The Vinland Saga manga, launched in 2005 by creator Makoto Yukimura, is a gripping tale of war, exploration, and redemption, widely considered one of the greatest manga series. This historical epic transports readers to the Viking Age, following the life of Thorfinn Karlsefni, a young warrior caught in the cycle of violence and revenge, who ultimately seeks a peaceful and purposeful existence. Vinland Saga is noted for its well-researched portrayal of the era and its nuanced character development. Yukimura's depiction of the brutality of war and the intricacies of Viking culture is as educational as it is enthralling. The manga's stunning artwork, with meticulously crafted battle scenes and atmospheric landscapes, animates the saga with visceral intensity. Beyond its historical narrative, Vinland Saga stands out for its exploration of philosophical and moral dilemmas, examining the human cost of war and the struggle towards achieving one's utopia. These elements weave together to form a story that is not only rich in action and adventure but also in contemplative depth, justifying its acclaim and consideration as a monumental work in manga literature.
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The 90+ Greatest Manga Of All Time, Ranked

# The 90+ Greatest Manga Of All Time, Ranked

Anna Lindwasser

Updated May 23, 2024124.3K views92 items

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101.8K votes

15.8K voters

7 reranks

Latest additions: Ragna Crimson, March Comes in Like a Lion

Most divisive: Maid Sama!

Over 15.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 90+ Greatest Manga Of All Time, Ranked

With thousands of manga titles out there, and new ones being published all the time, it can be hard to figure out which series are truly worth the time investment. This list, which highlights the best manga of all time, can help you out on your quest to find good manga.

You've probably heard of some of the best manga out there, like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia. But there are some manga on this list that might have slipped under your radar, like Showa: A History of Japan and Wandering Son.

If you see something on the list that you love, vote it up. This will help other would-be manga readers find their next great read.

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1

## Berserk

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6,681 votes

The Berserk manga, first released in 1989, is a dark fantasy epic widely regarded as one of the greatest manga of all time, crafted by the talented Kentaro Miura. It is revered for its intricate storytelling, deeply complex characters, and stunningly detailed artwork. The narrative follows the journey of Guts, a mercenary with a tragic past, as he battles against insurmountable odds in a grim medieval world plagued by demonic forces and corrupt politics. What sets Berserk apart is not just its mature themes and relentless exploration of the human psyche but also Miura's ability to weave a tale that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually spectacular. The visceral action, coupled with the manga's exploration of themes related to isolation, camaraderie, and the nature of humanity itself, has cemented Berserk in the pantheon of classic manga, leaving a profound impact on readers and influencing countless other works in the genre.



2

## Vagabond

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3,866 votes

The Vagabond manga, which first graced the pages of Weekly Morning magazine in 1998, is revered as one of the greatest manga masterpieces, brought to life by the esteemed artist Takehiko Inoue. This rich narrative, adapted from Eiji Yoshikawa's novel "Musashi," chronicles the legendary journey of Miyamoto Musashi, a historical figure who grows from a wild and ruthless swordsman into a revered samurai. Vagabond is celebrated for its profound character development, philosophical depth, and the sublime artistry that captures the beauty and brutality of feudal Japan. Every stroke of Inoue's brush tells a story, infusing the series with raw emotion and a sense of realism rarely achieved in the medium. The manga's exploration of themes such as the meaning of life, the pursuit of excellence, and the struggle to find inner peace amid the chaos of the world has resonated deeply with readers, earning Vagabond a place among the most esteemed works in manga history.



3

## Vinland Saga

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3,444 votes

The Vinland Saga manga, launched in 2005 by creator Makoto Yukimura, is a gripping tale of war, exploration, and redemption, widely considered one of the greatest manga series. This historical epic transports readers to the Viking Age, following the life of Thorfinn Karlsefni, a young warrior caught in the cycle of violence and revenge, who ultimately seeks a peaceful and purposeful existence. Vinland Saga is noted for its well-researched portrayal of the era and its nuanced character development. Yukimura's depiction of the brutality of war and the intricacies of Viking culture is as educational as it is enthralling. The manga's stunning artwork, with meticulously crafted battle scenes and atmospheric landscapes, animates the saga with visceral intensity. Beyond its historical narrative, Vinland Saga stands out for its exploration of philosophical and moral dilemmas, examining the human cost of war and the struggle towards achieving one's utopia. These elements weave together to form a story that is not only rich in action and adventure but also in contemplative depth, justifying its acclaim and consideration as a monumental work in manga literature.



4

## Monster

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3,235 votes

The Monster manga, penned by the acclaimed mangaka Naoki Urasawa, first appeared before avid readers in 1994, and has since been heralded as one of the greatest manga series ever created. This psychological thriller set in Europe weaves an intricate narrative following Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese neurosurgeon who becomes entangled in a chilling web of murder and mystery after his life-altering decision to save a critically wounded child. The depth and complexity of Monster's plot, combined with its morally ambiguous characters and suspenseful pacing, place it at the zenith of storytelling within the manga medium. Urasawa's skilled storytelling is matched by his clear and expressive art, which perfectly encapsulates the tension and drama of the story. Monster tackles profound questions about the nature of evil and the value of human life, making it not only an engrossing read but also a thought-provoking work that challenges its audience. It's the manga's ability to maintain this high level of psychological intrigue and narrative finesse that cements its status as a seminal work in the world of manga.



5

## Fullmetal Alchemist

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3,140 votes

The Fullmetal Alchemist manga, created by Hiromu Arakawa, first captivated readers in 2001 and has since been enshrined as one of the all-time greatest manga series. This alchemical blend of adventure, steampunk aesthetics, and deeply woven moral quandaries chronicles the journey of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek the Philosopher's Stone to recover what they lost in a forbidden alchemy experiment. Arakawa's masterful storytelling is characterized by richly layered characters and a tightly plotted narrative that explores themes of sacrifice, power, the value of life, and the consequences of hubris. The manga's ability to seamlessly integrate action-packed sequences with heartfelt moments and philosophical introspection gives it a profound resonance that transcends its genre. Fullmetal Alchemist also stands out for its unique and expansive world-building, which draws readers into its history and politics. The series concluded in 2010 with a satisfying and thematic ending, cementing its legacy as a work that skillfully examines the human condition, making it a cornerstone in the pantheon of manga.



6

## Death Note

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3,213 votes

The Death Note manga, created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, premiered in 2003 and quickly ascended to the ranks of legendary manga series. This psychological thriller follows the cerebral duel between Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name, and L, a reclusive detective determined to halt his vigilante justice. Death Note's engrossing plot is driven by intricate mind games, moral complexities, and an exploration of justice and power that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The stark monochrome artwork amplifies the tension and drama, capturing the descent into the moral abyss with chilling precision. The series' thought-provoking narrative raises profound questions about the value of human life and the gray zones of good and evil, setting it apart as a work that not only entertains but also invites deep philosophical discourse. Its tight pacing, compelling characters, and the overarching cat-and-mouse chase contribute to Death Note being hailed as one of the greatest manga of all time.



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