While the field of Japanese manga has a rich history that can be traced back centuries, the manga style most commonly seen today developed about 70 years ago. Since then, thousands of different manga have been created, spanning a variety of genres and themes. Regardless of when they began, how long they've run, and how many volumes have been published, some works have soared to the top of the charts.
The list of best-selling manga of all time is a solid mix of both old, established favorites and brand-new modern classics. It's tough to quantify the cultural impact of any given manga, but the raw sales numbers are a pretty good indicator of a manga's overall success.
Updated on February 7th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of the best-selling manga of all time has been expanded to include five more popular titles and to reflect CBR's current publication standards.
21 Best Current Seinen Manga, Ranked
Seinen manga tell mature tales that can cover a wide range of genres. Between romance, mysteries, thrillers, and more, seinen fans have lots to enjoy.20 Touch Is About Baseball and a Compelling Love Triangle
Touch
Tatsuya, a naturally gifted athlete whose raw skills exceed his brother's, has always allowed his hard-working younger brother to take the spotlight. As the two of them near high school with their neighbor Minami, Tatsuya realizes that perhaps he does not want to lose Minami to his brother after all.
- Release Date
- August 5, 1981
- Author
- Mitsuru Adachi
- Artist
- Mitsuru Adachi
- Genre
- Coming-of-Age , Romance , Comedy , Sports
- Volumes
- 26
- Adaptation
- touch
- Publisher
- Shogakukan
More About Touch:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.34
- Anime Planet score: 4.06
Touch ranks among the best-selling manga because it combines a compelling sports narrative with an emotionally gripping love triangle. This combo proved to be a winning formula for the 1980s baseball manga, which eventually inspired a highly rated anime adaptation.
Touch features the brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, who are both close to their female neighbor Minami. The Uesugi brothers are both passionate about baseball, but when Kazuya gets injured and Tatsuya must play in his place, that might strain their relationship with Minami. Either brother might "steal" her from the other, and their relationship with Minami is closely tied to their performance in the game.
19 Kingdom Takes Place in Ancient War-Torn China
Kingdom
Born during the Warring States period of ancient China, Xin and Piao are war-orphans working as servants in a poor village in the kingdom of Qin. However, they dream to become the "Great Generals of the Heavens" and train daily.
- Release Date
- January 26, 2006
- Author
- Yasuhisa Hara
- Artist
- Yasuhisa Hara
- Genre
- Epic , Historical
- Where to Read
- Weekly Young Jump
- Volumes
- 71
- Adaptation
- Kingdom
- Publisher
- Shueisha
More About Kingdom:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 9.0
- Anime Planet score: 4.39
Kingdom is a best-selling seinen manga series that launched in 2006, and it's still going strong today with 60 volumes and counting. In fact, this manga is outselling many series that are decades older than it is, showing what a strong following it has as an excellent historical manga series.
Kingdom's story focuses on protagonist Li Xin in ancient China's Warring States period. Li is an orphan who's determined to join the Qin army and make it big as a warrior and leader. The rest of Kingdom follows Li's incredible rise to power and prominence as a great battlefield commander. Fans of Vinland Saga are bound to enjoy this well-drawn seinen historical manga about war and one young man's rise to power.
18 The Kindaichi Case Files Stars a High School Detective Named Hajime Kindaichi
The Kindaichi Case Files
Bored with everyday life, Hajime Kindaichi finds himself thrust into the world of criminal investigation when a series of seemingly impossible murders occur around him. With his genius-level intellect and inherited deductive skills, he begins assisting the police, impressing them with his ability to uncover hidden clues and expose seemingly airtight alibis. As he delves deeper into each case, he encounters eccentric characters, hidden agendas, and intricate puzzles that challenge his wit and courage. Will Hajime be able to unravel the truth behind each mystery and bring the perpetrators to justice?
