Manga has become a powerful storytelling medium, captivating global audiences. Originating in Japan, it has gained significant popularity in Spanish-speaking regions through increased translations and digital access. This list highlights the 30 most-read mangas worldwide based on sales, readership, and cultural impact.
Japan remains the dominant force in manga production, with major publishing houses like Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan leading the industry. Meanwhile, Spanish-speaking audiences are rapidly growing, with publishers like Norma Editorial and Ivrea making titles more accessible. Let’s explore the most iconic and widely-read manga series to date.
One Piece
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is the best-selling manga of all time, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew in their quest to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece.
Its immense world-building, unforgettable characters, and thrilling battles make it a timeless masterpiece. The manga’s success extends beyond Japan, with a massive following in Spanish-speaking countries, where it is widely published and loved.
Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is a cornerstone of manga history. First serialized in 1984, it follows Son Goku’s journey from childhood to becoming Earth’s greatest warrior.
Dragon Ball popularized shonen manga globally, influencing countless works. It remains a favorite in Latin America, where its anime adaptation became a cultural phenomenon.
Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, an orphaned ninja striving to become Hokage and gain the respect of his village.
Its deep character development, emotional storytelling, and dynamic battles cemented its status as a must-read. In Spanish-speaking countries, Naruto remains one of the most beloved manga series.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
This modern hit by Koyoharu Gotouge follows Tanjiro Kamado’s journey to avenge his family and cure his demon-turned-sister, Nezuko.
The series’ emotional depth and stunning artwork led to record-breaking sales, especially after its anime adaptation propelled its global fame.
Attack on Titan
Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan presents a dark world where humanity fights against giant man-eating creatures known as Titans.
Its intricate plot, political intrigue, and philosophical depth make it a standout. It has gained significant traction in both Japan and Spanish-speaking territories.
Death Note
Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata’s Death Note revolves around a high school student, Light Yagami, who discovers a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
This psychological thriller captivates readers with its moral dilemmas and intense mind games, making it a favorite worldwide.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric in their quest to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment.
Its strong themes of sacrifice, philosophy, and adventure resonate with readers, making it an enduring classic.
My Hero Academia
Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia is a modern superhero manga where individuals possess unique abilities known as Quirks.
With its compelling characters and thrilling action sequences, it has gained a massive following in Latin America.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, who gains supernatural powers after consuming a cursed object.
Blending horror elements with action, it quickly became one of the best-selling manga series globally.
The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland, by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu, is a suspenseful thriller set in an orphanage. Three children—Emma, Norman, and Ray—discover the dark secret behind the orphanage and must plan an escape to save themselves and their fellow orphans.
The series is known for its shocking plot twists, psychological tension, and character-driven storytelling. The Promised Neverland captivated readers in Japan and Spanish-speaking countries, where its high-stakes drama has kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk is a basketball manga that revolutionized the genre. It follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who joins the basketball team to impress a girl but eventually becomes passionate about the sport.
The series is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of basketball, character development, and its influence on sports manga. It remains one of the most beloved sports manga in Japan and Spanish-speaking countries, having inspired numerous adaptations and continued to engage readers worldwide.
Tokyo Revengers
Ken Wakui’s Tokyo Revengers is a gripping time-traveling manga that follows Takemichi Hanagaki, a man who travels back in time to save his ex-girlfriend from a gang-related tragedy.
The series blends gang conflicts, emotional stakes, and elements of time manipulation, creating a captivating narrative that has drawn large readerships in both Japan and Spanish-speaking regions.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi tells the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy on a quest to find his father, who is a legendary Hunter. Along the way, he meets various characters and faces tough challenges.
With its complex characters, unpredictable plot twists, and deep exploration of human nature, Hunter x Hunter has amassed a dedicated global fanbase, especially in Latin America, where it has a significant following.
Bleach
Tite Kubo's Bleach centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the abilities of a Soul Reaper, tasked with protecting the world of the living from evil spirits known as Hollows.
The series is renowned for its dynamic sword fights, unique characters, and supernatural themes. It has been highly successful in both Japan and Spanish-speaking countries, with a major anime adaptation that solidified its place in pop culture.
Chainsaw Man
Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man is a dark and chaotic series featuring Denji, a young man who transforms into a chainsaw-wielding demon hunter to pay off his father’s debt.
The manga's intense action, bizarre humor, and unique characters have made it a standout in recent years. It has garnered massive popularity, particularly in online communities in both Japan and Spanish-speaking territories.
