Embark on a thrilling journey through the world of manga with our curated list of the top must-read series that captivate readers across various genres.
Embark on a thrilling journey through the world of manga with our curated list of the top 15 must-read series that captivate readers across various genres. Don’t forget to get the best custom anime and manga stickers at Customstickers.com.
Monogatari Season 1
- Release Date: November 1, 2006
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Romance
- Author: ISIN NISIO
Join Koyomi Araragi in Monogatari Season 1 as he navigates a life-altering encounter with vampires, leading him into a realm of supernatural mysteries. Written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan, this light novel spans six volumes, promising a unique blend of action, comedy, and romance.
Ashita No Joe
- Release Date: January 1, 1968
- Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Sports
- Author: Ikki Kajiwara
Witness the transformative journey of Joe Yabuki in Ashita No Joe, a classic that revolutionized sports anime. Ikki Kajiwara’s narrative, complemented by Tetsuya Chiba’s illustrations, follows Joe as he evolves from a bullied youth to a formidable fighter under the guidance of coach Danpei Tange.
20th Century Boys
- Release Date: September 27, 1999
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi
- Author: Naoki Urasawa
Immerse yourself in Naoki Urasawa’s masterpiece, 20th Century Boys, a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the late 20th century. As Endo Kenji unravels the mystery surrounding a friend’s death, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns.
Houseki no Kuni
- Release Date: October 25, 2021
- Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
- Author: Haruko Ichikawa
Explore a futuristic world devastated by meteorites in Houseki no Kuni, written by Haruko Ichikawa. As immortal jewels known as Lustrous emerge, the series offers a visually stunning narrative that blurs the lines between humanity and gem-like entities.
Kingdom
- Release Date: January 26, 2006
- Genre: Action
- Author: Yasuhisa Hara
Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom stands as a pinnacle of action manga, portraying Xin’s quest to become the greatest general in a fictionalized account of the Warring States Period. With consistent quality and accolades, Kingdom has earned its place among the most popular manga series.
Oyasumi Punpun
- Release Date: March 15, 2007
- Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
- Author: Inio Asano
Inio Asano’s Oyasumi Punpun delves into the complexities of human life, portraying Onodera Punpun’s journey through stages of depression, love, and family. This emotionally charged masterpiece is hailed as one of the best manga series, offering a profound exploration of the human experience.
Grand Blue
- Release Date: April 7, 2014
- Genre: Comedy
- Author: Kenji Inoue
Kenji Inoue’s Grand Blue takes a comedic turn as it follows Iori Kitahara’s college life in the Izu Peninsula. Filled with humor and camaraderie, Grand Blue’s popularity soared with its anime adaptation in 2018, making it a must-read for comedy enthusiasts.
Fullmetal Alchemist
- Release Date: July 12, 2001
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Author: Hiromu Arakawa
Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist, a timeless classic, explores the consequences of the Elric brothers’ attempt to revive their mother through alchemy. With over 80 million copies sold worldwide, this series intertwines action, adventure, and fantasy in a compelling narrative.
Vinland Saga
- Release Date: April 13, 2005
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Author: Makoto Yukimura
Makoto Yukimura’s award-winning Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, the son of a Viking warrior, on a journey marked by tragedy and inner turmoil. This gripping tale explores the complexities of admiration, revenge, and self-discovery against the backdrop of historical events.
Slam Dunk
- Release Date: September 18, 1990
- Genre: Sports
- Author: Takehiko Inoue
Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk, a cornerstone of sports manga, catapults readers into the world of basketball. With over 120 million copies sold, the series not only popularized the sport in Japan but also offers a compelling story of Sakuragi’s pursuit of love and success on the basketball court.
Monster
- Release Date: December 5, 1994
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
- Author: Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster, a psychological thriller, follows Kenzou Tenma’s journey as he confronts the consequences of saving a child who later becomes a serial killer. This critically acclaimed series delves into moral dilemmas, justice, and the complexities of human nature.
One Piece
- Release Date: July 22, 1997
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Author: Eiichiro Oda
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece stands as a global phenomenon, with over 1000 chapters released since 1997. Follow Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King, encountering obstacles and assembling a formidable crew in this epic adventure filled with action, adventure, and fantasy.
Vagabond
- Release Date: September 3, 1998
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Author: Takehiko Inoue
Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond, inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel Musashi, chronicles the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi’s travels through Japan. Although currently unfinished, Vagabond stands as a masterpiece, captivating readers with its stunning art and historical narrative.
Steel Ball Run
- Release Date: January 19, 2004
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural
- Author: Hirohiko Araki
Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, the seventh installment in the series, captivates with its unique blend of action, adventure, and supernatural elements. Follow Johnny Joestar as he embarks on a mysterious journey sparked by the discovery of Gyro Zeppeli’s steel balls.
Berserk
- Release Date: August 25, 1989
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
- Author: Kentarou Miura
Kentarou Miura’s Berserk, the highest-rated manga on MyAnimeList, is a masterpiece that explores the life of Guts, a young mercenary. Filled with action, adventure, and dark fantasy, Berserk has left an indelible mark on the manga world, influencing other works and standing as a testament to Miura’s legacy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned manga enthusiast or a newcomer to the medium, these 15 must-read series offer a rich tapestry of emotions, themes, and storytelling prowess. Each turn of the page is an invitation to explore new worlds, confront moral dilemmas, and witness characters evolve in ways that leave a lasting impression.
As we celebrate the legacy of these manga masterpieces, we acknowledge the profound impact they have had on the medium, shaping it into a vibrant and dynamic art form. So, let the journey through these pages be a reminder of the boundless creativity and storytelling magic that manga continues to offer, inviting readers to embark on adventures that linger in the heart and mind long after the final chapter.
