Manga have become one of the most well-known book genres throughout the world lately, which are divided into various categories. Action is a major manga genre that has lead the Japanese pop culture industry for a long time, and it’s usually mixed with other genres such as adventure and fantasy.
Lots of popular action manga present cool unique characters who have intense battles with powerful martial arts and supernatural abilities.
For both beginners and advanced readers, here is the list of 15 best action manga to read now, which contains completed legendary comic books and recent ongoing series.
1. Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball (ドラゴンボール) is one of the best action manga of all time, which has led the popular manga genre for a long time. It was serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump between 1984 and 1995, created by a legend of manga artists Akira Toriyama. Its official sequel series Dragon Ball Super has been published since 2015. There are several titles of its anime franchise: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z Kai and Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball focuses on a great adventure of a young boy named Son Goku, who initially starts the journey to collect the scattered seven Dragon Balls that grants a wish to the one who completes the collection. He trains hard to develop his martial arts techniques with his friends and masters and fights against a variety of strong opponent characters coming from outside the earth. In addition to him, his sons Gohan and Goten and his rivals like Vegeta are featured in the story. You can enjoy the adventurous episodes and powerful battles with supernatural techniques in Dragon Ball.
Manga artist: Akira Toriyama
Published: 1984-1995
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
The live-legend action adventure franchise Dragon Ball is still ongoing with the sequel title Dragon Ball Super. More ne[…]
2. Naruto
What is your favorite Japanese manga ever? Many manga fans will pick up the ninja-themed series Naruto as the best one. The action adventure manga began its serialization on Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and came to the end in 2014. The manga artist Masashi Kishimoto completed his greatest work with the 72nd volume. Its sequel title Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has been serialized by him and
Ukyo Kodachi since 2016 centering on the son of Naruto.
Naruto is set in the fictional ninja world following on a young boy named Naruto, who lives without his parents in the hidden leaf village in the Land of Fire. Although he is looked on as a hopeless ninja student by many people around him for a lack of talent, he decides to become the Hokage, the the leader of the country. He rapidly grows up realizing his hidden massive power. The action manga depicts intense battles between Naruto, his friends, teachers and various strong opponent ninja.
Manga artist: Masashi Kishimoto
Published: 1999-2014
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
3. Hunter × Hunter
Categorized as action and adventure, Hunter × Hunter has been loved by many fans of Shonen manga and the author Yoshihiro Togashi, who is also known for his previous masterpiece Yu Yu Hakusho. Earning much praise from across the globe, Hunter × Hunter has been published since 1998. Though its serialization has been on hiatus due to the condition of the manga artist since 2018.
In Hunter × Hunter, various fights with the characters’ energy called Nen are undoubtedly one of its highlights. You can see intense supernatural techniques and highly intelligent tactics in every part of the story. A young boy protagonist named Gon Freecss embarks on his adventure in search of his lost father Ging Freecss. Lots of unique characters – his friends Killua, Leorio and Kurapika and strong opponents – await him during the tumultuous trip.
Manga artist: Yoshihiro Togashi
Published: Since 1998
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
The living legend Hunter x Hunter has attracted a great number of fans of manga and anime all over the globe for a long […]
4. One-Punch Man
For many global fans of modern manga, One-Punch Man (ワンパンマン) has been one of the greatest ongoing manga series since its serialization started in 2012. The superhero comedy manga was originally serialized by a manga artist One online, and it has been widely released with another creator Yusuke Murata on Tonari no Young Jump since 2012. Its anime adaptation first aired in 2015, followed by the second season in 2019.
A protagonist named Saitama dominates the action comedy manga, who has the strongest power that enables him to beat any enemies with a single punch. In addition to the bald-head hero, there are a variety of characters including a cyborg Genos, a martial arts expert Bang, espar sisters Fubuki and Tatsumaki, etc. Joining the Hero Association, they fight against villains attacking the earth.
Manga artist: Written by ONE/Illustrated by Yusuke Murata
Published: Since 2012
Serialized in Tonari no Young Jump
One-Punch Man is one of the most famous and popular manga and anime series all over the world. The one and only series i[…]
5. My Hero Academia
The prominent action manga My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) has been serialized on Weekly Shonen Jump since 2014 as one of the front ongoing titles on the magazine. The Kohei Horikoshi’s manga has been already adapted into five seasons of the anime series.
My Hero Academia depicts a conflict between superheroes and villains, placing emphasis on a high schooler Izuku Midoriya. He has dreamed to become a powerful hero like the strongest icon All Might while he has no special ability called a Quirk. One day, he inherits One For All, the legendary Quirk of All Might, and grows up with his classmates and a variety of heroes.
