This article mentions sexual assault, suicide, domestic abuse, and general violence. Read at your own discretion.

Whether it's anime, manga, video games, music, TV dramas, or light novels, Japanese entertainment has taken over the world. Manga, in particular, has significantly increased in popularity in recent years, with millions of readers worldwide scrambling to get their hands on the latest chapter of their favorite series. The biggest and most popular series tend to cash in millions of dollars and maintain a stronghold in global best-selling charts, while simultaneously inspiring future generations of mangaka to keep the momentum going.

Anime adaptations don't always tell the full story, and in some cases, they dump in tons of filler episodes that include characters or events that never happened in the manga. Fans rely on manga to get the full picture as the creator originally intended for it to be seen. Manga is also more accessible because it isn't locked behind paywalls or streaming rights debacles. There's always a debate about which manga are the greatest of all time, but fans tend to agree on many of the most outstanding manga titles.

Updated on March 6th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of the best manga of all time has been updated to be a little more streamlined while providing even more info on the finest manga series to read.

50 Grand Blue Dreaming Is A Hysterical Comedy About College And SCUBA Diving

Status: Ongoing

Main characters in the manga Grand Blue Dreaming 2014 poster
Grand Blue Dreaming

Original Title: ぐらんぶる.
The story follows Iori Kitahara, a freshman at Izu University who joins his diving club, Peek Divers. However, he soon discovers that the club is more interested in drinking and partying than actual diving. Despite this, Iori and his childhood friend, Kohei Aizawa, decide to stick with the club and eventually learn to love diving.

Release Date
April 7, 2014
Author
Kenji Inoue
Artist
Kimitake Yoshioka
Genre
Comedy
Adaptation
Grand Blue
Publisher
good! Afternoon, Kodansha Comics USA, Meian

Grand Blue Dreaming Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 9.03
  • Anime Planet: 4.34/5

Grand Blue, released in the West under the title Grand Blue Dreaming, is an outstanding comedy manga series that's all about the wild freedom of college life. Protagonist Iori Kitahara has just moved to Japan's coast to start his college career, where he will join the local diving club, drink way too much beer, and make a fool of himself almost daily.

Grand Blue Dreaming is one of the best manga out there thanks to its refreshing college setting, razor-sharp humor, great illustrations, and most of all, its juvenile yet sympathetic main characters. Iori and his friends may be irresponsible party animals, but they're still decent people who just need a chance to figure themselves out and build meaningful friendships.

Chisa Kotegawa with friends in seinen series best manga art Grand Blue

49 Fist Of The North Star Features Brutal Martial Arts In A Post-Apocalyptic Setting

Status: Complete

Kenshiro standing with thunder striking behind him on Fist of the North Star manga poster
Fist of the North Star

The year is 199X. The Earth has been devastated by nuclear war. The seas have dried up and the land is cracked and desolate. Most living things on the planet have become extinct apart from the human race. In this new age violence rules as civilization is lost and the strong rule the weak in a world where food and water are the only thing with value. At this time a mysterious man named Kenshirou appears with his deadly martial art, the 2000 years old Hokuto Shinken. With his deadly style eliminating the evil is he the savior of the new era?

Release Date
September 13, 1983
Author
Buronson (Yoshiyuki Okamura)
Artist
Tetsuo Hara
Genre
Action , Drama , Science Fiction
Chapters
245
Volumes
27
Adaptation
Fist Of The North Star
Publisher
Shounen Jump (Weekly), VIZ Media, Gutsoon! Entertainment

Fist of the North Star Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.11
  • Anime Planet: 4.08/5

Fist of the North Star comfortably ranks among the best manga series from the 1980s, and it helped lay the foundation for many early modern shonen titles in the 1990s and 2000s. This brutal series clearly took a few cues from the Mad Max movies and combined that with bone-breaking martial arts to create something entirely new.

Protagonist Kenshiro is a martial artist who wields Hokuto Shinken, or an acupuncture-based fighting style, in battle. He will rove a bandit-ridden, post-apocalyptic wasteland meting out bloody justice on those who would harm others, all while fighting to resolve some serious drama about who should be Hokuto Shinken's true successor. The story of Fist of the North Star roughly follows a "monster of the week" formula, but it also has an overarching story of Kenshiro fighting alongside — or against — his own brothers.

Fist of the North Star protagonist Kenshiro against a colorful background.

