Most popular movies and TV shows are based on or adapted from existing material, including some of the biggest films, such as those from Marvel. But when it comes to anime, almost every single series is adapted from a manga, including Attack on Titan or Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. While anime may get all the credit, most manga deserve more recognition for their impactful stories and gorgeous art.
Anime can ruin the source material due to poor pacing, production, and content cuts, making mangathe definitive experience for many stories. This is why this list ranks the ten greatest manga of all time. It will base the rankings on writing, art, story, characters, fan opinion, critical acclaim, legacy, influence, and groundbreaking aspects. They may not move or have sounds and color, but manga is just as important as anime.
10
‘Ashita no Joe’ (1968)
Created by Ikki Kajiwara and Tetsuya Chiba
As the oldest manga on this list, Ashita no Joe has had plenty of time to establish itself, but has also proved its worth by still being so relevant nearly sixty years after launching. When a former boxing coach meets a street punk with potential, he persuades him to get into the ring, which marks the beginning of their long and tumultuous boxing journey, filled with trauma, excitement, fights, and heartbreak.
Despite coming out in the 1960s, Ashita no Joe‘s art still holds up, with some beautiful frames, coloring, and shadow work. It kickstarted the sports genre and broke norms with its depressing story, which highlights some of the best character development in anime and manga. Ashita no Joe is a powerful series and a riveting sports tale that fans shouldn’t shy away from, just because it’s old.
- Release Date
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April 1, 1970
- Directors
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Osamu Dezaki, Yoshiyuki Tomino, Masami Hata, Hiroshi Saitou
9
‘Vinland Saga’ (2005)
Created by Makoto Yukimaru
After two seasons, Vinland Saga is already a modern classic, but despite the anime’s release in 2019, the manga began in 2005 and is almost complete. After Vikings kill Thorfinn’s father, he joins their crew hoping to take revenge, but must train to become stronger. However, after losing his goal, Thorfinn is aimless and finds purpose in creating a better world.
While the manga could advance to a higher spot after it finishes, for now, Vinland Saga is on the lower end of this list, but that is still impressive. Like most of the series on this list, the art is phenomenal; however, the story is the standout, delivering a profound narrative about revenge, emptiness, growth, and purpose. Vinland Saga is a beautiful, unforgettable, and iconic work.
8
‘Yotsuba&!’ (2003)
Created by Kiyohiko Azuma
Azumanga Daioh is one of the greatest comedy anime of all time. Still, the author didn’t approve of it, resulting in his declining an anime adaptation of arguably his best work, Yotsuba&! The story follows Yotsuba, her adoptive father Yousuke, and their adventures in a new city. From playing in the rain to picking up acorns, this anime revels in the simple beauties of life.
It feels weird putting Yotsuba above manga like Vinland Saga and Ashita no Joe, but fans underestimate comedy series too much. Indeed, some are too focused on the next big thing or complex story that they overlook much of the most wholesome and entertaining content. Yotsuba is a delightful treat for viewers, proving that childlike wonder and average days can be renowned pieces of fiction.
7
‘Land of the Lustrous’ (2012)
Created by Haruko Ichikawa
Land of the Lustrous is set in a fictional world where humanoid gemstones undertake a series of tasks to enhance their way of life, including keeping records, identifying materials, and exploring the world. However, everything isn’t glam and jewels, as creatures from the moon hunt them for their precious appearances, which slowly degrades their personalities and livelihood.
Despite being a wholesome-looking anime, Land of the Lustrous becomes quite dark, especially in the manga, which devolves the protagonists into unrecognizable terror. The manga may feel messy at times, but that enhances the rough story and the incomplete protagonist, who undergoes some of the best development in manga. While imperfect, the Land of the Lustrous manga is a unique series that defies traditional norms.
6
’20th Century Boys’ (1999)
Created by Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawa is a legendary creator who has some of the most renowned manga series to his name, including Monster, which many viewers may be surprised to see missing from this list. While it was a close call, 20th Century Boys is the greatest mystery manga, following a group of friends trying to prevent the end of the world, which they had jokingly planned as kids.