- Release Date
- 1992-10-00
- Author
- Yōzaburō Kanari (Original Series), Seimaru Amagi (Later Series)
- Artist
- Fumiya Satō
- Genre
- Mystery
- Chapters
- 76
- Publisher
- Kodansha
More About The Kindaichi Case Files:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.11
- Anime Planet score: 4.11/5
Anyone who enjoys Detective Conan is sure to enjoy the mystery manga series The Kindaichi Case Files. It began serialization in 1992 and is still running today. It's a bit shorter than Conan with 90 volumes, but that's still plenty of material for any devoted fan to enjoy.
The Kindaichi Case Files follows the high school detective Hajime Kindaichi, grandson of the skilled detective Kosuke Kindaichi. Hajime's cases are usually "whodunnit" cases involving slightly supernatural murders, which also have "locked room" elements, where a murder was seemingly committed without anyone ever entering the victim's room.
20 Best Manga One-Shots
One-shots are some of the best manga on the market, since they offer a complete story wrapped up in a short and sweet package.17 Hajime No Ippo Is the Ultimate Boxing Manga
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
10 Ways Hajime No Ippo Embraces Shonen Clichés
With high-stakes tournaments and intense rivalries, Hajime no Ippo is a sports anime classic that truly embraced shonen clichés.More About Hajime No Ippo:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.73
- Anime Planet score: 4.35/5
Hajime no Ippo is one of several sports manga that ranks among the most sold manga of all time, and it's also one of the longest. This series was launched in 1989 and is still serializing today, with an astonishing 138 volumes and counting to its name.
Protagonist Ippo Makunouchi is a total dandere who's often too busy helping his mother at work to even try making any friends. One day, Ippo was beaten up at the hands of his usual bullies, and a retired boxer helped inspire Ippo to take up boxing and learn to fight for himself. From there, Ippo began a serious career as a scrappy underdog who will push himself to the limits to fight and win.
16 Fist Of The North Star Combines Mad Max With Brutal Martial Arts
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
More About Fist Of The North Star:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.11
- Anime Planet score: 4.08/5
Fist of the North Star is one of the most iconic and most popular manga of all time, and it has aged impressively well, too. With 27 published volumes, this series has gone on to influence numerous other anime/manga, including Vinland Saga and Berserk. The narrative follows Kenshiro, a martial artist with remarkable technique and power, as he journeys through his desolate landscape.
Kenshiro soon becomes a hero of the post-apocalypse, earning both dear friends and bitter enemies along the way in a Max Max-inspired hellscape of leather-wearing thugs and war-torn ruins. Currently, this manga is being released in the West in deluxe hardback editions, with the first 10 volumes covering the first major phase of Fist's story. On a side note, the creators also made a martial arts series called Fist of the Blue Sky.
15 Astro Boy Is an Early Classic From Osamu Tezuka
Astro Boy
Abandoned by Dr. Tenma and sold to a circus, Astro yearns for acceptance. He eventually finds a home at the Ministry of Science, where he befriends other robots and uses his powers to combat crime and defend mankind. However, Astro's journey is not without challenges. He grapples with discrimination due to his robotic nature, questions his own existence, and faces powerful enemies who threaten the peaceful coexistence of humans and robots. Through his triumphs and tribulations, Astro inspires with his unwavering determination to do good and his dream of one day becoming a real boy
- Release Date
- 1952-04-00
- Author
- Osamu Tezuka
- Artist
- Osamu Tezuka
- Genre
- Science Fiction , Adventure , Drama
- Chapters
- 23
- Publisher
- Akita Shoten
More About Astro Boy:
- Volumes sold: 100 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.4
- Anime Planet score: 3.57/5
Famed author Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy began in 1952, long before the manga medium had become a household name. It ran for 16 years, although producing only 112 chapters compiled into 23 volumes. Despite this relatively low number, Astro Boy has sold over 100 million copies.
This manga series chronicles the adventures of its titular protagonist, who bears a striking resemblance to Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio. There have been three television shows based on this highly popular manga, the first of which is considered to be an anime benchmark. Astro Boy may not appear much in modern pop-cultural discourse, but there's no doubting its influence.
