Image Credit: Collection of Manga Volumes (source: Pinterest)
The black-and-white world of manga offers a unique visual charm that captivates hearts just as effectively as colorful anime. In fact, some manga series have rocketed right to the top of the popularity charts!
Attack on Titan
Image Credit: Hajime Isayama, "Attack on Titan, Vol. 1" (source: Pinterest)
For those who don't fancy a heart-pounding journey, Attack on Titan might just be a bit too intense. Created by Hajime Isayama, this manga throws you into a world where humanity is on the brink, fighting for survival against gigantic, fearsome Titans. It’s the story of Eren Yeager, driven by a burning need to avenge his mother's death and uncover the truth behind the Titans, the Eldians, and the mysterious island of Paradis.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Chapters/Volumes: 141 chapters over 34 volumes
- Adaptations: Includes a hit anime series
- Publisher: Kodansha
Since debuting in 2009, Attack on Titan has sold 140 million copies, captivating readers with its intense scenes and layered storytelling. More than just battles with Titans, this saga explores deep themes like freedom, oppression, and what it means to fight against fate.
The thrill of the story isn’t just in the suspense and action—it’s also in how it makes you think and feel about the characters’ journeys and the society they're trying to change. With stellar ratings and a fan base around the world, diving into Attack on Titan is like stepping into a vast, epic saga that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking!
Gintama
Image Credit: "Weekly Shonen Jump" Cover, featuring various manga series (source: Pinterest)
Gintama humorously blends traditional samurai ethos with bizarre alien technology and pop culture, creating a unique fusion of adventure, science fiction, and comedy. Set in an alternate version of feudal Japan, the series centers on Gintoki Sakata, a samurai whose way of life is upended by extraterrestrial rule. Despite the odds, Gintoki adapts by taking on any odd job that comes his way, wielding a wooden katana as both a tool and a symbol of resistance.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Hideaki Sorachi
- Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Comedy
- Chapters/Volumes: 708 chapters in 77 volumes
- Release Date: December 8, 2003
- Adaptations: Anime series Gintama (2005)
- Publisher: Shueisha, Viz Media
With a MyAnimeList score of 8.63 and an Anime Planet rating of 4.33/5,Gintama has won over fans across the globe, both for its manga and anime adaptations. As of December 2023, Gintama boasts over 58 million copies in circulation—a testament to its wide-reaching appeal.
Gintama invites you on an unpredictable journey filled with laughs, life lessons, and the occasional existential crisis. Whether you're in it for the slapstick humor or the deep emotional arcs, the manga offers a unique take on the samurai genre that you won't find anywhere else!
One Piece
Image Credit: Eiichiro Oda, "One Piece: Romance Dawn" (source: Pinterest)
One Piece charts the exhilarating adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his loyal crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. Their ultimate goal? To unearth the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Authored and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, this manga debuted on July 22, 1997, and has since captivated millions with its blend of adventure and fantasy!
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Eiichiro Oda
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Chapters/Volumes: 1081 chapters across 105 volumes
- First Adaptation: 1999
- Publishers: Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
With over 523.2 million volumes sold globally and a formidable MyAnimeList rating of 9.22, One Piece is an average manga by any means. As of 2024, it’s still unfurling new chapters and is projected to conclude by 2025. This epic tale not only tops sales charts—surpassing the combined figures of Naruto and Bleach—but also anchors one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever, raking in over $14.5 billion across various formats (that’s crazy!)
Demon Slayer
Image Credit: "Weekly Shonen Jump" Cover, featuring "Kimetsu no Yaiba" (source: Pinterest)
When you pick up Demon Slayer you're set to explore new meanings of bravery and sacrifice. Authored by Koyoharu Gotouge, this manga follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer to retaliate against the slaughter of his family and to cure his sister, Nezuko, from her demonic transformation. The series masterfully combines emotional storytelling with thrilling fantasy, paving the way for monumental battles and profound character development.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Koyoharu Gotouge
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
- Chapters/Volumes: 207 chapters in 23 volumes
- Adaptations: Anime series and a blockbuster movie
- Publisher: Shueisha, Viz Media
Since its debut on February 15, 2016, Demon Slayer has soared to remarkable heights, becoming a cultural phenomenon with a whopping 150 million volumes sold by 2020. Tanjiro's adventure is marked by breathtakingly vivid combat scenes and the revelation of his family's secret techniques, all set against the malevolent forces led by the sinister Muzan Kibutsuji.
Its acclaim is reflected in its high ratings on platforms like MyAnimeList (8.2) and Anime Planet (4.38/5), where it's celebrated for its compelling narrative and dynamic character arcs.
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
Image Credit: Aka Akasaka, "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" (source: Pinterest)
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War transforms romance into a battlefield of wits. The series masterfully intertwines psychological strategy with romantic comedy, offering a narrative that's as hilarious as it is endearing.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Aka Akasaka
- Genre: Psychological, Romantic Comedy
- Chapters/Volumes: 281 chapters in 28 volumes
- Release Date: May 19, 2015
- Adaptations: "Kaguya Sama: Love Is War" Anime Series
- Publisher: Shueisha, Viz Media
With high scores of 8.91 on MyAnimeList and 4.37/5 on Anime Planet, Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War has struck a chord with audiences globally, celebrated for its inventive spin on romance and comedy. Fans are particularly captivated by the intellectual duels between Kaguya and Miyuki, as each strategizes to coax a confession out of the other!
