[Top 25] Best Action Mangas of All Time

Updated:

29 Apr 2022

1. Kingdom

Written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara

Li Xin and Piao are youngsters that dreams of becoming the greatest General in the entire world. Years passed by, and Xin meets a dying Piao in the State of Qin. His friend’s last words has led him to meet Ying Zheng, who possessed the title of “Qin’s 31st King” without being officially crowned. Zheng plans to unify China in order for him to be truly recognized as the true ruler of Qin. Xin on the other hand, vows to be his “sword” as they pursue his grand plans, fulfilling the dream Xin once had with his precious friend.

Illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara, Kingdom’s battle scenes are intricately drawn and would surely make you scream “yes to motivation!” once you turn those precious pages. Strategies and tactics used in the commenced battle were presented in detail and accuracy, and brings about the best of each character’s personalities. Not only is the story filled with politics and determination, but it’s also the perfect manga to pick-up when you’re feeling like your dreams are farfetched from reality. You’d been wanting to become a singer when your vocal cords suck? Ever heard of unique tones? Just take a look at how far Xin had come. He’s definitely a thread close to becoming China’s greatest general (and so are you in grabbing those dreams.)

2. Dragon Ball

Written and illustrated by Toriyama Akira

You’d think Son Goku is your typical boy out in the sun—but wait until you see him wag his monkey tail from behind. The story basically began with Mister Super Saiyan, Goku, arriving on Earth in the form of a comet in search for the seven magical orbs called Dragon Balls. In the entire manga, Goku proves himself to be the strongest warrior and defender of Earth from enemies that also found interest in the Dragon Balls.

Magic balls, dragons, martial arts, wishes, and a monkey-tailed boy who can basically save the entire world from overpowered, weird-colored aliens and hot androids, Dragon Ball has proved itself the Father of Shounen Mangas out there! This timeless classic is made by none other than the legendary Akira Toriyama, who had evidently made his works impossible to emit from our childhood memories. The series is one of the most successful mangas in Japan, and has sold for over a total of 300 million copies worldwide (Saikyo Manga Jutsu, 2021). If you crave that much-needed trip down the memory lane, Dragon Ball is definitely the manga you need to grab your hands on!

3. Berserk

Written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura

After being stripped away of his and his beloved’s humanity, Guts would go heaven and hell to take the head of the person whom he once respected and treated as his most precious friend. Despite living a life condensed to a fate pursued by demonic beings, Guts will not stop at anything to fulfill his goal.

Have you ever felt so emotionally attached to a friend that it feels like he or she would be your own downfall? Well, you hit today’s bull’s eye. That’s exactly how Gut’s friendship with Griffith went. Even so, readers can’t help but feel torn between wanting to see Guts tackle Griffith to the ground, to seeing Griffith succeed in acquiring his own demise. Through ground-breaking details shown in every panel of the manga, Berserk doesn’t only have the bragging-rights of its superb storytelling, but also had one for its masterwork of art. Of course, this masterpiece wouldn’t be made possible if not for beloved author, Kentaro Miura, who has passed away recently in 2021. Fans all over the globe wouldn’t just let the world forget about Berserk, and we’re sure to preserve its memory for more decades to come.

4. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki

The story revolves around the Joestar family (whose identity could be distinguished for their star-shaped birthmark located on their left shoulder blade), and their badass adventures throughout generation after generation. The manga has been split into several parts (arcs) that features the succession of generational conflict between the Joestar Family and Brando Family.

Classic family drama? We all have that in our households. Things is, the Joestar’s and Brando’s made it extra epic with their bizzare adventures, grand fights, and well, great macho appearances. Author Hirohiko Araki has definitely captured the word “Chad” in his character depiction. If you want to be a follower of monumental the epic chadness, don’t waste time and get a hold of one of this gems’ copies!

5. One Piece

Written and illustrated by Oda Eiichiro

On his death bed, “Pirate King” Gol D. Roger, has revealed that he has found in his adventures throughout the Grand Line, the greatest treasure one may seek. 17-year-old Luffy was among the pirates from all over the globe that began an adventure to hunt for the rumored riches Roger had mentioned in his last moments on Earth. Although Luffy differs from your typical pirate of wreaking havoc through raiding villages and killing people, this has not stopped Luffy from his crazy adventures and drive to find the One Piece the late Pirate King spoke of.

