Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Manga has impacted comics and anime significantly, stepping across cultural barriers to become a global phenomenon. A few very special manga series have captured the attention of millions of readers while also breaking new ground in terms of storytelling, art, and genre innovation.
10 One Piece Is One Of The Best Selling Comics Ever Created by Eiichiro Oda Close There will never be a manga quite like One Piece, competing with the biggest comics in the world and dominating in the entertainment industry. With more than 500 million copies in circulation, the series has sold more copies than icons like Batman and Spider-Man. The series has never been bigger, either, with the manga and anime entering the final saga and more than 20 years of serialization coming to an end.
Akira crossed multiple thresholds during its release, and has been cited as an influence on works such as The Matrix, Watchmen, Avatar and more. Its mature narrative and dystopian setting inspired future creators, shaping the cyberpunk genre and leaving a lasting legacy on manga, anime, and popular culture worldwide.
As one of the few manga and anime series during this time to go mainstream, Naruto's reach goes just beyond the manga world. Its incredible and amazing storytelling has been used in movies and TV shows, showing how impactful it was. With over 250 million copies sold and the most sold manga outside of Japan, the tale of Naruto Uzumaki will be forever remembered as one of the most impactful ones ever.
Doraemon was officially crowned as Japan's official anime representative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which speaks volumes about its reputation and popularity. It also has a museum dedicated to it and is an integral part of Japan's pop culture. Sailor Moon Teenager Usagi Tsukino is an ordinary clumsy schoolgirl until she meets a talking cat named Luna, who transforms her into Sailor Moon, a soldier destined to save Earth from the forces of evil. Usagi must find the moon princess and protect Earth with other girls awakened as Sailor Soldiers. Together, they fight to prevent otherworldly and mystical forces from wreaking havoc, all while balancing the everyday challenges of being a teenager in school.
3 Ashita No Joe Uplifted The Entire Nation In Trying Times Created by Tetsuya Chiba and Ikki Kajiwara Close Although this masterpiece isn't nearly as appreciated as it deserves to be outside of Japan, Ashita No Joe's incredible influence cannot be understated. It is one of the best if not the best boxing manga ever, and its splendid choreography and fights are still referenced today, with Dragon Ball, Naruto, Hajime No Ippo and more replicating the iconic double punch.