10 Best-Selling Manga of All Time: Chart-Topping Sensations

Discover the best manga-selling titles of all time! Explore top titles like ‘One Piece’ and ‘Demon Slayer’ & uncover what makes them cultural phenomena.

10 Best-Selling Manga of All Time: Chart-Topping Sensations

Introduction

The world of manga is a thrilling battlefield where countless series vie for readers' attention. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances, the diversity is astounding. But which titles have truly captured hearts worldwide? Let's dive into the realm of the best selling manga that have left an indelible mark on the industry.

The manga market is fiercely competitive, With new series constantly emerging, it's no easy feat to rise to the top. This article will spotlight the cream of the crop - the best manga. Selling millions of copies, these titles have become cultural phenomena, inspiring readers across the globe.

Impact of Accessibility

The explosive growth of manga sales can be attributed to two key factors. Digital platforms like Dashtoon, VIZ Manga, etc., have made it easier than ever to access your favorite series. With just a few taps on your phone, you can dive into a world of captivating stories. This convenience has opened up manga to a whole new audience.

Secondly, anime adaptations have played a huge role in boosting manga sales. When a popular series hits the small screen, it often leads to a surge in interest for the original manga. This symbiotic relationship between anime and manga has created a powerhouse industry that continues to grow.

Now, let's explore some of the best manga: selling records and captivating millions of readers worldwide.

Top Best-Selling Manga Series

One Piece

Author

Eiichiro Oda

Rating

8.7/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shueisha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

​​108

Sales

Approximately 523.2 million copies

Set in a fantastical world where pirates rule the seas, “One Piece” follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer with the ability to stretch his body like rubber. Luffy's quest is to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece and become the Pirate King. Alongside his diverse crew, he faces formidable foes and uncovers mysteries of the Grand Line. This epic journey blends action, adventure, and camaraderie with a richly developed world and engaging story arcs.

What makes “One Piece” stand out among the best manga? Selling millions of copies, it captivates readers with its perfect mix of lovable characters, an expansive world, and themes of friendship and perseverance. As the series nears its conclusion, fans are eagerly snatching up volumes, pushing sales even higher.

Golgo 13

Author

Takao Saito & Saito Production

Rating

7.5/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shogakukan

Genre

Seinen

Volumes

208

Sales

Approximately 300 million copies

Golgo 13’ follows Duke Togo, an enigmatic and highly skilled assassin known as Golgo 13. With his unparalleled marksmanship and stoic demeanor, Togo takes on high-stakes contracts from around the world. The manga explores his various missions and the complex web of intrigue surrounding him. It’s a compelling blend of action, espionage, and psychological drama.

As one of the best manga, selling consistently for decades, Golgo 13 stands out for its mature themes and gritty realism. It's a stark contrast to many shonen titles, appealing to an older audience and maintaining its popularity across generations.

Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Author

Gosho Aoyama

Rating

8.1/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shogakukan

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

102

Sales

Approximately 270 million copies

Shinichi Kudou, a brilliant high school detective, is transformed into a child after being poisoned. Adopting the alias Conan Edogawa, he continues solving cases while investigating the criminal organization responsible for his condition. The series blends mystery and adventure, positioning itself as a top contender in the best manga-selling ranks. With over 270 million copies sold, ‘Detective Conan’ is a significant player in the world of best-selling manga by year.

Detective Conan has earned its place among the best manga, selling consistently for nearly three decades. What's the secret to its enduring popularity? It's the perfect blend of intrigue, humor, and relatable characters. Each case is a puzzle for readers to solve alongside the pint-sized detective, creating an interactive and engaging experience that keeps fans coming back for more.

Dragon Ball

Author

Akira Toriyama

Rating

7.9/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shueisha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

42

Sales

Approximately 260 million copies

Goku, a young boy with a ‘Dragon Ball’, teams up with Bulma to find all seven Dragon Balls that grant wishes. This journey leads them through training and battles to prevent villains from abusing the Dragon Balls' power. 

When it comes to the best manga-selling records, Dragon Ball is powering up its sales with each new generation of readers. Even though the original series ended years ago, Dragon Ball's appeal remains as strong as a Spirit Bomb. Its legacy lives on through spin-offs, anime adaptations, and merchandise, proving that in the world of manga, Dragon Ball is still rocking the sales charts.

Doraemon

Author

Fujiko F. Fujio

Rating

7.3/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shogakukan

Genre

Children

Volumes

45

Sales

Approximately 250 million copies

Nobita Nobi’s future is dire due to his ineptitude, prompting a robotic cat named ‘Doraemon’ from the 22nd century to travel back in time and assist him. Despite the robot’s quirks, their adventures are central to Doraemon's charm. 

This beloved children's series proves that when it comes to the best manga, selling to both kids and adults is possible with the right mix of humor, heart, and gadget-fueled imagination. What's the secret to Doraemon's time-tested appeal? The series can spark creativity and teach valuable life lessons in a fun, accessible way.

