Across various forms like anime, video games, music, TV dramas, or light novels, Japanese entertainment has become dominant globally. Manga, specifically, has seen a surge in popularity recently, with countless fans eagerly awaiting the newest installment of their preferred series. The top and most famous titles earn millions and remain atop global bestseller lists, all while nurturing upcoming mangaka to continue this trend.
From my perspective as an observer, I’ve noticed that not every anime adaptation fully captures the original storyline; sometimes, it overflows with extra episodes featuring characters or incidents never depicted in the manga. The manga, however, offers a complete and authentic picture according to the creator’s vision. Moreover, manga is often more accessible due to its absence of paywalls or complications related to streaming rights. There’s always a lively discussion among fans about which manga titles are the greatest ever, but there seems to be a general consensus on many exceptional manga series.
April 27th, 2025 – Updated by Sage Ashford: An abundance of truly remarkable mangas exist globally. Despite dedicated readers following all the latest series, there are timeless classics that may have been overlooked. This list has been expanded to include even more exceptional manga titles.
Status: Complete
Maid-Sama! introduces us to Misaki Ayuzawa, the intimidating Student Council President at Seika High School. Despite her stern demeanor that strikes fear into the hearts of students, Misaki conceals a clandestine truth – she moonlights as an employee at a maid cafe. Misaki has been diligently keeping her secret job under wraps from the school…but her cover is blown by none other than Takumi Usui, the most admired student in the school. Although Misaki feels mortified, Usui seems to display a peculiar fascination with Misaki in her maid uniform?
Despite its seemingly typical start, Maid-Sama! stands as a timeless classic in the realm of romance shojo anime. The character of Misaki is particularly heartwarming and engaging, captivating viewers from the very first chapter due to the well-crafted narrative. Moreover, the series concludes within approximately ninety chapters, avoiding an overstay of its welcome.
Status: Complete
By the 24th century, human civilization has triumphantly established Mars as Aqua, a name fitting for its former ice caps that have now melted, transforming it into a water-rich planet. The breathtaking beauty of Aqua inspired the construction of Neo Venizia, a mirror image of the original Venice on Earth. It’s within this stunning city that Akari Mizunashi arrives, with dreams of becoming an Undine—an esteemed gondolier and tour guide who guides visitors through the city’s enchanting canals.
Aria is an enchanting life-oriented show that enthusiasts of healing genre series will undoubtedly appreciate. It excels in breathtaking narrative artistry, with Neo-Venizia being a stunningly beautiful setting. The series gained its popularity due to the adoration for its characters, but as time went by, it also became adept at weaving engaging, yet frequently bittersweet, tales.
Status: Ongoing (Hiatus)
Two young women named Nana – one being Nana Komatsu, who has a tendency to fall head over heels quickly, and the other Nana Osaki, a punk rock artist who values music above all else – lead distinct lives. Despite their contrasting personalities, they eventually share living quarters, forging an unusual connection that neither anticipated.
Nana stands out as another remarkable shojo manga, delving into the complexities and chaos that often accompany romance and life. It serves as an excellent gateway for those who typically shy away from romance stories, given its consistently engaging drama from one chapter to the next. Despite the turbulent lives of its characters, reading Nana is a captivating experience you’re unlikely to forget.
Status: Complete
Back in the ’70s, I stumbled upon this timeless shoujo manga gem called “Rose of Versailles,” penned by the talented Riyoko Ikeda. The story revolves around me, Oscar François de Jarjayes, who was brought up as a man to inherit my father’s estate. As an excellent heir, life was going smoothly until I was tasked with guarding the new Princess Marie Antoinette, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey!
The Rose of Versailles is a seminal work in manga history, shaping the world of manga for many years following its publication. Despite being an older series, those who take a chance on it will discover a well-structured narrative that offers a historically accurate portrayal of the era, intertwined with a heartrending love story. Even today, Ikeda’s enduring artwork continues to captivate readers across generations.
