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Legendary Manga First Chapters

Dangioffre dangioffre | 25 Issues | Apr 7, 2026

The first issues (tankobon or magazine chapters) of series that conquered the global market.

The Day of Departure
#1

The Day of Departure

Hunter X Hunter (2005)

Apr 05, 2005

1

Yoshihiro Togashi's strategic and creative take on the adventure genre.

Sakuragi-kun
#1

Sakuragi-kun

Slam Dunk (1991)

Feb 08, 1991

2

The premier sports manga that popularized basketball throughout Asia.

Vol. 1
#1

Vol. 1

Vagabond (1999)

Mar 23, 1999

3

Takehiko Inoue's stunningly illustrated retelling of Musashi's life.

Son Gokū to Nakama-tachi
#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.

Collected Edition
#1

Collected Edition

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

5

A philosophical sci-fi landmark that influenced The Matrix.

Romance Dawn: Bōken no Yoake
#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.

Hinata and Kageyama
#1

Hinata and Kageyama

Haikyu!! (2016)

Jul 06, 2016

7

A modern sports hit known for its emotional depth and kinetic energy.

Volume #1
#1

Volume #1

Akira (1984)

Sep 14, 1984

8

Katsuhiro Otomo's cyberpunk masterpiece that opened the West to manga.

Inu to Chainsaw
#1

Inu to Chainsaw

Chainsaw Man (2018)

Mar 04, 2019

9

A visceral and unpredictable modern hit that redefined Shonen Jump.

Uzumaki Naruto
#1

Uzumaki Naruto

Naruto (2000)

Mar 03, 2000

10

A definitive underdog story that defined the 2000s manga boom.

Volume 1
#1

Volume 1

Spy x Family (2020)

Jul 01, 2020

11

A perfect blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming family dynamics.

The Death and the Strawberry
#1

The Death and the Strawberry

Bleach (2002)

Jan 05, 2002

12

Introduced Ichigo and the Soul Reaper mythos with stylish, high-energy art.

Volume #1
#1

Volume #1

Fist of the North Star (1989)

13

The quintessential post-apocalyptic martial arts epic.

Vol. 1
#1

Vol. 1

Berserk (1990)

Nov 26, 1990

14

The dark, gritty debut of Guts, setting the bar for dark fantasy.

Goodbye, Material World!
#1

Goodbye, Material World!

Yu Yu Hakusho (2003)

15

A classic spirit detective story that evolved into a legendary battle manga.

Volume #1
#1

Volume #1

Sailor Moon (1997)

16

Revolutionized the magical girl genre for a global audience.

Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story
#1

Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

Rurouni Kenshin (2003)

Oct 07, 2003

17

The story of a wanderer seeking atonement in the Meiji era.

Taikutsu
#1

Taikutsu

Death Note (2004)

Apr 02, 2004

18

A high-stakes psychological thriller that remains a gateway manga for many.

Vol. 1
#1

Vol. 1

Uzumaki (1998)

19

Junji Ito's definitive body horror masterpiece about a town obsessed with spirals.

Vol. 1
#1

Vol. 1

Fullmetal Alchemist (2005)

May 03, 2005

20

A masterfully balanced story of science, magic, and fraternal bonds.

Volume #1
#1

Volume #1

Lone Wolf and Cub (1987)

May 01, 1987

21

A cinematic samurai epic that influenced Western creators like Frank Miller.

Vol. 1
#1

Vol. 1

Astro Boy (2002)

Mar 27, 2002

22

Osamu Tezuka's foundational work that birthed the modern manga industry.

Izuku Midoriya: Origin
#1

Izuku Midoriya: Origin

My Hero Academia (2015)

Aug 05, 2015

23

A modern reimagining of superhero tropes that became a massive success.

Volume 1
#1

Volume 1

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (2014)

Feb 25, 2015

24

The beginning of the multi-generational Phantom Blood saga.

The Desperate Battle Begins!
#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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