The long and storied history of the manga medium is rife with exceptional artwork and storytelling. Considering its wide variety of genres and styles over the years, manga has managed to capture all manner of imaginations and demographics.
As important as the script is, it also falls to the artwork to tell and sell the story on offer. A select few series have taken this to the next level, employing all manner of clever, intricate techniques to bring characters and situations to life. From remarkable detailed, well-developed action scenes to sensitive, richly detailed facial expressions and character development, these series have successfully captured the eye of the reader in a way few could ever even attempt.
5 Attack On Titan Is An Epic, End Times Series
MyAnimeList: 8.55
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Shonen
- Writer/Artist: Hajime Isayama
- First Issue: September 9, 2009
The titular Titans run rampant in this apocalyptic hit. As a consequence of this near-extinction-level event, humans are forced to live behind enormous walls that keep the terrifying giants out.
Following a compelling cast of troubled heroes tasked with taking the fight to the Titans, the series tackled a variety of existentialist themes. Unsurprisingly, the warfare with grisly, scary giants gives the series plenty of space for wild, surreal action scenes that provide great intensity and jaw-dropping destruction. A knack for harrowing facial expressions is also present throughout the series, capturing the fear and dread the characters must endure. With powerful panel composition, Attack on Titan set itself apart in the manga medium time and time again in the art department.
4 Akira Is A Cyberpunk Masterpiece
MyAnimeList: 8.66
- Genres: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi
- Writer/Author: Katsuhiro Otomo
- First Issue: December 20, 1982
This seminal manga takes readers to a grim, dystopian Tokyo still reeling from a disaster 30 years prior. Readers meet a selection of dark, troubled characters, who must come together to stop a telekinetic menace from destroying Neo-Tokyo.
The destruction of the city would bring about the arrival of the titular Akira, a monstrously powerful, enigmatic figure. A classic entry in the much-loved cyberpunk genre, Akira’s artwork is bolstered by its intricate, immersive cityscapes and its famously intense action sequences. The use of motorbikes through lead protagonist Shotaro Kaneda lends a sense of thrill-seeking to the action, with Otomo perfectly capturing the danger and excitement of riding at high speeds. Sharp uses of contrast add to the gritty, high-tech vibe of the story and the setting’s esthetic, making for a gripping, atmospheric read.
3 Death Note Is A Dark, Confronting Look At Unchecked Power
MyAnimeList: 8.69
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
- Writer/Artist: Tsugumi Onba/Takeshi Obata
- First Issue: December 1, 2003
Brainy high-schooler Light Yagami’s life is forever changed when he gets his hands on a mysterious, potentially deadly notebook. The supernatural item allows Yagami to be rid of anyone he pleases, as writing their name down in the book ensures their death.
The book leads to Yagami becoming a deadly vigilante, as he seeks to use the book to cleanse the world of its criminal elements. It turns out that the dangerous shinigami Ryuk is behind Yagami getting the book, and is seemingly entertained by the youngster’s efforts with the book. With striking character designs, a consistently eerie atmosphere, and a variety of clever uses of visual symbolism, Death Note’s art greatly enhances the dark, macabre themes and tone of the series.
2 One Piece Is A Wildly Imaginative Pirate Adventure
MyAnimeList: 9.22
- Genres: Shonen, Adventure
- Writer/Artist: Eiichiro Oda
- First Issue: July 22, 1997
This long-running fan-favorite series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. The team are always on the lookout for the ultimate treasure, the titular One Piece.
The manga benefits greatly from its energetic art style. Some of its highlights include the imaginative character designs, as well as the remarkably expressive, fluid movement depicted throughout the series. The result is a remarkably well-developed world full of colorful characters, monsters, lore, and lively action that has ensured this pirate series remains a top-seller to this day, with successful anime and live-action adaptations having also hit screens over the years.
1 Berserk Is A Brutal, Revenge-Focused Fantasy Series
MyAnimeList: 9.47
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Seinen
- Writer/Artist: Kentaro Miura
- First issue: August 25, 1989
This notoriously ferocious series follows the blood-soaked life of Guts, a lone warrior in a bleak, fantasy world full of death and destruction. The series centers on his journey through trauma, combat, and revenge in a medieval setting.
Visually, the often relentless series stands out due to its incredibly detailed, impressively dynamic action scenes. Better still, every emotion, from subtle reactions to all-out rage, is captured with emotional depth in brilliantly rendered facial expressions. A dramatic use of shading often aids in establishing the emotional states and expressions of characters, further highlighting the on-point artistic techniques that have brought this beloved series to such vivid life over the years.
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