25 Best-Selling Manga of All Time

Over the past decade, manga has grown from a national trend to an international phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide. It has become a household name - ask anyone in the street, and most will be able to give you at least a basic description of what it is. But, instead of discussing why we think manga has become so successful, we are going to let the numbers speak for themselves by exploring the best-selling manga of all time.

What follows is a deep dive into the world of best-selling manga and what has made each of these popular manga series so famous. So, whether you want to start a new manga or you just want to know how many copies your favourite series has sold, buckle up, and let's get stuck in.

What is Manga?

Manga is a form of Japanese comic/graphic novel known for its diverse storytelling and distinctive art style. Unlike Western comics, manga tends to be printed in black & white and is traditionally read from right to left.

There is often a stigma surrounding manga, one that portrays it as exploitative and inappropriate, but while there are some manga series targeted at a more mature audience this is not the case for the vast majority. The range of themes that manga covers is immense, ranging from low-key romance to intense action. It’s in no small part due to this diversity that manga has found so much success worldwide.

Such is the success of manga, that it has seen many TV and film adaptations in recent years, some of the most notable being the 2019 film adaption Alita: Battle Angel, the long-running TV adaptation of Attack on Titan, and more recently Netflix’s live-action TV adaptation of One Piece.

What are the Manga Genres?

There are 5 main genres of manga, each with their own subgenres. Let’s take a look at the genres:

Shonen (少年) – Teen/Tween Boys’ Manga

Target audience: Young teen boys

Shonen manga is one of the most popular genres, and often the one that people think of first when they think of 'manga'. Shonen, which roughly translates to ‘boy’ in Japanese, primarily targets males between the ages of 11 – 18 but is by no means restricted to that.

Shonen manga often centres around themes of action, rivalry, adventure, friendship, exploration, and personal growth. Common tropes of this genre include underdog heroes, defence of the weak, epic battles, and triumph against all the odds – generally anything that delivers a strong sense of motivation and encourages the reader to dream big.

Iconic Shonen manga series include: One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and My Hero Academia.

Despite the focus on younger male readers, the themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the power to overcome adversity make this genre appealing to all genders and all ages.

Shojo (少女) – Teen/Tween Girls’ Manga

Target audience: Young teen girls

Shojo manga is the counterpart to shonen manga, boasting a plethora of heartfelt and emotionally provocative storytelling, in a variety of styles. The word “shojo” translates to young girl, but with a heavy focus on relationships, personal growth, emotional maturity, and romance, shojo manga has earned a diverse fanbase of all ages and genders.

Often featuring ornate, expressive artwork and strong character development, shojo manga plays on themes of love, friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery. While there is a heavy focus on romance in shojo manga, the genre also features plenty of adventure, drama, and comedy.

Some of the most iconic and widely recognised shojo mangas are Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, Ouran High School Club, and Nana.

Seinen (青年) – Adult Men’s Manga

Target audience: Adult male readers

Often containing more graphic content than either shonen or shojo, seinen manga is typically aimed at people over the age of 18. The word “Seinen” roughly translates to “young man” in English, but this genre of manga is not exclusively designed for a particular gender. It does however target an audience that is seeking more complex narratives, more graphic content, and mature themes. Seinen covers a broad spectrum of subgenres including thrillers, horrors, action, crime, sci-fi, politics, and much more, meaning there is a series for every interest.

Popular Seinen manga series include Berserk, Monster, vagabond, and Ghost in the Shell.

Josei (女性) – Adult Women’s Manga

Target audience: Adult female readers

The word Josei translates to “woman”, however, it's not necessarily targeted at just women, but it can often contain content that is only suitable for readers over the age of 18. Unlike shojo manga which tends to idolise romance, josei manga offers a more grounded perspective, often broaching topics like adult dating, careers, marriage, divorce, and family life. These stories are frequently centered around complex characters that display strong independence, and a more nuanced emotional range than their Shojo counterparts.

Some of the most popular Josei manga series include: Nana, Paradise Kiss, and Honey and Clover.

