14 Longest Manga Series Ever

Golgo 13

Length: 200+ volumes (still ongoing)
Launched in 1968 by Takao Saito, Golgo 13 is the longest-running manga series in terms of volumes published. It follows the mysterious and professional assassin Duke Togo, also known as Golgo 13, whose expertise in sniper missions is unparalleled. The series delves into espionage, political intrigue, and tactical assassinations, blending realism with thrilling storytelling. Its episodic nature keeps the storyline fresh, while its protagonist remains an enigma throughout decades of publication. Despite its longevity, the art and narrative style have adapted subtly over the years to remain contemporary. Many readers appreciate its realistic depiction of weapons and tactics. With an enduring legacy, Golgo 13 stands as a testament to the power of consistent, quality storytelling.

KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops

Length: 201 volumes
Running from 1976 to 2016, KochiKame by Osamu Akimoto holds the record for the most volumes published for a single series. This comedy series centers around Kankichi Ryotsu, a bumbling yet lovable police officer stationed in a small-town precinct. The humor often stems from Ryotsu’s get-rich-quick schemes that hilariously backfire. Over its 40-year span, the manga captured the essence of changing times in Japan, from the economic boom to digital innovation. Each chapter serves as a standalone story, making it accessible and endlessly enjoyable. The series concluded with its 200th volume, leaving fans nostalgic yet satisfied. Even after its end, KochiKame remains a cultural phenomenon.

Oishinbo

Length: 111 volumes
Created by Tetsu Kariya and Akira Hanasaki in 1983, Oishinbo revolves around culinary journalism. The story follows Yamaoka Shiro, a journalist tasked with creating the “ultimate menu” for his newspaper, while often clashing with his estranged father, a culinary expert. Each volume dives into intricate food cultures and traditions, blending storytelling with recipes. The manga is celebrated for its deep exploration of Japanese cuisine, even influencing real-life food enthusiasts. Controversial at times for its portrayal of social and political issues, the series halted in 2014 but remains a cornerstone in food manga. Its attention to detail and mouthwatering depictions of dishes keep readers hooked. Many consider it a savory slice of Japanese culture.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Length: 130+ volumes (still ongoing)
Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure began in 1987 and has since become a cultural phenomenon. Divided into distinct parts, each featuring a new protagonist from the Joestar bloodline, the series covers diverse settings and themes. Known for its eccentric art style and imaginative battles, JoJo’s redefined the shonen genre. The “Stand” concept introduced unique supernatural abilities, keeping the series inventive. Its iconic catchphrases and flamboyant characters have cemented its place in pop culture globally. Despite its long run, Araki’s art style has evolved significantly, maintaining the series’ freshness. With its mix of action, mystery, and sheer creativity, JoJo’s remains a masterpiece.

Hajime no Ippo

Length: 140+ volumes (still ongoing)
This boxing manga by George Morikawa debuted in 1989 and continues to pack a punch. It follows Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high schooler who transforms into a professional boxer. The manga excels in portraying character growth, combining emotional storytelling with thrilling match sequences. Each bout is meticulously illustrated, showcasing the technical and psychological aspects of boxing. Its humor and heartfelt moments add depth, making readers root for Ippo’s journey. Despite its length, the story maintains a consistent narrative, delving into rivalries and personal struggles. It’s a heavyweight in the sports manga genre.

Detective Conan (Case Closed)

Length: 100+ volumes (still ongoing)
Gosho Aoyama’s Detective Conan has been unraveling mysteries since 1994. It follows Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective turned into a child after being poisoned. Under the alias Conan Edogawa, he solves cases while searching for the antidote. The manga blends clever mysteries with engaging character dynamics, keeping fans guessing. Its episodic format allows for inventive plots while a deeper conspiracy weaves through the overarching story. The series’ blend of humor, suspense, and romance appeals to a broad audience. Despite its age, it remains a staple of the mystery genre.

One Piece

Length: 100+ volumes (still ongoing)
Since 1997, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been sailing the high seas of manga success. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the legendary treasure, One Piece. Known for its imaginative world-building and heartfelt storytelling, the manga has broken numerous records. Oda masterfully balances humor, action, and drama, making each arc memorable. Its sprawling cast of characters ensures a diverse and engaging narrative. With themes of friendship and freedom, One Piece resonates across generations. It remains a titan in manga history.