Manga artist: Kohei Horikoshi
Published: Since 2014
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is now one of the most famous and popular action manga and anime series in this modern ag[…]
6. One Piece
An entry in the list of best action manga isn’t complete without the epic One Piece. This phenomenon, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, started in 1997 and has been captivating audiences globally. It’s been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and boasts over 100 volumes, making it one of the longest-running manga series.
The story of One Piece revolves around the adventure-loving Monkey D. Luffy, who gains the power to stretch like rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. Luffy assembles a diverse crew named the Straw Hat Pirates and embarks on a quest for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, to become the next Pirate King. Their journey through a fantastical world full of unique islands and dangerous seas creates an action-packed, humor-filled, and emotion-driven narrative.
Manga artist: Eiichiro Oda
Published: Since 1997
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
7. Attack on Titan
Created by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) is an impactful action manga that started its publication in 2009, and it was completed in 2021. It is a dark fantasy action series that has gained international fame and has been adapted into an equally successful anime series. This gritty tale full of twists, deep character development, and intense battle scenes has revolutionized the shonen genre.
In the world of Attack on Titan, humanity is on the brink of extinction, caged within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans. These monstrous creatures show little signs of intelligence and seem to consume humans without reason. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young boy with an unyielding spirit who joins the military to take revenge against the Titans who destroyed his hometown and killed his mother.
Manga artist: Hajime Isayama
Published: 2009-2021
Serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine
8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃), penned by Koyoharu Gotouge, is a dark fantasy action-shonen manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020. The manga series has 23 volumes consisting of 205 episodes in total. The story’s unique blend of historical setting, poignant narrative, compelling characters, and breathtaking art style have garnered widespread acclaim. The anime adaptation further catapulted the series into global popularity, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Set in the Taisho-era Japan, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows the life of Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister Nezuko is turned into one. Vowing to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey, meeting comrades and battling malevolent demons along the way.
Manga artist: Koyoharu Gotouge
Published: 2016-2020
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
9. Chainsaw Man
A recent trend Chainsaw Man (チェンソーマン), authored by Tatsuki Fujimoto, is a wildly imaginative, dark, and surreal action manga series. Launched in 2018 and serialized in Shonen Jump, this widely acclaimed manga captured attention with its graphic and visceral storytelling combined with unique and unconventional characters. It concluded its first part that is composed of 97 chapters, followed by the second part from 2022. Chainsaw Man was first adapted into an anime with extremely high quality by Mappa in 2022.
Chainsaw Man follows the life of Denji, a down-on-his-luck devil hunter struggling to survive. Saddled with crippling debt and partnered with Pochita, his pet devil who can transform into chainsaw machinery, Denji works killing devils to keep himself alive. However, after an unexpected series of events, he becomes the Chainsaw Devil, and is recruited by the Devil Extermination Special Division. The story delves into Denji’s battles, growth, and the chaotic world of devils and devil hunters.
Manga artist: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Published: Since 2018
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (2018-2020)/Shonen Jump+ (Since 2022)
10. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦) is an incredibly popular action-horror manga created by Gege Akutami and serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2018. It quickly gained a dedicated fanbase with its intricate art style, captivating plot, and dynamic character development. Further recognition came with its highly successful anime adaptation made by Mappa in 2020, catapulting the manga into the global spotlight.
The story centers around Yuji Itadori, a high schooler with exceptional physical prowess, who becomes embroiled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers when he ingests a powerful curse — a finger of the legendary demon Sukuna. Now, while sharing his body with this evil entity, he must attend the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical School, battle Curses, and collect the scattered remains of Sukuna to prevent a catastrophic future.
Manga artist: Gege Akutami
Published: Since 2018
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
11. Bleach
Bleach, penned by Tite Kubo, is a popular manga series, with its run spanning from 2001 to 2016. Comprising 74 volumes, it has been a significant influence in the manga industry. The series mixes elements of action, adventure, and supernatural, with well-developed characters, elaborate story arcs, and exciting battles. Bleach was made into the first anime adaptation containing 366 episodes between 2004 and 2012, followed by Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War from 2022.
The story centers around Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager bestowed with the powers of a Soul Reaper, a being that protects the living world from malicious spirits called Hollows. The manga follows Ichigo’s thrilling journey, exploring themes of duty, friendship, and the fight between good and evil. Throughout the series, Ichigo and his allies must confront a multitude of supernatural threats, unveiling deeper mysteries and the hidden truths about the spiritual world.