48 A Silent Voice Deals With Bullying And The Struggle To Communicate

Status: Complete

A Silent Voice (2016) manga poster
A Silent Voice

Koe no Katachi tells the heartwarming tale of Shouya's reunion with Shouko and his honest attempts to redeem himself, all while being continually haunted by the shadows of his past.

Release Date
August 7, 2013
Author
Yoshitoki Ōima
Artist
Yoshitoki Ōima
Genre
Drama
Chapters
62
Volumes
7
Publisher
Kodansha

A Silent Voice Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.86
  • Anime Planet: 4.42/5

The original A Silent Voice, which inspired an anime movie of the same name, is one of the best romance manga for readers who wish to explore themes like bullying, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Protagonist Shoya Ishida is introduced as a noxious sixth-grade bully who torments classmate Shoko Nishimiya, and then they part ways.

In 12th grade, Shoya is determined to make up for what he's done, but getting forgiveness from his classmates, or himself, won't be easy. Still, Shoko may be ready to give Shoya another chance, and she might even have special feelings for him — if she can communicate them with her silent voice. A Silent Voice is often regarded as one of the best anime movies of all, but fans who want to dig deeper into the story and its characters are encouraged to read the seven-volume manga series.

The characters from A Silent Voice outside.

47 20th Century Boys Is A Bizarre Thriller With A Mysterious Supervillain

Status: Complete

20th Century Boys manga poster
20th Century Boys

In 20th Century Boys, a group of childhood friends, led by Kenji, create a secret base with a Book of Prophecy outlining a future where they save the world from destruction. Decades later, Kenji discovers a cult led by "Friend" planning a catastrophic event resembling their childhood scenario. Kenji and his friends uncover a plot to destroy the world on New Year's Eve 2000 using a giant robot, but Kenji sacrifices himself to stop it. Fourteen years later, Kenji's niece Kanna becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy involving mafia groups, the Friends, and a plan to eliminate most of humanity. The story unfolds with political intrigue, the mysterious resurrection of Friend, and a global viral outbreak threatening mankind.

Release Date
October 4, 1999
Author
Naoki Urasawa
Artist
Naoki Urasawa
Genre
Mystery , Science Fiction , Thriller
Chapters
249
Volumes
22
Publisher
Shogakukan, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media

20th Century Boys Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.95
  • Anime Planet: 4.37/5

20th Century Boys is one of author Naoki Urasawa's most defining works, and it should appeal to fans who enjoy thriller stories with mysteries and conspiracies to drive the plot. In the 1960s in Japan, a group of young boys form their own club, with a special symbol for their "Friend." Then, around the turn of the millennium, "Friend" will come to life.

The mysterious Friend seems to be a man who's about to turn the world upside down with his doomsday cult and ambitious schemes, and the adult friends aren't sure how or even if they can stop him. In some ways, 20th Century Boys should remind fans of Stephen King's IT, except it replaces horror with a race against time to stop a schemer who's about to remake the whole world.

20th Century Boys image; the villain looking at the world.

46 Komi Can't Communicate Is A Charming Comedy About A Girl Who Wants Friends

Status: Ongoing

Cover Art of Shoko Komi san in KOMI CAN’T COMMUNICATE
Komi Can't Communicate

Socially anxious high school student Shoko Komi’s greatest dream is to make some friends, but everyone at school mistakes her crippling social anxiety for cool reserve. With the whole student body keeping its distance and Komi unable to utter a single word, friendship might be forever beyond her reach.

Release Date
May 18, 2016
Author
Tomohito Oda
Artist
Tomohito Oda
Genre
Romantic Comedy , Slice of Life
Chapters
223+
Volumes
31+
Publisher
Shogakukan, Viz Media, Shogakukan Asia

Related
Komi Can't Communicate Season 2, Every Episode Ranked
Komi Can't Communicate establishes itself as a shonen classic with its exceptional season two, although some episodes are stronger than others!

Komi Can't Communicate Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.12
  • Anime Planet: 4.23/5

Komi Can't Communicate has quietly established itself as one of the best romance manga of the 2010s, even if it's primarily a slice-of-life comedy rather than a weighty drama like Fruits Basket. This series' whimsical, vaguely satirical nature makes it an easy read, and it's a good introductory series for fans new to manga.

