Highlights
- Manga stands out with its unique art style, narrative techniques, and publication formats, allowing for limitless storytelling possibilities.
- The best manga series are often praised for their exceptional worldbuilding, gripping story arcs, and iconic characters.
- Manga that combines innovative artwork, commercial success, and thematically rich stories tend to become cultural icons that withstand the test of time.
Manga is distinguished from traditional Western comics by its art style, narrative techniques, and publication formats. It provides a diverse storytelling canvas limited only by creators’ imaginations. When discussing some of the best manga series, there are a few key factors that often come into consideration. Series with exceptional worldbuilding, gripping story arcs, and iconic characters tend to be mentioned.
10 Best-Selling Manga Of 2023
From Kingdom to Tokyo Revengers, here are some of the best-selling manga series of 2023.Innovative artwork, stylistic influence, and commercial success are also measures of a top-tier series. Thematically rich stories that capture the human condition in insightful ways also tend to rank highly. New acclaimed manga continues to emerge as well. But these manga series (ranked below) have not only attained classic status but their stories and characters have also withstood the test of time, remaining cultural icons to this day.
10 Great Teacher Onizuka
Copies In Circulation: 50 Million
Great Teacher Onizuka
- Release Date
- June 30, 1999
- Author
- Tooru Fujisawa
- Artist
- Tooru Fujisawa
- Genre
- Manga , Fantasy
- Where to Read
- Weekly Shōnen Magazine
Why Read Great Teacher Onizuka?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.88
- Unexpected Life Lessons
- Eccentric Comedy
- Engaging Classroom Drama
Centering around unconventional hero teacher Eikichi Onizuka, formerly a motorcycle gang member, the manga provides a unique blend of crude humor. On the surface, Onizuka makes for an unlikely and unqualified educator. He utilizes bizarre, often illegal methods of instruction and discipline in his role as a teacher at Holy Forest Academy.
Other people laugh at you? Short? Weak? That’s nothing if you really love him. Listen, Uehara. Real love will make you blind. Like yourself a little while ago -- Onizuka
However, his tactics prove surprisingly effective at reaching problem students, helping guide wayward teens onto more positive paths. While frivolous antics and inappropriate behavior drive much of the manga's entertainment value, GTO also thoughtfully explores larger themes of adolescence and mentorship. GTO's long-running serialization and numerous adaptations into anime, live-action dramas, and film speak to the manga's broad appeal.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Dec 11, 1996 | 208 | Finished |
9 Gintama
Copies In Circulation: 58 Million
Gintama
- Release Date
- December 8, 2003
- Author
- Hideaki Sorachi
- Artist
- Hideaki Sorachi
- Genre
- Manga , Sci-Fi , Comedy
- Where to Read
- Shonen Jump
Why Read Gintama?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.63
- A Galaxy Far, Far Away... but in Feudal Japan
- Every day is April Fool's Day
- Parody and Satire
- Pop Culture Buff's Paradise
First serialized in 2003, Gintama manga is set in an alternate late-Edo period Japan, which has been conquered by aliens known as the Amanto. Protagonist Gintoki Sakata is an eccentric samurai who undertakes odd jobs with his friends Shinpachi and Kagura in order to pay the rent on his sweet shop business. Gintama features plenty of hilarious episodic adventures parodying popular manga tropes.
A samurai doesn't need a reason to take action. If something needs saving, all you have to do is grab your sword. Do you love your sister? -- Gintoki To Shinpachi
Author Sorachi subverts expectations by placing outlandish characters and ridiculous gags against a sober backdrop of political turmoil and social upheaval. The manga's innovative mix of silly antics and thought-provoking themes has earned it a substantial following, as has its blend of both standalone stories and overarching drama. While constantly finding ways to poke fun at elements like shonen manga cliches, Gintama also utilizes its setting to provide social commentary on real-world issues such as discrimination and economic inequality.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
December 8, 2003 | 704 | Finished |
8 Jujutsu Kaisen
Copies In Circulation: 80 Million+
Jujutsu Kaisen
$10 $12 Save $2- Release Date
- October 4, 2023
- Author
- Gege Akutami
- Artist
- Gege Akutami
- Genre
- Adventure , Fantasy , Supernatural
Why Read Jujutsu Kaisen?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.53
- A Cast to Die For
- When Philosophy Meets Fisticuffs
- Shonen Showdowns on Steroids
Jujutsu Kaisen is an action-packed urban fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. The manga has rapidly built an enthusiastic readership drawn to its creative supernatural setting and dynamic fight sequences. Protagonist Yuji Itadori provides a sympathetic anchor for the story as a selfless teen willing to sacrifice himself to save others. His inner struggle with the sinister Sukuna introduces thought-provoking themes of identity and morality.
