. Chainsaw Man

Rank – Best Manga: 3
First Volume Release: March 2019
Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto

Unhinged, brilliant, and gloriously unpredictable, Chainsaw Man is the chaotic masterpiece that shattered expectations. It follows Denji, a broke teen who fuses with his chainsaw devil pet, Pochita, and is thrown into a nightmarish world of devil hunters, trauma, and heartbreak wrapped in absurdist humor.

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s storytelling refuses to follow any formula—one moment drenched in emotion, the next drenched in blood. His paneling, tone shifts, and fearless pacing have made Chainsaw Man a sensation across manga forums, earning constant praise as one of the greatest manga of all time.

First-print volumes from Shueisha and Viz Media are already in high demand among collectors of all manga, with early promotional editions rising fast. This isn’t just a manfa (yes, typos included)—it’s a cultural gut-punch. For those exploring bold new stories in japanese manga, Chainsaw Man is one of the top manga to read and a must in any modern manga list.

2. Akira

Rank – Best Manga: 2
First Volume Release: September 1982
Author: Katsuhiro Otomo

Visionary, explosive, and eerily prophetic, Akira didn’t just change manga—it changed global storytelling. Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyberpunk epic explores government corruption, psychic power, and urban collapse with a cinematic intensity that few japanese comics have ever rivaled.

The manga’s art is masterclass-level—densely detailed, violently kinetic, and grounded in gritty realism. Akira became one of the earliest Japanese manga series to gain international acclaim, paving the way for anime and manga in the West. It’s a cornerstone for anyone studying manga genres, and its influence can be felt in The Matrix, Stranger Things, and beyond.

First-print Kodansha volumes and the colored Epic Comics English editions are high-value collectibles among fans of japanese graphic novel style. While the anime film is often ranked among the best anime movies of all time, the manga goes even deeper—earning its place among the best mangas of all time, especially for readers exploring mature, genre-defining work.

1. Monster

Rank – Best Manga: 1
First Volume Release: December 1994
Author: Naoki Urasawa

At the top of the list stands Monster—a psychological thriller so masterfully crafted, so deeply human, that it doesn’t just tell a story… it leaves a scar. Set in post-Cold War Europe, it follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young boy—only to discover years later that the boy has grown into a sociopathic killer. What unfolds is an elegant and harrowing descent into morality, obsession, and the shadows of the human psyche.

Naoki Urasawa’s storytelling is a clinic in tension—every panel hums with dread, every reveal hits like a moral gut punch. Monster doesn’t need flashy battles or fantasy gimmicks; it weaponizes silence, empathy, and fear. Johan Liebert, the central antagonist, is widely regarded as one of the best anime villains of all time, and his chilling presence helped redefine what a manga villain could be.

Collectors prize the early Viz Signature editions—especially the oversized deluxe volumes—for their sharp printing and shelf-worthy design. But more than just a collector’s trophy, Monster stands among the best mangas of all time, consistently appearing in manga recommendations for readers seeking depth, sophistication, and substance.

For anyone asking what is a manga capable of at its highest level—Monster is your answer. It’s not only a must read manga or a topmanga series. It’s the kind of story that stares back at you. One of the greatest manga of all time, and the most hauntingly realistic journey you’ll ever take through ink.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're here to build a manga collection, revisit a classic, or find your next weekend binge, this list is just the beginning. From psychological thrillers to action-packed epics, these 30 titles reflect the incredible range and emotional power of Japanese manga.

But remember—there's no single “right” list. Your favorites, the series that hit you hardest or stayed with you the longest, are what truly matter. Maybe they’re already here. Maybe they’re still waiting to be discovered.

So explore boldly, collect passionately, and most of all—enjoy the journey. And if you're still curious or looking for guidance, check out our FAQ below. We’ve got you covered.

FAQS

1. What is manga?

Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels, typically published in black‑and‑white and read from right to left. It encompasses a wide range of genres and audiences, and the term itself comes from the Japanese words man (“whimsical”) and ga (“pictures”). Think of manga as Japan’s signature style of visual storytelling, combining art and narrative in serialized form

2. What is the best manga of all time?

While opinions vary, many sources and fan polls frequently list One Piece, Berserk, Fullmetal Alchemist, Monster, and Dragon Ball at or near the very top of “greatest manga ever” rankings. Collectively, these titles are considered masterpieces for storytelling, art, emotional weight, and cultural impact.

3. What is the #1 most sold manga?

The best‑selling manga series of all time is One Piece, with over 516 million copies in circulation worldwide as of 2022, making it the best-selling comic series in history .

4. What’s the most read manga of all time?

Though exact readership stats are hard to track, the most read series generally align with best‑selling manga, including One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, and Death Note. They're consistently cited across global readership and collector rankings

5. What is the highest-rated anime of all time?

According to IMDb and MyAnimeList, top-rated anime titles include:

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, rated around 9.1/10
One Punch Man, Death Note, and Attack on Titan also score impressively high (typically in the 9.0+ range)

On Rotten Tomatoes and other critics' lists, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood often appears as the most consistently praised series, praised for its pacing, themes, and fidelity to its manga origins

Top 30 Best Manga of All Time

Top 30 Best Manga of All Time

Top 10 Manga You Should Read (Whether You're New or a Lifelong Fan)

1. One Piece

2. Death Note

3. My Hero Academia

4. Demon Slayer

5. Fullmetal Alchemist

6. Attack on Titan

7. Naruto

8. Chainsaw Man

9. Monster

10. Bleach

The Countdown Begins: Top 30 Best Manga of All Time

30. Parasyte

29. Claymore

28. 20th Century Boys

27. Vinland Saga

26. Slam Dunk

25. Rurouni Kenshin

24. Tokyo Ghoul

23. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

22. Inuyasha

21. Spy x Family

20. Fairy Tail

19. Fullmetal Alchemist

18. Bleach

17. Black Clover

16. Detective Conan (Case Closed)

15. Attack on Titan

14. One-Punch Man

13. The Promised Neverland

12. Naruto

11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

10. Death Note

9. Dragon Ball

8. Vagabond

7. Berserk

6. My Hero Academia

5. Hunter x Hunter

4. One Piece

3. Chainsaw Man

2. Akira

1. Monster

Final Thoughts

FAQS

1. What is manga?

2. What is the best manga of all time?

3. What is the #1 most sold manga?

4. What’s the most read manga of all time?

5. What is the highest-rated anime of all time?

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