The Best Japanese Manga Series of All Time

Looking to get into anime and manga?

The anime global industry is worth billions, expected to reach $36 billion by 2025. This Japanese animation product has only been growing in popularity in recent years. Many popular titles are even available on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.

Many of the best anime TV series started as a manga. If you’ve run out of anime to watch, reading manga can be a great alternative.

Are you looking for a Japanese manga series to get into? This article covers some of the best manga series of all time! Read on to discover some great titles you need to start reading today.

Demon Slayer

Most anime fans may know Demon Slayer as the anime series that exploded overnight. In its first season alone, Demon Slayer started competing with top-grossing One Piece. Both the manga and anime have a unique take on the traditional anime style.

The story takes place in rural Japan from decades past, in a world terrorized by demons. We follow two siblings, Tanjiro and Nezuko, who lose their family to demons. Tanjiro now hunts down the man responsible, along with his sister, who is now afflicted with the curse.

One Piece

One Piece is one of the longest-running and well-loved anime. In 2020, One Piece had over 930 episodes. Its manga Japanese manga series is also the bestselling manga in history.

One Piece is a story that raked up fans of all ages from all over the world. If you’ve never seen or read One Piece, it starts with the execution of a Pirate King and his treasure. Two decades later, Monkey D. Luffy decides to find the treasure and become the next Pirate King.

Monster

This manga series tells the story of a doctor and brain surgeon, Dr. Kenzo Tenma. Dr. Kenzo has grown tired of the bias and class superiority in his hospital. Dr. Kenzo faces a dilemma when he’s forced to choose between saving a child and saving the mayor.

He saves the child, but the death of the mayor leads the hospital to vilify Dr. Kenzo. However, everyone who speaks against Dr. Kenzo dies one by one. The children that the good doctor saved go missing.

If you’re looking for a suspense thriller, Monster is a great manga to get into it. With every subtle emotion portrayed on each character, it’s safe to say the art is masterful.

Fairy Tail

If you’re looking for a mystical fantasy manga, check out Fairy Tail. Hiro Mashima creates a world of magic, where wizards form guilds. The story starts with Lucy Heartfilia, who aims to join the Fairy Tail guild.

She then meets Natsu Dragneel, a fire dragon wizard who’s looking for his father. Accompanied by a flying cat named Happy, the trio embark on various adventures.

We also meet Gray, an ice wizard, and Erza, a master swordswoman. This adventure comedy follows one mantra: friendship is power.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is a newer anime, but one with a vast global following. Fans of the anime are currently awaiting My Hero Academia Season 5. If you’re part of this group, consider reading the manga.

If you’re new to My Hero Academia, the story takes place in a world full of heroes and villains. Everyone has superpowers, referred to as Quirks—all, except for Izuku Midoriya.

Though bullied for his Quirklessness, Izuku dreams of becoming a superhero. It’s until he meets his hero, All Might, that his life changes.

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul is a great manga series to read if you’re looking for something edgy. If you’re into the dark fantasy manga, you need to check out Tokyo Ghoul. The story takes place in the modern era, in a world afflicted by flesh-eating ghouls.

We follow Ken Kaneki, an ordinary college student. His life takes a turn when he encounters a ghoul, who turns him into the first human-ghoul hybrid. He must now adapt to live between two worlds, master his powers, and survive the Ghoul wars.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan only gained popularity in recent years. However, the manga is over a decade old. The anime has three seasons, and the latest one only recently ended.

The story is almost apocalyptic, with only a small fraction of the human population left. In a world afflicted by Titans, the remaining humans must lock themselves in a walled city. We follow Eren, who’s out to seek revenge after Titans killed his mother.

While the story focuses on the war on Titans, other details may surprise you. The manga tackles the power struggle between classes and genocide.

Bleach

Bleach is another supernatural manga series focusing on Ichigo Kurosaki. This young and impulsive man has had the ability to see ghosts his entire life. His unique ability allowed him to meet a soul reaper named Rukia Kuchiki.

Rukia defends him from lost souls called Hollows. When she gets injured, she grants Ichigo her powers so that he may fight in her place. Ichigo becomes a protector of souls, hunting down Hollows to keep others safe.

Manga readers will enjoy the smooth story flow and art. Bleach also has some of the best action sequences and character development.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure focuses on the Joestar family. Once every few generations, something odd happens to the family. One family member discovers the gift to decide the fate of the world.

Each successor of Jonathan Joestar learns of a new evil afflicting the world. Joestar takes responsibility and decides to help save the world. The art quality is unique, featuring a macho style manga.

Check Out the Best Japanese Manga Series Today!

Here are some of the best Japanese manga series of all time. Whether you’re looking to get into manga or looking for something to pass the time, these are great titles you’re sure to enjoy.

The anime and manga franchise is vast and continues to grow. These are only some of the best manga series. If you’re looking for more great content, check out our other blog posts for more recommendations!