Throughout Heaven and Earth, I am alone The Honored One -- Gojo Satoru
Meanwhile, the diverse supporting cast rounds out the heart of the manga with their memorable personalities, relationships, and abilities. Akutami's real talent lies in constructing an immersive paranormal setting layered with unique magic systems and curses inspired by Japanese folklore. The creepy, imaginative enemies and intense, kinetic fight scenes are fantastically realized through his bold paneling and art style.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
March 5, 2018 | 200+ | Ongoing |
7 Vagabond
Copies In Circulation: 82 Million
Vagabond
- Release Date
- March 23, 1999
- Author
- Takehiko Inoue
- Artist
- Takehiko Inoue
- Genre
- Martial Arts , Historical , Manga
Why Read Vagabond?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 9.24
- Journey into the Soul of a Samurai
- Art that Makes Your Jaw Drop
- The Way of the Sword is the Way of Life
- The Silence that Speaks
Vagabond is a historical fiction manga rooted in realism and introspection. Created by Takehiko Inoue, the series is a fictionalized account of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi’s quest for self-mastery. Inoue’s sublime watercolor art enhances the meditative tone and textured historical setting.
A precipitous slope, a narrow river width, a fast and violent flow. Due to the terrain and the external influence, the state of the water is perfectly decided. And yet, water obeys only itself. Water is only water. Thoroughly water. Absolutely free -- Miyamoto Musashi, Chapter 305
The sweeping landscapes and graceful character designs transport readers to feudal Japan, while the brutal, detailed sword fights underscore the grim realities of Musashi’s violent path. Free of common manga tropes, Vagabond stands out for its lifelike characters, minimalist storytelling, and a blend of serene nature scenes contrasted with jarring violence.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep 3, 1998 | 320+ | On Hiatus |
6 The Kindaichi Case Files
Copies In Circulation: 100 Million+
The Kindaichi Case Files
- Release Date
- October 28, 1992
- Author
- Shin Kibayashi, Fumiya Satō, Yōzaburō Kanari
- Artist
- Yōzaburō Kanari
- Genre
- Manga , Mystery
- Where to Read
- Weekly Shōnen Magazine
Why Read The Kindaichi Case Files?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.11
- Murder Mysteries Galore
- Puzzles You Can Solve Along
- A Tour of Japan (and Beyond)
The Kindaichi Case Files is a long-running manga mystery series that follows teen detective Hajime Kindaichi as he solves convoluted murder cases using his genius intellect and photographic memory. With over 200 installments, the manga has become synonymous with clever locked room and logic puzzles that challenge readers to race against Kindaichi to identify the culprit.
The killer is among us! -- Hajime Kindaichi
The stories feature elaborate misdirection and seemingly impossible crimes that play on Japanese horror and folklore elements. Creator Kanari's ingenious murder schemes, peppered with horror elements, combined with Sato's clean, suspenseful artwork, have earned the manga widespread critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Oct 14, 1992 | 219 | Finished |
5 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Copies In Circulation: 120 Million
JoJo's Bizarre Adventures
See at AmazonSee at WalmartWhy Read JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.25
- Generational Saga with a Twist
- Stand Up for the Stands
- Fashion Forward
- Memes, Memes Everywhere
- Flamboyant Poses
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one of the most wildly imaginative, genre-blending manga series of all time. Created by Hirohiko Araki in 1987, each part of JoJo explores the supernatural adventures of members of the Joestar family throughout different eras. Araki’s bold, stylized art and flair for theatrical poses and expressions have made JoJo instantly recognizable.
NIGERUNDAYO !!! -- Joseph Joestar
While over-the-top action and absurd plot points fuel the series’ eccentric charm, its characters form the emotional core that draws devoted fans. The JoJos and their allies are honorable, witty, and larger-than-life, while the vampires, immortal beings, and villains they face off against make for some of the most memorable antagonists in manga.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
1987 | 954+ | Ongoing |
4 KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
Copies In Circulation: 157 Million
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
- Release Date
- September 21, 1976
- Author
- Osamu Akimoto
- Artist
- Osamu Akimoto
- Genre
- Manga
- Where to Read
- Weekly Shōnen Jump
Why Read KochiKame?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.58
- A Slice of Japanese Life
- The Lovable Ryo-san
- Art that Captures the Chaos
- A comedy that Stands the Test of Time
Running from 1976 to 2016, KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops is the longest-running manga series ever created by a single artist. Legendary mangaka Osamu Akimoto crafted over 200 volumes chronicling the comedic misadventures of police officer Kankichi Ryotsu and the diverse cast of characters surrounding him. Despite its policy setting, KochiKame is, first and foremost, a gag manga focused on absurdist humor and parody.