Status: Ongoing
Approximately two decades old, Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom manga is one of the longest continuously published series. The story revolves around a young man named Xin, who aspires to rise through the ranks and become a general by demonstrating his prowess in battle. Xin gets his chance when his longtime friend Piao entrusts him with a final message before passing away: to seek out someone resembling Piao, who is none other than King Ying Zheng of Qin.
Set in ancient China during the Warring States era, “Kingdom” is an enthralling tale of war. Hara skillfully creates each battle as a tense, critical fight that grips readers from start to finish. Despite its lengthy 800+ chapters, the series’ masterful build-up and payoff of significant moments make it hard to resist binge-watching for extended periods.
Status: Ongoing
Grand Blue, known as Grand Blue Dreaming in the West, is an exceptional manga series that revolves around the exhilarating independence of university life. The story follows Iori Kitahara, a newcomer to Japan’s coast who embarks on his college journey and becomes a member of the local diving club. With frequent consumption of beer and frequent displays of embarrassment almost every day, he embraces the unruly spirit of college living.
Grand Blue Dreaming stands out among many mangas due to its unique college backdrop, sharp wit, stunning artwork, and above all, its endearing and relatable main characters. Iori and his companions might be reckless partygoers, but they’re essentially good-hearted individuals who are simply seeking their path in life and forging strong friendships along the way.
Status: Complete
The “Fist of the North Star” is one of the most outstanding manga series from the 1980s, paving the way for numerous early modern shonen titles in the 1990s and beyond. It drew inspiration from the “Mad Max” films, blending post-apocalyptic themes with high-impact martial arts to produce a unique narrative.
Character Kenshiro is a martial artist who uses the combat technique known as Hokuto Shinken, which is based on acupuncture. Traveling through a lawless, post-apocalyptic world filled with bandits, he dispenses harsh justice to those who wrong others. Simultaneously, he engages in battles to determine the rightful successor of Hokuto Shinken. The narrative of Fist of the North Star is loosely structured around a “monster-of-the-week” pattern; however, it also unfolds an extensive storyline involving Kenshiro joining forces with, or clashing against, his own brothers in the quest to uncover the true successor.
Status: Complete
The original work titled “A Silent Voice” serves as the foundation for an anime film carrying the same name. It offers readers an opportunity to delve into topics such as bullying, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. In this narrative, we meet Shoya Ishida initially portrayed as a cruel sixth-grader who mercilessly bullies his classmate Shoko Nishimiya, only for them to eventually drift apart.
In the 12th grade, Shoya is resolved to amend his past actions, yet earning forgiveness from his peers or himself won’t be a simple task. However, Shoko might be open to offering Shoya another opportunity, and she could possibly harbor unique feelings for him – if she can express them through her silent voice. The critically acclaimed anime film, “A Silent Voice,” is renowned for its depth, but those who yearn to delve further into the story and characters are urged to explore the seven-volume manga series.
Status: Complete
20th Century Boys, penned by Naoki Urasawa, is one of his most notable creations and is sure to captivate readers who relish thrilling tales brimming with intricate mysteries and grand conspiracies. Set in 1960s Japan, a band of youthful companions establish their own exclusive club, symbolized by the emblem of their “Comrade.” However, as we approach the new millennium, this “Comrade” is set to awaken from its slumber.
It appears that the enigmatic Character seems destined to disrupt the world order drastically, through his doomsday cult and grand plans, leaving the mature companions uncertain as to whether or how they can prevent him. In essence, 20th Century Boys might resonate with fans of Stephen King’s IT, except that instead of horror, it presents a thrilling race against time aimed at halting a mastermind intent on reshaping reality entirely.
Status: Ongoing
The manga “March Comes In Like a Lion” by Chica Umino is an impactful read that’s likely to stir strong emotions in its readers due to the intense hardships portrayed. The narrative centers around Rei Kiriyama, a prodigious shogi player grappling with personal challenges outside of his academic success. Remarkably, he encounters the Kawamoto sisters, who provide him with much-needed emotional sustenance during his tough times.