14 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Is an Anthology Following the Joestar Heroes
JoJo's Bizarre Adventures
The story of the Joestar family, who are possessed with intense psychic strength, and the adventures each member encounters throughout their lives.
- Release Date
- January 1, 1987
- Franchise
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
- Author
- Hirohiko Araki
- Artist
- Hirohiko Araki
- Genre
- Adventure , Supernatural
- Chapters
- 959
- Volumes
- 131
- Adaptation
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Viz Media
More About JoJo's Bizarre Adventure:
- Volumes sold: 120 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.29
- Anime Planet score: 3.86/5
Author Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is arguably one of the most surreal manga still in production. Initially published in 1987, the series has managed to retain its popularity for over 35 years, a remarkable feat by any standard. Although most fans discovered this unique story through its anime adaptation, the manga deserves just as much attention.
Each part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure stars a new character, inevitably nicknamed JoJo, as the protagonist. This manga series currently has 131 volumes published, with at least 120 million copies sold. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy hyperbolic melodrama should definitely check it out. Fans in the West should note, however, that there is not yet an official English release for parts 7 and 8 of this series, Steel Ball Run and JoJolion, respectively, nor is there an anime for them. Instead, English-speaking fans can check out the hardback deluxe editions of this manga for parts 1-6.
13 Bleach Is About Swords, Spirits, and Adventure In the Afterlife
Bleach
High school student Ichigo Kurosaki, who has the ability to see ghosts, gains soul reaper powers from Rukia Kuchiki and sets out to save the world from "Hollows".
- Release Date
- August 7, 2001
- Author
- Tite Kubo
- Artist
- Tite Kubo
- Genre
- Adventure , Martial Arts , Supernatural
- Chapters
- 705
- Volumes
- 74
- Adaptation
- Bleach
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
10 Best Bleach Manga Panels
Tite Kubo is a masterful artist who brought Bleach to life with astonishing panels featuring Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, and others.More About Bleach:
- Volumes sold: 130 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.86
- Anime Planet score: 4.07/5
Author Tite Kubo's Bleach has gone through multiple upheavals, the most recent being the anime's temporary cancelation in March 2012. Thankfully, the anime adaptation of the final was greenlit in 2020, with the first of 52 episodes being released in October 2022. Now the Thousand-Year Blood War anime arc is well underway, but the original manga is still the definitive Bleach experience thanks to the complete story, Tite Kubo's incredible illustrations, and the lack of filler.
Fans still don't know what the title refers to, but that hasn't stopped the manga from selling 130 million copies. Bleach has 686 chapters divided into 74 volumes, making it one of the most extensive series ever illustrated. The story follows protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, an ordinary human who discovers limitless power as a substitute Soul Reaper over the course of his character arc.
12 Oishinbo Is a Great Manga For Cuisine Enthusiasts
Oishinbo
Shirō Yamaoka, notorious for his harsh critiques and refined palate, is entrusted with a daunting task: create the "Ultimate Menu" representing the best of Japanese cuisine. Joined by the enthusiastic Yūko, he sets off on a nationwide quest to uncover the perfect versions of each dish. Their journey takes them to renowned restaurants, hidden street vendors, and local family kitchens, encountering an array of characters with varying approaches to food. From chefs adhering to centuries-old techniques to daring innovators reimagining classics, each encounter fuels passionate debates about flavor, ingredients, and cultural significance. Will Shirō find the elusive "ultimate" dishes, or will the journey redefine his understanding of what makes food truly exceptional?
- Release Date
- 1983-06-00
- Author
- Tetsu Kariya
- Artist
- Akira Hanasaki
- Genre
- Cooking , Drama
- Chapters
- 111
More About Oishinbo:
- Volumes sold: 135 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.33
- Anime Planet score: 3.71/5
Most popular manga revolve around shonen, shojo, josei, and seinen concepts, but Oishinbo is a major exception. Penned by Akira Hanasaki and Tetsu Kariya, this cooking manga series chronicles Shiro Yamaoka and Yuko Kurita's adventures in the field of high cuisine.
