The 1980s marked a significant era for the evolution of manga. One of the most influential pieces ever produced, “Dragon Ball,” was brought to life in 1984 by Akira Toriyama. This iconic martial arts adventure could very well be considered the most impactful manga/anime in history. While not quite on the same level of importance, Rumiko Takahashi’s “Ranma 1/2,” introduced in the same period, was also a notable comedic martial arts series with an element of romance.
In simpler and more conversational language: Besides Buronson’s “Fist of the North Star,” being a grittier martial arts tale set in a post-apocalyptic world, the ’80s offered a plethora of manga for fans. But what about the ’90s? Were there any significant releases that later bloomed into massive franchises? Let’s delve into the entire decade and uncover some gems.
Yu Yu Hakusho
A Gifted Spirit Detective Finds Himself Wrapped in Conflict
In 1990, the manga series “Yu Yu Hakusho” was born from the creative mind of Yoshihiro Togashi. This series had a brief lifespan, concluding in 1994, but it laid the groundwork for an anime adaptation that began airing in 1992. The story revolves around a teenage character named Yusuke, who tragically dies and then is resurrected with supernatural powers as a result of a pact with celestial entities. Post-resurrection, he spends his second chance battling demons in the human world, using his signature “one finger blast” technique. However, this initial structure doesn’t persist for long, as the story soon transitions into a more action-packed narrative.
Sailor Moon
An Ordinary Girl Fighting Evil By Moonlight
Sailor Moon, an ageless favorite that requires little introduction, is a creation by Naoko Takeuchi dating back to 1991 and lasting until 1997. The anime version debuted in 1992. With the power of moons and planets, this magical girl series saw seemingly ordinary teenage girls vanquishing demonic space invaders, all while managing their school relationships simultaneously. Originally marketed for girls, it gained a significant following among boys, particularly in North America, as the anime was broadcast on Toonami.
Golden Boy
An Old-School Comedy That Might Not Be For Everyone
In 1992, the character Kintaro was introduced by Tatsuya Egawa, and the story continued until 1997. Although it didn’t become a full-fledged anime series, there was an outstanding adaptation of various stories compiled into an OVA collection in 1995. The story revolves around Kintaro, a character who struggles with life and lacks ambition, taking on odd jobs to earn money. It’s a humorous slice-of-life narrative that follows Kintaro as he continually finds himself in complicated situations with women.
Blade Of The Immortal
A Stylish Samurai Story
The manga titled “Blade of the Immortal,” created by Hiroaki Samura in 1993, is renowned for its dark themes among samurai mangas. It enjoyed a successful run until 2012. Just before wrapping up, two anime adaptations were produced – one in 2008 and another in 2019.
Although both anime are strong representations of the samurai genre, neither quite matched the level of graphic violence found in their manga counterparts. The protagonist, Manji, is a samurai who narrowly escapes death and is subsequently reborn by means of potent, cursed worms. His story follows him enduring through survival encounters with other samurais who possess similar powers, engaged in intense, gory battles in an extraordinary setting.
Detective Conan
An Unlikely Sleuth Takes On Unsolvable Mysteries
In simpler terms, while many Western fans recognize the series by its title “Case Closed,” it’s originally known as “Detective Conan” in Japan. This long-running detective manga and anime were created by Gosho Aoyama in 1994. The story revolves around Shinichi, a teenage detective who is transformed into a child due to a nefarious organization’s actions. As the kid Conan, he continues his investigations with his adoptive family, contributing to the ongoing mysteries. Both the manga and the 1996 anime series are still being produced, holding a significant place in Japanese culture.
Trigun
Planetary Cowboys And Stylish Visuals
Trigun, conceived by Yasuhiro Nightow in 1995, ran until the following year. However, Nightow initiated the sequel manga, Trigun Maximum, in 1997, which continued until 2007. The first anime series debuted in 1998 and lasted for one season. Interestingly, a new adaptation titled Trigun Stampede was released in 2023. This story takes place on a fresh planet where humanity is still working to cultivate it, following the crash of their seed ship. It can be considered a contemporary space western featuring Vash the Stampede, who frequently finds himself in various predicaments as an unwanted fugitive.
Inuyasha
Finding Love In The Past
In simpler terms, “Inuyasha” is a captivating blend of romance and action, centered around a high school-aged girl named Kagome who unexpectedly travels back in time via a well in the modern era. She lands in feudal Japan, a world overrun by demons. Due to a magical incantation, she finds herself bound with one such demon, Inuyasha, as her protector. This popular series was the creation of manga artist Rumiko Takahashi in 1996, with the manga running until 2008 and the anime debuting in 2000. Fans of Adult Swim will recognize the show for its tendency to repeatedly start and restart story arcs before airing new episodes.
One Piece
The Most Iconic Manga of This Era
One Piece, penned by Eiichiro Oda, made its debut in 1997, and the anime adaptation followed suit in 1999. What sets One Piece apart from other Shonen series is its unique blend of adventure and pirate themes, as it focuses on a team of heroes wielding extraordinary powers, sailing the high seas like infamous buccaneers.
The Straw Hat Pirates now have a chance to voyage through various continents worldwide, as opposed to being confined to just a couple of places. As per Oda, it seems they are approaching the final stretch, although it’s not quite over yet.
Hunter X Hunter
Great Friends, Intense Battles, And Andventure
Hunter x Hunter is another captivating series penned by Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Yu Yu Hakusho. The story originated in 1998 and continues to unfold, yet it has faced numerous pauses over the years due to health-related concerns on Togashi’s part.
Adapting it into an anime has been challenging due to its complex nature. The initial adaptation started in 1999 and concluded, while the second began in 2011 and also came to a close. Whether Togashi will ever wrap up his story about licensed Hunters, who resemble Bounty Hunters but have additional roles, remains uncertain.
Naruto
One of The Greatest Manga of All-Time
Lastly, let’s not forget about the much-loved ninja saga, “Naruto”. Launched in 1999 under the supervision of Masashi Kishimoto, it concluded in 2014. Shortly after, a sequel manga titled “Boruto” was introduced, focusing on Naruto’s son, set many years later. The anime debuted in 2002 and also follows the “Boruto” narrative, with the story continuing to unfold in the manga. Unlike traditional stealth tactics, these ninja engage in more open combat, making it a quintessential Shonen tale filled with intense fighting sequences and humor to lighten the mood during tense moments.
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2025-08-25 19:39