Top 10 Best-Selling Manga of All Time That You Should Know

Have you ever been captivated by the dynamic visuals and immersive storytelling of Japanese comics? Welcome to the world of manga! Manga offers a vast universe of genres, from heart-pounding action and tear-jerking romance to fantastical adventures and thought-provoking dramas. So, what is the best selling manga of all time?

This diverse medium transcends borders, captivating readers of all ages worldwide. While countless series find dedicated fanbases, sales figures offer a glimpse into the immense popularity of certain manga. In this post, we will walk you through the top 10 best-selling manga of all time, which not only entertains millions but also influences the entire industry, shaping trends and inspiring future creators.

10. Kingdom (2006) - A Warring States Era Epic

Category: Historical Drama, Seinen

Author: Yasuhisa Hara

Plot: The story follows Xin, a young war orphan in China's Warring States period, who dreams of becoming a Great General. He trains relentlessly alongside his friend and fellow slave, Hyou, aiming to rise through the ranks and change his destiny. Their paths diverge when Hyou becomes a king, while Xin embarks on a perilous journey to achieve his own ambitions.

Sales: Over 82 Millions

Success Factors: Kingdom's captivating blend of historical fiction and action-packed battles has garnered a large fanbase.

Art: The detailed artwork depicts the intensity of battles, the vast landscapes of ancient China, and the emotions of the characters in a captivating way making this series, even though it was released later, still becomes one of the best selling manga of all time.

9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2016) - A Tale of Slaying Demons

Category: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Plot: Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, finds his entire family slaughtered by demons. His younger sister Nezuko, turned into a demon herself, becomes his sole companion. Tanjiro sets out to become a Demon Slayer, vowing revenge and seeking a cure for his sister's condition.

Sales: Over 150 Millions

Success Factors:

• Fast-paced action: Breathtaking swordsmanship and thrilling battles against unique demons keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• Emotional core: The bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko, alongside the tragic past and the characters' struggles, evoke strong emotions.
• Art style: Detailed artwork depicts the beauty of the world alongside the grotesque nature of demons, creating a visually captivating experience.

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8. My Hero Academia (2014) - Academia of Quirks and Heroism

Category: Action, Adventure, Shounen

Author: Kohei Horikoshi

Plot: In a world where superpowers (Quirks) are commonplace, Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy, aspires to become a hero like his idol All Might. An unexpected turn of events grants him the power of One For All, and he sets off on a journey to train, hone his newfound abilities, and enroll in the U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes.

Sales: Over 150 Millions

Success Factors:

• Compelling Premise: A relatable protagonist striving to achieve his dream in a world filled with extraordinary individuals.
• Character Development: Izuku and his classmates grow and learn from their experiences, overcoming challenges and forming strong bonds.
• Art Style: Dynamic and expressive artwork that effectively portrays action sequences, character emotions, and the overall world.

7. Slam Dunk (1990) - A Slam Dunking Success Story

Category: Sports, Shounen

Author: Takehiko Inoue

Plot: Hanamichi Sakuragi, a hotheaded delinquent, joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl. Despite his lack of skill, his determination and explosive athleticism propel him towards becoming a valuable player. Not only anime, but this is also one of the best selling manga of all time.

Sales: Over 170 Millions

Success Factors:

• Engaging Narrative: Blends high-octane basketball action with humor, friendship, and personal growth.
• Compelling Characters: Sakuragi's transformation from a reckless beginner to a dedicated teammate resonates with readers. The supporting cast boasts unique personalities and rivalries, adding depth to the story.
• Art Style: Takehiko Inoue's dynamic illustrations capture the intensity of basketball games, with detailed character expressions and impactful action sequences.

6. Black Jack (1979) - Where Brilliance Meets the Scalpel

Category: Medical Drama, Seinen

Author: Osamu Tezuka

Plot: Black Jack, an enigmatic doctor with unmatched surgical skills, operates on patients other doctors deem inoperable. However, his exorbitant fees and unconventional methods often raise eyebrows.

Sales: Over 170 Millions

Success Factors:

• Unique Premise: A doctor operating outside the traditional medical system, blurring the lines between ethics and saving lives, piques reader interest.
• Compelling Cases: Each chapter presents a new medical challenge, showcasing Black Jack's genius and the complexities of the medical field.
• Character Development: While Black Jack remains shrouded in mystery, his interactions with patients and colleagues reveal his compassion and unwavering determination to save lives.
• Art Style: Osamu Tezuka's distinct artwork, with expressive characters and detailed surgical scenes, effectively portrays the emotional weight and intensity of the stories.