20th Century Boys loses a bit of steam near the end, but everything that comes before is perfection. The ever-expanding plot and mystery build over the series, introducing new elements while answering old questions. The manga never ceases to amaze, culminating in an epic and nostalgic mystery that is the best in all manga. Surprisingly, it remains exclusive to the print medium, but it certainly deserves an anime adaptation.
Created by Hiromu Arakawa
One of the most critically acclaimed anime shows is Fullmetal Alchemist, and all that greatness comes from the manga, which is equally good. When brothers Ed and Al lose part or all of their bodies in a forbidden experiment, they search for the Philosopher’s Stone. However, they uncover a government conspiracy that involves the entire country and its residents.
Fullmetal Alchemist may be the best anime of all time, but it’s only the fifth-best manga ever, which is still an excellent placement for such an iconic series. This is a definitive series that perfectly utilizes common tropes while creating original content through its compelling story and characters. Fullmetal Alchemist is a flawless shōnen that has a little bit of everything for all fans to enjoy.
4
‘Goodnight Punpun’ (2007)
Created by Inio Asano
While fans got their first anime adaptation from Inio Asano in Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, they are still waiting for his magnum opus to be animated, which probably won’t happen. Goodnight Punpun is a poignant story about the life of the titular protagonist and his journey through life, marked by both triumphs and hardships, including high school romances and childhood trauma.
Goodnight Punpun is a phenomenal tale of life itself, but it’s best to read only once, as it is one of the bleakest stories in anime and manga. The experimental art and direction merge seamlessly with the story to create an imaginative world featuring deeply human, emotional, and relatable plot points. Goodnight Punpun is one of the most realistic manga series, effectively portraying what it means to be human and all the suffering that comes with it.
3
‘Vagabond’ (1998)
Created by Takehiko Inoue and Eiji Yoshikawa
Made by the same author as Slam Dunk, one of the most influential manga series in Japan, Vagaond is arguably his best work based on the legendary story of Miyamoto Musashi. With the desire to become the strongest under the sun, Musashi and his friend Matahachi set out on a journey of strength, only to come to two drastically different experiences and outlooks.
Vagabond will draw readers in with its remarkable art and aesthetic, but keep them reading because of the blend of action and profound storytelling. It’s a great story that will have readers understanding and agreeing every step of the way. Despite tone shifts and new priorities,readers will embark on a transformative journey in Vagabond and come to understand what is truly essential in life. Vagabond is the greatest manga that doesn’t have an anime adaptation, which is all the more reason for fans to read this masterpiece immediately.
2
‘One Piece’ (1997)
Created by Eiichiro Oda
With thousands of chapters over twenty years, One Piece is one of the most expansive series in history, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down, although the story is in its final saga. Monkey D. Luffy wants to become the King of the Pirates, but to do so, he must set sail and build a crew and a reputation, which he does by challenging other pirates, defeating corrupt marines, and toppling evil dictatorships.
Whenever One Piece ends, it will be the greatest story ever told in anime and manga, rivaling the top spot on this list. No matter how long it goes, One Piece will never get old, as its stories are endlessly rereadable and evolve over the years. This timeless series has already inspired a new generation of series, which it accomplished through expansive worldbuilding, profound lore, endearing characters, a connected plot, and an indescribable sense of enjoyment.
1
‘Berserk’ (1989)
Created by Kentaro Miura
What other manga series, besides Berserk, would fit at the top spot, with fans and critics agreeing that it is the greatest manga of all time? Guts has struggled in this fantasy world ever since birth, but after finding a home with the Band of the Hawk, he loses them all the same after a betrayal. Now on a blood-fueled quest for revenge, Guts needs to learn what is important to him.
Just as Fullmetal Alchemist is the undisputed best anime, Berserk is the undisputed king of manga, thanks to its well-written characters, emotionally charged story, and magnificent art. Despite Kentaro Miura‘s tragic passing, Berserk’s legacy has remained strong, captivating fans with its mature tale. Berserk is a masterpiece with an astounding legacy, inspiring anime, video games, and movies.
