Manga, the dynamic art form from Japan, has given the world a wealth of unforgettable stories and characters.
The genre has been home to some of the most talented and visionary artists, whose works have shaped the industry and influenced countless generations.
From the action-packed worlds of Naruto and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure to the mystical realms of Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, the most famous manga artists have gifted us with timeless classics and groundbreaking masterpieces.
In this article, we pay homage to these iconic creators, exploring their unique styles, inspirations, and contributions to the world of manga.
What is a Manga Artist
A manga artist, also known as a mangaka, is a creator who specializes in producing manga. They are responsible for developing the story, characters, and artwork that make up the manga.
The manga artist is often a one-person team, responsible for every aspect of the creation process, from the initial concept to the final product. This includes the script, storyboarding, penciling, inking, lettering, and coloring.
Manga artists must possess a range of skills, including a strong sense of storytelling, character design, and illustration. They must also be able to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines, as manga series are typically serialized in magazines on a weekly or monthly basis.
The most successful manga artists have a distinct style and voice that sets them apart, building a dedicated fan base that eagerly anticipates each new release.
Most Famous Japanese Manga Artists
Masashi Kishimoto – Naruto
Japanese manga artists have had a profound impact on the world of comics. One of the most famous is Masashi Kishimoto, who created the hit manga series Naruto. The story of Naruto, a young ninja with big dreams, captured the hearts of millions and became a cultural phenomenon.
Naruto forms part of the Shonen genre of anime. Shonen manga and anime are targeted towards adolescent boys and young men. Naruto has attracted the attention of over 250 million viewers and readers globally.
In addition to the Naruto series, there are four other series, including Naruto Shippuden, Naruto Hurricane Chronicles, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and Kakashi Gaiden. There are also 11 official Naruto movies that were released between 2002 and 2016.
Masashi Kishimoto was born on November 8th, 1974 in Okayama, Japan. Kishimoto had a keen interest in art from a young age and aspired to become a manga artist. After graduating from college, Kishimoto began submitting his work to publishers, but it wasn’t until he created Naruto that he achieved success. Kishimoto’s journey to success was not easy, and he faced several rejections before Naruto was finally published. However, his perseverance paid off as Naruto went on to become one of the most successful manga series of all time.
Kishimoto’s inspiration for Naruto came from his love of the Japanese folklore character, the tanuki, which is a mischievous raccoon dog that can shape-shift into different forms. Kishimoto also drew inspiration from his own experiences as a youth, having grown up in a rural area of Japan. Through his work, Kishimoto has become a cultural icon in Japan and has inspired a new generation of manga artists both in Japan and around the world.
Kishimoto reflects on the evolution of manga in his interview with Entertainment Weekly:
“Manga was already starting to trickle outside Japan when my series started. So I don’t know that I can take credit for the spread [of manga]. During the series, manga exploded, and I must say that part of what made Naruto successful was the globalization of manga, and the fact that all over the world, fans can enjoy and read manga even though the reading order is different than what people are used to. Originally, manga was this little niche industry, only appreciated by fans even in Japan. Now most laypeople are aware”.
Akira Toriyama – Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama is widely recognized as one of the most famous manga artists in the world, particularly due to his iconic creation, Dragon Ball. The series has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Shonen manga series of all time. Its success is attributed to Toriyama’s unique art style, engaging storylines, and dynamic characters that have captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
Dragon Ball’s popularity has also led to the creation of various anime adaptations and numerous video games. The series has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of anime and manga in the Western world.
Akira Toriyama’s works continue to be influential and inspiring to many manga artists and fans around the world, cementing his status as one of the most significant contributors to the medium. In fact, Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto’s creator, found his love for anime and manga through watching Dragon Ball.
It’s almost impossible to mistake Toriyama’s art style for anyone else’s, with its bold clarity and childlike charm. His characters’ expressions are filled with joy and innocence, their physical designs soft and welcoming. Toriyama’s linework is clean and uncluttered, with every shape made from clear, crisp lines that are either round or sharp. Even in black and white, his art is extremely vibrant and energetic, making it impossible not to be drawn into the world he creates.
