Introduction
Manga is famous worldwide. It hails from Japan and is a big business, with hundreds of titles and billions sold yearly.
It’s tough to say which manga is the most popular. Surveys help answer this question. This guide looks into what makes manga popular, how to decide which one is most successful, and some titles that made it onto the lists:
History of Manga
Manga is an art form from Japan, with a history of over two centuries. It’s a visual way of telling stories, and has had a huge influence on Japanese culture.
Let’s dive into the past of manga, from its beginnings to its present-day fame. Plus, the most popular manga ever!
Origin of Manga
The term “manga” is thought to have started in Japan in the late 1700s, derived from the Kana characters “man” and “ga.” But, the modern form of manga began in the 1950s, when it became popular among kids, teens and adults. It not only had a big effect on Japanese culture, but also on many other countries across the world.
Manga’s origin is in a century-old custom of woodblock printing, scrolls and illustrated books known as kibyoshi. Normally, these works were stories with Buddhist or Confucian influences and only a few illustrations.
By the 1930s, manga was already very popular. Comics targeted at children were released, containing stories of lively adventures and science fiction themes, like Astro Boy and Legend of the Galactic Heroes. The demand for Japanese comics in other nations, like China, Taiwan and South Korea, increased, and manga spread worldwide.
Nowadays, manga is still one of Japan’s most popular forms of print media, since it’s been successful in other countries, too. The genre is growing more and more, as many illustrators are creating extraordinary stories inside and outside of Japan. There’s something for everyone, from shojo (romance) to boys love (yaoi). This is why it’s still so popular today!
Popularity of Manga
Manga is a popular form of entertainment across the world. Its roots go back to late 19th century Japan. It started as simple comic-style illustrations. But in the 20th century, it became an industry giant – even bigger than traditional comics!
In Japan, manga is everywhere. Publications like Shōnen Jump, Young Magazine, and CoroCoro Comic have been respected for decades. Manga covers topics from science fiction to romance, sports to horror. So, there’s something for everyone.
Manga’s success goes beyond print. TV series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece have become sensations around the world. They’ve shaped how people view Japanese pop culture. Other countries have made their own stories too. South Korea has manhwa, like Tower of God and Lookism.
Manga still inspires new ideas within Japan. Such as multimedia franchises and mobile games for dedicated fans. Golgo 13 has been a fan favorite since 1967. And Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge was super popular within a year of serialization in 2016. Series collections sold over 50 million copies by October 2019.
Most Popular Manga of All Time
Manga is an art, popular in Japan and other countries! It is full of unique stories and artwork. To pick the best of the best manga, it can be challenging. This article will tell you about the most popular manga ever and why they are so beloved.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is an iconic manga series, renowned all over the world. Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama in the 1980s, it follows Son Goku as he grows from a young boy to a powerful fighter. Combining martial arts and science fiction, it has captivated millions.
Originally published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, Dragon Ball weaves together traditional martial arts and Chinese legends for an epic story. It features unforgettable characters, thrilling battles and a unique art style. Each story arc introduces new characters and adventures, keeping readers enthralled for hours.
The main cast includes Goku’s wife Chi-Chi and son Gohan; his rival Vegeta; magical dragon Shenron; timeless ruler King Kai; immortal warrior Pikkon; Super Saiyan 3 Gotenks; space explorer Uub; robot inventor Dr. Gero; alien rivals Freeza and Cell; supergenius Babidi and Majin Buu’s son Mr. Boo; time god Beerus with attendant Whis; Super Nameks Piccolo and Kami; Earth protector Supreme Kai and his elder Tokitoki. These characters have unique abilities that help them become strong warriors, able to save the earth from destruction.
Many famous storylines have contributed to the success of Dragon Ball, such as:
- Son Goku’s battles against Piccolo Daimao and Tenshinhan
- The 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai Tournament
- Android #16 protecting the planet
- Super Saiyan Ultima–3 Gohan saving the day
It is no surprise why this classic has been called the most popular manga series of all time!
