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Mangaka are artists who are creators of manga series; these are the ones who can make or break a series. The work profile of a manga artist does not stop at drawing breathtaking art panels, but they are also responsible for writing some memorable stories. There are a few series that have gotten to be so influential that they are still relevant to this date, and it is not like every mangaka ends up getting to this level where their work ended up redefining storytelling.
In this article, we will be talking about the ten most popular mangaka who have left a huge mark on the manga industry. The ranking is going to be based on cultural influence, critical acclaim, global recognition, and long-term legacy. While rankings will always spark debate, each creator here represents a pillar of modern manga history.
List of the 10 most popular mangaka and their work
10) Makoto Yukimura - Vinland Saga
Makoto Yukimura has given us one of the most historical epic series, Vinland Saga, which is set during the brutal age of Vikings. The story is about Thorfinn, a young child who has devoted his entire existence to achieving one goal. To get revenge against the man who murdered his father. Interestingly, the path he set himself on was the complete opposite of his father's teaching, and for most of his early adulthood, he was a ruthless killer.
But this is not the reason why this series or the mangaka is popular. The story takes a sharp turn from the world of violence and talks about the importance of self-worth, redemption, and a deeply personal exploration of guilt and the cost of hatred. This just goes to show on much patience Yukimura had as a storyteller.
9) Masashi Kishimoto - Naruto
This mangaka is extremely popular all over the world because of Naruto. The story is about Naruto and his goal of becoming the Hokage of Konoha. Since he was born, it seemed like fate was against him, as on the day of his birth, he was orphaned and then shunned by everyone around him. Despite all the odds, the character chose not to walk the path of darkness and clung to hope and hard work. Masashi Kishimoto has given one of the most iconic shonen series, which catered to all kinds of viewers. In addition to a great story, his artwork has a unique style, and the manga itself is known for having some great background.
8) Hirohiko Araki - JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is unlike anything else in manga. Spanning multiple generations of the Joestar bloodline, the series constantly reinvents itself, introducing new protagonists, settings, and power systems with each major arc. This mangaka's artwork is something that every aspiring artist should study because he is one artist whose illustrations were showcased in the Louvre. A feat of this magnitude is not something that a normal mangaka could achieve.
7) Junji Ito - Uzumaki
Junji Ito is synonymous with horror manga, and Uzumaki stands as his most defining work. He is popular in the world of manga because of how unsettling his art makes the readers feel. But the surprising thing about this mangaka is that people usually expect a horror artist to be gloomy, but Junji Ito might be one of the most wholesome people to exist. This contract just goes to show how an artist could enjoy his art without making it part of his personality.
6) Yoshihiro Togashi - Hunter × Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi is known for pushing shōnen storytelling far beyond its comfort zone. Hunter × Hunter begins as a light adventure about a boy searching for his father, but it evolves into one of the darkest, most complex series in the genre. As a mangaka must be doing something right because even after taking a hiatus for his health, the spark that his loyal fans have towards this series has not died down. Rather, the readers are patient and allow the artist to work at his own pace.
5) Akira Toriyama - Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama is arguably the most recognizable name in manga history. Dragon Ball follows Son Goku’s journey from an innocent child to a universe-defending warrior. A story like Dragon Ball has influenced generations to the point that even those who do not read manga or watch anime would know that a series like this exists. The series has gotten an anime adaptation, a live-action movie, and multiple games. This just goes to show how popular the franchise is that even after branching out to different media, it has taken over the market, and it is all because Toriyama decided to work on this manga.
4) Eiichiro Oda - One Piece
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is a storytelling phenomenon. Following Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in search of the ultimate treasure. One Piece is right now entering its Final Saga, and the readers are dreading to face the day when they will have to read its final chapter. A show that has been airing for over two decades still has loyal fans who refuse to even want to accept the fact that it might get over one day. As a storyteller, Oda is one of the best in terms of foreshadowing and keeping mystery.
3) Kentaro Miura - Berserk
Kentaro Miura’s Berserk is a dark fantasy masterpiece that redefined artistic standards in manga. The story is about Guts, a strong swordsman who is in a constant battle against demons while also dealing with his own trauma. This mangaka's artwork is legendary as it is detailed, emotionally raw, and visually overwhelming. Beserk is a series that is considered to be foundational in the world of the seinen genre, and fans usually end up recommending this particular series before talking about any other titles.
2) Takehiko Inoue - Vagabond
As a mangaka, Takehiki Inoue is someone who needs to be talked about only because of Vagabond. The story itself is based on the life of Miyamoto Musashi, while the story is more character-driven and not focused more on action, the reason why it is loved by readers is because of the artwork and overall narrative. Inoue’s brushwork gives Vagabond a painterly quality rarely seen in manga. Additionally, his ability to blend philosophy, realism, and breathtaking art places him just shy of the top spot.
1) Naoki Urasawa - 20th Century Boys
Naoki Urasawa stands as the greatest living mangaka in terms of storytelling mastery. The biggest reason why he is known to be one of the best is how he has perfected the art of delivering a character-driven narrative. Readers have noted that his villains end up feeling real. Moreover, even his heroes are deeply flawed, which makes them humane. In the end, as a mangaka, the overall influence he has in this industry remains unmatched.
Final thoughts
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In the end, the reason why these mangaka made it to this list is that they have given a series that has had the power to reshape the medium itself. Each of these creators has dared to explore the world of manga in a way that has surpassed the limits of what an ordinary artist ever could and took a risk that worked in their favour.
All of them have a unique sense of art, which ended up complementing their world and even inspired not only their readers but also other artists who want to take up this as their profession. There is a lot we could learn from them, proving that manga is not just entertainment, but a powerful storytelling art form.
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