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25 Issues
Apr 7, 2026
Staff
Ranked
Legendary Manga First Chapters
The first issues (tankobon or magazine chapters) of series that conquered the global market.
#1
The Day of Departure
Hunter X Hunter (2005)
Apr 05, 2005
1
Yoshihiro Togashi's strategic and creative take on the adventure genre.
#1
Sakuragi-kun
Slam Dunk (1991)
Feb 08, 1991
2
The premier sports manga that popularized basketball throughout Asia.
#1
Vol. 1
Vagabond (1999)
Mar 23, 1999
3
Takehiko Inoue's stunningly illustrated retelling of Musashi's life.
#1
Son Gokū to Nakama-tachi
Dragon Ball (1985)
Sep 10, 1985
4
The start of Goku's journey, which would become a global cultural juggernaut.
#1
Collected Edition
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
5
A philosophical sci-fi landmark that influenced The Matrix.
#1
Romance Dawn: Bōken no Yoake
One Piece (1997)
Dec 24, 1997
6
Introduced Luffy and the 'Romance Dawn,' launching the best-selling manga ever.
#1
Hinata and Kageyama
Haikyu!! (2016)
Jul 06, 2016
7
A modern sports hit known for its emotional depth and kinetic energy.
#1
Volume #1
Akira (1984)
Sep 14, 1984
8
Katsuhiro Otomo's cyberpunk masterpiece that opened the West to manga.
#1
Inu to Chainsaw
Chainsaw Man (2018)
Mar 04, 2019
9
A visceral and unpredictable modern hit that redefined Shonen Jump.
#1
Uzumaki Naruto
Naruto (2000)
Mar 03, 2000
10
A definitive underdog story that defined the 2000s manga boom.
#1
Volume 1
Spy x Family (2020)
Jul 01, 2020
11
A perfect blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming family dynamics.
#1
The Death and the Strawberry
Bleach (2002)
Jan 05, 2002
12
Introduced Ichigo and the Soul Reaper mythos with stylish, high-energy art.
#1
#1
Vol. 1
Berserk (1990)
Nov 26, 1990
14
The dark, gritty debut of Guts, setting the bar for dark fantasy.
#1
Goodbye, Material World!
Yu Yu Hakusho (2003)
15
A classic spirit detective story that evolved into a legendary battle manga.
#1
#1
Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story
Rurouni Kenshin (2003)
Oct 07, 2003
17
The story of a wanderer seeking atonement in the Meiji era.
#1
Taikutsu
Death Note (2004)
Apr 02, 2004
18
A high-stakes psychological thriller that remains a gateway manga for many.
#1
Vol. 1
Uzumaki (1998)
19
Junji Ito's definitive body horror masterpiece about a town obsessed with spirals.
#1
Vol. 1
Fullmetal Alchemist (2005)
May 03, 2005
20
A masterfully balanced story of science, magic, and fraternal bonds.
#1
Volume #1
Lone Wolf and Cub (1987)
May 01, 1987
21
A cinematic samurai epic that influenced Western creators like Frank Miller.
#1
Vol. 1
Astro Boy (2002)
Mar 27, 2002
22
Osamu Tezuka's foundational work that birthed the modern manga industry.
#1
Izuku Midoriya: Origin
My Hero Academia (2015)
Aug 05, 2015
23
A modern reimagining of superhero tropes that became a massive success.
#1
Volume 1
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (2014)
Feb 25, 2015
24
The beginning of the multi-generational Phantom Blood saga.
#1
The Desperate Battle Begins!
Attack on Titan (2012)
Jun 20, 2012
25
A shocking debut that became a worldwide phenomenon in the 2010s.
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