One Piece has been one of the longest running mangas out there, but one thing’s for sure, we’re yet to glimpse of the story’s ending like the most coveted One Piece every pirate has been seeking for all their lives. But surely, within those 25 years of writing, the mangaka must’ve already build a great plot for everyone to look forward to. Brought to us by Eiichiro Oda, with over 490 million copies sold, One Piece is a popular manga that carried us to a sea packed with adventures.

6. Vagabond

Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue

This particular manga is based on the real story behind Japan’s greatest swordsman, the person who’s known for using double blades in duels and is dubbed the “Sword Saint” in history. Who else would it be rather that Musashi Miyamoto, or Shinmen Takezou as his real name.

Accused and in hiding as the alleged person who killed his bestfriend, Vagabond centers around how Musashi grew out of his reckless and violent 17-year-old self that thought strength was the center of living, to an enlightened adult who is nowhere near perfect, but chooses to grow every single day of his journey in knowing himself better than anyone else.

Musashi is truly admirable in a sense that he didn’t forget about how he had become the person he is right now. Part of growing up meant you’d go blood and mud every step of the way. Nevertheless, all those dumb and embarrassing stuff you did in the past is now part of who you are as an adult.

Drawn with passion, Vagabond is illustrated by Inoue Takehiko, and we thank him for the action-packed panel and moving storyline that would make us question where we are in life as of current. Currently experiencing quarter-life crisis? Midlife crises? All sorts of crisis? Maybe this manga will bring enlightenment to that cloudy head of yours.

7. Hunter x Hunter

Written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi

In search for his father, Gon decides to become a Hunter. But every profession requires a measurement of one’s knowledge in the filled that they’re about to take. Despite going through a life-or-death process, Gon decides to take the Hunter Examination in hopes of becoming a Hunter himself; the first step in finding his father. Through his exams, Gon meets several acquaintances with divergent goals ahead of them. Despite their differences, Gon and his newfound friends begins to form a common goal that had them venture in the adventures of the outside world.

Exams are the grueling part of school that every student experiences in their day to day lives. What more could it be if involves your own life and limbs? Author and husband of the all-time favorite, Sailor Moon, Yoshihiro Togashi is the mangaka of this on-going, action-packed, and mystery series. Despite the manga’s continuous breaks, readers can’t stay still on their seats as they await what’s next to come.

8. Tokyo Ghoul

Written and illustrated by Sui Ishida

On a cozy Saturday night, Ken Kaneki is just your average teenage boy that wanted to go on a date with a pretty bespectacled girl. Well, it turns out the woman is nowhere near that ordinary. Instead, she’s one with the threat that invaded Tokyo years ago: she was a ghoul, and her kind had mercilessly kill humans. Ken’s story commenced when the girl he went on a date with had bitten him, which eventually led to him becoming a Ghoul himself.

With its post-apocalyptic battle scenes against the Ghouls and the army itself, Tokyo Ghoul is drawn to us by none other Isihida Sui. The lesson here is to indeed check the background of the person you’re going out with. If not, she or he might end-up taking a bite on your food—or worst! You’d be the dinner for someone else instead of eating dinner with that someone else we’re talking about!

9. Full Metal Alchemist

Written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa

Edward Elric and his younger brother, Alphonse, used alchemy to bring back their dead mother to life. However, the experiment failed with Alphonse being transmuted into a metal armor, and Edward losing his left leg. In order to not lose anymore loved ones, Edward sealed his brother in the armor, severing his arm in doing so. The Elric brothers began their journey to seek the Philosopher’s stone in order to restore their damaged body parts, and bring back the life that was robbed by them through alchemy; the very same element that had them to where they are right now.

As children, Full Metal Alchemist is one of the first shounen animes that had us running to our living rooms the moment we arrived from school. Likewise, the manga was on a whole different level. It depicted more of what the author had in mind (as compared to the anime that strayed far away from most of the plot points mangaka Hiromu Arakawa wanted to depict). The Elric brothers’ tale of unending support for each other and their discovery of the secrets beyond their journey of looking for the Philosopher’s stone, is among that had us turning the page till midnight. This manga is a must, and how cool is it that it’s shounen, whose primary target audience are teenage boys, is created by a woman herself.