Oishinbo ran from 1983 to 2008 and later from 2009 to 2014, accumulating 111 volumes in the process. Unfortunately, it went on a seemingly permanent hiatus after this point. This manga series has sold at least 135 million copies since its release and even obtained an anime adaptation with 136 episodes.
11 Attack On Titan Is a Famously Dark Gaslamp Fantasy About Killer Giants
Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager, who, after witnessing the fall of his hometown to Titans, joins the military to avenge his mother's death. Unraveling complex political and existential mysteries, Eren discovers the truth about Eldians, Titans, and the island of Paradis. The series culminates in a tragic and transformative conflict involving Eren's plan for the Rumbling, the eradication of the Titans' source, and the pursuit of peace and freedom for Eldians and the world.
- Release Date
- September 9, 2009
- Author
- Hajime Isayama
- Artist
- Hajime Isayama
- Genre
- Action , Fantasy
- Chapters
- 141
- Volumes
- 34
- Adaptation
- Attack On Titan
- Publisher
- Kodansha
More About Attack On Titan:
- Volumes sold: 140 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.55
- Anime Planet score: 4.38/5
Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan is a gruesome epic on political conflict and class hierarchy, showcasing real-world problems through the macabre lens of cannibalism. Vicious entities known as Titans are scattered across Paradis, where the story takes place.
As such, the island's human inhabitants have no choice but to live with this threat looming over their heads at all times. While the narrative seems to focus heavily on these Titans, the true crux of the story relies on the relationships between people. Attack on Titan has been collected into 34 volumes, selling 110 million copies over its 12-year run.
10 Crayon Shin-Chan Is a Wacky Comedy Starring a Young Boy
Crayon Shin-Chan
Life in the Nohara household is never dull, thanks to the ever-energetic Shin. Whether attending kindergarten, playing with his friends, or causing mayhem at home, Shin's boundless curiosity and mischievous spirit lead to hilarious predicaments. He moonwalks at inappropriate times, declares his love for beautiful women, and uses unconventional (and often gross) methods to solve problems. Despite his chaotic ways, Shin possesses a surprising innocence and kindness, reminding us that laughter can be found in the simplest things. His adventures, alongside his family, friends, and neighbors, offer a humorous commentary on Japanese society and family dynamics, resonating with audiences of all ages.
- Release Date
- 1990-11-00
- Author
- Yoshito Usui (Original Series), Kim Carnby (New Crayon Shin-chan)
- Artist
- Yoshito Usui (Original Series), Kim Carnby (New Crayon Shin-chan)
- Genre
- Comedy , Slice of Life , Family
- Chapters
- 56 (Original Series), 19 (New Crayon Shin-chan, Ongoing)
- Publisher
- (Original Series), Shinchosha (New Crayon Shin-chan)
More About Crayon Shin-Chan:
- Volumes sold: 148 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.95
- Anime Planet score: 3.88/5
The popular comedy manga Crayon Shin-Chan and its successor, New Crayon Shin-Chan, are both slice-of-life manga series starring a 5-year-old boy named Shinnosuke Nohara, or Shin-Chan for short. This long-running manga is also one of the best selling manga of all time, competing well with more serious, action-oriented series like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. It's not easy for an irreverent comedy like Crayon Shin-Chan to do such a thing.
Crayon Shin-Chan's various storylines often depict young Shin-Chan getting into trouble as a good-natured prankster and troublemaker, with stories featuring the value of friendship and family, clever wordplay, references to Japanese culture, and even sexual innuendo. Unfortunately, some of the humor may be lost when translated to English, but Western fans may still enjoy the wacky antics that Crayon Shin-Chan has to offer.