Manga artist: Tite Kubo
Published: 2001-2016
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
12. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Crafted by Hirohiko Araki, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険) is a groundbreaking action adventure manga series. Serialized since 1987, it spans over multiple generations and parts, each with a distinct story and protagonist, all belonging to the Joestar lineage. The first part Phantom Blood started in 1987, and the ninth and latest part The JoJoLands began in 2023. Known for its unique art style, innovative storytelling, and extravagant characters, the series has left an indelible mark on the manga industry. There are five seasons in its anime adaptation made by David Production between 2012 and 2023.
This wildly imaginative series chronicles the epic saga of the Joestar family, who are endowed with psychic abilities and find themselves confronting malevolent forces across generations. Each part introduces a new protagonist, referred to as “JoJo,” who embarks on their own action-packed, bizarre adventure. The narrative combines elements of horror, supernatural, history, and humor, providing readers with a wide array of villainous entities, from vampires to mafia members, all set in a creatively expanded universe.
Manga artist: Hirohiko Araki
Published: 1987–1988 (Part 1: Phantom Blood)/1988–1989 (Part 2: Battle Tendency)/1989–1992 (Part 3: Stardust Crusaders)/1992–1995 (Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable)/1995–1999 (Part 5: Golden Wind)/2000–2003 (Part 6: Stone Ocean)/2004–2011 (Part 7: Steel Ball Run)/2011–2021 (Part 8: JoJolion)/2023- (Part 9: The JoJoLands)
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (From Part 1: Phantom Blood to Part 7: Steel Ball Run)/Ultra Jump (From Part 7: Steel Ball Run to The JoJoLands)
13. YuYu Hakusho
YuYu Hakusho (幽☆遊☆白書) is another masterpiece written by Yoshihiro Togashi along with Hunter × Hunter. It is a celebrated shounen manga series that originated in Japan in 1990. This 19-volume action tale, published by Shueisha and featured in Weekly Shounen Jump for four years, was a massive hit that left an indelible mark on the genre. The manga was adapted into a critically acclaimed anime series by Pierrot from 1992 to 1994, and its popularity has spread globally.
YuYu Hakusho introduces Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent teenager who unexpectedly becomes a Spirit Detective after sacrificing his life to save a child from an accident. Now, tasked with protecting the human world from supernatural threats, he embarks on a thrilling journey filled with epic battles, personal growth, and enduring friendships. From the underworld to martial arts tournaments, YuYu Hakusho is a roller-coaster ride of action and emotion.
Manga artist: Yoshihiro Togashi
Published: 1990-1994
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump
14. Fire Force
Fire Force (炎炎ノ消防隊) is a popular Shonen action manga by Atsushi Ohkubo, the creator of Soul Eater. It was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine in 2015, continuing to engage fans with its detailed artwork, dynamic action sequences, and unique blend of firefighting and supernatural elements. The series was completed with 34 volumes in 2022, which has been adapted into an anime by David Production since 2019.
Set in a world terrorized by spontaneous human combustion, Fire Force follows Shinra Kusakabe, a young and gifted firefighter with the ability to ignite his feet at will. As part of Special Fire Force Company 8, Shinra and his team tackle these fiery supernatural phenomena, dubbed “Infernals,” while unearthing the truths behind the mysterious outbreak and his own past linked to these terrifying events.
Manga artist: Atsushi Ohkubo
Published: 2015-2022
Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine
15. Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs (文豪ストレイドッグス) is a supernatural and action-driven manga series written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa. Launched in 2012, the series presents a unique blend of literary history, crime-solving narratives, and thrilling battles. Set in Yokohama, the story centers around the Armed Detective Agency, a group of individuals with extraordinary abilities, each one named after and inspired by real-life literary figures. Studio Bones has released five seasons of the Bungo Stray Dogs anime adaptation from 2016 to 2023.
In Bungo Stray Dogs, we follow the young man Atsushi Nakajima, who after being expelled from his orphanage, encounters the eccentric Osamu Dazai. Dazai is a member of the Armed Detective Agency, and his encounter with Atsushi quickly embroils the latter in Yokohama’s supernatural underworld. The series brilliantly balances mystery-solving and high-stakes action, as the Agency combats criminal organizations and confronts its own tangled pasts.
Manga artist: Written by Kafka Asagiri/Illustrated by Sango Harukawa
Published: From 2012
Serialized in Young Ace
Did you enjoy the list of the greatest action manga series of all time? If you have watched only their anime adaptations, you should check the original powerful drawings on the manga!
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