Manga is a popular form of entertainment that originated in Japan in the late 19th century. It has since then spread worldwide, gaining a massive following in countries like the United States, France, and China. Manga appeals to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, and covers a variety of genres, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. Which manga is the most popular? In this article, we will unveil the top 10 most popular manga of all time, based on various criteria.
What Makes Manga So Popular?
Manga has become a popular form of entertainment because of its unique storytelling style, vivid artwork, and relatable characters. Unlike Western comics, manga is typically read from right to left and is published in black and white. This format allows for more intricate and detailed artwork, which often helps to draw readers into the story. Additionally, manga authors often create complex and well-developed characters that resonate with readers on a personal level.
Another reason for the popularity of manga is its diversity. Manga covers a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to romance and comedy, allowing readers to find something that appeals to their interests. The themes explored in manga are often universal, such as love, loss, and self-discovery, making it relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Criteria For Determining The Most Popular Manga
Determining the most popular manga of all time is not an easy task. There are various criteria that can be used to determine a title’s popularity, such as sales figures, fan base, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. In this article, we will be using a combination of these criteria to determine the top 10 most popular manga of all time.
Sales figures are one of the most significant indicators of a manga’s popularity. Manga titles that have sold millions of copies worldwide are undoubtedly popular. However, sales figures alone cannot determine a title’s popularity. Fan base and cultural impact are also crucial factors. A manga with a dedicated fan base and a significant impact on popular culture can be considered popular, even if it has not sold as many copies as other titles.
Top 10 Most Popular Manga of All Time
- One Piece – Written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 1997. It has sold over 480 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling manga series of all time. One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure known as “One Piece.”
- Dragon Ball – Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 1984. It has sold over 300 million copies worldwide and has had a significant impact on popular culture. Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they search for the seven Dragon Balls.
- Naruto – Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 1999. It has sold over 250 million copies worldwide and has a dedicated fan base. Naruto follows the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village.
- Death Note – Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Death Note has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into an anime series and a live-action film. Death Note follows the story of a high school student named Light Yagami, who finds a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
- Attack on Titan – Written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan has been serialized since 2009. It has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an anime series and a live-action film. Attack on Titan is set in a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by massive walls to protect themselves from Titans, giant humanoid creatures who devour humans.
- Fullmetal Alchemist – Written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist has been serialized since 2001. It has sold over 70 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into two anime series and a live-action film. Fullmetal Alchemist follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to bring their deceased mother back to life.
- Bleach – Written and illustrated by Tite Kubo, Bleach has been serialized since 2001. It has sold over 120 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an anime series and a live-action film. Bleach follows the story of a high school student named Ichigo Kurosaki, who obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper, a divine being who protects humanity from evil spirits.
- Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure – Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has been serialized since 1987. It has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has had a significant impact on popular culture. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the story of the Joestar family, who possess unique abilities and must fight against various supernatural threats.
- Fairy Tail – Written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima, Fairy Tail has been serialized since 2006. It has sold over 60 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an anime series and a feature film. Fairy Tail follows the story of a young wizard named Natsu Dragneel and his friends as they go on various adventures.
- My Hero Academia – Written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia has been serialized since 2014. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an anime series. My Hero Academia is set in a world where most people possess superpowers, and follows the story of a young boy named Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero despite not having any powers.
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
In conclusion, manga has become a popular form of entertainment due to its unique storytelling style, vivid artwork, and relatable characters. The top 10 most popular manga of all time, as determined by a combination of sales figures, fan base, critical acclaim, and cultural impact, are One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Death Note, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, and My Hero Academia. These titles have captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide and have had a significant impact on popular culture. If you are a fan of manga, these titles are definitely worth checking out.