Komi Can't Communicate stars Shoko Komi, a beautiful dandere who struggles to speak or connect with others. Now, she has vowed to make 100 friends no matter what, and her first real friend, Hitohito Tadano, is happy to help Shoko make 99 more so she can reinvent her social life while empowering herself like never before. The story of Komi Can't Communicate is also highly episodic, whimsically moving from one skit or subplot to another, though the later volumes do have a strong storyline with a compelling love triangle.

Shoko Komi sitting on her bed and holding a cat plush in Komi Can't Communicate manga

45 Kamisama Kiss Is A Supernatural Romance Manga With Memorable Love Interests

Status: Complete

Kamisama Kiss (2008) cover art poster
Kamisama Kiss

Nanami Momozono, facing eviction due to her father's gambling debts, encounters a man named Mikage, who gifts her his shrine home as thanks for saving him from a dog. To her surprise, the home is a shrine for worship, and she learns she has inherited the position of Land God from Mikage. Living with the shrine's keepers, Onikiri and Kotetsu, and Tomoe, Mikage's familiar, Nanami reluctantly embraces her role as the new Land God. Over time, she works hard to fulfill her divine duties and gradually falls in love with Tomoe, despite the taboo nature of a human-yokai romance. Simultaneously, Tomoe, too, begins to develop feelings for Nanami

Release Date
February 10, 2008
Author
Julietta Suzuki
Artist
Julietta Suzuki
Genre
Romantic Comedy , Supernatural
Chapters
154
Volumes
25
Adaptation
Kamisama Kiss
Publisher
Hakusensha, Viz Media

Kamisama Kiss Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.54
  • Anime Planet: 4.39/5

Written and illustrated by Julietta Suzuki, Kamisama Kiss is a shojo classic. Kamisama Kiss follows Nanami Momozono after her father's reckless spending gets her evicted. Angry and stranded on the streets, Nanami has nowhere to go. One night, however, an eccentric man got stuck in a tree because he was afraid of a dog.

Nanami helped him, and he kissed her on the forehead. Suddenly, she became the Mikage shrine's new land god. At the shrine, Nanami meets Tomoe, a stubborn fox familiar who refuses to acknowledge her as his new boss. However, Tomoe eventually softens to Nanami in one of anime's greatest love stories.

Nanami and Tomoe smiling and embracing in the Kamisama Kiss manga

44 Ashita No Joe Is A 20th Century Classic About Boxing

Status: Complete

Ashita no Joe (1968) manga cover art poster
Ashita No Joe

Joe Yabuki, a young drifter, encounters former boxing trainer Danpei Tange and ends up in a juvenile detention center, where he develops a rivalry with boxing prodigy Tōru Rikiishi. After their first match ends in a double knockout, they promise to meet again as professional boxers. Joe, facing challenges due to his lack of education, rises through the ranks, earning the right to face Rikiishi in a professional bout. Rikiishi wins the match but dies from the effects of extreme weight loss. Traumatized, Joe struggles with fear but overcomes it, eventually facing World Champion José Mendoza in a brutal match where Joe seemingly ages the champion with his resilience. The manga's ending remains ambiguous, leaving fans to debate whether Joe survived or died in the final scene.

Release Date
January 1, 1968
Author
Asao Takamori
Artist
Tetsuya Chiba
Genre
Sports
Chapters
171
Volumes
20
Publisher
Kodansha

Ashita No Joe Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.94
  • Anime Planet: 4.22/5

Ashita no Joe tells the story of Joe Yabuki, a Bantamweight boxer whose career started from the bottom. A jailed criminal, Joe is determined to become a professional fighter and undergoes an intense journey to get there. Ashita no Joe documents Joe's best moments as well as his most difficult emotional battles — often against himself.

Ashita no Joe may be from the 1960s, but it is the blueprint for modern sports anime. Joe's passion for boxing resonated with post-war Japan, who felt inspired by this hero. Since Ashita no Joe, sports anime make a point of being as inspiring as possible for their audience. Fans might also say that the hit boxing series Hajime no Ippo, itself one of the best manga series of all time, owes a lot to the groundwork laid by Ashita no Joe.