Kodomomuke (子供向け)- Children’s manga

Target audience: Children

Kodomomuke manga, which roughly translates to 'children', is designed to stay light-hearted and playful, avoiding the harder-hitting themes that the other genres focus on. As the name suggests kodomomuke is primarily for younger readers, featuring bubbly, lovable protagonists and exaggerated, verging on comical, villains. However this genre is not exclusively for children, there have been numerous kodomomuke mangas that have seen huge popularity across all ages and genres.

Well-known Kodomomuke manga include Pokémon, Doraemon, and Y-kai Watch.

Now let’s move on to what you have been waiting for, the main event, the list of the top 25 best-selling manga of all time.

Top 25 Best-Selling Manga of All Time

What follows are the 25 best-selling manga series worldwide, in order of how many copies they have sold.

One Piece

Copies Sold: 516.6 million

Author(s): Eiichiro Oda

One Piece is a long-running manga series that follows the loveable pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his loyal crew of quirky misfits. Luffy grew up with only one dream, to become a pirate and go in search of the ultimate treasure known as the One Piece - a mystery treasure that will ultimately crown the owner as the king of the pirates.

Now spanning over 100 volumes, One Piece was first published in 1997 and is still being released to this day. This manga series has also seen several adaptations in the form of both animated and live-action TV shows and films.

Doraemon

Copies Sold: 300 million

Author(s): Fujiko F. Fujio

This classic manga series is centered around a robotic cat (Doraemon) that has been sent back in time to help Nobita Nobi (a young schoolboy). Set during Nobi’s formative years, Doraemon helps the clumsy schoolboy tackle the challenges of school life with his wide array of gadgets including time machines, ‘anywhere doors’, and much more.

First published in 1969, Doraemon offers a blend of sci-fi, life lessons, and heart-warming friendship, making it a must-read for all manga fans.

Golgo 13

Copies Sold: 300 million

Author(s): Takao Saito, Saito Production

Golgo 13 is a hard-hitting action thriller that's filled with intrigue and classic noir vibes. This long-running manga series follows gun-for-hire hitman, Duke Togo, nicknamed Golgo 13. Each episode sees Golgo embark on a new mission to bring down some of the world’s most high-profile targets.

Golgo 13 was first published in 1968 and features mature themes, clever storytelling, and heart-stopping thrills, making it perfect for all the more seasoned manga fans.

Case Closed / Detective Conan

Copies Sold: 270 million

Author(s): Gosho Aoyama

Detective Conan (known as Case Closed in English) is a classic example of a great 'whodunit' story. After Detective Conan is transformed into a child by a mysterious organisation, he continues to solve complex cases while combatting the new challenges of being a child.

Featuring explorative mysteries, exciting plot twists, and a touch of romance, Case Closed is a great choice for all fans of mystery manga. Detective Conan was first published in 1994, so it’s not the oldest manga series, but it’s certainly a fan favourite.

Dragon Ball

Copies Sold: 260 million

Author(s): Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball is one of the most widely recognised manga series of all time, partially thanks to the anime adaptations and the spinoff video game series. Starting out as a light-hearted tale of a cheerful aspiring martial artist – Son Goku, Dragon Ball evolves into an epic action series filled with monumental battles, heroic moments, and breathtaking transformations.

Dragon Ball saw its first print run in 1984 and has since taken the world by storm, seeing numerous film, TV, and videogame adaptations.

Naruto

Copies Sold: 250 million

Author(s): Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto tells the story of the young aspiring ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, as he embarks on quest after quest to hone his skills and become a great ninja. Shunned by his village for housing the feared Nine-Tailed Fox inside of him, Naruto must also face the challenge of finding acceptance elsewhere.

Naruto is filled with action and adventure while featuring strong themes of endurance, friendship, and perseverance, making it a great manga for all ages and interests.

Slam Dunk

Copies Sold: 185 million

Author(s): Takehiko Inoue

Slam Dunk is a classic underdog story following Hanamichi Sakuragi, a hot-headed mischief maker as he joins the school basketball team only to discover a natural talent, one that soon propels him to unforeseen heights.