5. Detective Conan (1994) - A Case-Solving Prodigy

Category: Mystery, Shounen

Author: Gosho Aoyama

Plot: Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective, shrinks into a child after being poisoned by a mysterious organization. Now known as Conan Edogawa, he uses his sharp mind and exceptional deduction skills to solve seemingly impossible cases while trying to find a way to reverse the effects of the poison.

Sales: Over 250 Millions

Success Factors:

• Intriguing Premise: The unique twist of a detective trapped in a child's body creates a compelling mystery and fuels the reader's desire to see Conan solve the case and regain his true form. This is also the reason why this series has become one of the best selling manga of all time.
• Compelling Cases: Each chapter presents a new mystery, often involving complex puzzles and intricate alibis, keeping readers engaged and guessing.
• Character Development: While Conan remains central, the supporting cast, including Ran Mouri (his childhood friend) and Inspector Mouri (her father), play crucial roles, offering assistance and emotional support.

Art Style: Gosho Aoyama's art style is clear and expressive, effectively conveying the characters' emotions and the intensity of the investigations, making this one of the most best-selling manga of all time.

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4. Naruto (1999) - A Journey of Ninja Spirit

Category: Action, Adventure, Shounen

Author: Masashi Kishimoto

Plot: Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous and energetic ninja with the sealed spirit of a nine-tailed fox within him, aspires to become the Hokage (leader) of his village. He trains alongside his teammates, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, facing challenges and forging deep bonds while striving to overcome prejudice and prove his worth.

Sales: Over 250 Millions

Success Factors:

• Compelling Hero's Journey: Naruto's underdog story of overcoming adversity and achieving his dream resonates with readers.
• Rich World-Building: The unique ninja universe with its chakra-powered abilities and diverse characters fuels reader engagement.
• Balanced Narrative: The story blends action-packed battles with humor, emotional moments, and character development.

Art Style: Masashi Kishimoto's artwork is dynamic and action-oriented, effectively portraying the intensity of battles and the emotional range of characters.

3. Dragon Ball (1984) - A Legacy of Martial Arts and Superpowers

Category: Action, Adventure, Shounen

Author: Akira Toriyama

Plot: Son Goku, a young boy with a monkey tail and superhuman strength, trains in martial arts and embarks on a quest to gather seven magical Dragon Balls that grant wishes. Along the way, he faces powerful villains, makes loyal companions, and unlocks incredible hidden powers.

Sales: Over 300 Millions

Success Factors:

• Action-packed narrative: Dragon Ball features exciting fight sequences, incorporating martial arts techniques and fantastical superpowers.
• Character growth: Goku and his companions constantly train and overcome challenges, showcasing their development throughout the story.
• Humor and lightheartedness: Despite the action-oriented plot, the series blends in comedic moments and lighthearted adventures, keeping the tone engaging.

Art Style: Akira Toriyama's artwork is dynamic and well-suited for action sequences, featuring clear character designs and impactful panel layouts.

2. Golgo 13 (1968) - The World's Greatest Assassin

Category: Action, Seinen

Author: Takao Saito

Plot: Golgo 13, a mysterious and ruthless hitman with unmatched skills and an unwavering code, takes on high-risk assassination missions across the globe. Unbound by allegiance, he meticulously plans and executes his contracts, eliminating targets for the highest price.

Sales: Over 300 Millions

Recipe for Success:

• Gripping Narrative: Each story arc focuses on a unique assassination mission, often intertwined with political intrigue and global conflicts.
• The Enigmatic Golgo 13: The protagonist remains shrouded in mystery, his past and motivations a constant source of intrigue.
• Artwork: The series features realistic and gritty visuals, depicting the world of espionage and assassination with a mature tone.

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1. One Piece (1997) - Sailing the Seas of Adventure

Category: Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Plot: This best-selling manga of all time is about Monkey D. Luffy, a rubber-bodied aspiring pirate, sets sail to find the legendary treasure "One Piece" and become the Pirate King. He assembles the Straw Hat Pirates, a quirky crew, and embarks on epic adventures across the vast seas.

Sales: Over 500 Millions

Success Factors:

• Grand World-Building: A rich and expansive world filled with diverse cultures, islands, and unique characters.
• Seamless Blend of Genres: Action, adventure, humor, and emotional moments keep the story engaging.
• Long-Term Storytelling: Masterfully integrates overarching plotlines with episodic adventures, leaving readers wanting more.

Narrative Style: A mix of action-packed battles, humorous skits, and heartfelt moments.

Art Style: Expressive and dynamic, showcasing detailed character designs, vast landscapes, and exciting action sequences.

Conclusion

This list merely scratches the surface of the vast and captivating world of manga. Beyond the impressive sales figures, these best-selling manga of all time offer compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork that have captivated readers worldwide. Dive deeper into these series or explore hidden gems! Manga carries a diverse range of genres and stories waiting to be discovered.

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