10. Vinland Saga

Written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura

At a very young age, Thorfinn follows Askeladd (and his crew)—the mercenary who killed his father—to the edge of the world in order to defeat him in a fair duel (as a form of revenge for his father’s death). Askeladd hears of a Danish prince that plans to ascend as King of England. He had himself, Thorfinn, and Canute, the Danish Prince’s lives entangled on one faithful day. But it was also what led Askeladd to his death. Succeeding Askeladd’s passing, Thorfinn realized he had been living with no other purpose but to kill his father’s murderer. After that? There was nothing left of him to do. Thorfinn embarks on a quest to find a place called Vinland—a vast plain filled with the richness of nature. Here, he plans on living his entire life in peace and quiet, away from the chaos of injustice and war.

Once again, another manga that foretells the story of a real man named Thorfinn—the discoverer and first person to have inhabited a land called Vinland. Mangaka Hiromu Arakawa tells the story of how Thorfinn turned a full 360 degrees in his outlook in life. From a young boy that knew of only blood, fighting, and death, to a man that sought peace and found ways to resolve conflict without fighting and violence. It’s definitely another masterpiece that brings regret, misery, and most definitely, hope to its dear readers.

11. One Punch-Man

Written and illustrated by ONE

After training for three years, Saitama has gained the strength he wanted to achieve: defeating several strong enemies with a single punch. Eventually, he felt bored with his effortless victories. But despite his strength, Saitama is still not recognized as a superhero by the Hero Association. Through this, he has accepted to apprentice Genos, a powerful cyborg that admired his every being. Saitama and Genos journey toward becoming powerful and recognized heroes that had been deprived of its recognition.

Thinking you can’t be as powerful as you think you are? Come punch the air and see what we have to do (no, kidding aside.) With Saitama’s single punch that could put an enemy to, perhaps, an infinite amount of shame and rage, he is a character that we should all follow in front. Mangaka ONE has been an inspiration when he captured hope and of course, that physical strength is not always celebrated, but what counts is how you prove in your own unique way.

12. Hajime no Ippo

Written and illustrated by Morikawa George

16-year-old Ippo Makunochi is the target of bullies at school. All helpless fighting had come to an end when he was saved by boxer Mamoru Takamura. Ippo soon discovered his talent in boxing. Not only did he unraveled the art fighting, but he has also found the meaning of true strength.

Ah, another classic that we all looked forward to as a kid! Sports and action wouldn’t be this good without author George Morikawa’s passion for drawing and storytelling. Remember, if you’re bullied, show them what true strength means: it’s that one punch they’d never forget for the rest of their lives: it’s the fight for kindness.

13. Spy x Family

Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo

Notorious agent Loid Forger forms a family that is relevant to his duties as one of the most notorious spy there is. But codename “Twilight” isn’t the only one that’s keeping a secret among the pack. Despite his hired wife’s timid appearance, she’s a deadly assassin in the codename “Thorn Princess.” On the other hand, his adopted daughter was an esper that can pretty much read the thoughts that run on his not kid friendly mind. These three unwillingly work together to prevent the spark of a war from a neighboring country.

Tired of your own family? Worry not! As what Spy x Family had showed us, you can easily form another family without prior commitments and dramas. Kidding aside, this hilarious and breath of fresh air brought to us by Tatsuya Endo has had everyone curious into what would happen if all three of them know of each other’s secrets. Spy x Family is an action-driven manga filled with comedic misunderstandings and undercover guises that definitely keep the readers entertained for what’s to come in the end.

14. Gintama

Written and illustrated by Hideaki Sorachi

In this Edo Period, Samurais are no longer needed. With his wooden sword, Gintoki Sakata refuses to have his existence as a Samurai be put aside. With his comrades Shinpachi Shimura, Kagura (who is, by the way, an alien), and their giant dog Sadaharu, Gintoki builds a business called Yorozuya. The four gets caught in all sorts of mischief and hilarious happenings as they operate their said business.

You’re most definitely missing life if you’ve not watched or seen a Gintama eposide in all your years watching this anime. Likewise, the manga is perfect in a sense that all the imperfections brought about it is what makes it through the list of one of the best mangas that would make you crack-up like fireworks from your dull days. Of course, we have Hideaki Sorachi to thank for making our gloomy moods replaced with genuine laughter.

15. Akatsuki no Yona

Written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi

After her beloved cousin Su-won arranges a coup that took the life of her father, the King of Kouka, Yona is forced to flee with her bodyguard and childhood friend, Hak, in order to seek safety. Despite being banished from Kouka, with Su-won making enemies on all sides, Yona sets on a journey to find the legendary dragon warriors that would aid her in restoring her kingdom’s glory and most especially, in saving its people.