Joe Yabuki from Ashita No Joe looking melancholic

43 Kuroko's Basketball Stars A Scrappy Underdog Basketball Player

Status: Complete

Kuroko's Basketball cover art poster
Kuroko's Basketball

After dominating middle school basketball as the 'Generation of Miracles,' the star players, including the mysterious sixth man Tetsuya Kuroko, disperse to different high schools. Kuroko and the naturally talented Taiga Kagami aim to make Seirin High the top basketball team in Japan by challenging Kuroko's former teammates one by one. Seirin faces Ryota Kise's team, securing a victory with Kuroko's unique skills. In the Interhigh preliminaries, they confront Shintaro Midorima's Shutoku, winning despite tough opposition. Their winning streak ends against Daiki Aomine's Touhou Academy, leading to their elimination from the Interhigh. However, with the addition of Kiyoshi Teppei, Seirin prepares for the Winter Cup, where they tie with Shutoku in the preliminaries and secure a spot by defeating Kirisaki Daichi, setting the stage for further challenges.

Release Date
December 8, 2008
Author
Tadatoshi Fujimaki
Artist
Tadatoshi Fujimaki
Genre
Comedy , Sports
Chapters
276
Volumes
30
Publisher
Shueisha, Viz Media

Kuroko's Basketball Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.11
  • Anime Planet: 4.23/5

Kuroko's Basketball, written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, is one of the most influential modern sports manga series of all time. Packed with unbelievably overpowered super moves, Kuroko's Basketball combines Shonen's most contrived tropes with innovative execution by turning average high school basketball players into semi-superheroes.

Kuroko's Basketball follows the titular Tetsuya Kuroko after enrolling at Seirin High to play basketball. He's short, weak, and has no presence on the court. However, that's his greatest advantage. He teams up with Kagami, a talented player who got his start playing street ball in the United States. Kuroko vows to be Kagami's shadow behind his light to make him the best player in Japan and defeat the Generation of Miracles.

Seirin basketball team posing in Kuroko's Basketball's manga.

42 Fire Punch Is A Grim Action Series With Superpowered Characters

Status: Complete

Fire Punch (2016) manga cover art poster
Fire Punch

In a frozen and desolate Earth, the protagonist Agni and his sister Luna possess regenerative 'blessings' in a world where few such abilities exist. A blessed named Doma destroys their village, leaving Luna dead and Agni seeking revenge. Agni joins forces with Togata, a filmmaker, to confront Doma and free slaves in the city of Behemdorg. The Ice Witch, Surya, and an evolved being named Judah play significant roles in the unfolding events, leading to a complex narrative of vengeance, redemption, and the pursuit of godhood. The story spans centuries, exploring themes of memory loss, love, and the cyclical nature of revenge, ultimately culminating in the characters' cosmic embrace in the distant future

Release Date
April 18, 2016
Author
Tatsuki Fujimoto
Artist
Tatsuki Fujimoto
Genre
Fantasy , Thriller , Supernatural
Chapters
83
Volumes
8
Publisher
Shueisha, Viz Media
Related
Before Chainsaw Man, There Was Fire Punch - and It Might Be Even DARKER
While Fire Punch lacks the structure and careful balance of Chainsaw Man, it surpasses it in terms of visceral emotion and raw atmosphere.

Fire Punch Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 7.90
  • Anime Planet:3.84/5

Fans will instantly recognize author Tatsuki Fujimoto as the brains behind Chainsaw Man, but that's not his only brilliant work. Fire Punch takes place in a frozen wasteland where the protagonist, Agni, is perpetually engulfed in flames. He sets out on a journey to get revenge on the Ice Witch for freezing the land and for the loss of his sister.

Fire Punch is perfect for fans who appreciate Chainsaw Man's darkness but want something even darker. Fire Punch truly expresses Fujimoto's brilliant storytelling abilities. Though it's confined to manga pages, Fire Punch flaunts Fujimoto's unique cinematic approach to crafting compelling panels. Fans might also see Fire Punch as a weird yet compelling take on the X-Men formula, depicting a grim world where some people have superpowers and can accomplish great things — or bring much misery to other people.

Fire Punch's Agni, using his fire affliction and regenerative blessing

41 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku Glamorizes Otaku Life In the Office

Status: Complete

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku manga cover art poster
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

Narumi Momose, an office lady concealing her fujoshi lifestyle, and Hirotaka Nifuji, a skilled and attractive company professional immersed in the world of gaming, appear to be an ideal match. However, the intricacies of love prove challenging for individuals deeply involved in otaku culture. Despite their compatibility, Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku explores the complexities of romance for Narumi and Hirotaka as they navigate the difficulties of expressing their feelings while managing their respective otaku interests.