Naruto
Image Credit: Masashi Kishimoto, "Naruto" (source: Pinterest)
Who doesn't know the iconic yellow-haired ninja? Since its creation by Masashi Kishimoto on September 21, 1999, "Naruto" has become a cornerstone in the ninja manga genre and has profoundly impacted its huge fanbase worldwide!
he series has not just shaped the way stories about ninjas are told but has also carved a deep, lasting impression in the hearts of those who follow the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki and his dreams of becoming the greatest ninja.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Masashi Kishimoto
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Martial Arts
- Chapters/Volumes: 700 chapters in 72 volumes
- Adaptation: Anime series "Naruto"
- Publishers: Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
"Naruto" has sold over 250 million volumes worldwide and remains a pivotal work with high ratings (MyAnimeList: 8.07, Anime Planet: 4.17/5). The narrative splits into two parts—his formative pre-teen and consequential teenage years—each detailing his adventures and growth. The franchise's success extends beyond the manga to include anime adaptations and numerous spin-offs, solidifying Naruto's place as a cultural icon.
A Silent Voice
Image Credit: Yoshitoki Oima, "A Silent Voice, Vol. 1" (source: Pinterest)
The iconic drama A Silent Voice delves into the themes of redemption and forgiveness through the story of Shoya Ishida, who seeks to make amends with Shoko Nishimiya, a girl he once bullied because of her hearing impairment. As they encounter each other again in high school, Shoya faces the demons of his past while Shoko considers giving him a chance, despite the communication hurdles posed by her silent world.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Yoshitoki Ōima
- Genre: Drama
- Chapters/Volumes: 62 chapters, 7 volumes
- Release Date: August 7, 2013
- Publisher: Kodansha
A Silent Voice has made a significant mark since its release, quickly rising to commercial success. The series kicked off impressively, with the first volume selling 31,714 copies in its debut week, landing at the 19th spot on the Oricon manga chart. The second volume maintained the momentum, soaring to the 12th spot with sales of 60,975 copies in its first week. By April 2016, the figure had skyrocketed to over 2.5 million copies in Japan alone!
Launched in 2013 and concluded in 2014, A Silent Voice has garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike, reflected in its high ratings of 8.86 on MyAnimeList and 4.42/5 on Anime Planet, making it both a critical darling and a fan favorite.
Death Note
Image Credit: Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, "Death Note, Vol. 1" (source: Pinterest)
Death Note is a thrilling manga that blurs the lines between the hunter and the hunted. The story introduces us to Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook with a chilling power: anyone whose name is written in its pages will die. Armed with this deadly tool, Light sets off on a dark quest to purge the world of criminals, positioning himself as a deity in his envisioned new world order. As Light's actions spiral into a complex game of cat and mouse with those determined to stop him, Death Note challenges readers to explore the ethical boundaries of justice and retribution.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Supernatural
- Chapters/Volumes: 108 chapters, 12 volumes
- Release Date: December 1, 2003
- Publisher: Shueisha (Weekly Shōnen Jump)
Since its serialization from 2003 to 2006, Death Note has achieved monumental success, selling over 30 million copies globally. The manga's intricate plot and compelling characters have earned widespread acclaim, establishing it as one of the most notable series of its era.
It holds an impressive MyAnimeList rating of 8.69 and an Anime Planet score of 4.37 out of 5. Death Note continues to captivate a robust audience, celebrated for its thought-provoking content and the intense moral questions it poses, keeping fans deeply engaged with its dark themes and ethical conundrums.
Fruit Basket
Image Credit: Natsuki Takaya, "Fruits Basket" (source: Pinterest)
Fruits Basket is an amusing narrative that beautifully explores themes of healing and second chances. The manga follows Tohru Honda, a determined and resilient girl who, following her mother's tragic death, ends up living with the enigmatic Sohma family. What starts out as a mere living arrangement quickly evolves into an emotional journey of self-discovery and mystical revelations. Tohru soon discovers that the Sohma family harbors a peculiar secret: certain members are cursed to transform into animals of the zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Natsuki Takaya
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural
- Chapters/Volumes: 136 chapters in 23 volumes
- Release Date: July 18, 1998
- Adaptations: Fruits Basket Anime Series
- Publisher: Hakusensha, distributed by Madman Entertainment, Yen Press
With an impressive MyAnimeList score of 8.52 and an Anime Planet rating of 4.31/5, Fruits Basket has resonated deeply with audiences, enchanting many with its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
Detective Conan
Image Credit: "Shonen Sunday" Cover, featuring "Detective Conan" (source: Pinterest)
Imagine being on the brink of solving a crime when suddenly, you're transformed into a child! This is the reality for Shinichi Kudo, aka Conan Edogawa, in Detective Conan. The series first mystified readers in 1994. Conan, posing as a child, lives with his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her detective father, secretly solving crimes and inching closer to the antidote that will restore his original form.
Quick Facts:
- Author/Artist: Gosho Aoyama
- Genre: Mystery, Crime, Police Procedural
- Chapters/Volumes: 104 published volumes
- Publisher: Shogakukan
With 270 million copies in circulation and a robust following on platforms like MyAnimeList (8.29 rating) and Anime Planet (4.17/5), Detective Conan continues to be a cornerstone of the mystery genre in manga.
The narrative brilliance of Aoyama, coupled with the intriguing premise, ensures that Conan’s journey to unravel his predicament and defeat the elusive organization captivates fans old and new.
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About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