Originally published in 1990, Slam Dunk is rife with themes of self-discovery, rags to riches, and teamwork, making it the most popular sports manga in the world.

KochiKame

Copies Sold: 157.2 million

Author(s): Osamu Akimoto

KochiKame isn’t only one of the longest-running manga series, it’s also one of the funniest. Filled with timeless comedy and a quirky cast, KochiKame follows the life of Kankichi Ryotsu, a lazy yet boisterous police officer stationed in a working-class region of Tokyo. Each edition observes Ryotsu’s hilarious exploits as he solves crimes, or simply just gets in the way.

Kochikame was originally released in 1976 and ran for 40 years before its conclusion in 2016, yet despite its age, it still evokes plenty of laughter with its witty storytelling and engaging themes.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Copies Sold: 150 million

Author(s): Koyoharu Gotouge

Demon Slayer tells the epic tale of Tanjiro Kamado as he sets out on a mission of vengeance after the brutal death of his family and the transformation of his sister into a demon. To find absolution, Kamado joins the demon slayer corps, and what follows are 23 volumes of high-stakes action, unparalleled combat, and epic sword fights.

Demon Slayer isn’t just a rollercoaster of violence however, it is an intricately woven story that touches on themes of grief, perseverance, and the inherent goodness of humanity.

Crayon Shin-Chan

Copies Sold: 148 million

Author(s): Yoshito Usui, UY Team

Crayon Shin-Chan is a classic slice-of-life style manga that follows the antics of Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara as he endeavours to wreak chaos. From playing pranks on his teachers to embarrassing his parents, Shin is a mastermind of low-level mischief and never fails to turn the situation upside down.

Filled with crude humour, Crayon Shin-Chan is hilarious from start to finish making it perfect for any reader over the age of 13, yet there are special editions that are suitable for children under the age of 13. First published in 1990, Crayon Shin-Chan is still running today.

Attack on Titan

Copies Sold: 140 million

Author(s): Hajime Isayama

Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy-style manga set in a grimdark future where humanity is on the edge of extinction and living in constant fear of attack from giant man-eating titans. Created by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager who vows to destroy the Titans after they destroy his home. Filled with epic battles, surprising twists, and morally ambiguous characters, Attack on Titan is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Despite being more recent than most of the manga on this list, Attack on Titan has become a fan favourite and has drawn in over 100 million readers to date.

Oishinbo

Copies Sold: 135 million

Author(s): Tetsu Kariya, Akira Hanasaki

Oishinbo is the much-loved culinary manga that follows the sharp-witted journalist, Shirō Yamaoka, when he is tasked with creating the ultimate menu from his newspaper. Over the course of this manga series, Shirō travels the length and breadth of Japan seeking out culinary delights of every variety.

Perfect for foodies and manga fans alike, Oishinbo is filled with rich storytelling, exquisite culinary delights, and social commentaries on the sometimes overlooked Japanese catering industry.

Bleach

Copies Sold: 130 million

Author(s): Tite Kubo

Bleach follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally gains the power of a Soul Reaper, a powerful being tasked with defending the living and the dead from evil spirits. After discovering his new powers Ichigo becomes embroiled in a massive war that brings the world as he knows it to the brink of ruination.

Comprised of a full cast of iconic characters, in-depth lore, and an abundance of stylish action, Bleach is an essential read for any hardcore manga fan!

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Copies Sold: 120 million

Author(s): Hirohiko Araki

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a unique manga series that features strong themes of endurance, perseverance, and no small element of weirdness. What makes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure so unique is the fact that it follows several generations of the same family over several time periods, rather than just a single character in a single time period. Each edition of this bizarre manga series is weirder than the last as each generation of the Joestar bloodline finds new adversaries to defeat.

Crammed full of hilarious mind-bending moments, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a unique read in the best possible way. The series saw its first publication in 2006 and is still releasing new copies today, so there is still time to get yourself up to date.

