Top 10 Best Manga Series
You just can't beat the originals. Welcome to Watchmojo.com where today we'll be counting down the Top 10 Manga series.
It doesn't matter if they're still in serialization, or finished decades ago, the title of best manga is up for grabs for all of these Japanese comics.
Special thanks to our user Makoto for submitting the idea on our interactive suggestion tool: WatchMojo.comsuggest/Top+10+manga+series
#10: "Vagabond" (1999-2015)
Edo Period Japan was a rough ol’ time.Vagabond tells the tale of Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan’s most prolific samurai. The series details all of his most gruesome battles in his quest to become the greatest swordsman in history. The visuals are much more realistic thanmost manga series you may have seen and this works quite well in the favour of its historical context. Spanning over 37 volumes, this series may be a bit of a commitment, but its well worth the effort.
#9: "Naruto" (1999-2014)
Top 20 Iconic Naruto Moments
Ok, you’re either gonna love us or hate us for putting this one on the list – but chances are you’ve experienced Naruto to some capacity and maybe even enjoyed it. Either way, when we were first introduced to Konoha’s favourite knuckle-headed ninja, it was a breath of fresh air. Proclaiming that he will some day become the Hokage, His quest faces conflict after conflict but his will is unshakable. Although the manga it definitely has its low points, the highs will always resonate with us.
#8: "Dragon Ball" (1984-95)
Top 10 Dragon Ball Moments Way More Brutal in the Manga
A story about a little boy with a tail on a quest to find all Seven dragon balls. Who are we kidding, chances are you’re already familiar with Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus, but we’re obligated to recommend this to any fan of the franchise. From its humble beginnings all the way to the planet shattering brawls, this manga encompasses the entire Dragon Ball Mythos. It’s also pretty easy to recommend the original to anyone who doesn’t quite have the patience for episode-long power ups.
#7: "Death Note" (2003-06)
Top 10 DUMBEST Changes in Death Note 2017
Life as a god of death can get pretty boring. As such it’s hard to blame Ryuk for dropping his notebook, which has the power to kill anyone whose name is written inside, into the human world. It just so happens that it falls into the hands of the perfect candidate. Light Yagami uses his newfound powers to see his desires come to life, and consequently become the god of the new world. Expertly written by Ohba Tsugumi and accompanied by the unparalleled artwork of Takeshi Obata, Death Note is the total package.
#6: "Monster" (1994-2001)
Top 10 Man vs. Monster Anime Battles
We simply couldn’t make a manga list without including one of the works of Manga legend, Naoki Urasawa. Monster tells the story of Kenzou Tenma, a genius doctor who opts to treat a young boy suffering a gun wound rather than a politician. His choice at first seems fruitful, but after his enemies start getting murdered one by one Tenma can tell something just isn’t right. Though fans of Urasawa’s work may prefer 20th Century Boys or Pluto, our vote goes to this masterpiece.
#5: "Fullmetal Alchemist" (2001-10)
Top 10 Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Moments (Ft. Todd Haberkorn!)
It is dictated in the rules of alchemy that in order to gain something, you must exchange something of equal value.The Elric Brother’s learn this the hard way when they lose their bodies in an attempt to resurrect their mother. The tragedy only feeds their desire and soon their search for the philosopher’s stone leads them to conspiracy, murder and homunculus. You may be more familiar with the anime adaptation, but the original manga version is the definitive Fullmetal Alchemist experience.
#4: "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure" (1986-)
Top 20 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Battles
Beginning with fist of the North Star meets wuthering heights and taking off from there, this entry has spanned over 8 bizarreinstalments. Each follows one of the joestar descendants, who seem to find themselves in the most peculiar of conflicts, including vampires and murderers with hand fetishes. Jojo has proved to evolve itself throughout its instalments, keeping the manga fresh and engaging. Hell, the series has reached such high esteem that its characters were even featured in the windows of Gucci stores.
#3: "Oyasumi PunPun" (2007-13)
Asano Inio has proven himself to be a mangaka in a field of his own with works like “Solanin” and “A Girl on the Shore”, but none stand out quite so much as Oyasumi Punpun. Telling the tale of the troubled youth who falls for the equally-if-not-more disturbed Aiko, this manga series is one that will both comfort and make you feel veryuncomfortable from time to time. Despite its cutesy covers, Oyasumi Punpun is likely the darkest entry in this list and one that will profoundly affect you.
#2: "One Piece" (1997-)
Top 10 One Piece Moments Way More Brutal in the Manga
When Luffy D. Monkey proclaimed that he would someday be king of the pirates back in 1997, we had no idea what a wild ride we were in for. From Secret Fishman islands to kingdoms run by dastardly tyrants, it seems wherever Luffy lays his straw hat, there is bound to be a brawl. It really does beg the question where Eiichiro Oda gets the strength to write a series that stands as the highest grossing manga series of all time.And fortunate for us,it has no signs of letting up any time soon. Before we reveal our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions: "Yostuaba&!" (2003-) "GTO" (1996-2002) "Slam Dunk" (1990-96)
#1: "Berserk" (1989-)
Top 10 Anime Scenes Where the Hero Goes Berserk
Following the strugglesof ex-mercenary, Guts, after what can only be the most horrendous of anime backstories, Berserk tackles the terrifying themes of love, loss and pure carnage.Though the argument can be made that Berserk may NEVER see its ending and that the seemingly endless hiatuses have damaged its reputation greatly, there simply isn’t any other series that puts together the horror, action, and absolutely stunning visuals the way Berserk does. Not even its anime adaptations seem to capture its edge. Needless to say, Kentarou Miura’s classic high fantasy manga series takes home our trophy for best manga series.