9 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Is a Heartfelt Fantasy Adventure
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
The Demon Slayer Manga Deserved to Be Longer
If Demon Slayer had been a longer-running series like its Shonen Jump predecessors, it would have elevated the story and made it truly great.More About Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba:
- Volumes sold: 150 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.2
- Anime Planet score: 4.38/5
Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is simultaneously one of the newest and shortest best-selling manga. Gotouge only published 23 volumes during the manga's 4-year run but has sold over 150 million copies since it began in 2016.
Demon Slayer has since been adapted into an anime series and a movie, which is also currently the highest-grossing Japanese movie ever made. The fantasy-adventure story follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, who trains to become a Demon Slayer after a mysterious assailant massacres his entire family and transforms his sister into a demon.
8 KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops Follows a Goofy Cop With Money-Making Schemes
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
Bored with routine police work, Ryo-san is always on the lookout for the next get-rich-quick scheme. He dreams of striking it big with his latest gadget or capitalizing on the latest fad. Whether it's inventing a revolutionary food processor or becoming a pachinko champion, Ryo-san's plans rarely go as expected. With his loyal partner Keiichi Nakagawa by his side, they navigate hilarious predicaments, clash with their stern but kindhearted Captain, and encounter a cast of colorful characters. Despite his antics, Ryo-san shows moments of compassion and bravery, proving that even a mischievous cop can have a heart of gold.
- Release Date
- 1977-09-00
- Author
- Osamu Akimoto
- Artist
- Osamu Akimoto
- Genre
- Comedy , Slice of Life , Police Procedural
- Chapters
- 200
- Publisher
- hueisha
More About KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops:
- Volumes sold: 156.5 miillion
- MyAnimeList score: 6.48
- Anime Planet score: 3.5/5
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, a comedic manga created by Osamu Akimoto, has sold over 156.5 million copies since its inception in 1976. Akimoto published 201 volumes during its 40-year run, and the original manga has gone on to inspire several stage adaptations, three animated films, two live-action films, a live-action TV show, and an anime series.
A lot of this manga's appeal comes from comedic gags and humor based on pairing average characters with bizarre counterparts. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops revolves around Kankicki Ryotsu and his adventures around a police station in downtown Tokyo. Ryotsu constantly comes up with new schemes to make quick money, which then consistently fails for various reasons.
7 Slam Dunk Helped Popularize Basketball in Japan
Slam Dunk
About Sakuragi Hanamichi, a freshman of Shohoku High School who joins the basketball team because of the girl he has a crush on, Haruko. Although he is newbie in this sport, he is no ordinary basketball player.
- Release Date
- October 1, 1990
- Author
- Takehiko Inoue
- Artist
- Takehiko Inoue
- Genre
- Comedy , Sports
- Chapters
- 276
- Volumes
- 31
- Adaptation
- Slam Dunk
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media, Gutsoon! Entertainment (former), Chuang Yi
More About Slam Dunk:
- Volumes sold: 170 million
- MyAnimeList score: 9.09
- Anime Planet score: 4.42/5
One of the best-known sports manga, Slam Dunk was even commended by the Japan Basketball Association for helping promote basketball among younger viewers. The original manga by author Takehiro Inoue only ran between 1990 and 1996, with a total of 31 volumes published. However, it has since sold over 170 million copies and spawned several video games, four films, an anime series, and a fund that helps Japanese basketball players follow their NBA dreams.
Slam Dunk revolves around Hanamichi Sakuragi, who joins a basketball team mostly to impress a girl. However, while he starts as a not-particularly-great member of the basketball team, Sakuragi grows to love the sport and eventually becomes an excellent player and teammate.
6 Naruto Charts the Rise of Naruto Uzumaki as the #1 Ninja Hero
Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.
