dangioffre
25 Series
Apr 7, 2026
Staff
Ranked
International Masterpieces: Manga & BD
1
Essential comic series from Japan, France, Belgium, and beyond that defined global comics.
Lone Wolf and Cub (1987)
First
45 issues
1
A masterclass in visual storytelling and samurai historical fiction.
Fullmetal Alchemist (2005)
VIZ Media
27 issues
2
A perfectly constructed narrative of sacrifice and fraternity.
Persepolis (2003)
Pantheon Books
2 issues
3
A powerful Iranian memoir that reached worldwide acclaim.
Asterix (1961)
Mad Cave Studios
41 issues
4
The most successful French comic series, blending history and humor.
Death Note (2004)
Shueisha
12 issues
6
The definitive supernatural battle of wits that captivated the world.
Berserk (1990)
Hakusensha
43 issues
7
The definitive dark fantasy manga known for its unparalleled art detail.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Dark Horse Comics
Limited Series
1 issue
8
Explored transhumanism and identity in a futuristic Japan.
Spirou et Fantasio (1950)
Dupuis
57 issues
9
A pillar of the Franco-Belgian school, known for its dynamic energy.
Blueberry (1965)
Dargaud
28 issues
10
Jean Giraud's (Moebius) legendary Western that redefined the genre.
Thorgal (1977)
Le Lombard
43 issues
11
A unique blend of Norse mythology, fantasy, and science fiction.
Uzumaki (1998)
Shogakukan
3 issues
12
Junji Ito's terrifying exploration of obsession and body horror.
Monster (1995)
Shogakukan
18 issues
13
Naoki Urasawa's psychological thriller about the nature of evil.
The Incal (2001)
Humanoids
12 issues
14
A surreal sci-fi collaboration between Jodorowsky and Moebius.
The Metabarons (2000)
Humanoids
17 issues
15
A multi-generational space opera of extreme violence and imagination.
Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind (2004)
VIZ Media
7 issues
16
Miyazaki's epic environmental manga that transcends the medium.
Vagabond (1999)
Kodansha
37 issues
17
A philosophical and artistic retelling of Musashi Miyamoto's life.
Blacksad (2000)
Dargaud
7 issues
18
A Spanish-led noir masterpiece featuring anthropomorphic animals.
The Smurfs Anthology (2013)
Papercutz, NBM
5 issues
19
The Belgian classic that became a global pop culture phenomenon.
Vinland Saga (2006)
Kodansha
Special
29 issues
21
A historical Viking epic focused on revenge and redemption.
Maus: A Survivor's Tale (1986)
Pantheon Books
Graphic Novel Series
2 issues
22
The landmark Polish-American story of the Holocaust told through metaphor.
The Adventures of Tintin (1974)
Casterman
24 issues
23
The foundational Belgian series that pioneered the Ligne Claire style.
Corto Maltese (1983)
RCS MediaGroup
103 issues
24
Hugo Pratt's poetic and philosophical adventure series.
Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys (2009)
VIZ Media
22 issues
25
A sprawling mystery about a group of friends saving the world.
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