New comic books are released every day from all over the world, and Japanese manga comics are among the first that come to mind. Manga is one of Japan’s most famous pop cultures, alongside anime.
It is said that the oldest manga originated in Japan during the Heian Period (794-1185), in a picture scroll called Chojugiga where animals are shown frolicking. In the 19th century, traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e (pictures of everyday life) became popular in the country.
The 20th century saw the rise of famous Japanese weekly manga magazines, such as Weekly Shonen Magazine, Weekly Shonen Sunday and Weekly Shonen Jump. Meanwhile, American comic books with superhero themes were gaining popularity among the American people.
Manga has become increasingly popular around the globe in recent years, as more and more people have access to Japanese entertainment content.
Popular manga are sold in various countries and regions, and are often translated into many languages soon after they are published in Japan. Additionally, digital technologies like e-books and online manga services have spread worldwide.
If you’re wondering what the best manga is to read, look no further! Today, we’re going to introduce 25 of the best manga of all time, including both classics and newer, ongoing series. This list will help beginners find their first manga to read, and it’ll also give manga fans something to dig deeper into. Manga otaku and geeks will love the controversial discussions that this list is sure to start!
Table of Contents
1. Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star was published on Weekly Shonen Jump between 1983 and 1988, and is one of the most famous action manga in Japan from the 1980s. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world after a nuclear war in the 1990s, and follows Kenshiro, the successor of an ancient martial art of assassination called Hokuto Shinken, as he fights against villains to survive.
2.Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is a popular dark fantasy manga that was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2011 to 2014. The sequel, Tokyo Ghoul:re, was published until 2018. The story is set in Tokyo, where creatures called Ghouls live among humans. Ghouls look like normal humans but subsist on human flesh as food. The anime adaption is also loved by fans all over the world.
3. Rave Master
The Rave Master series, written by Hiro Mashima, is a 35-volume fantasy adventure manga that was serialized from 1999 to 2005 on Weekly Shonen Magazine. The story follows the main character Haru Glory in search of the five pieces of the sacred stone Rave. Hiro Mashima is also known for another his masterpiece Fairy Tail.
4. Uzumaki
Uzumaki, a three-volume manga, has been popular among Japanese and international fans since it was published in 1998-1999. The horror manga centers around the theme of spirals, which is Uzumaki in Japanese. In the fictional cursed town of Kurouzu-cho, the main characters Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi Saito experience strange supernatural incidents.
5. Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the most popular adventure manga in Weekly Shonen Jump comic books in 1990s. The main character Yusuke Urameshi dies in a car accident but is revived after a challenging time. He then becomes an Underworld Detective and investigates supernatural incidents with other unique characters, including Kurama, Goki and Hiei.
6. Berserk
Berserk is a dark fantasy ongoing manga series that has been published in Young Animal magazine since 1989. The story follows the journey of the main character, Guts, as he tries to survive in a fictional medieval Europe using only his large sword. Berserk has also been adapted into an anime series and several video games.
7. One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man is one of the most popular manga titles in the world, and for good reason. It’s a perfect blend of superhero action and comedy, with a dash of lighthearted commentary on the genre thrown in for good measure. The story follows the exploits of Saitama, the world’s strongest hero, who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. The manga was adapted into an anime in 2015, with a second season following in 2019. If you’re looking for a fun and action-packed read, or just want to see what all the hype is about, look no further than One-Punch Man!