- Release Date
- September 21, 1999
- Author
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Artist
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Genre
- Adventure , Fantasy , Comedy , Martial Arts
- Chapters
- 700
- Volumes
- 72
- Adaptation
- Naruto
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
A Complete Timeline of Naruto, Shippuden, and Boruto
Naruto Uzumaki learns valuable lessons on his path to becoming Hokage: lessons he then uses to help guide his son, Boruto.More About Naruto:
- Volumes sold: 250 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.07
- Anime Planet score: 4.17/5
Naruto is one of the most famous titles, with the original manga leading to several popular adaptations, spin-offs, and sequels in the form of anime, manga, and light novels. The original manga was first created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999 and ran for 15 years before it concluded in 2014. Since its creation, Naruto has produced 72 volumes and sold over 250 million copies.
The story revolves around the ninja protagonist Naruto Uzumaki and takes place in two parts, split between his pre-teen and teenage years. It chronicles his life and adventures as he strives to become the Hokage of his village. Naruto is perhaps even more well-known for its anime adaptation, but the manga started it all.
5 Doraemon Is a Comedy Manga With a Mechanical Cat
Doraemon
Struggling with bad grades, bullies, and an overall lack of luck, Nobita Nobi is destined for a bleak future. To rectify this, his great-great-grandson sends Doraemon, a blue robotic cat brimming with extraordinary gadgets, back in time to guide Nobita. From shrinking doors to time machines, each episode introduces a new invention, leading to wacky escapades as Nobita and his friends, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo, explore the possibilities and consequences of these futuristic tools. Through laughter and mishaps, Doraemon subtly helps Nobita overcome his shortcomings, learn valuable life lessons, and appreciate the importance of friendship and kindness.
- Release Date
- 1969-12-00
- Author
- Fujiko F. Fujio
- Artist
- Fujiko F. Fujio
- Genre
- Comedy , Science Fiction , Slice of Life , Family
- Chapters
- 45
More About Doraemon:
- Volumes sold: 250 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.44
- Anime Planet score: 4.11/5
Doraemon, a children's manga created by Fujiko F. Fujio that ran from 1969 to 1996, has been consistently popular since it was first released. Over time, it has won numerous awards, and the eponymous character is commonly regarded as one of Japan's biggest cultural icons.
The original Doraemon manga has been adapted into two anime series, a total of 40 feature-length and short films, and several other media forms. The story follows Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, as he travels back in time to help Nobita Nobi. Doraemon has sold a whopping 250 million copies from 45 volumes, a testament to its ageless protagonist.
4 Dragon Ball Launched the Breathtaking Adventures of Son Goku
Dragon Ball
Son Gokû, a fighter with a monkey tail, goes on a quest with an assortment of odd characters in search of the Dragon Balls, a set of crystals that can give its bearer anything they desire.
- Release Date
- November 20, 1984
- Author
- Akira Toriyama
- Artist
- Akira Toriyama
- Genre
- Adventure , Fantasy , Comedy , Martial Arts
- Chapters
- 519
- Volumes
- 42
- Adaptation
- Dragon Ball
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
More About Dragon Ball:
- Volumes sold: 260 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.41
- Anime Planet score: 4.21/5
Author Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball released 42 volumes between 1984 and 1995 and has sold an impressive number of volumes since it began. This popular shonen manga was originally adapted into two anime series, but even now continues to inspire new adaptations. The original manga is also credited for inspiring several other famous manga authors, including the authors of the shonen "big three."
Dragon Ball tells the story of Son Goku in a coming-of-age fantasy adventure as he strives to become the most powerful martial artist and locate the titular Dragon Balls. However, the series' sequels elevate the stakes even higher, placing the Saiyan in countless situations in which he must save the world (or universe) from various threats and enemies. New readers may also notice that the original Dragon Ball manga is more comedic than its iconic Dragon Ball Z successor, though both series have equally great action scenes, character designs, and worldbuilding.