However, Toriyama’s art is more than just a style. It is a testament to his genius in framing, flow, and focus. His manga panels and pages have a natural flow that guides the reader’s eye from one scene to the next, almost like watching an animation. This is especially evident in Dragon Ball, where the placement of characters and movement of the scene draw the reader in and create an illusion of motion. It is a masterclass in savvy design that shows Toriyama’s empathy for his readers, particularly the children who fell in love with Dragon Ball.
It is this combination of artistry and storytelling that has made Toriyama one of the greatest manga artists of all time, inspiring countless fans and artists alike.
As another wonderful reminder of how manga artists shape and influence the work of their peers Toriyama reflects on the 1st animation he ever saw in his interview with Daizenshuu:
*Translated to English
“I don’t remember the very first animation I saw, but the one that stays deepest in my memory is definitely Astro Boy. I sent away for some kind of sweepstakes or something, and collected Astro Boy stickers and such. After that, I saw One Hundred and One Dalmatians. I remember that film’s art being just wonderful. Apart from that, I also watched Osomatsu-kun; everybody was imitating Iyami’s “She—i!” pose. (laughs) I also liked 8-Man”.
Famous Women Manga Artists
Caption: CLAMP artists: Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi
CLAMP is a name that has become synonymous with innovation and versatility in the world of manga. The all-women mangaka group has redefined what it means to be a manga artist, consistently producing works that push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium. Their unique perspective has helped them create some of the most iconic and beloved titles in manga history, from the magical girl classic Cardcaptor Sakura to the post-apocalyptic epic X.
What makes CLAMP’s work stand out is their ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles. They have created stories that are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, mixing sci-fi and romance, fantasy and horror, and everything in between. It’s this versatility that has allowed them to capture the hearts of readers all over the world, inspiring a new generation of women artists to follow in their footsteps.
And while they may have faced some challenges as an all-women group in a male-dominated industry, CLAMP has proven time and time again that talent and dedication can overcome any obstacle.
xxxHolic
One of CLAMP’s most successful works, xxxHolic, is a perfect example of their unique approach to storytelling. The series follows the adventures of Watanuki Kimihiro, a high school student with the ability to see spirits, who finds himself working in a mysterious shop run by the enigmatic Yuuko.
The series is a perfect blend of supernatural elements and comedy, with references to literature and art that add depth and complexity to the story. It’s this kind of attention to detail and creativity that has made CLAMP one of the most respected and admired mangaka groups in the world.
Most Famous Horror Manga Artists
Sui Ishida – Tokyo Ghoul
When it comes to horror manga, Sui Ishida is a name that is impossible to ignore. His Tokyo Ghoul manga series has captured the imagination of fans all over the world with its unique style and compelling storylines. The manga is set in a world where flesh-eating ghouls exist alongside humans, and the protagonist, Ken Kaneki, is caught up in the conflict between the two groups.
What sets Tokyo Ghoul apart from other horror manga is its blend of dark fantasy and psychological depth. Ishida masterfully weaves together the elements of horror with complex character development and world-building to create a rich and satisfying narrative.
The popularity of Tokyo Ghoul cannot be overstated. It has sold over 44 million copies, making it one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time. The anime adaptation and live-action film have only served to increase its fanbase, introducing new viewers to the dark and twisted world that Ishida has created.
The manga’s unique style, with its highly-detailed illustrations and intricate plot, has inspired countless other horror manga artists, making it a true trailblazer in the genre. Fans of Tokyo Ghoul can attest to its gripping storyline and unforgettable characters, which have earned it a place in the canon of classic manga series.
Sui Ishida was born in Fukuoka, Japan, on December 28, 1986. Although little is known about his early life, Ishida shared on social media that he was more inclined towards sports, particularly swinging on horizontal bars, than reading during his childhood. Before making a name for himself in the manga industry, Ishida briefly worked as a tattoo artist.
He also wrote two webcomics under the pen names Nashimoto and Sotonami, with the former being lost due to hard drive issues. In 2010, Ishida’s Tokyo Ghoul oneshot won the prestigious Young Jump 113th Grand Prix award, which led to its serialization in Weekly Young Jump in September 2011.