March Comes In Like a Lion” underscores the depth and complexity that manga can possess beyond mere action sequences or humor. The protagonist, Rei, is a character many can identify with as he grapples with feelings of depression and solitude, seeking purpose in his existence. This thoughtfully crafted work is not only engaging through its narrative but also visually stunning, making it a feast for longtime manga enthusiasts who appreciate intricate storytelling.
Status: Complete
Written and adorned by Julietta Suzuki, “Kamisama Kiss” chronicles the journey of Nanami Momozono, whose father’s extravagant spending leaves her homeless. Frustrated and without shelter, Nanami finds herself with no place to stay. However, one stormy night, an unusual man becomes trapped in a tree out of fear of a dog.
In this rephrased version: Nanami assisted him and received a forehead kiss from him. Momentarily, she ascended to the position of the land god at Mikage shrine. At the shrine, Nanami encounters Tomoe, a recalcitrant fox spirit who initially denies her authority as his superior. Over time, however, Tomoe grows fond of Nanami in one of anime’s most memorable love sagas.
Status: Complete
Tomorrow’s Joe narrates the tale of Joe Yabuki, a boxer who competes in the Bantamweight division and begins his career from humble beginnings. Previously incarcerated, Joe is resolute on becoming a professional athlete and embarks on a grueling journey to achieve this goal. Ashita no Joe chronicles Joe’s most triumphant achievements as well as his toughest emotional struggles, frequently facing inner turmoil.
I’m absolutely smitten with “Tomorrow’s Joe,” a classic from the 1960s that serves as the foundation for today’s sports anime. As a post-war Japan hero, Joe’s unyielding passion for boxing struck a chord and inspired countless viewers. Ever since then, sports anime have striven to be as motivating and impactful for their audience as possible. Many fans would agree that the phenomenal boxing manga series “Fist of the Blue Corner,” one of the greatest manga series ever created, draws heavily from the foundation laid by “Tomorrow’s Joe.
Status: Complete
The manga series ‘Kuroko’s Basketball’, penned and sketched by Tadatoshi Fujimaki, stands as one of the most impactful modern sports manga series ever produced. This captivating series features basketball players who possess extraordinary abilities, a blend that combines the overused yet intriguing shonen tropes with exceptional creativity. By transforming seemingly ordinary high school basketball players into semi-superhuman characters, the author adds an innovative twist to the genre.
The storyline revolves around Tetsuya Kuroko once he joins Seirin High, with a focus on basketball. Kuroko is not particularly tall or strong, lacks court presence, yet this inconspicuousness turns out to be his hidden strength. He partners with Kagami, an exceptional player who honed his skills playing street ball in the U.S. Kuroko intends to stay unobtrusively by Kagami’s side, acting as a supporting light, helping him become the premier basketball player in Japan and ultimately overpower the legendary Generation of Miracles.
Status: Complete
In the anime adaptation titled “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin“, the narrative primarily explores the past life of Casval Rem Deikun, who transforms into Char Aznable. On the other hand, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko’s manga version offers a more extensive retelling of the original “Mobile Suit Gundam” story. Although Char’s tale remains significant, it forms only a segment within this skillful reinterpretation of the One Year War events.
Gundam: The Origin serves as an excellent entry point for Gundam fans, with updated dialogue and art tailored for modern audiences who might struggle with 1970s anime. Yet, it remains faithful to the original story, offering a richer experience for long-time fans. Moreover, Yasuhiko’s exceptional ability to design both visually appealing mecha and expressive human characters makes this series an enjoyable read.
Status: Ongoing
Before it became one of the top anime shows of Fall 2023, Natsu Hyuuga and Nekokurage’s “Apothecary Diaries” was an exceptional manga. The story revolves around Maomao, a 17-year-old girl who led a content life at an apothecary before being taken captive and compelled to serve in the emperor’s court. Despite her desire to return to her normal life, she eventually discovers a greater purpose when Jinshi, one of the court’s eunuchs, recognizes her abilities and hires her as a professional food taster.