Kingdom

Copies Sold: 110 million

Author(s): Yasuhisa Hara

Set during a time of intense civil unrest in China’s history, Kingdom is an epic historical saga that follows Xin, an orphan of war who dreams of becoming a great general one day. Xin, along with Ei Sei, the young king of the state of Quin, battles his way through the brutality of war and the political intrigue that has his kingdom tied in knots.

Known for its epic large-scale battles, emotional depth, and a storyline that you just can’t put down, Kingdom is a must-try for any fan of history, action, and militaria.

Astro Boy

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Osamu Tezuka

Astro Boy is a groundbreaking sci-fi that follows the story of Atom, a robot created to replace the maker's lost son. With a human heart and the gift of superhuman abilities, Atom fights for justice and a balance between the human race and robots. Astro Boy has everything you could want from a manga with edge-of-your-seat action, wholehearted emotion, and vivid storytelling, all wrapped up in an engaging sci-fi setting.

Initially released in the 1950s, Astro Boy laid the foundations for the future of manga, gradually building a loyal following and opening up a whole new way of storytelling that would soon become an international sensation.

Baki the Grappler

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Keisuke Itagaki

Baki the Grappler is an insane, no-holds-barred adrenaline rush from start to finish. Baki the Grappler follows the story of Baki Hanma, a teenager set on surpassing his father (the strongest creature on earth), as he navigates his way through fight after fight against a wild roster of opponents.

Baki the Grapple is packed with non-stop martial arts actions with characters that quickly divide your opinion forcing you to pick a side. First released in 1991, this bestselling manga has seen several anime adaptations including the 2021 Netflix series, BAKI.

Fist of the North Star

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Buronson, Tetsuo Hara

Set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, Fist of the North Star tells the story of Kenshiro, a solitary master of the deadly martial art Hokuto Shinken. Over 27 volumes, Kenshiro travels desolate wastelands protecting the weak and battling the tyrants who try to cast their shadow of misery and suffering over everything.

Bursting at the seams with explosive action, gritty plotlines, and dramatic character arcs, Fist of the North Star is a must for fans of grim, old-school heroism. Even though Fist of the North Star has now been discontinued, it was first released in 1988 so there is more than enough content to keep you occupied.

Hajime no Ippo

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): George Morikawa

Hajime no Ippo is a heartwarming tale of endurance and growth that tells the story of Hajime Makunouchi after he discovers a hidden talent in boxing. The story follows the young schoolboy from being the target of bullies to competing in championship bouts, illustrating a true tale of self-discovery and devotion.

With plenty of realistic fights, invested character growth, and heartfelt sensitivity, Hajime no Ippo really captures the spirit of boxing and does well to illustrate the positive impact it can have on people.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Gege Akutami

Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy manga series that follows the misfortunate exploits of Yuji Itadori, a high schooler after he is afflicted with a powerful curse when he swallows a finger from the hand of the King of Curses. Thrust into a world of dark magic, sinister beings, and deadly curses, Yuki Itadori must not only survive but protect humanity from an encroaching shadow.

Rife with dark mystery and sinister plots, Jujutsu is a thrilling read for anyone interested in fantasy and dark magic. Only released in 2018, Jujutsu has quickly risen in popularity, and it's easy to see why.

The Kindaichi Case Files

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Yōzaburō Kanari, Seimaru Amagi, Fumiya Satō

This psychological detective series is a clever crossover of the classic 'whodunit' and suspense genres. The Kindaichi Case Files follows the exploits of Hajime Kindaichi, the seemingly lazy son of a renowned detective, who just so happens to have an undeniable talent for solving complex murders.

Featuring clever plot twists and intelligent writing, The Kindaichi Case Files offers a gritty psychological thriller that will satisfy the crime fiction cravings of even the most seasoned fan. Originally printed in 1992, it has only recently come to an end and it’s no surprise that its reign as one of the most beloved manga series has lasted so long.

