The term “masterpiece” is not used lightly; it signifies works of fiction that transform the medium, innovate their genres, and are impeccable from beginning to end. Despite this exclusivity, there are numerous masterpieces within the realm of anime, including Cowboy Bebop and Mob Psycho 100.
However, manga is often regarded as better written than anime, with many more series and potential masterpieces. This list highlights ten manga that can be considered masterpieces based on their quality, consistency, critical acclaim, fan opinion, writing, art, innovation, and influence. Some manga, like One Piece, are among the best of all time but have too many flaws to be considered masterpieces compared to the ten listed below.
10
‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2014-)
Many perceive masterpieces as dramatic narratives with profound themes and tight writing, but comedy can also achieve masterpiece status. Grand Blue Dreaming follows Iori as he moves in with his cousins after attending a nearby university. He quickly becomes involved with a diving club that drinks more than anything else, leading to comedic escapades.
Grand Blue Dreaming finally received its second season after years, but the manga never ceased, consistently delivering goofy moments, hilarious misunderstandings, and crass humor. Despite its comedic focus, this manga also imparts motivational life lessons and features well-developed characters, balancing its raunchy jokes with meaningful content. Grand Blue is one of the best manga of the 2010s, thus qualifying as a comedic masterpiece.
Many fans regard Fullmetal Alchemist as the best anime ever created. While it deserves that title, it doesn’t quite reach that level in the manga but remains a masterpiece nonetheless. After brothers Ed and El lose parts or all of their bodies, they seek out the philosopher’s stone. However, they uncover a government conspiracy that threatens to destroy the world.
Fullmetal Alchemist is distinctly a shounen series, which many fans do not associate with masterpieces, yet it stands out as an exception. It utilizes its fantastic story, endearing characters, grand worldbuilding, fascinating lore, and riveting action to create a remarkable manga. Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best manga series of the 2000s, but its acclaimed plot elevates it to one of the greatest ever.
8
‘Holyland’ (2000-2008)
Kentaro Miura‘s iconic work will appear later on this list. After his unfortunate passing, his good friend Kouji Mori took over the story. Mori is not only a friend but also an esteemed mangaka with his own masterpiece, Holyland. Yuu feels out of place but finds solace in the darkness of the streets while striving to become stronger and reach his holy land.
Despite its critical acclaim, Holyland remains somewhat of a hidden gem as many fans have yet to read this masterpiece. Its story may be simple, yet its clash of characterizations and personal development is a marvel to witness, creating a riveting and realistic experience. Holyland is one of the best martial arts mangas, combining realism, drama, and action, resulting in an exhilarating read.
7
‘Akira’ (1982-1990)
Everyone recognizesAkiara, known as the revolutionary movie often hailed as the best anime film. However, before that acclaim was achieved through film success as a hit manga. Following a nuclear explosion that devastates Tokyo, a new city emerges amidst chaos and conspiracy. When two friends and bitter rivals vie for strength against each other, one unknowingly becomes embroiled in a secret government project.
The film may be more popular than its source material but both are masterpieces in their own right. The manga offers more depth to its plot while avoiding excessive detail overload. As impressive as the film is,</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b>
