Anime continues to gain popularity daily, dominating streaming services and becoming a global sensation that can appeal to everyone. However, most of those shows are adapted from manga, such as One Piece, and there are countless more revolutionary and timeless stories on paper. Despite not being as popular, manga have certain aspects that are much better than their adaptations, mainly their art.
The best part about manga is its art and pacing, but the former is undoubtedly some of the greatest in any comic format, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest manga with the best art styles. Taking into consideration both the quality and style of the art, this ranking will primarily focus on the originality and detail of the art style. Art can make or break a series, but for these ten manga, its style is definitely the best part.
10
‘The Climber’ (2007-2011)
With some manga that differentiate themselves with unique art styles, The Climber opts for a realistic style that dazzles viewers. The protagonist is a loner who wants nothing to do with people, but when he discovers climbing, he learns that it’s dangerous to go alone. Thus starts his inner conflict of wanting to be alone, but also needing to climb, wondering which he will give in to first.
The Climber has some of the best and most detailed art in manga, but the realistic style seals the deal, making it a standout. The way Shin-ichi Sakamoto draws faces, lips, and hands is different than most manga, putting more credence into those aspects to showcase the human side of his art. The grand shots of the scenery and the mental illusions are also magnificent, making The Climber one of the most beautiful manga of all time.
9
‘Witch Hat Atelier’ (2016)
Fans are still waiting for the anime’s supposed 2025 release date, and while they are likely going to wait until 2026, the Witch Hat Atelier manga is heating up. When a young girl discovers the secrets of magic, the witches allow her to train under them in order to learn the craft and make spells, hoping to be able to reverse the curse placed on her mother.
Great art is an essential part of fantasy manga, as it makes the mystical world more immersive and convincing, thus increasing the reader’s sense of awe; indeed, more than any other genre, fantasy in manga lives and dies with its visuals. Witch Hat Atelier doesn’t slack on its worldbuilding or its drawing, piecing together a wonderful setting that is as beautiful as it is captivating. The art style perfectly fits the vibe and whimsical feeling, merging to create one of the best fantasy manga series of all time.
8
‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ (2014)
Everyone loves a spooky series now and then, and they commonly have distinct and impactful art styles, such as Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun. When a young girl makes a wish to the titular spirit haunting the bathroom, their fates become intertwined as they navigate the school’s spirits. However, darker forces lie in wait, prompting Nene, Hanako, and Kou to investigate.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is all about the vibe and aesthetic, and its art style perfectly represents that, nailing the spooky feeling. The thick outlines, vibrant colors, peculiar dimensions, and abstract designs combine to create one of the most visually appealing art styles in manga. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is worth reading for the art style alone, especially since spooky season is right around the corner.
7
‘Vagabond’ (1998-2015)
Miyamoto Musashi is a legendary figure in Japanese history, and Vagabond dramatizes his legacy to create one of the best manga ever. Born in a small town, Takezo and Matahachi set out to war to become noble warriors, but while the latter is a fraud, the former becomes a respected fighter. However, Takezo/Musashi’s journey to become the strongest is full of strong opponents, self-doubt, and philosophical insight.
Like The Climber, Vagabond is known for its realistic art style, which is partly why it’s so revered. The character designs and face expressions are some of the most realistic in manga, and the backgrounds are just as beautifully detailed. However, the illustrations, paneling, and visual direction are also all phenomenal, making this series a masterpiece in almost every single aspect.
6
‘Gokurakugai’ (2022-)
As one of the newest series on this list, Gokurakugai needed to separate itself from its competition to gain such recognition in such a short time. Maga are dangerous creatures spawned from corpses that are usually responsible for a large number of disappearances. Luckily, the two agents at Gokurakugai will take on any request, helping find missing people and dealing with these monsters.
Gokurakugai will no doubt be a hit when it becomes an anime, but for now, fans should read this recent hit series not just for its fun characters and story, but also for its stunning art style. Gokurakugai has amazing character drawing, adding so much detail, style, and expression in each character. Every panel is bold, clean, and uses color well, making it one of the best modern manga series.
5
‘Gachiakuta’ (2022-)
Speaking of modern manga series, Gachiakuta is another manga from 2022 that just received an anime adaptation in 2025, proving its popularity in a short time. After the people in their pearly white buildings blame Rudo for a crime he didn’t commit, they send him down with the trash, where he discovers a new world. With his divine artifact, Rudo aims to make it back up and take revenge on whoever framed him.
The creator, Kei Urana, was an avid fan and editor for Atsushi Ookubo, the creator of Soul Eater and Fire Force, which also have a distinct art style. Fans can feel her influence breathe life into her inspired art style, brimming with grunge, punk-rock, and gorgeous visuals. Gachiakuta uses its messy style to mirror themes and match the vibe, creating a spectacle that is hard to look away from.
4
‘Dorohedoro’ (2000-2018)
Like Witch Hat Atelier, fans are still waiting for Dorohedoro‘s new anime, which is supposed to come out in 2025. Regardless, the manga is more than worth it, as the art is stunning. Caiman is the product of a wizard experimenting on him, but with no memories and the head of a crocodile, his only path is to figure out who did this to him.
Dorohedoro is one of the wackiest, most inventive and darkest manga series out there. While its story, mystery, characters, and worldbuilding are all superb, the art style is one of its best elements. The dirt-punk aesthetic may seem messy, but its visual style is indicative of the world, story, and themes, making it a perfect match. The creative world breeds innovation and stunning art, which is why Dorohedoro is so high on this list.
3
‘One-Punch Man’ (2012)
A lot of manga on this list seem to be getting an anime in 2025, as One-Punch Man Season 3 will air in October 2025. Saitama may be the strongest hero, to the point where he defeats his opponents in one punch, and no longer finds joy in fights. However, no one recognizes his talents, even though he defeats some of Earth’s biggest threats.
One-Punch Man is a manga known for its action, riveting fights, and engaging characters, but all of that is possible because it has some of the best artwork in manga history. Its detailed and stylized panels are gorgeous to look at, and the semi-goofy, semi-serious character designs are the perfect balance of both. There’s a distinct blend of absurdity and seriousness that makes the whole thing even more impactful, further increasing its standing.
2
‘Berserk’ (1989-)
Berserk qualifies for almost any list about manga because it is so good, and this list is no different. After being born into a hellish world, Guts’ life is bleak and traumatic, with a glimmer of hope when he joins the Band of the Hawk. However, one betrayal would take everything away from him, sending Guts on a blood-fueled revenge quest.
This series has a realistic yet very dark fantasy art style that is equal parts striking and discomforting, creating the perfect image for this world. However, Kentaro Miura’s detailed and perfectionist art is why Berserk is the best manga of all time. He spends so much time on the details and scale, creating what is probably the most visually and technically impressive comic ever.
1
‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (1986-)
Even though Berserk has the best art of all time in a manga, it doesn’t quite have the best art style; that honor goes to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Every part follows a new member in the Joestar lineage in a new setting, battling a different villain. From stopping a vampire from taking over the world to taking down a serial killer with a hand fetish, every adventure is something new.
Hirohiko Araki‘s art style has changed over the years, but it is flawless every single time, using his popping colors, distinct facial features, and keen sense of style to create vibrant and glamorous artwork. This art style has no similar opposition, making it the most original in the medium, not to mention the most mesmerizing. As JoJo’s new anime gears up, fans should read the manga and witness the most stunning art style in manga.
Other Articles
Med City Art Festival is held in downtown Rochester
No Comment! Be the first one.