You Won't Believe Which Comic Book Sold Over 500 Million Volumes and Tops All Others!

Summary

Comic book popularity is measured by volume sales, not just single-issue popularity.
Belgian comics like Spike and Suzy and Tintin have made significant impacts on the comic world.
One Piece outsells Dragon Ball and Naruto combined, making it the best-selling comic book of all time.

In terms of comic books, high sales don’t necessarily make a title the best, but they can indicate its popularity. For individual issues of regular comics, traditional superheroes such as Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man often lead the pack. However, it is worth noting that even in this field, characters like Diabolik (an Italian character) and others from Europe manage to hold their ground against more popular titles like Spawn.

However, because each DC and Marvel superhero series focuses on individual story arcs, it can be less satisfying when they’re compiled into larger volumes. These trade paperbacks and graphic novels don’t seem as impressive compared to traditional comic book collections like albums, volumes, or sets of classic newspaper strips, which encompass a variety of renowned manga, syndicated comics, and exceptional one-of-a-kind works.

10. Spike and Suzy

Quirky Flemish Kids Go on Adventures

Creator: Wally Vandersteen.
Run: 1945-Present.
Approx. Sales: 230 Million.
Number of Volumes: 365.

In some circles, people might recognize Spike and Suzy as Willy and Wanda, but to others, they’re known by their original Belgian names Suske en Wiske. Regardless of the names, they follow the same tale about a well-mannered boy and his impulsive girlfriend embarking on numerous adventures, often causing distress among their peers and relatives. This comic isn’t just about everyday life; it frequently features the pair battling ghosts, time travel, or other extraordinary or science fiction events.

The comic strip gained immense popularity in Belgium and then spread across most of Europe, sparking numerous films, TV series, and stage productions. This success catapulted its creator, Wally Vandersteen, to unprecedented fame not only in Belgium but also the Netherlands, earning him the nickname “the Walt Disney of the Low Countries” by the Dutch media. Hergé, known for his Tintin comics, referred to Vandersteen as “the (Pieter) Brueghel (the Elder) of the comic strip”. This brings us to…

9. The Adventures of Tintin

Belgian Boy with a Quiff Makes European Comics History

Creator: Georges ‘Hergé’ Remi.
Run: 1929-1976.
Approx. Sales: 250 Million.
Number of Volumes: 24.

Belgium is widely recognized within Europe for its diverse comic strip creations such as “Lucky Luke”, “Spirou”, “The Smurfs”, and “Spike and Suzy”. However, while these comics are quite popular, none have achieved the groundbreaking impact that “The Adventures of Tintin” did. Essentially, “Tintin” could be likened to a pre-1900s version of Indiana Jones, with the main character being an idealistic young reporter instead of the seasoned grave robber we know from the series.

The assortment of Tintin’s tales presented a consistent blend of magical and mysterious aspects intertwined with political conspiracies and futuristic sorcery. This intrepid reporter often found himself entangled in intricate schemes or searches for enigmatic objects, known as MacGuffins. These stories were depicted using Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ technique, a style that influenced comic creators on both continents and even video game developers. Although the publication of new Tintin adventures ceased in 1976, his classic stories remain in circulation and have been reimagined across various mediums such as films, TV series, audio dramas, and more.

8. Naruto

A Bestseller? It’s Easy to Believe It

Creator: Masashi Kishimoto.
Run: 1999-2014.
Approx. Sales: 250 Million.
Number of Volumes: 72.

Different generations discovered ninjas through history texts, martial arts periodicals, low-cost Hong Kong movies, or peculiar turtle species. However, it’s been approximately 26 years since most people may have first encountered ninjas through the anime/manga series Naruto. Quite an accomplishment for a character who mastered stealth while wearing vivid orange attire!

Over the course of 72 volumes, the journey of the prospective Hokage sold an impressive 250 million copies. Yet, his impact extends far beyond these numbers, as countless more individuals (whether fans or not) would have encountered its chapters through their original publication in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Furthermore, the anime adaptation played a significant role in the childhood experiences of numerous young adults from the millennial and Gen Z generations, regardless of any faults, filler episodes, and personal opinions. Consequently, whether one read Naruto or watched it, liked it or disliked it, they would still be familiar with its jutsus and ninja poses due to its widespread popularity.

7. Dragon Ball

Monkey Boy’s Adventures Become a Story of Two Halves

Creator: Akira Toriyama.
Run: 1984-1995.
Approx. Sales: 260 Million.
Number of Volumes: 42.

In the 2000s, Naruto emerged as a significant and popular shōnen anime for enthusiasts, yet it fell short compared to Dragon Ball, which established the standard for almost every subsequent action narrative. The key distinction lies in the fact that Naruto’s fans had the opportunity to witness his character development throughout the series, while many international Dragon Ball fans might not have started following the series until Goku’s adult years were animated.

Inside Japan, Goku’s storyline from his initial encounter with Bulma up until him departing with Uub, were all consecutive chapters in the same manga series. Unlike the significant gaps seen between this series and Dragon Ball Super, which spanned decades. However, overseas, everything that followed chapter 195 was released as Dragon Ball Z to align with the anime. Many viewers consider the preceding chapters as more of a prelude to the later Saiyan battles in the main storyline.

6. Case Closed

Child-Man Detective Uses His Smarts to Sell Millions

Creator: Gosho Aoyama.
Run: 1994-Present.
Approx. Sales: 270+ Million.
Number of Volumes: 105+.

Both Naruto and Dragon Ball achieved global success, even though some storylines can become blockbusters solely based on their domestic popularity. For instance, Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, enjoys significant popularity beyond Japan, with many Western readers appreciating its mystery-solving escapades and quest for regaining his adult form just as much as any action scene involving ninja jutsus.