My Hero Academia

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Kōhei Horikoshi

In a world where nearly everyone has a superpower, a teen who seems to have inherited no such power, struggles to find his place. My Hero Academia follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, as he tries to come to terms with his lack of superpower (known as 'Quirks') until one day he discovers that he has inherited the legendary power One For All. With his newfound power, Izuku Midoriya must now overcome the trials of both being a student and one of the most powerful people in the world.

Offering themes that make a world of superhumans and powerful heroes relatable, My Hero Academia is a highly recommended read for anyone just getting into manga or anyone with a love of superheroes.

Touch

Copies Sold: 100 million

Author(s): Mitsuru Adachi

Blending a love of sports with heart-wrenching emotion in a slice-of-life style manga, Touch has found its way into the hearts of millions of readers since its launch in 1981. The series follows twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, and their childhood friend Minami Asakura as they explore the beautiful sport of baseball and traverse their own coming-of-age stories.

Touch isn’t just a sports manga, it's a blend of drama, emotional diversity, and the intense action of baseball, creating a well-rounded manga series that many fans of manga look back on with a sense of nostalgic fondness.

Captain Tsubasa

Copies Sold: 90 million

Author(s): Yōichi Takahashi

Captain Tsubasa is another legendary sports manga, one that has developed a huge fanbase that stretches across the globe. The series focuses on Tsubasa Ozora, a young aspiring football player, and follows him from his early years playing in school tournaments all the way through to playing on the world stage as he endeavours to fulfill his dream of winning the World Cup for Japan.

Captain Tsubasa is a real story of triumph and growth, filled with drama, surprise, and excitement. This series isn’t just a much-loved manga series, it’s a cultural phenomenon, one that has inspired countless people across the world the take up football.

Sazae-San

Copies Sold: 86 million

Author(s): Machiko Hasegawa

The last manga on this list of the top 25 best-selling manga of all time is Sazae-San, a slice-of-life style manga that follows the life of Sazae Fuguta. Sazae Fuguta is a cheerful housewife living with her extended family in post-WWII Japan. Combining strong family values, wholesome themes, and light social commentary, Sazae-San is an easy read for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy an easy read with quality storytelling.

First published back in 1946, Sazae-San is one of Japan’s most revered long-running manga. Over its lifespan, the series has also seen several digital adaptations including the 1969 anime series that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running animated TV series.

So, that brings our list of the top 25 best-selling manga of all time to an end. Every manga on this list holds a special place in the hearts of millions of fans across the world. Still, the profound impact that these books have had can’t be measured in numbers, because every plot twist, every love story, and every epic fight scene, holds a unique meaning to the people that read them.

What To Do With Your Old Manga?

Whether you are looking to clear out some space or you have simply outgrown your old manga collection, you might find yourself wondering what your options are. Well, very simply, selling your old manga is your best option - by selling your manga not only will you be making some extra cash from your old books, but you will also be making sure that your beloved manga finds a new home where it can be cherished by another like-minded fan.

So, that leaves the question of ‘where should you sell your manga?’. WeBuyBooks is the perfect place to sell your manga, with the WeBuyBooks app you can get a full valuation in seconds.

What are the Best Manga to Sell to WeBuyBooks?

The easiest way to sell your old manga is through the WeBuyBooks app, either scan the barcode or enter the ISNB to get an instant price! But is it worth selling your manga? Take a look at some of the best Manga to sell to WeBuyBooks.

• Fullmetal Alchemist Complete Box Set
• Tokyo Ghoul Complete Box Set
• Flame of Recca, Vol. 27
• Don't Meddle With My Daughter Vol. 2
• Oishinbo GN Vol. 01Japanese Cuisine: A la Carte
• Return to Labyrinth Vol. 1
• Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 13

If you don’t have the manga on this list, don’t worry, just download the WeBuyBooks app and start scanning your collection to see how much you can make!

So, that brings this article to an end! We hope that we have been able to help you in your search for the best-selling manga of all time. From the mouth-watering feasts of the Oishinbo to the epic battles of Attack on Titan, manga holds something for every interest, opinion, and desire.