Top 8 Action Manga of All Time That Will Blow Your Mind

Summary

Japan’s manga industry is diverse, but action remains king, with series like Naruto and Dragon Ball leading the pack.
Popular action manga like My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Berserk offer intense battles, unique abilities, and unforgettable characters.
Series like One Punch Man, Chainsaw Man, and Bleach provide high-octane action, inventive power systems, and captivating storylines.

In Japan’s expansive manga scene, a multitude of genres cater to avid readers, but it’s clear that the action genre reigns supreme. This dominance might stem from the fact that many people worldwide link Japanese manga with thrilling, exaggerated, and imaginative combat sequences, even those who haven’t personally delved into a manga themselves.

Without a doubt, there are numerous exceptional action manga, particularly within the shōnen and seinen demographics, that have enthralled global audiences with their unforgettable characters, captivating power systems, intense battles, and expertly crafted sequences. However, among all these masterpieces, only the eight series mentioned below are deemed as the absolute cream of the crop in the entire genre.

8. My Hero Academia

One Of The Most Fun And Exciting Superhero Stories Out There

Author: Kohei Horikoshi
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: July 7, 2014
Length: 431 Chapters

Superhero narratives are more prevalent in Western comic books, but they’re still readily available in Japanese manga. There’s an abundance of remarkable superhero stories to explore. However, Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia stands out as one of the best. The author skillfully constructs a captivating and thought-provoking superpowered universe that serves as both a tribute and a critique of typical superhero themes.

In the universe of ‘My Hero Academia’, individuals possess unique, extraordinary abilities known as quirks. These can be utilized for either criminal activities as villains or to combat crime as Pro Heroes. The intriguing characters, each with distinct designs, are consistently embroiled in breathtaking fights that stand out among the vast array of manga. Furthermore, Horikoshi’s exceptional artwork and layout enhance the series’ action sequences, making it more fluid and enjoyable. If you’re a connoisseur of comic books from companies like Marvel or DC, this is definitely worth your attention.

7. Naruto

A Legendary Story About Ninjas With Amazing Powers

Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: September 21, 1999
Length: 700 chapters

It’s clear that ‘My Hero Academia’ was influenced by numerous popular action manga preceding it, with ‘Naruto’ being one of the most evident comparisons. Masashi Kishimoto’s masterpiece became a global sensation that continues to be admired, and for valid reasons. After all, isn’t the idea of ninjas appealing to almost everyone? The main appeal of this series lies in the fact that it takes place in a world perpetually at war, filled with intricate superpowers and fearsome giant monsters. However, instead of growing up to fight these threats directly, people opt to attend ninja school to learn combat skills and espionage from an early age. It’s worth mentioning that this grim premise plays a crucial role in both the storyline and the spectacular fight sequences.

What makes Naruto stand out is that each character, including Naruto Uzumaki and formidable foes like Orochimaru and Pain, possesses distinct powers and skills, making them individually memorable. Initially, the fights in Naruto were primarily tactical and strategic; however, they transformed into a spectacle of unusual and exaggerated abilities, capable of causing global annihilation at any moment. Although some long-term fans have mixed feelings about this development, there’s no denying that the action scenes remain captivating and enjoyable to watch.

6. One Piece

A Perfect Balance Between Goofy Characters And Intense Battles

Author: Eiichiro Oda
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: July 22, 1997
Length: 1148 chapters (Ongoing)

Compared to other series in the “Shōnen Big Three”, Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece” places more emphasis on world-building, themes, and character development rather than action. However, this doesn’t diminish the quality of its action scenes, quite the contrary: “One Piece” boasts some of the most thrilling and impactful fight sequences within the entire manga realm.

Among the standout features of this series is its diverse arsenal of fighting techniques, granting each character a unique combat method – such as Devil Fruits, Haki, Rokushiki, Fish-Man Karate, and so forth. Remarkably, some characters can even master multiple techniques simultaneously, amplifying their lethal potential in battle. Initially, these characters and their abilities might appear comical, but they frequently engage in intense, outlandish battles that are nothing short of spectacular. The cartoon-like artwork and exaggerated facial expressions also contribute to an enjoyable and engaging reading experience. Oda’s knack for blending humorous elements with thrilling action scenes and deep emotional impact is a significant reason behind his status as one of the most renowned manga authors today.

5. One Punch Man

A Brilliant Parody With A Lot Of High-Octane Action

Author(s): One, Yusuke Murata
Magazine: Jump Comics
Debut: June 14, 2012
Length: 315 chapters (Ongoing)

For several decades now, shōnen manga and superhero comics have been gaining considerable popularity, leading to the creation of a franchise that humorously combines elements from both: One Punch Man. Originally, it was a delightful web comic produced by an artist referred to as One. Later, it evolved into a widely-acclaimed manga series, authored by the same individual and beautifully illustrated by Yusuke Murata.