In Japan, his manga continues to be popular among both readers and critics, consistently ranking high in the Best Book polls conducted by Da Vinci magazine each year since 2012. The character Conan has even spearheaded crime awareness campaigns, leading Hokuei, the town of creator Gosho Aoyama’s origin, to develop a collection of Conan-themed tourist attractions. Given this level of acclaim, it’s hardly shocking that it outperformed both DB and Naruto in terms of sales volume.

5. Oriental Heroes

Hong Kong’s Gangster-Bashing Trio Become a Manhua Mainstay

Creator: Tony Wong Yuk-long.
Run: 1969-Present.
Approx. Sales: 280 Million.
Number of Volumes: 2,427.

The popular Chinese comic book series, “Oriental Heroes,” which has been around for a while, gained considerable recognition at home. This manhua sparked the creation of numerous other crime-fighting comics within China. While it might not be as akin to Marvel’s Spider-Man as Street of Rage, it focuses on three martial arts students from the Dragon Tiger Gate school as they engage in battles against criminals threatening their territory. However, the comic was not without its share of issues, as its violent content led Hong Kong to prohibit explicit violence in manhua.

Tony Wong Yuk-long, the brain behind this creation, devised a workaround for legal restrictions by launching his own newspaper, Sàng Bou. The primary purpose of this publication was to serialize the comic as a newspaper strip rather than a traditional manhua. Despite these unconventional measures, it thrived in popularity and reached its zenith in the 1980s, becoming more raw and brutal. Remarkably, it continues to endure today, and even had a martial arts film adaptation, although it didn’t receive much recognition.

4. Peanuts

A Boy and His Dog Make Comic History

Creator: Charles M. Schultz.
Run: 1950-2000.
Approx. Sales: 300 Million.
Number of Volumes: N/A (1,400 books).

Peanuts, featuring characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock, are well-known figures without needing an introduction. Unlike crime dramas, ninjas, or Belgian adventurers, Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip was primarily composed of 4-panel gag strips filled with witty humor, a touch of melancholy, and abundant heart. This simple yet impactful format established the standard for 4-panel comedy comics, paving the way for numerous other newspaper funnies and 4-koma manga.

Despite Schultz’s passing in 2000, the beloved comic strip Peanuts continues to thrive through syndication, strong sales volumes, and a variety of animated specials and films that keep the characters vibrant. This longevity has attracted new fans who have paid tribute, satirized, and referenced the series in various forms. For instance, ‘3eanuts’ is a unique interpretation that removes the final panel from each strip to expose the existential angst of the characters without their tension-relieving punchlines.

3. Golgo 13

Not Even Death Keeps Togo From His Work

Creator: Takao Saito, with contributions by Kazuo Koike, Yoichi Funado, Takashi Nagasaki and more.
Run: 1968-Present.
Approx. Sales: 300+ Million.
Number of Volumes: 203.

In the world of Western comics, characters often survive past the demise of their creators. However, in manga, when a creator concludes their story or leaves it open for others to continue, the manga typically ends with them as well. It often requires deep contemplation or a definitive succession plan to maintain the work after the creator has passed on. This is what transpired with the series Golgo 13.

The ongoing adventures of the notorious assassin Duke Togo, marked by both successes and narrow escapes, persist because their creator, Takao Saito, desired it to be so. Without his blessing, Saito Production might have concluded the series upon his death in 2021. However, they’ve chosen to keep crafting Duke Togo’s exploits, thereby maintaining its status as the longest-running and top-selling seinen manga ever published.

2. Asterix

Western Comics’ Biggest Volume Seller is a Tiny Celt With a Mustache

Creators: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.
Run: 1959-Present.
Approx. Sales: 393 Million.
Number of Volumes: 40.

Asterix is a well-known character from a series of comedic historical adventure books. Unlike Dragon Ball, which also boasts impressive sales figures, Asterix has managed to sell approximately 130 million more copies due to his role as a clever Gaulish warrior who outwits numerous Roman generals with the help of a magical potion that grants him extraordinary strength. Often seen in the company of his sturdy companion Obelix, or other comically named villagers such as Chief Vitalstatistix, Cacophonix the Bard, and Getafix the druid who brews the magic potion, Asterix is a beloved figure in literature.

In his works, there’s no shortage of cartoon brutality, but it’s typically the clever narratives that hold the most allure. For instance, the Romans attempt various strategies like urban renewal near their settlement and exposing Obelix to capitalism as a means to conquer Gaul. This added humor is likely why Asterix became popular in France, eventually resonating with other European countries. His stories have been translated into numerous languages across Europe, from Alsatian to Welsh, and even more international dialects.

1. One Piece

Little Rubber Boy Outsells Dragon Ball and Naruto Put Together

Creator: Eiichiro Oda.
Run: 1997-Present.
Approx. Sales: 516.6 Million.
Number of Volumes: 110+.

Among various comics, Golgo 13 has surpassed One Piece in terms of published volumes. However, when it comes to total sales, including print and digital copies, it holds the record as the best-selling comic book of all time. It also ranks as the top-selling manga, outperforming the iconic Japanese children’s character Doraemon by over 200 million copies. To add to this, Golgo 13 has consistently held the number one spot on Oricon’s comic charts every week since 2008.

Although Eiichiro Oda has been preparing for its conclusion, it seems unlikely that One Piece will fade into obscurity any time soon. The live-action adaptation and ongoing anime series have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike, and now, a new animated version called The One Piece is set to retell Luffy’s tale from the beginning. In fact, it might become hard for people to recall a world where the Strawhat Pirates were not a part of the popular culture.

2025-04-20 16:27

You Won’t Believe Which Comic Book Sold Over 500 Million Volumes and Tops All Others!