From spoiled princess to one of Kouka kingdom’s powerful women (how cool is it to have loyal warriors by your side?), Yona has proved herself worthy of everyone’s attention. We have Kusanagi Mizuho to thank for introducing us with this badass female that learned to fight not only physically, but also for the people around her.

16. Mob Psycho

Written and illustrated by ONE

Shigeo Kageyama, also known as “Mob”, is a student who possess extraordinary psychic powers, but suppresses it due to its destructive nature. Yet, we all know there’s no telling what will happen when he starts to reach his limit.

Illustrated by the same author of One Punch-Man, ONE, Mob Psycho had shown the readers the consequences of repressing emotions and what follows after it. Pent up feelings eventually lead to an outburst that could do harm to a person and the people around them. The story—spoilers—ends with Shigeo finally releasing 100 % of his powers. Upon reaching its final pages, Shigeo finally lets out his tears. The meaning behind of such an act was Shigeo’s main growth in the story. He had finally learned how to express what he feels, and we most definitely need to learn a thing or two from this guy!

17. Naruto

Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto’s story? Need I say more about it? Everyone knows of the boy who dreams of being a ninja and had this grand ambition of becoming a great Hokage of Konoha. Admit it or not, Naruto’s journey has been related to each and everyone of us. Masashi Kishimoto’s writing had grown with us throughout the years as Naruto becomes well associated with the word “Anime”. Of course, by the end of the story, many had already been sacrificed: friendship and loved-ones perishing in fighting the enemy that threatens the ruin of the world.

Naruto is another trip down the memory lane! No one can say that they’ve never encountered Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto’s name or image during their childhood. Through this, Naruto had been one of the most renowned, top-selling mangas worldwide.

18. Demon Slayer

Written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge

Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) is among the action-fantasy mangas out there that had been in the latest hot talks because of its anime’s season 2 release. It has captured the hearts of the readers and has sold millions of copies all over the globe. The manga, anime, and movie were all a massive success to both readers and fans throughout continents.

The story goes one winter night, when Tanjiro, the eldest among the Kamado Siblings, decides to stay let the snowstorm pass before he heads back home in the mountains after selling charcoal downtown. Eventually, when he gets back home, the corpses of his mother and siblings were the first thing he laid eyes on. One of his siblings managed to survive, but in turn, becomes a demon herself. Tanjiro and his only sibling left, Nezuko, becomes Demon Slayers despite Nezuko being a demon herself.

Each page of the manga was drawn with capturing images of never-before seen fighting styles using—bet you didn’t guess that—breathing styles. These are sword techniques that are capable of defeating the strongest demons out in their world! Don’t believe what you’ve read? Find out more through purchasing a copy of the first volume!

19. Boku no Hero Academia

Written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi

Despite having no “Quirks” (special powers), Izuku Midoriya still hopes to become a great hero someday.

With the recent updates, the manga is probably heading to its final arc—and boy, the happenings are now intense, and this would probably set if Midoriya could be considered one of the greatest heroes out there… or perhaps not. Now, we thank Kohei Horikoshi for serializing this. It’s a blessing to have been in a twist, pull, and drop of emotions as we follow the story to its end.

20. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyoujin)

Written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama

Giants that brought ruin to humanity. Soldiers that fought for freedom behind the walls despite not being even on par with strength with these so-called giants. A girl that lost her family, but still finds the world beautiful. A childhood friend that seeks the wonders of the world. A boy that sought to eliminate the giants—an unstoppable boy that kept moving forward no matter what.

Attack on Titan is a story driven by anger and thirst for freedom. Eren Yeager, the main protagonist, has done what’s unexpected of him, and has clearly turned the tides for shounen mangas out there. After all, he’s probably the most driven character ever made that he’d even resort to such extreme measures to grab at the freedom he craves.

Right! Thank you for the tears, author Hajime Isayama! Be sure to prepare tissues and a ton of self-determination once you grab a copy of the first volume.

21. Jujutsu Kaisen

Written and illustrated by Gege Akutami

Ryomen Sukuna is a demon feared by all. When he was defeated, his body was scattered about all over the globe. Anyone who consumes part of his body could potentially destroy everything and everyone that exist. In the modern world, Cursed Spirits feed off on humans, but worry not! The legendary school of Jujutsu Sorcerers train one of the best sorcerers to fight off the supernatural. Among them is Itadori Yuji, who also happens to swallow one of Sukuna’s fingers.

