The list of best-selling manga comes from the fact that the manga industry consists of compositions that suit every otakus’ taste. Every year, the Japanese publishing industry releases millions of copies of the popular manga, making it historically profitable and significant. As such, below is the list of five of the most-loved manga, along with their anime trailers, that have made it to the category of the best-selling manga series of all time!
One Piece
Eiichiro Oda’s Shonen masterpiece, “One Piece”, is at the top of this list, with more than 516 million sales overall. Since its debut in July 1997, the manga has charted an impressive course. It amasses over a thousand chapters across a hundred Tankōbon volumes. The series has become a global phenomenon, with an animated TV series by Toei Animation.
It embarks on an exciting journey through the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump. Capturing the essence of high-seas adventures in a fantastical pirate realm, the manga centers around the exploits of Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy is a resilient and tenacious young captain, who faces challenges with a big smile on his face!
Golgo 13
Takao Saito’s masterful creation, “Golgo 13”, has graced the pages of Shogakukan’s Big Comic Magazine since January 1969. It has sold over 300 million copies across various formats. This Seinin manga received the 21st Shogakukan Manga Award in 1976. This enduring series introduces readers to a captivating world through the lens of a seasoned professional assassin.
Marking its place as one of Japan’s lengthiest adult manga, this series boasts a remarkable narrative prowess of Saito’s creation. This narration extends beyond the printed page and finds expression in two live-action films, two animated counterparts, video games, and a TV series.
Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama’s iconic creation, “Dragon Ball”, was published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine from 1984 to 1995, and has sold about 260 million copies worldwide. This series is a timeless story woven with Son Goku’s life and adventures and spans over 42 Tankōbon. In this story, Goku’s journey unfolds as he faces numerous battles that propel him to be the master of martial arts.
In this epic saga, readers enjoy Goku’s ascendance as arguably the universe’s strongest martial artist. The series is a tapestry of action and character evolution and remains a testament to its worldwide success.
Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto’s prominent “Naruto” boasts worldwide sales of over 250 million, and began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story of the series unfolds through distinct epochs, categorized as Part I, Part II, the Blank Period, New Era: Part I, and New Era: Part II. These temporal phases further divide into assorted story arcs that consist of manga chapters, anime episodes, and various media formats.
The plot unfolds as the village’s Fourth Hokage makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect the city. He seals the powerful Fox within his own newborn. Moreover, this newborn, none other than Naruto Uzumaki, emerges as an active individual. As he grows, he weathers neglect and mistreatment all while training to face challenges, within his village.
Bleach
The last on the list of best-selling manga of all time is “Bleach”. Written and illustrated by Noriaki “Tite” Kubo, this manga series boasts sales of about 130 million copies. It unravels the gripping tale of Ichigo Kurosaki, who is bestowed with the powers of a Soul Reaper. His newly discovered abilities push him into the role of saving humanity from evil spirits and guiding dead souls to the afterlife.
Since its commencement in August 2001, the series has graced the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump and culminated in 47 Tankōbon volumes by October 2010. It has also become an overpowering media franchise and its expansive legacy features an animated TV series produced by Studio Pierrot. Moreover, it has two original video animations, three animated feature films, seven rock musicals, and a wide variety of video games.