One Piece
One Piece is a legendary manga series. It was created by Eiichiro Oda and has been published in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since 1997. There are over 460 million copies sold worldwide. It’s the world’s most popular ongoing manga. Fans love its characters, adventures, battles and its captivating storyline.
The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. They seek the fabled One Piece treasure. They want to be the King of Pirates. Along the way, they face enemies like The Seven Warlords of The Sea, The Navy, and Cipher Pol.
Luffy and crew fight powerful antagonists. These include Sir Crocodile, Magellan, Donquixote Doflamingo (also known as Heaven Shake Man), Yonkou Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, Emperor Kaido of The Blackbeard Crew/Gang, Yonkou Shanks/Red Hair Pirates/Red-Haired Shanks and Marine Admirals Aokiji/Kuzan Fujitora/Isshoi Zephyr Gasper Vladi Dulles who are part of The Four Commanders.
One Piece stands out due to its character designs. Usopp’s cowardly personality, Nami’s brains for navigation, Brook’s Samuri ambition for honor, Luffy’s Gum Gum ability and Sanji’s gentlemanly personality all shine. True friendship is seen in the fight against evil forces. Peace also reigns at times. Oda Sensei captures it all with this classic masterpiece.
Naruto
Naruto is a hugely popular manga series. It’s the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who strives to become the strongest ninja in his village. It was adapted into an anime series by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex. This aired from 2002 to 2017, both in Japan and worldwide. It was also adapted into multiple movies, video games, and other media.
This manga series was a huge success, selling over 220 million copies worldwide. According to The New York Times Manga Best Seller list, it is the second-bestselling manga series ever, behind only One Piece. Critics have praised the art style and story elements from Naruto, highlighting its depiction of struggle through emotion and its themes of family bonds and friendships. They also praised the character development, as well as their intricate design. For example, Sasuke Uchiha’s gradual progression throughout arcs was regarded as exceptionally well done.
Many fans now cite Naruto as one of their favorite manga series. This success is both domestically in Japan, where it is seen as an exemplar work, and abroad, where it propelled shounen action anime into mainstream success. This success has spawned fanfiction, such as “If It Happened To Naruto“. This further cements why the story resonates through generations, creating a fandom that is both intensive and powerful.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan, known in Japan as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a smash hit manga created by Hajime Isayama. First released in September 2009, it’s now a worldwide sensation. By August 2019, it had over 100 million copies printed worldwide.
The story follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. They live in a world where giant human-like creatures, Titans, have forced humans to retreat behind three high walls. When their hometown is destroyed by the Titans, Eren joins the military to defeat them.
This series stands out with its mix of action, drama, complex characters and themes. It has won awards such as Newtype Anime Awards for “Manga of the Year” and 2014 Kawaii Award for “Best Manga Series“. It’s been adapted into two successful anime series, becoming popular among anime fans. It’s one of the few current ongoing manga titles that have gained attention.
Death Note
Death Note is a Japanese manga series. It is written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The story follows high school student Light Yagami. He discovers an otherworldly notebook – the Death Note. It has the power to kill anyone whose name is written down. Light’s goal is to become “the God of the New World” with the help of a Shinigami (Death God) named Ryuk.
This manga was adapted into an anime by Madhouse, one of Japan’s most popular animation studios. Death Note has been successful since its release. It won awards such as Best Manga from 2007’s Animation Kobe Awards and Best Shōnen from 2008’s Shogakukan Manga Awards. It sold 35 million copies worldwide. It has also been featured in The New York Times’ Manga Best Sellers list in July 2011. It has been adapted into spin-off manga series, live action movies and television adaptations in different countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan Hong Kong and the United States.
Conclusion
In the end, there’s no one manga that’s the most popular of all time. Different factors like ads, demand, and fans can decide a series’ success at any given moment. What’s popular now may not be later. But, some series usually appear in the top 10. These include:
- Naruto by Kishimoto
- Dragon Ball by Toriyama
- Fullmetal Alchemist by Arakawa
- Attack on Titan by Isayama
- One Piece by Oda
Classics and modern works – whatever your taste, you’ll likely find something that captivates you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most popular manga of all time?
A: The most popular manga of all time is “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama.
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