Release Date
November 6, 2015
Author
Fujita
Artist
Fujita
Genre
Romantic Comedy
Chapters
105
Volumes
11
Publisher
Ichijinsha, Kodansha USA

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.36
  • Anime Planet: 4.33/5

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku, written and illustrated by Fujita, is a charming josei romance story. Set in a workplace, Wotakoi follows Narumi Momose, a 20-something who struggles with romance since her dates tend to get turned off by her otaku hobbies, such as BL manga.

Narumi's childhood friend, Nifuji Hirotaka, ends up working at the same office. They reconnect over video games, yaoi manga, and all things otaku-related, cheering Narumi up and giving her another shot at love with someone who actually understands her. Similarly, Narumi's and Hirotaka's co-workers Taro and Hanako are about to fall in love, despite their hotheaded ways and constant bickering. Overall, Wotakoi is an amusing and uplifting story about people accepting each other for who they are and friendship leading to true love.

40 Bungou Stray Dogs Thrills Readers With Atsushi's Detective Antics

Status: Ongoing

Bungō_Stray_Dogs (2012) cover art poster
Bungou Stray Dogs

Atsushi Nakajima, a young adult kicked out of his orphanage, encounters detective Osamu Dazai and discovers his supernatural ability to transform into a berserker white tiger. Recruited into the Agency, Atsushi faces challenges from the Port Mafia, including Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, and learns of a supernatural book tied to his ability. The story unfolds with the revelation of Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald and the Fellowship of the Guild orchestrating chaos in Yokohama to obtain the book. Fyodor Dostoyevsky appears, aiming to erase all gifted individuals, leading to a clash between detectives, the mafia, and a mysterious organization. The plot intensifies as Dostoyevsky's group, The Decay of Angels, frames the Agency, prompting an alliance with Fitzgerald and a confrontation with the true leader, Ōchi Fukuchi, leading to a struggle against vampires and the ultimate revelation of Fukuchi's motives

Release Date
December 4, 2012
Author
Kafka Asagiri
Artist
Sango Harukawa
Genre
Action , Mystery , Supernatural
Chapters
107
Volumes
23
Adaptation
Bungou Stray Dogs
Publisher
Kadokawa Shoten, Yen Press

Bungou Stray Dogs Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.52
  • Anime Planet: 4.39/5

With a dynamic cast of characters and tons of references to iconic literature, Bungou Stray Dogs by Kafka Asagiri is the perfect gateway into the seinen demographic for shonen fans. Bungou Stray Dogs follows Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who was kicked out onto the streets and then found out that he's a weretiger.

He joins the Armed Detective Agency to help them solve elite mysteries too complex for even the military police. Though Atsushi is the protagonist, Bungou Stray Dogs is defined by side characters like the darkly complex Dazai Osamu as they investigate bizarre mysteries that no one else could possibly solve.

Bungou Stray Dogs characters huddled together looking serious

39 Inuyasha Blends Isekai With Romance And Action

Status: Complete

Inuyasha 1996 manga covert art poster
Inuyasha

In the year 1496 in Japan, the priestess Kikyo guards the Shikon Jewel, which grants any wish. Kikyo and the half-demon Inuyasha fall into a trap, leading to betrayal and Kikyo's death. Five hundred years later, Kagome, Kikyo's reincarnation, is transported to the Sengoku period, where the Shikon Jewel shatters. Inuyasha, aided by Kagome and a diverse group, seeks to collect the shards and confront the spider half-demon Naraku, who manipulated Inuyasha and Kikyo. As they journey, relationships develop, and the group faces challenges, culminating in Kagome's selfless wish to erase the Shikon Jewel forever, leading to a changed Sengoku period and Kagome's reunion with Inuyasha

Release Date
November 13, 1996
Author
Rumiko Takahashi
Artist
Rumiko Takahashi
Genre
Adventure , Fantasy , Romance
Chapters
558
Volumes
56
Adaptation
Inuyasha
Publisher
Shogakukan, Viz Media
Related
10 Ways InuYasha Feels Like A Shojo Anime
InuYasha combines action and romance, appealing to both shonen and shojo audiences with its blend of fantasy and emotional depth.