3 Detective Conan Is the Finest Mystery Manga Out There
Detective Conan
While witnessing a suspicious exchange, Shinichi Kudo, a renowned high school detective, is drugged and transformed into a child. Adopting the alias Conan Edogawa, he seeks refuge with Ran Mouri, his childhood friend, and her father, Kogoro Mouri, a private detective. Using his intellect and Kogoro's unwitting deductions, Conan secretly solves challenging cases, often manipulating situations to guide Kogoro to the correct culprit. All the while, he desperately seeks an antidote to return to his original form and dismantle the mysterious organization responsible for his plight. With Ran, his friends, and other allies by his side, Conan unravels complex mysteries, navigates dangerous situations, and inches closer to his ultimate goal.
- Release Date
- 1994-01-00
- Author
- Gosho Aoyama
- Artist
- Gosho Aoyama
- Genre
- Mystery , Crime , Police Procedural
- Chapters
- 104
- Publisher
- Shogakukan
Detective Conan: After 27 Years, Is It Time for Kudo to Finally Grow Up?
The beloved Detective Conan anime is officially 27 years old this year, but there may be some merit in aging up protagonist Shinichi Kudo.More About Detective Conan:
- Volumes sold: 270 million
- MyAnimeList score: 8.29
- Anime Planet score: 4.17/5
Detective Conan (or Case Closed in North America for copyright concerns) is a shonen manga series by Gosho Aoyama that is still currently in publication. Ever since its serialization began in 1994, Detective Conan has published 102 volumes and sold over 270 million copies.
The manga follows Shinichi Kudo (or Jimmy Kudo in Case Closed), a detective prodigy who ends up reverted into a child's body by a criminal gang. Throughout the story, Kudo assists in other detective cases as he tries to locate the people who poisoned him.
2 Golgo 13 Is a Seinen Action Story Starring a Deadly Assassin
Golgo 13
Dive into the dark world of espionage with Golgo 13, a legendary manga series following the enigmatic assassin known only by his code name. Operating with precision and ruthlessness, Golgo accepts high-paying assignments from international clients, navigating political intrigue, treacherous landscapes, and deadly encounters. Prepare for a thrilling journey into the shadows, where loyalty is fleeting, danger lurks behind every corner, and Golgo 13 remains an unwavering force of calculated execution.
- Release Date
- 1968-10-00
- Author
- Takao Saito (1968-2021), Saito Production (2021-present)
- Artist
- takao Saito (1968-2021), Saito Production (2021-present)
- Genre
- Thriller , Action
- Chapters
- 209
More About Golgo 13:
- Volumes sold: 300 million
- MyAnimeList score: 7.87
- Anime Planet score: 3.65/5
Golgo 13, created by Takao Saito, is both the oldest and longest-running manga still being published, as well as the only seinen manga featured in the top sellers. It also has the highest number of manga volumes published (207) and has sold over 300 million copies.
This action manga doesn't really use any overarching plots and instead focuses on the various adventures of Golgo 13, AKA Duke Togo. Togo is a mysterious professional assassin who primarily uses a customized M16 rifle to conduct his business. The story follows him as he completes a wide range of missions, making numerous enemies in the process.
1 One Piece Takes Place on the High Seas
One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy sets off on an adventure with his pirate crew in hopes of finding the greatest treasure ever, known as the "One Piece."
More About One Piece:
- Volumes sold: 523.2 million
- MyAnimeList score: 9.22
- Anime Planet score: 4.55/5
One Piece manga sales easily outstrip anything else in the industry, with well over 516 million copies sold, which is more than Naruto and Bleach combined, so it is easily the best selling manga of all time by an impressive margin. Author Eiichiro Oda began this series in 1997 and is still publishing new chapters, though he expects the series to finish by 2025. This sea-faring manga is also part of one of the highest-grossing media franchises, amassing over $14.5 billion between its manga, anime, video games, and related merchandise.
One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his band of Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the legendary One Piece treasure while Luffy aspires to be the next King of the Pirates. Although the series is moving into its final saga, it will undoubtedly sell tens of millions of copies (if not more) by the time of its final conclusion. 107 volumes have been published as of February 2024.