Naruto

Author

Masashi Kishimoto

Rating

8/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shueisha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

72

Sales

Approximately 250 million copies

Naruto Uzumaki is a ninja with the Nine-Tailed Fox demon inside him, who aims to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. His journey is filled with challenges, friends, and enemies as he seeks recognition and fights to protect his world. "Naruto" is one of the best-selling manga series, achieving significant global sales and contributing to its status as a best-selling manga series.

Demon Slayer

Author

Koyoharu Gotouge

Rating

8.4/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shueisha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

23

Sales

Approximately 150 million copies

Tanjirou Kamado becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his sister is turned into a demon. With the goal of avenging his family and restoring his sister’s humanity, Tanjirou joins the Demon Slayer Corps. Demon Slayer has captivated readers and viewers alike, marking its place as one of the best manga-selling titles in recent years with impressive manga sales.

What turned “Demon Slayer” into the best manga, selling millions in record time? It's the perfect storm of word-of-mouth buzz, a stellar anime adaptation, and a relatively short run that makes it an easy commitment for new readers. Demon Slayer proves that sometimes, the best manga-selling strategy is simply telling an unforgettable story.

Attack on Titan

Author

Hajime Isayama

Rating

8.5/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Kodansha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

34

Sales

Approximately 140 million copies

Humanity hides behind enormous walls to protect itself from the Titans, giant humanoid creatures. Eren Yeager, driven by the loss of his family to these Titans, joins the Survey Corps to fight back. The series' gripping story and intense battles have secured Attack on Titan's place as a top best manga-selling title with significant manga sales worldwide.

What propelled “Attack on Titan” to titan-sized sales? Its unique premise, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes set it apart. The series' ability to keep readers guessing until the very end ensured its place among the top-selling manga of all time, showing that in the world of best manga, selling millions comes from taking bold risks.

My Hero Academia

Author

Kohei Horikoshi

Rating

7.8/10 (MyAnimeList)

Publisher

Shueisha

Genre

Shōnen

Volumes

32

Sales

Approximately 100 million copies

In a world where 80% of the population has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being powerless. After inheriting the quirk of the number one hero, All Might, he trains at UA High to become a top hero. My Hero Academia has risen as a major force in the best manga-selling charts, with its dynamic story and high manga sales reflecting its broad appeal.

What makes My Hero Academia stand out in the crowded superhero landscape? It's the perfect blend of Western superhero tropes and shonen manga conventions. The series' diverse cast of characters and themes of hard work and perseverance have struck a chord with readers globally, showing that when it comes to the best manga, selling millions comes from universal themes wrapped in an exciting package.

Bonus: Read Exciting Manga on Dashtoon

Dashtoon is your go-to platform for free manga reading. Enjoy a wide selection of captivating manga stories, all available at your fingertips without any cost. Dive into thrilling tales and uncover new favorites on Dashtoon today!

The Shadow Queen

(Source Dashtoon)

Once a revered queen, the Queen finds herself stripped of everything - her newborn, her status, and her dignity. Fueled by vengeance, she rises from the ashes, determined to exact revenge on her former husband. Their paths cross again with intense emotions as she boldly declares, "Sadly, you've fallen for me!" To which he responds, "Even in hell, I want you with me!"

The Reluctant Heir

(Source Dashtoon)

Jack Smith, an ordinary man turned billionaire overnight, inherits a vast corporate empire from his estranged father. This sudden fortune not only offers wealth but also a chance to rewrite his story, reclaim the love of his wife Nicole, and earn the respect of his critical in-laws.

Howl of Hearts

(Source Dashtoon)

Aurora, a single mother due to a passionate college affair, rescues a bloodied stranger—only to discover he is not just the father of her child but also the most influential and affluent alpha in the city.

Blind Bargain

(Source Dashtoon)

After being left at the altar, Taylor Reed’s life takes a dramatic turn when a blind billionaire proposes a $2 million short-term marriage. As she navigates this world of opulence and scandal, she wonders if genuine love will emerge from the chaos.

Also read: Best Manga of All Time

Conclusion

The world of manga is vast and ever-evolving, with new titles constantly vying for readers' attention. Yet, the series we've explored today has risen above the rest, becoming truly the best manga that has left an indelible mark on the industry.

From One Piece's epic voyage to Demon Slayer's meteoric rise, each of these titles has carved out its own unique space in manga history. They've not only sold millions of copies but have also shaped the medium itself - inspiring countless creators and captivating readers across generations.

What's the secret ingredient that turns a good manga into a best manga-selling phenomenon? It is a perfect storm of elements like:

  • Unforgettable characters that readers can't help but root for
  • Intricate worlds that spark the imagination
  • Universal themes that resonate across cultures
  • Innovative storytelling that keeps fans coming back for more

The manga industry has evolved, and with it, the way we consume these stories. Digital platforms like Dashtoon have made it easier than ever to dive into new series, while successful anime adaptations have introduced these tales to even wider audiences.

Whether through thrilling adventures, heartfelt journeys, or epic battles, these manga series continue to shape the landscape of the comic industry, ensuring their place in the hearts of fans for generations to come.