In every scene she appears, Maomao is an absolute delight to observe. It’s not just her intelligence that sets her apart; she’s distinct from typical protagonists in imperial court dramas. Instead of focusing on romantic entanglements, she dedicates her time to studying medicines and experimenting with new concoctions. However, the manga “Apothecary Diaries” doesn’t neglect providing intrigue for those who seek it. It swiftly moves beyond predictable problem-of-the-week storylines, making it a compelling must-read seinen manga for many readers.
Status: Ongoing
Exploring a lively ensemble of characters and abundant allusions to renowned literature, the work “Bungo Stray Dogs” by Kafka Asagiri serves as an enticing introduction to the seinen audience for shonen enthusiasts. The narrative of “Bungo Stray Dogs” revolves around Atsushi Nakajima, a street-dwelling orphan who later discovers he possesses the ability to transform into a weretiger.
He signs up with the Armed Detective Agency to assist them in unraveling intricate mysteries that leave even the military police puzzled. Despite Atsushi being the main character, it’s the enigmatic side characters like Osamu Dazai who give Bungo Stray Dogs its distinctive flavor as they delve into unusual mysteries that no one else can crack. This makes for an exhilarating storyline for fans of mystery tales with a unique spin.
Status: Complete
Rumiko Takahashi is renowned as one of the world’s most productive authors, with her groundbreaking works spanning from the 1980s through to the early 2000s. Many argue that any of these masterpieces could be considered among the best manga ever produced, but “Ranma ½” stands out for its profound impact on both anime and manga. The series revolves around Ranma Saotome, a young martial artist who, after falling into a mystical spring, transforms into a female when exposed to warm or cold water.
Through its run, “Ranma ½” significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of the “gender-bending” genre in manga. For enthusiasts of shonen manga, it offers an entertaining mix of uproarious comedy and martial arts action that rivals early Dragon Ball’s intensity. Anime fans should also delve into the manga version for a comprehensive understanding of the storyline.
Status: Complete
In the series Noragami by Adachikota, we follow the story of Yato, a god who lacks his own shrine. Yearning for recognition, he decides to promote himself as a “Delivery God.” On the brink of being hit by a vehicle, Yato is miraculously rescued by Hiyori.
Unfortunately, this occurrence separated Hiyori’s soul from her body, leaving her in a state where she now depends on Yato to reassemble her. The manga Noragami, with its shonen comedy genre and numerous unexpected twists, keeps readers guessing what will unfold on each page turn. Lately, the storyline has concluded, giving viewers the chance to see the climactic confrontation between Yato and his deadliest adversaries as the tension reaches its zenith.
Status: Ongoing
The long-running, enigmatic manga titled “Case Closed,” penned by Gosho Aoyama, has been captivating readers since 1994. This captivating story revolves around Shinichi Kudo, who undergoes a transformation into childhood form during an investigation of a mysterious organization. Fans of mystery novels and the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes would surely appreciate “Case Closed.
Instead of being typical, “Case Closed” stands out among mystery series due to its quirky plotlines and lovable characters that add an extra layer of appeal compared to some others. Readers find themselves unraveling mysteries alongside Shinichi, and the manga is filled with so many unexpected twists that it’s hard to guess where the story will go next. What truly sets “Case Closed” apart is its ability to stay engaging and innovative even after countless chapters have passed, which is a rare feat for manga series.
Status: Complete
Hiroya Oku’s renowned series, “Gantz“, was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2000 to 2013. This classic seinen manga revolves around characters like Kei Kurono who were resurrected after their deaths. Upon their return, they found that all ailments and wounds had mysteriously disappeared from their bodies.
In the captivating universe of Gantz, anyone resuscitated is required to embark on a sequence of missions aimed at eliminating extraterrestrial beings. If an individual succumbs during these missions, they can be quickly replaced. This series has garnered praise for its intricate world-building and thrilling narrative, but it has also stirred debate due to the graphic violence it portrays, which may not sit well with sensitive viewers.
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2025-04-27 20:28