In addition to the Tokyo Ghoul series, Ishida created Tokyo Ghoul: Jack in 2013 and its sequel, Tokyo Ghoul:re, in 2014. After the conclusion of Tokyo Ghoul:re in July 2018, Ishida focused on creating the otome game, Jack Jeanne, which was released in 2021. Currently, Ishida is serializing his latest manga, Choujin X, in Tonari no Young magazine while creating content for his YouTube channel.
Kentaro Miura – Berserk
Kentaro Miura was one of the most famous manga artists known for his dark and gruesome masterpiece, Berserk. The Seinen manga series is set in a grim Medieval European Fantasy world and follows the story of Guts, a warrior haunted by his past and seeking revenge against his once-best friend who betrayed him to the demon gods.
Miura’s intricate and detailed pen-and-ink artwork sets Berserk apart from other manga. While most manga are created through an assembly-line process, Miura drew most of Berserk himself, employing an almost obsessive use of minute cross hatching and other textural details. His diverse sources of inspiration included both Japanese and Western influences, from the Guin Saga to Disney and Paul Verhoeven films.
Born on July 11, 1966, to artist parents, Miura began drawing at a young age and won a New Artist Award from the leading manga magazine Weekly Shonen as a teenager. After graduating from the art college of Nihon University in Tokyo, he dedicated his career to drawing thousands of pages of Berserk.
In 2017, after over three years of anticipation, Miura completed volume 38 of the Berserk saga, which was met with great excitement by fans. With over 1.2 million copies sold in North America alone, Berserk became one of the most popular and longest-running seinen series ever published, earning a spot on the New York Times best-selling manga list.
Kentaro Miura’s passion for creating Berserk is reflected not just in his intricate drawings but also in his storytelling. He wrote the story in a way that evokes a range of emotions from the readers, from fear and disgust to empathy and admiration. The characters in Berserk are complex and multidimensional, making it hard for readers to not become invested in their stories. Miura also didn’t shy away from tackling mature themes, such as betrayal, trauma, and the corrupt nature of power, which added depth and realism to the story.
Miura’s dedication to his work was unparalleled. He often worked for long hours, sometimes not sleeping for days on end, to ensure that each panel was perfect. His meticulous attention to detail and use of various influences helped create a world that was not only fantastical but also believable. Despite his sudden passing in 2021, Miura’s legacy lives on through his masterpiece Berserk, which continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.
Most Prolific Women Manga Artists of All Time
Rumiko Takahashi – Inuyasha
Rumiko Takahashi is a name that any manga or anime fan should be familiar with. As the best-selling female comic artist in history, with over 200 million copies of her work sold worldwide, Takahashi’s iconic characters and stories have become beloved across the globe.
Some of her best-known works include Urusei Yatsura and Ranma 1/2, both of which are romantic comedies with supernatural elements. Urusei Yatsura was Takahashi’s big break into the world of manga, but Ranma 1/2 became an anime that spoke to so many people. Ranma 1/2 even became a symbol for the Trans community as Ranma became viewed as a huge Trans icon.
However, Takahashi’s greatest achievement is arguably Inuyasha. Her take on the ever-popular isekai story follows a girl named Kagome Higurashi who finds herself transported to an alternate reality based around the ancient Japanese Sengoku period. There, she meets a half-human half-demon warrior named Inuyasha, and the two team up to help her find a way home.
The series was a departure from Takahashi’s usual comedic roots by being more focused on a serious action story. This landed well with fans as the series sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone and gained an anime, countless films, and even a sequel series named Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon that finished its second season in 2022.
Inuyasha, Ranma 1/2, and Urusei Yatsura are undoubtedly Rumiko Takahashi’s best-known works. But it’s interesting to note that Inuyasha alone sold more than 50 million copies in Japan and has received multiple adaptations, from light novels to video games.
And while Takahashi had little involvement in the sequel series, Yashahime, the fact that her original work still resonates with audiences is a testament to her talent as a manga artist. So whether you’re a fan of her romantic comedies or her serious action stories, there’s no denying that Rumiko Takahashi is one of the most influential and successful manga artists of all time.
Naoko Takeuchi – Sailor Moon
In 1992, Naoko Takeuchi’s iconic manga series Sailor Moon burst onto the scene, becoming an instant hit among young girls in Japan. Originally, the main character was intended to be a boy who transformed into a hero, but Takeuchi’s editor convinced her to change the protagonist to a girl, which ultimately proved to be a brilliant decision.
