Source: Eiichiro Oda, VIZ Media, Shounen Jump
The world of manga is filled to the brim with amazing works by talented authors.
In the vast world of manga, some series stand out not just for their storytelling, art, and character development but also for their widespread impact and success. These iconic titles have transcended their pages, capturing hearts around the world and often shaping the culture of the medium itself. Here’s a look at a few manga that are truly a cut above the rest, and are celebrated as some of the best-selling titles of all time:
10. Crayon Shin-chan
By Yoshito Usui, UY Team
Number of volumes: 64
Serialisation years: 1990-present
Copies in circulation: 148 million
Crayon Shin-chan tells the comedic misadventures of a mischievous and precocious 5-year old boy named Shinnosuke “Shin-chan” Nohara, which more often than not also involves his mother Misae, father Hiroshi, baby sister Himawari, the family dog Shiro, and his friends and teachers.
9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
By Koyoharu Gotouge
Number of volumes: 23
Serialisation years: 2016-2020
Copies in circulation: 150 million
This dark fantasy action series set in Taisho-era Japan explores the story of a kindhearted boy named Tanjiro Kamado, whose life is turned upside down when his entire family, save for his sister Nezuko, is slaughtered by a demon. Intent on restoring Nezuko’s humanity and avenging his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
8. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
By Osamu Akimoto
Number of volumes: 201
Serialisation years: 1976-2016
Copies in circulation: 157.2 million
This comedy series centers on a lazy yet resourceful police officer named Kankichi Ryotsu, who works at a neighborhood police station in Katsuhika, Tokyo, and his various misadventures alongside his colleagues.
7. Slam Dunk
By Takehiko Inoue
Number of volumes: 31
Serialisation years: 1990-1996
Copies in circulation: 185 million
Slam Dunk is a coming of age sports story about the delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi, who, in an attempt to woo a girl, joins his high school’s basketball club. Despite his initial arrogance and clumsiness, Sakuragi discovers a natural talent and develops a love for the game, and grows both as a person and as an athlete in the process.
6. Naruto
By Masashi Kishimoto
Number of volumes: 72
Serialisation years: 1999-2014
Copies in circulation: 250 million
In Naruto, the titular character Naruto Uzumaki is a spirited young ninja who wants nothing more than to be recognised and become the hokage of his village, where he is ostracised for harboring a powerful fox demon known as the Nine-Tails. The journey to becoming hokage is long and arduous, but with his friends and found family, Naruto is capable of anything.
5. Dragon Ball
By Akira Toriyama
Number of volumes: 42
Serialisation years: 1984-1995
Copies in circulation: 260 million
Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku, a naive yet powerful martial artist with a mysterious origin, as he embarks on an adventure in search of the legendary Dragon Balls. The Dragon Balls are said to fulfill any wish when gathered, so alongside his friends, Bulma, Krillin, and Vegeta, Goku faces formidable foes and trains to surpass his limits, defending the earth from various threats in the process.
4. Detective Conan
By Gosho Aoyama
Number of volumes: 106
Serialisation years: 1994-present
Copies in circulation: 270 million
This long-running series follows a brilliant teenage detective named Shinichi Kudo, who is unwittingly transformed into a child after being poisoned by a mysterious organisation. With a mystery to solve and a body to get back, Shinichi adopts the alias ‘Conan Edogawa’, and secretly solves complex cases while living with his childhood friend Ran and her detective father, Kogoro.
3. Doraemon
By Fujiko F. Fujio
Number of volumes: 45
Serialisation years: 1969-1996
Copies in circulation: 300 million
Doraemon tells the story of titular character Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future who is sent back in time to help a clumsy boy named Nobita Nobi in overcoming everyday challenges and misadventures.
2. Golgo 13
By Takao Saito, Saito Production
Number of volumes: 214
Serialisation years: 1968-present
Copies in circulation: 300 million
Golgo 13 follows Duke Togo, a stoic and enigmatic professional assassin known by his codename. Renowned for his unmatched sharpshooting and cold precision, he takes on high-stakes missions around the globe, often involving political intrigue, espionage, and danger.
1. One Piece
By Eiichiro Oda
Number of volumes: 110
Serialisation years: 1997-present
Copies in circulation: 516.6 million
It should come as no surprise that One Piece is number one on this list. The long-running series is beloved by fans worldwide and tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young and spirited pirate whose body turns rubbery from eating a Devil Fruit. He sets out on a journey to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King alongside his loyal Straw Hat crew.