Inuyasha Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 7.86
  • Anime Planet: 3.96/5

Written and drawn by author Rumiko Takahashi, Inuyasha is one of the most legendary isekai manga series of all time. A cult classic, Inuyasha's anime adaptation was many international fans' first exposure to the medium since it aired on Adult Swim.

Published from 1996 to 2008, Inuyasha is one of Isekai's defining titles, combining adventure and fantasy with romance to tell a compelling, one-of-a-kind narrative that even modern series can't compete with. Inuyasha follows Kagome after she falls down a well and is transported to feudal Japan. There, she meets the titular half-demon Inuyasha, who is hunting for the Shikon Jewel.

Inuyasha large in the background with Kagome standing in the front right

38 Noragami Stars A Variety Of Japanese Gods In A Modern Setting

Status: Ongoing

Noragami 2010 manga cover art poster
Noragami

Hiyori Iki, a middle school student involved in a bus accident, discovers her soul slipping out of her body, revealing two parallel worlds: the Near Shore and the Far Shore. In the Far Shore, she encounters Yato, a nameless god without a shrine, who accepts wishes for 5 yen. With Yato's Shinki, Yukine, they embark on adventures, navigating challenges related to friendship, identity, and their pasts.

Release Date
December 6, 2010
Author
Adachitoka
Artist
Adachitoka
Genre
Action , Supernatural , Fantasy
Chapters
104
Volumes
26
Adaptation
Noragami
Publisher
Kodansha, Kodansha USA

Noragami Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.39
  • Anime Planet: 4.30/5

Noragami by Adachikota follows Yato, a god who doesn't even have his own shrine and wants to put himself out there as a "Delivery God" to get the recognition he desperately craves. Just as Yato was about to get into an accident, Hiyori arrived and saved him from getting run over.

Unfortunately, this incident disconnected Hiyori's soul from her body, so now she's relying on Yato to put her back together. Noragami is a shonen comedy with so many twists and turns that fans won't know what will happen next with each page turn.

Noragami's Yato gritting his teeth and driving a sword downward

37 Case Closed Is Perfect For Sherlock Holmes Fans

Status: Ongoing

Case_Closed (1994) manga cover art poster
Case Closed

High school detective Jimmy Kudo is shrunk into a child after being force-fed an experimental drug by the Black Organization. Adopting the alias Conan Edogawa, he lives with his friend Rachel and her father Richard, solving cases while secretly investigating the Black Organization. As Conan, he enrolls in elementary school, forms the Junior Detective League, and encounters former Black Organization member Anita Hailey, who joins the Junior Detectives in their quest to uncover the truth about the criminal syndicate.

Release Date
January 5, 1994
Author
Gosho Aoyama
Artist
Gosho Aoyama
Genre
Mystery , Thriller
Chapters
1104
Volumes
103
Adaptation
Case Closed: Detective Conan
Publisher
Shogakukan, Viz Media, Shogakukan Asia

Case Closed Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.29
  • Anime Planet: 4.17/5

Case Closed, written and illustrated by Gosho Aoyama, is a classic shonen manga that's been ongoing since 1994. Case Closed, or Detective Conan, follows Shinichi Kudo after he's transformed into a child while investigating a shady organization.

Case Closed isn't the average mystery series. There's a certain campiness to its plot and characters that gives the series more charm than some of its counterparts. Readers can solve mysteries alongside Shinichi, and the manga has so many plot twists that predicting where it'll head next is impossible.

Detective Conan dressed as Sherlock Holmes and holding a pipe on a manga cover

36 Assassination Classroom Features One Of Anime's Scariest, Most Beloved Teachers

Status: Complete

Assassination Classroom manga cover art poster
Assassination Classroom

An immensely powerful tentacled creature named Koro-sensei threatens to destroy Earth after annihilating 70% of the Moon. The Japanese government offers a reward to students of class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High School to assassinate Koro-sensei, who becomes their unique and highly effective homeroom teacher. As the students attempt to fulfill their mission, they uncover Koro-sensei's secrets, the reasons behind his actions, and the complexities of their own feelings towards him.