Baki the Grappler

Length: 140+ volumes (across multiple series)
Keisuke Itagaki’s Baki saga began in 1991, chronicling the journey of Baki Hanma, a martial artist aiming to surpass his father. The series stands out for its brutal, high-octane fight scenes and exaggerated anatomy. Each arc introduces powerful opponents, pushing Baki to his limits. The narrative explores themes of strength, family, and perseverance. Its artwork emphasizes dynamic motion, capturing the intensity of combat. Over the years, Baki has spawned sequels, maintaining its popularity. Fans adore its blend of absurdity and raw action.

Crayon Shin-chan

Length: 50+ volumes (still ongoing)
Yoshito Usui’s Crayon Shin-chan debuted in 1990 and follows the mischievous antics of a five-year-old boy, Shinnosuke Nohara. The series is known for its crude humor and satirical take on everyday life. Despite its simple premise, it captures the absurdity of adulthood through a child’s lens. The art style is intentionally rough, matching the series’ chaotic energy. Its episodic structure ensures endless laughs, appealing to all ages. Over the decades, it has become a beloved staple in Japanese culture. Shin-chan remains timeless in its comedic charm.

Glass Mask

Length: 50+ volumes (still ongoing)
Suzue Miuchi’s Glass Mask is a compelling shojo manga that began in 1976. The story revolves around Maya Kitajima, a young girl with immense talent and dreams of becoming a renowned actress. Her journey is marked by intense rivalries, emotional struggles, and grueling training sessions. Known for its dramatic flair and intricate storytelling, the series captivates readers with its portrayal of the performing arts. The emotional depth of the characters makes it easy to empathize with their aspirations and conflicts. Despite hiatuses over the years, its fans remain loyal, eagerly awaiting new chapters. Glass Mask is a timeless tale of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Ashita no Joe

Length: 20 volumes (shorter compared to others, but legendary influence)
This iconic sports drama by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba debuted in 1968 and spanned over a decade. It tells the story of Joe Yabuki, a troubled youth who finds purpose through boxing. The series explores themes of redemption, social inequality, and human endurance, resonating deeply with post-war Japan. While not the longest series in volume count, its cultural impact on manga and anime cannot be overstated. Joe’s character arc, filled with triumphs and heartbreak, keeps readers emotionally invested. Its gritty art style and compelling narrative set a benchmark for sports manga. Ashita no Joe remains a must-read classic.

Prince of Tennis

Length: 42 volumes, followed by sequels (still ongoing)
Takeshi Konomi’s Prince of Tennis began in 1999, centering around Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy. The series combines intense sports action with character-driven storytelling, making tennis accessible and exciting. It’s known for its over-the-top moves and dramatic matches, blending realism with fantasy. Each arc introduces new challenges and rivalries, ensuring an engaging narrative. The sequel, New Prince of Tennis, continues the legacy, delving into more advanced tournaments. Fans admire its dynamic art style and detailed match strategies. Prince of Tennis remains a staple in sports manga, inspiring readers to pick up a racket.

Major

Length: 78 volumes
Takuya Mitsuda’s Major is a baseball manga that ran from 1994 to 2010, chronicling the life of Goro Honda. Starting from childhood, the series follows Goro’s journey through different leagues, countries, and life stages. Its multi-generational storytelling makes it unique, showcasing the evolution of a single player. The manga balances intense sports action with emotional depth, highlighting the sacrifices athletes make. Readers connect with Goro’s unwavering determination and growth. The art effectively captures the tension and exhilaration of matches. Major is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of baseball.

Doraemon

Length: 45 volumes, but its legacy extends across multiple spin-offs
Fujiko F. Fujio’s Doraemon first appeared in 1969, enchanting generations with its imaginative tales. The story follows a robotic cat, Doraemon, who travels back in time to help a boy named Nobita. Its episodic format features gadgets from the future, each leading to humorous or heartwarming situations. The series cleverly balances life lessons with lighthearted fun, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Its simplistic yet charming art style enhances its timeless appeal. Beyond the manga, Doraemon has become a cultural icon, with adaptations in anime, films, and merchandise. It remains a symbol of creativity and friendship.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

More From Rarest.Org