12 Best-Selling Manga Of All Time, Ranked

As a lifelong enthusiast of all things manga, I must say that delving into the captivating world of these iconic series has been nothing short of a thrilling journey! From the timeless tales of Dragon Ball to the intellectual puzzles of Detective Conan, each story offers a unique perspective on adventure, mystery, and human nature.

Across Japan, manga has held a cherished place in readers’ hearts for many years. However, in recent decades, this comic style has garnered an international following, boasting millions of enthusiastic fans. These passionate supporters eagerly anticipate the release of new installments from their beloved series. Remarkably, some of the most favored manga have sparked multi-billion dollar franchises, extending into anime adaptations, movies, theme parks, and a wide range of merchandise.

As an avid fan, I can’t help but marvel at how the tales and characters created by these masters of manga captivate audiences across the globe, effortlessly bridging cultural gaps. What’s more, their works are not just locally popular, they are globally distributed on a grand scale through translations. The true measure of success in the world of manga lies in the total sales volume and number of copies circulating, and this is what determines the most illustrious manga series. Here’s a rundown of the top-selling manga series based on this very metric.

Note from the Editor (Chris Bellamy), October 27th, 2024: Naruto and Attack on Titan are now included in the Top-Selling Manga Series of All Time.

12 Vagabond (1998 – Ongoing; Currently on Hiatus)

Copies Sold: 82 Million

12 Best-Selling Manga Of All Time, Ranked

Takehiko Inoue’s manga, titled “Vagabond,” is widely recognized as a groundbreaking piece of graphic literature. This captivating story follows the life of Miyamoto Musashi, an iconic Japanese swordsman, who is renowned for his exceptional skills and unbeaten record in over 60 duels during the 16th and 17th centuries in Japan. He’s known as one of the greatest warriors to have ever existed.

The talented artist Takehiko Inoue excels in narrative artistry, employing intricate styles with sparse dialogue. This technique lends Vagabond a distinctive cinematic feel, where atmosphere, feelings, and actions are highlighted more than explanations. However, it’s essential to note that this manga unfolds at a leisurely pace, concentrating on reflective pauses between actions. It often immerses itself in visually poetic scenes for extended periods, resulting in a rhythm and tone unlike many popular seinen series.

11 Sazae-san (1946 – 1974)

Copies Sold: 86 Million

12 Best-Selling Manga Of All Time, Ranked

The Sazae-san manga, crafted by manga artist Machiko Hasegawa in 1946, stands as an enduring symbol of Japanese culture. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running anime series. This beloved comic strip focuses on the daily antics of Mrs. Sazae, a cheerful housewife, and her family residing in post-World War II Tokyo. Despite its straightforward nature, it offers a humorous, day-to-day glimpse into the lives of ordinary Japanese citizens, mirroring their experiences and values.

Machiko Hasegawa’s creation of Sazae-san significantly boosted the popularity of the four-panel comic strip layout, a format that eventually became common in manga. This structure facilitated compact storytelling and humor that was simple to follow. One major reason for Sazae-san’s success might be its universal appeal as a family-oriented manga, making it enjoyable across various age groups.

10 Fist Of The North Star (1983 – 1988)

Copies Sold: 100 Million

In Weekly Shonen Jump, the popular manga series Fist of the North Star was originally published. This series stood out by blending martial arts with a post-apocalyptic backdrop, a combination that would later become common in many other manga narratives. The genre’s extreme action scenes were heavily influenced by this unique approach. The central character is Kenshiro, an accomplished martial artist who employs the lethal fighting technique known as Hokuto Shinken.

His stoic demeanor, strong sense of justice, and signature catchphrase ‘You are already dead’ (Omae wa mou shindeiru) have made him popular all over the internet. Even if you haven’t read the manga, you probably know this catchphrase from somewhere!

9 Attack On Titan (2009 – 2021)

Copies Sold: 130 Million

Hajime Isayama’s work, titled ‘Attack on Titan,’ is a gripping dark fantasy manga about Eren Yeager’s struggle against colossal monsters known as Titans, in defense of humanity. Following an attack by these Titans which leaves his hometown in ruins, Eren decides to join the Survey Corps, a special military unit, in pursuit of vengeance and the secrets behind the Titans.

The series is renowned for its high-octane action and intricate explorations of ideas like liberty and endurance. It’s sold more than 100 million copies around the world, making a deep impression on the manga genre and gripping viewers worldwide.

8 Oishinbo (1983 – 2014)

Copies Sold: 135 Million

Food is a very relatable topic that appeals to almost everyone! This culinary manga series revolves around the adventures of two journalists, Yamaoka Shiro, and Kurita Yuuko, and their quest to create the ‘Ultimate Menu’ for the 100th anniversary of the fictional Tozai Newspaper. Oishinbo is a seinen manga that dissects the cuisine and gourmet culture of Japan.

Foods like ramen, sushi, tempura, and sukiyaki are thoroughly examined, offering fascinating glimpses into their history and preparation that any food enthusiast would find mouth-watering. Additionally, this culinary exploration wouldn’t be complete without a touch of gastronomic rivalry: Yamaoka often engages in chopstick duels with his father, the artist and gourmand Kaibara Yuzan, over the debate of tradition versus modernization. This manga stands alone in its detailed and passionate portrayal of food.