Release Date
July 2, 2012
Author
Yusei Matsui
Artist
Yusei Matsui
Genre
Action , Science Fiction , Comedy
Chapters
187
Volumes
21
Adaptation
Assassination Classroom
Publisher
Shueisha, Viz Media

Assassination Classroom Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.26
  • Anime Planet: 4.27/5

Many iconic Shonen manga series take place in some form of a high school, but Assassination Classroom is much different from the rest. Though it's laced with tons of comedy to keep viewers entertained for ages, there's a certain impending doom looming over Koro-sensei and class 3-E.

Class 3-E is tasked with killing Koro-sensei before he destroys the planet. They spend the entire school year coming up with clever ways to assassinate their teacher. However, when the time actually came for Koro-sensei's demise, these students realized that assassination isn't a punch line.

The creepy, yellow-faced smiling alien from Assassination Classroom.

35 Gantz Shows A Team Of Misfits Fighting Monsters For A Mission

Status: Complete

Gantz manga cover art poster
Gantz

Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, killed in a subway accident, find themselves part of a mysterious game orchestrated by the enigmatic Gantz. Alongside other participants, they are given advanced suits and weapons to combat aliens invading Earth. As they face increasingly powerful foes and unravel the mysteries of Gantz, Kurono becomes a seasoned leader, leading a desperate defense against a massive alien invasion, ultimately emerging victorious with the help of allies like Kato.

Release Date
June 29, 2000
Author
Hiroya Oku
Artist
Hiroya Oku
Genre
Action , Psychological , Horror , Thriller , Science Fiction
Chapters
383
Volumes
37
Publisher
Shueisha, Dark Horse Comics

Gantz Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.10
  • Anime Planet: 4.12/5

Written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku, Gantz is a classic seinen series published from 2000 to 2013 in Weekly Young Jump. Gantz follows Kei Kurono and other characters who died but came back to life. After their revival, they noticed their bodies had been healed of all illnesses and injuries.

Everyone who was revived must participate in a series of missions to kill aliens. If someone dies, they're easily replaced. Gantz has received critical acclaim for its immersive world-building and action-packed plot. It's also received equal amounts of controversy since its sheer amount of violence isn't for the fainthearted.

a sample from the Gantz manga series, with a monster touching a man's forehead.

34 Demon Slayer Shows Tanjiro Kamado Fighting To Restore His Sister's Humanity

Status: Complete

Tanjiro hugs a crying Nezuko on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga cover art poster
Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy turned Demon Slayer, embarks on a perilous journey to avenge his family and find a cure for his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. Alongside his companions, Tanjiro faces powerful demons, confronts his lineage's hidden techniques, and ultimately clashes with Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons. Through sacrifices, battles, and self-discovery, Tanjiro and his allies emerge victorious, leading to the eradication of demons and the restoration of peace, with the story concluding as they embrace a tranquil life free from the threat of supernatural entities.

Release Date
February 15, 2016
Author
Koyoharu Gotouge
Artist
Koyoharu Gotouge
Genre
Adventure , Fantasy , Martial Arts
Chapters
207
Volumes
23
Adaptation
Demon Slayer
Publisher
Shueisha, Viz Media

Demon Slayer Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.20
  • Anime Planet: 4.38/5

Demon Slayer, written by Koyoharu Gotouge, is one of the most popular modern series published by Shueisha. In 2021, the series sold nearly 30 million copies worldwide. Demon Slayer's unique art style, lovable characters, and beautifully choreographed fight scenes make it stand out from some of its peers.

Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado after he comes home one day and discovers that a demon killed his entire family, except for his sister Nezuko. The encounter turned Nezuko into a demon, so Tanjiro embarks on a journey to join the Demon Slayer Corps to find a cure and avenge his family. Along the way, Tanjiro will see the heart-wrenching truth for himself: that demons were all once human, and many still have a human heart buried deep in them. Tanjiro knows from his sister's example that demons can be sympathetic beings, yet he must slay them for duty's sake, a heavy emotional burden for him to bear.

33 Yona Of The Dawn Shows A Princess Becoming A True Warrior

Status: Ongoing

Yona of the Dawn manga cover art poster
Yona Of The Dawn

In the fictional nation of Kouka, Yona, the princess, witnesses a political upheaval when her crush Su-won murders her father, King Il, in a coup. Fleeing with her loyal bodyguard Hak, Yona embarks on a quest to find the legendary Dragon Warriors and reclaim her kingdom. As she faces challenges, uncovers her nation's history, and grows stronger, Yona seeks to save Kouka from the brink of destruction.