Fairy Tail
Hiro Mashima’s Fairy Tail follows Natsu Dragneel and his friends in the Fairy Tail guild as they embark on dangerous quests and confront dark forces.
Known for its friendship themes, epic battles, and memorable characters, Fairy Tail has become a staple in the shonen genre. It enjoys strong support in Spanish-speaking countries, where its anime adaptation was widely popular.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki, spans multiple generations of the Joestar family as they fight against supernatural threats.
With its outlandish storylines, eccentric characters, and innovative artwork, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has built a dedicated global following, particularly in Latin America, where its unique style stands out.
Black Clover
Black Clover, by Yūki Tabata, tells the story of Asta, a boy born without magic in a world where magic is everything. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the Wizard King.
This underdog story, combined with intense magic battles and a determined protagonist, has attracted a large following in both Japan and Spanish-speaking regions.
Sword Art Online
Reki Kawahara’s Sword Art Online is set in a virtual reality game where players must fight to survive after they become trapped in the game.
The series blends virtual gaming, adventure, and romance, making it a hit with readers worldwide, particularly in countries with strong interest in online gaming and fantasy genres.
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins, by Nakaba Suzuki, tells the story of a group of knights who are falsely accused of treason and seek redemption.
With its rich medieval fantasy setting and action-packed storylines, The Seven Deadly Sins has captivated readers, especially in Spain and Latin America, where its themes of honor, justice, and brotherhood resonate deeply.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion, by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, is a psychological mecha manga set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity faces extinction from mysterious beings called Angels.
Known for its complex psychological themes, deep character introspection, and philosophical underpinnings, Evangelion has a long-lasting cultural impact, with a strong fanbase in both Japan and Spanish-speaking countries.
Blue Lock
Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura’s Blue Lock is a soccer manga that challenges the conventional approach to team sports by focusing on the development of strikers through fierce competition.
The series brings a fresh, intense perspective to sports manga, exploring themes of ego and competitiveness. It has been well received in Japan and is rapidly gaining traction in Latin American countries with passionate soccer fanbases.
Spy x Family
Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo follows a spy, an assassin, and a telepath as they form an unusual family to carry out a covert mission.
The unique blend of action, humor, and heartwarming family dynamics has made Spy x Family a fan favorite, with growing popularity in both Japan and Spanish-speaking regions, where its charm is universally appreciated.
Vinland Saga
Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is set in the Viking era, following the journey of Thorfinn, a young warrior seeking revenge on the man who killed his father.
This historical epic explores themes of war, revenge, and redemption. It has gained a significant following in Europe and Latin America due to its rich storytelling and portrayal of Viking culture.
Berserk
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is a dark fantasy series centered around Guts, a mercenary with a tragic past, as he battles supernatural forces.
Its brutal, intricate narrative and deep character exploration make it a cult classic. Berserk has had a profound impact on the dark fantasy genre and continues to be a major influence, with a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
Re:Zero
Tappei Nagatsuki’s Re:Zero tells the story of Subaru Natsuki, a man who is transported to a fantasy world and discovers that every time he dies, he is sent back to a specific point in time.
The series combines time loops with fantasy elements, creating a thrilling and emotional experience that has made it a hit in both Japan and Spanish-speaking countries.
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling, by Chugong, is a South Korean manhwa that follows Jinwoo, an E-rank hunter who becomes the world’s most powerful hunter after a dangerous event.
Though originally a manhwa, its immense popularity has made it a global sensation. It has been widely read in both Japan and Latin America, where fans have embraced its fast-paced action and character progression.
Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone, created by Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi, takes place in a world where humanity is turned into stone statues. The protagonist, Senku Ishigami, aims to rebuild civilization through science.
With its blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor, Dr. Stone has garnered a large following, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries where its educational value and thrilling plot are highly appreciated.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Shinobu Ohtaka’s Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a fantasy series inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, following a young boy named Aladdin as he explores a magical world.
The series' imaginative world-building and unique take on Middle Eastern myths have earned it a large fanbase in both Japan and Latin America.
The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu is a suspenseful thriller that follows a group of orphans trying to escape from a sinister orphanage.
With its gripping story, shocking twists, and deep character development, The Promised Neverland has become a hit worldwide, captivating readers in both Japan and Spanish-speaking countries.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, the world of manga continues to captivate readers with its diverse genres and unforgettable stories.
From action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, these top 30 most-read mangas showcase the incredible talent and creativity that has earned them global recognition.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of manga, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Dive into these iconic series today and explore the rich worlds they offer!