Well, to be fair, Yuji eating parts of Sukuna’s body didn’t stop from that one particular time. It continued for several chapters and arcs more! Author Gege Akutami has drawn superb fight scenes between Cursed Spirits and the Jujutsu Sorcerers that capture our hearts and leave us on the edge of our seats. Unique abilities that help eliminate these spirits are these stories strongest asset. Take for example when Gojo Saturou’s—one of the most famous characters of the series—Infinite Void. Latest news has it that the releasing of chapters shall go on hiatus as Gege-sensei would recover from his sickness. We all hope he’d take his time to rest!

22. Chainsaw Man

Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto

With its upcoming anime adaptation, everyone is excited with Fujimoto Tatsuki’s one of a heck series. With it as one the most top rated mangas in MAL (MyAnimeList), Chainsaw man follows the story of Denji, whose father had just died. His father wasn’t that much of a great parent for leaving him with tons of debt, but when his path crosses with a devil he named Ponchita, Denji was able to survive his day-to-day through getting sidelines with the Yakuzas. However, this unlikely bliss didn’t last when the Yakuza eventually betrayed him, and in turn, Ponchita sacrifices himself to save his master. Later on, Denji has been reborn as a hybrid of both devil and human. He becomes Chainsawman.

Oh boy. The story is not your typical overpowered shounen. It’s dark and filled with twists that would make you grit your teeth and pull your hair out from frustration and nervousness. There’s reincarnation, betrayal, and death that are too many to even count. The antagonists don’t hold back in utilizing their powers—they use it to the brim in battles, with gore as one of the features of this incredible manga. Like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsawman is among the new ongoing shounen mangas out there that everyone should really look forward to.

23. Tsubasa Chronicles

Written and illustrated by CLAMP

A cross-over of the same characters from Cardcaptor Sakura, Shaoran and Sakura are the main protagonists of the story, and CLAMP has outdone itself with the unique and mind-wrecking story line. Shaoran and their comrades travel to different dimensions to find the missing feathers of Sakura. Each feather contains a chronicle of her memories, and it’s a step closer for them in knowing what had happened the day she had lost it.

This has got to be the most stylish fighting and mind-blowing twists that one has read in the history of anime. Clones, time-traveling, and different dimensions are the main theme, and no wonder you’d get a headache from wrecking your mind with theories as to why let to the other. Well, we won’t get into details as it would spoil the fun! But let me warn you, CLAMP has done it’s deed, and you’d think it’s shoujo, but really, reading Tsubasa Chronicles is one hell of a good mess.

24. GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka

Written and illustrated by Tooru Fujisawa

Eikichi Onizuka is a pervert, virgin, and an ex-biker gang leader of Shonan. He dreams of becoming the greatest high school teacher in all of Japan, and it’s not because he has a passion for teaching, but because he wants a loving teenage wife. Now, you be the judge of that! But seriously, Onizuka has taken his job seriously when he entered Holy Forest Academy and was assigned as homeroom teacher for class 3-4.

GTO is a touching story. Yes, you read that right! You’d think Onizuka had ill intentions toward his students (given the reason for why he becomes a teacher at the start), but really, he cared for them the best way he can. He delt with the students’ timely concerns such as suicide, bullying, and sexual harassment in the most efficient method he has in store. Soon, class 3-4 has warmed up to him as he has been one a genuine person that cared for concerns none of the adults can muster the courage to gouge with them. A great teacher indeed!

25. Claymore

Written and illustrated by Norihiro Yagi

Set in the medieval era, badass, beautiful women that are half-humans and half-yomas, are dispatched to purify villages that are infested by shape-shifting creatures that are hungry for human flesh called Yoma. Clare lives for her vengeance and later on learns of the truth behind the Claymore Organization that had them fight-off these monsters every waking day of their lives.

Claymore is worth mentioning in the list because of its beautifully drawn fight scenes—to which is considered one of its strengths—and unpredictable twists. It’s a manga that makes you think if one would get out alive in a fight or perhaps end up dead later on in the next page. Let’s just hope we don’t get transported in such a gruesome world, and find ourselves getting eaten by these horrifying Yomas.

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