One Punch Man narrates the tale of Saitama, an extraordinarily powerful superhero whose battles are never challenging because he can defeat his adversaries with a single punch. However, this amusing concept serves as a backdrop for showcasing an elaborate universe teeming with heroic figures, malevolent villains, and fearsome creatures. Although Saitama’s combat scenes should be brief, they are always meticulously crafted and comical. Moreover, other prominent heroes such as Genos, Tatsumaki, Metal Bat, Flashy Flash or Garou frequently engage in prolonged, thrilling, and tension-filled battles of their own. While the original webcomic was already excellent on its own, the manga adaptation is worth exploring solely for Yusuke Murata’s stunning artwork, perfect paneling, and intricate action sequences.

4. Chainsaw Man

A Fast-Paced Story About Violent Devils With Disturbing Powers

Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: December 3, 2018
Length: 202 chapters (Ongoing)

2022 saw many passionate manga enthusiasts expressing dissatisfaction towards the first animated series of MAPPA’s “Chainsaw Man,” despite its stunning visuals and intricate camera work. This discontent can likely be attributed to the fact that these elements, while impressive, actually hindered one of the original manga’s standout features – its rapid storytelling pace, a hallmark of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s creation.

Chainsaw Man” stands out as one of the most extreme and brutal action mangas published by Shueisha, given its setting in a world where devils embody various fears, and their power amplifies when people fear them even more. The narrative is packed with gruesome, unsettling fights that are hard to tear your eyes away from. This is largely due to Fujimoto’s art style, layout, and pacing, which make the story incredibly captivating and smooth-flowing. While the “Chainsaw Man” anime is an outstanding work of art, the original manga offers a distinctive and innovative reading experience that every fan of this genre should explore.

3. Berserk

A Gripping Dark Fantasy Story With Gorey And Intense Action

Author: Kentaro Miura
Magazine: Young Animal
Debut: August 25, 1989
Length: 373 chapters (Ongoing)

Not all action mangas classified as popular are shonen genre, for there’s at least one iconic seinen series that has significantly impacted the industry – “Berserk.” Since the 80s, fans worldwide have been enthralled by the graphic violence, intense storylines, and mature themes in Kentaro Miura’s groundbreaking masterpiece, “Berserk.

In simpler terms, the story presented here is intended for mature audiences due to its exploration of grim subjects, yet it never fails to inject humor and warmth when appropriate. The main character, Guts, from the series Berserk, possesses an intriguing backstory, wields a massive Dragon Slayer sword, and dons formidable Berserk Armor. This combination often leads him to confront some of the most fearsome fictional creatures and demons ever conceived, resulting in intense, brutal, epic, and satisfying action sequences that have become synonymous with this manga’s fame. It’s crucial to mention that Guts isn’t the only skilled fighter in the series; companions like Skull Knight, Farnese, Serpico, or Schierke also engage in their own thrilling battles.

2. Dragon Ball

A Legendary Action Manga That Changed The World

Author: Akira Toriyama
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: November 20, 1984
Length: 519 chapters

It’s no wonder that Dragon Ball, which is nearly iconic in the manga world, also ranks among the top and most cherished action franchises globally. Interestingly, Akira Toriyama, its creator, initially leaned towards comedy writing, and the early Dragon Ball tale had a stronger emphasis on adventure rather than action. However, as his skills as a writer and artist matured, he gradually transformed it into a martial arts series, featuring thrilling fight scenes and intriguing characters.

In the latter part of the show, referred to as Dragon Ball Z, the storyline escalated significantly. This is because Toriyama transformed his comical adaptation of Journey to the West into a seemingly endless series of intense action scenes featuring powerful characters like Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta battling increasingly formidable adversaries such as Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. With its engaging character development, spectacular transformations, and straightforward yet potent power system brimming with iconic techniques like Kamehameha and Spirit Bomb, Dragon Ball gained immense popularity worldwide, paving the way for many other beloved series such as One Piece and Naruto.

1. Bleach

It Has So Many Characters And So Many Fights That There’s Never A Dull Moment

Author: Tite Kubo
Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump
Debut: August 7, 2001
Length: 686 chapters

Frankly speaking, when it comes to writing, world-building, or character development, Bleach by Tite Kubo often lags behind its shonen contemporaries. However, there’s one area where this renowned supernatural series outshines others, and that is action. With a multitude of characters, diverse powers, factions, and combat scenes, Bleach is incredibly difficult to put down due to its high entertainment value, intrigue, and addictive nature.

The story begins with a seemingly straightforward premise: A band of spiritual fighters called Soul Reapers are tasked with vanquishing menacing, spiritually corrupt entities known as Hollows. However, this fantasy realm quickly unfolds to introduce key characters such as the Gotei 13, Arrancar, Espada, Fullbringers, and Quincy. Each character possesses a unique skill, manifested in the form of a Zanpakuto sword, which can be further amplified through transformation into their Bankai form. Since each story arc is brimming with captivating battles, almost every character has their moment to shine. The climax of this epic saga, known as the Thousand-Year Blood War in the Bleach manga, offers a plethora of exhilarating and intriguing fight scenes that make it hard to put down. With his remarkable artwork, character development, innovative concepts, meticulous layouts, and distinctive style, Tite Kubo has skillfully crafted what might be the finest manga for those seeking an abundance of top-notch action.

2025-05-26 06:55