7 Demon Slayer (2016 – 2020)

Copies Sold: 150 Million

2019 was a game-changing year for me as a gamer, with Demon Slayer manga skyrocketing in popularity after Ufotable’s anime television adaptation hit the screens. The breathtaking animation and pulse-pounding action sequences managed to capture the hearts of viewers worldwide, making this series a global sensation!

In 2019 and carrying on into 2020, the manga Demon Slayer held the title as the best-seller. Moreover, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba film titled Mugen Train has now become the highest-earning anime movie of all time, raking in more than $500 million at worldwide box offices.

6 Slam Dunk (1990 – 1996)

Copies Sold: 170 Million

If you were a teenager in Japan during the ’90s, you might have worn out a pair of Air Jordans and been deeply engrossed in Slam Dunk merchandise, as you emulated Sakuragi’s basketball moves. This popular manga series, Slam Dunk, played a significant role in boosting the popularity of basketball in Japan during that era. Consequently, it attracted a massive following that transcended the usual manga enthusiasts.

The creator of this manga, Takehiko Inoue, was actually a basketball player himself, which is reflected in the detailed portrayal of the sport within his work. Because of its widespread appeal and impact, Slam Dunk garnered numerous awards such as the Shogakukan Manga Award in the shonen category in 1994. This iconic series has led to various adaptations including spin-offs, video games, TV shows, movies, and merchandise.

5 Naruto (1999 – 2014)

Copies Sold: 250 Million

If you’ve ever been captivated by the mysteries of ninjas, it’s likely you’ve come across Naruto. This popular manga chronicles the life of Naruto Uzumaki as he strives to achieve the title of Hokage. The narrative is divided into two sections. The initial segment focuses on Naruto during his childhood years, detailing his experiences at the ninja academy, his formation of a team for missions, and his efforts to gain acceptance within the village. The latter part traces his transformation from a child into a teenager, delving deep into his journey to master his nine-tails power.

Among its numerous characters, diverse techniques, and extensive settings, Naruto offers a rich tapestry that caters to various tastes. This manga frequently receives acclaim for its intricate character growth and meticulously planned action sequences.

4 Dragon Ball (1984 – 1995)

Copies Sold: 260 Million

Although other mangas undoubtedly played a significant role in its growth, Dragon Ball took the medium mainstream among global audiences. Initially based on the humorous adaptation of the classic Chinese text Journey to the West, Dragon Ball transformed into a thrilling science fiction odyssey that unfolded across various series.

This manga laid the foundation for many common elements in the shonen genre that are still popular today. Various anime series based on it, such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super, have become highly successful, expanding the franchise’s influence. Akira Toriyama’s manga has brought endless enjoyment to countless fans and fulfilled the wish for an exciting adventure storyline.

3 Detective Conan (1994 – Ongoing)

Copies Sold: 270 Million

Detective Conan (or Case Closed in the West) is a renowned and highly successful mystery manga series that has been running for years. Initially planned to last just a handful of books, it now encompasses more than 1000 chapters. The narrative centers around Conan Edogawa, a brilliant high school detective who tackles challenging criminal cases.

In this manga, the intellectual challenges and riddles are thoughtfully crafted, keeping readers hooked as they strive to unravel the answers. Yet, it’s not just about intense crime drama with Detective Conan; there’s a lot of humor too, particularly in the banter between Conan and the Junior Detective League.

2 Golgo 13 (1968 – Ongoing)

Copies Sold: 300 Million

Golgo 13, created by Takao Saito, has been continuously published for the longest period out of any manga currently available. This popular Japanese work offers a unique spin on the character type that gained prominence in the 60s – the sophisticated assassin/spy. Additionally, it draws upon the post-war Japanese interest in James Bond-esque espionage and global mysteries.

Duke Togo, better known by his code name Golgo 13, is a ruthlessly efficient and gifted assassin who consistently completes his missions. His traditional machismo, distinctive M16 weapon, and piercing gaze make him an enduring character. Notably, the series is renowned for its precise research and careful attention to detail, focusing particularly on weapons, tactics, and geopolitical matters.

1 One Piece (1997 – Ongoing)

Copies Sold: 517 Million

1) It’s no shock that One Piece leads this list, a fact well-known by anime enthusiasts. But what might leave you astounded is that One Piece outperforms every other manga series in sales by over 200 million copies! This massive difference in numbers alone could catapult any manga into the top 10 best-selling list. Furthermore, One Piece boasts one of the most extensive character rosters among all manga.

As a gamer immersed in this captivating manga, I’m constantly amazed by the fresh, inventive locales waiting to be discovered and the thrilling adventures that unfold. What truly leaves me in awe is how effortlessly author Oda maintains the intricate details of this vast narrative. He consistently recalls events from way back, even connections you wouldn’t suspect, making every chapter feel like a piece of a meticulously planned puzzle. The dedication and precision that went into creating this breathtaking manga world is simply unparalleled.

2024-10-28 02:39