The timing of the series’ launch was significant, coinciding with the end of the Cold War and the start of a new era of Japanese history. Despite this tumultuous backdrop, Sailor Moon captured the hearts of young readers with its relatable heroine, 14-year-old Tsukino Usagi, who struggles with the everyday problems of school and family, but is destined to become a powerful warrior fighting for love and justice.
Thanks to the popularity of the manga, an anime adaptation was quickly commissioned and released in March of the same year. The anime initially struggled to find an audience, but once viewers discovered the true identity of Tsukino as a princess from the moon, the popularity of Sailor Moon exploded. Tie-in merchandise, including toys, replica Moon Stick wands, dolls, snacks, and clothing, quickly became bestsellers, leading to annual sales of some ¥200 million.
The franchise set a new record for a shōjo manga first edition, topping 1 million to sell 1.3 million copies. Nakayoshi magazine, where the manga was serialized, more than doubled its circulation from 800,000 copies to 2 million in 1993. By the end of the financial year in March 1995, primary sponsor Bandai had sold more tie-in products than even the company could keep track of.
Three decades later, Sailor Moon remains a beloved and influential part of Japanese pop culture, with fans eagerly anticipating new projects and collaborations, like the recent tie-in between the movie Sailor Moon Eternal and Sanrio Characters.
The Godfather of Manga and Anime
Osamu Tezuka – Astro boy
Osamu Tezuka, the visionary behind the mesmerizing world of anime and manga, earned the nickname “godfather of anime” for his unparalleled artistic genius.
With over 700 manga titles and 60+ anime productions to his credit, Tezuka is one of the most prolific Japanese manga creators in history. His iconic creation, Astro Boy, took the anime industry by storm and established a legacy that continues to thrive today.
Tezuka’s influence extends beyond his artistic prowess. He is credited with establishing the anime industry’s template of adapting Japanese comics or manga into animated TV shows and exporting them worldwide. This industry has had a profound impact on Japanese culture, and Tezuka’s role in its creation is immeasurable.
Despite his towering status in the world of anime and manga, much of Tezuka’s work remains underappreciated outside Japan. Licensing, translating, and publishing his vast body of work overseas has been an uphill battle, but Tezuka’s influence on American culture is undeniable.
His distinctive art style and imaginative storytelling have influenced works by greats like Stanley Kubrick and the blockbuster film The Lion King, which borrowed plot points and artistic references from Tezuka’s beloved work, Kimba, the White Lion.
The translated, 900-page epic The Osamu Tezuka Story, penned by Frederik L. Schodt and published by Stone Bridge Press, is a comprehensive exploration of Tezuka’s life and his lasting impact on Japanese culture. A must-read for die-hard Tezuka fans and an essential guide for anyone interested in the history of manga and anime, as well as postwar Japan’s transformation into a modern industrialized society.
The book also delves into the way Tezuka revolutionized Japanese postwar society, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts.
Final thoughts on the most famous manga artists
In conclusion, the world of manga has been shaped and defined by many talented artists, each with their own unique style and approach. From the legendary Osamu Tezuka, the Godfather of Manga and Anime, to the most famous contemporary manga artists like Masashi Kishimoto, Akira Toriyama, and Sui Ishida, the impact of their works is felt not just in Japan, but around the world.
We’ve explored the works of many famous women manga artists as well, including the brilliant creations of CLAMP’s xxxHolic, and the epic tales of Rumiko Takahashi’s Inuyasha and Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon. These are some of the most prolific women manga artists of all time, who have produced countless beloved stories and characters.
We also delved into the horror genre, which has been expertly crafted by the likes of Sui Ishida’s Tokyo Ghoul and Kentaro Miura’s Berserk. These manga artists have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling and have created dark and terrifying worlds that captivate readers.
It’s clear that manga has become a global phenomenon, and there are countless more artists and stories to be explored. So, whether you’re a long-time fan of manga or just getting started, be sure to check out our blog page for more informative and engaging content on the most famous manga artists of all time. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite manga artist.
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