Release Date
August 5, 2009
Author
Mizuho Kusanagi
Artist
Mizuho Kusanagi
Genre
Adventure , Fantasy , Romance
Chapters
234
Volumes
40
Adaptation
Yona of the Dawn
Publisher
Hakusensha, Viz Media

Yona Of The Dawn Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.824
  • Anime Planet: 4.45/5

Yona of the Dawn is a classic shojo series, written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi. Published by Hakusensha, Yona of the Dawn charmed fans with its unique premise and strong titular protagonist. The story also has some appeal for shonen fans who enjoy action series, a fine example of cross-pollination between shojo and shonen. Yona of the Dawn is meant to empower girls with a strong female lead, while also giving male readers a new perspective on who or what an action star can be.

The series follows Yona, a 16-year-old princess whose luxurious lifestyle is turned upside down after a coup. Yona's bodyguard and childhood friend Hak teach her how to survive outside the kingdom and even gives her archery lessons to make her a capable fighter. In time, Yona evolves from a typical rich girl to an admirable warrior.

Yona and Hak gathered together with Jae-ha, Ki-ja, Shin-ah, Yun, and Zeno as the smile and laugh in the Yona of the Dawn manga

32 Hajime No Ippo Is A Beloved Story Of A Rising Star Boxer

Status: Ongoing

Ippo fixing his red gloves on Hajime no Ippo manga cover art poster
Hajime no Ippo

Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student, discovers his talent for boxing after being saved from bullies by professional boxer Mamoru Takamura. Determined to pursue a career in boxing, Ippo undergoes rigorous training under coach Genji Kamogawa. The series follows Ippo's journey in the boxing world, exploring his character development, relationships, and pursuit of championships, with a focus on sportsmanship and the diverse cast of characters within the Kamogawa Gym.

Release Date
October 11, 1989
Author
George Morikawa
Artist
George Morikawa
Genre
Action , Comedy , sport
Chapters
1414
Volumes
137
Adaptation
Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit
Publisher
Kodansha

Hajime No Ippo Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.73
  • Anime Planet: 4.35/5

Hajime No Ippo is one of Kodansha's longest-running manga series. Written and illustrated by Joji Morikawa, Hajime No Ippo has been published in Shonen Weekly since 1989. Hajime No Ippo is a classic sports manga that follows the titular Ippo, a hardworking teenager who helps his mother's business.

Ippo's shy, frail, and almost always sleep-deprived, so the bullies at his school have a field day with him. After two people from the local gym save him from a violent encounter, Ippo picks up boxing. Ippo gains more self-confidence through boxing and strives to become a legend.

Hajime delivers a punch while boxing.

31 My Hero Academia Is All About Superheroes And Their Impact On Society

Status: Ongoing

Boku_no_Hero_Academia manga cover art poster
My Hero Academia

Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless teenager, inherits the powerful Quirk "One For All" from his idol All Might, embarking on a journey to become a hero. As he and his classmates at U.A. High School face challenges from the League of Villains, led by Shigaraki, societal unrest unfolds, leading to revelations, betrayals, and intense battles. The story culminates in a final confrontation against the League of Villains, All For One, and a transformed Shigaraki, with Izuku and his friends striving to protect a society on the brink of chaos.

Release Date
July 7, 2014
Author
Kōhei Horikoshi
Artist
Kōhei Horikoshi
Genre
Adventure , Science Fiction , Fantasy , superheroes
Chapters
386
Volumes
37
Adaptation
My Hero Academia
Publisher
Shueisha, Viz Media
Related
10 Things From The My Hero Academia Manga We're Glad Were Never Adapted
The My Hero Academia anime is doing a good job adapting its manga, but fans are glad some manga elements weren't included.

My Hero Academia Scores:

  • MyAnimeList: 8.06
  • Anime Planet: 4.30/5

My Hero Academia is one of Weekly Shonen Jump's most popular series and is regarded as one of the demographic's new "big three." Written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless teenager in a world where 80% of people have superpowers.

After encountering a villain, Izuku met his idol and number one pro-hero, All Might, who gifted him a Quirk. Afterward, Izuku enrolled at U.A. High and started training alongside his peers to become the next great superhero. However, Izuku/Deku's journey to become a hero comes at a higher price than expected, since the burden of being One For All's wielder and All Might's successor is perhaps too much for one idealistic teenage boy to bear.