I'm not lazy, I'm just conserving energy -- Kankichi Ryotsu
Akimoto's expressive, cartoonish art complements the zany antics of the characters as they find themselves in ridiculous situations. The sprawling series amassed a devoted readership across generations drawn to its formula of short, irreverent stories featuring beloved characters like the lazy, girl-crazy Ryotsu, gruff Chief Ohara, and Kei, the image-conscious female officer. While grounded in lighthearted comedy, the manga also subtly explores meaningful themes about Japanese society and human nature through keen observational humor.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep 21, 1976 | 1957 | Finished |
3 Golgo 13
Copies In Circulation: 300 Million
golgo 13
- Release Date
- October 1, 1968
- Author
- Takao Saito, Yoichi Funado
- Artist
- Takao Saito, Yoichi Funado
- Genre
- Manga , Action
Why Read Golgo 13?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.87
- The Man, the Myth, the Legend
- Art that Hits the Mark
- A Tour of the Underworld
- Strategic Mind Games
- Episodic Structure
Golgo 13 is a landmark Japanese manga series that codified and popularised the mature, dark assassin thriller genre. The series follows professional hitman Duke Togo, known as Golgo 13, as he ruthlessly carries out assassinations around the globe. He lives by a strict moral code despite trafficking in death.
Creator Saito masterfully balances hard-boiled drama with well-paced action, using Golgo 13's globe-trotting missions to provide incisive commentary on politics, war, and criminality. Togo's character remains an elusive constant as the story shifts through time and settings. Equally thrilling and sobering, Golgo 13 reshaped crime fiction manga during its time.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Nov 29, 1968 | 600+ | Ongoing |
2 Dragon Ball
Copies In Circulation: 260 Million
Dragon Ball
- Release Date
- September 10, 1985
- Author
- Akira Toriyama
- Artist
- Akira Toriyama
- Genre
- Manga
Why Read Dragon Ball?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.41
- The Journey of Goku
- Epic Battles
- The Spirit of Adventure
Dragon Ball established itself as one of the most influential and popular shonen manga series of all time over its decade-long serialization run starting in 1984. Created by Akira Toriyama, the manga centers on the extraterrestrial adventures of super-powered protagonist Son Goku and his ever-expanding group of friends.
On this planet, we know that even the lowest-born can outdo the elite if they work hard enough -- Goku
Toriyama's creative character designs, outrageous martial arts fantasy storytelling, and balance of humor and action made Dragon Ball a touchstone for the shonen genre. Generations have found inspiration and excitement in following Goku's journey from mischievous monkey-tailed boy to dedicated defender of the Earth against comic villains like Emperor Pilaf and iconic adversaries like Frieza. Dragon Ball's immense influence can be felt across manga, anime, video games, and popular culture.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Nov 20, 1984 | 520 | Finished |
1 One Piece
Copies In Circulation: 517 Million
One Piece
- Release Date
- July 22, 1997
- Author
- Eiichiro Oda
- Artist
- Eiichiro Oda
- Genre
- Manga , Action , Fantasy
- Where to Read
- Weekly Shōnen Jump
Why Read One Piece?
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 9.22
- Oda's Artistic Ocean
- A Kaleidoscope of Characters
- A Tale of Dreams and Freedom
Eiichiro Oda’s swashbuckling fantasy epic One Piece has enthralled manga readers since its debut in 1997, quickly becoming the best-selling manga series of all time. Luffy and his growing cast of nakama bring infectious humor and distinct abilities to the seemingly insurmountable challenges they face on their quest for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece.
I Still Have My Friends! -- Luffy
Oda excels at crafting imaginative worlds and eclectic characters while seeding emotional depth through backstories and themes of friendship, duty, and justice. With over 1000 chapters published, One Piece’s sprawling story structure masterfully balances standalone escapades with steady progression toward unraveling the manga’s central mysteries. Thanks to its winning formula of adventure, empathy, and creativity, One Piece has earned its place as one of Japan’s most beloved manga.
Release Date | Chapter Count | Status | Where To Read |
|---|---|---|---|
Jul 22, 1997 | 1000+ | Ongoing |
