Sports manga has been a significant genre in the world of Japanese comics for decades. From intense basketball rivalries to heart-pounding soccer matches, these stories not only capture the essence of competition but also delve deep into the human emotions behind every victory and defeat. What makes sports manga so compelling is their ability to inspire and entertain both fans of the sport and those who may not have an interest in athletics at all.
Today, we’ll explore the Top 10 Sports Manga that have left a lasting impression on the genre, not only through their powerful storytelling but also by dominating the sales charts. These series have garnered a massive fanbase and remain influential even today. Let’s jump right into the list.
Slam Dunk (Basketball)
Sports manga has been a significant genre in the world of Japanese comics for decades. From intense basketball rivalries to heart-pounding soccer matches, these stories not only capture the essence of competition but also delve deep into the human emotions behind every victory and defeat. What makes sports manga, so compelling is their ability to inspire and entertain both fans of the sport and those who may not have an interest in athletics at all.
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Hajime no Ippo (Boxing)
For fans of combat sports, Hajime no Ippo is a must-read. Written by George Morikawa, the series follows Ippo Makunouchi, a timid high school student who discovers his talent for boxing after being bullied. The manga showcases Ippo’s rise through the ranks of the boxing world, while exploring themes of self-discovery and courage.
With 100 million copies sold, Hajime no Ippo is one of the longest-running sports manga in history, and its popularity shows no signs of waning noted by its place at second on the top 10 sports manga list. The detailed boxing matches, emotional depth, and Ippo’s underdog story make it a fan favorite.
Touch (Baseball)
Baseball is one of Japan’s most popular sports, and Touch, by Mitsuru Adachi, is a testament to that. This romantic sports drama revolves around twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, who both share a passion for baseball and a love for the same girl, Minami. While Kazuya is the star athlete, Tatsuya is more laid-back but eventually steps up to fulfill his brother’s dream of reaching the Koshien, Japan’s high school baseball championship.
Touch has sold over 100 million copies, making it one of the best-selling sports manga of all time. Its combination of romance, sports, and drama makes it stand out in the genre.
Captain Tsubasa (Soccer)
When it comes to soccer manga, Captain Tsubasa stands above the rest. Created by Yoichi Takahashi, this series has been synonymous with the sport of soccer in Japan since its debut in 1981. It follows the story of Tsubasa Ozora, a young boy with a passion for soccer and dreams of winning the World Cup.
Captain Tsubasa is credited with inspiring many professional soccer players, not only in Japan but around the world. The series has sold over 90 million copies worldwide and has become an international phenomenon, with multiple anime adaptations and even a video game.
Major (Baseball)
Another baseball series that has dominated the charts is Major. Created by Takuya Mitsuda, Major follows the life of Goro Honda, from his early days in little league baseball to his career in the major leagues. The series covers multiple generations of Goro’s family, giving it a rich, multi-layered narrative.
Major has sold over 60.5 million copies and has had several anime adaptations, making it a favorite among baseball enthusiasts and general manga fans alike.
Haikyuu!! (Volleyball)
Haikyuu!! took the world by storm with its dynamic portrayal of high school volleyball. Written by Haruichi Furudate, the series follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but determined volleyball player who dreams of becoming a champion despite his physical limitations. Alongside his rival-turned-teammate, Tobio Kageyama, Hinata strives to take his team to the national tournament.
Since its debut in 2012, Haikyuu!! has sold over 60 million copies and has been praised for its exhilarating volleyball matches and heart-warming team dynamics. The anime adaptation has further boosted its global popularity, making it a cultural sensation.
The Prince of Tennis (Tennis)
For tennis lovers, The Prince of Tennis is a go-to series. Created by Takeshi Konomi, the manga follows Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy who aims to surpass his father’s legacy and become the best player in the world. The series is known for its intense matches and the various special techniques used by its characters, blending reality with some over-the-top action.
With over 60 million copies sold, The Prince of Tennis is one of the most successful sports manga of all time, spawning sequels, musicals, and even live-action adaptations, do you think it should be higher on the top 10 sports manga that dominated the sales charts list?
H2 (Baseball)
Another remarkable baseball manga that makes it into the top 10 sports manga by Mitsuru Adachi is H2. This series tells the story of Hiro Kunimi and Hideo Tachibana, two best friends and talented athletes who are forced to compete against each other. While Hiro has given up baseball due to an injury, fate draws him back to the sport, and soon he finds himself standing on the field once again.
H2 is a brilliant mix of high school drama, love triangles, and sports, with a unique focus on the tension and friendship between the main characters. The series sold over 55 million copies and remains a favorite among Adachi fans. H2’s realistic portrayal of baseball and heartfelt human relationships make it a gem in the world of sports manga.
Shoot! (Soccer)
While Captain Tsubasa remains the king of soccer manga, Shoot! Is another excellent series that deserves recognition, while many in the west may have not read of it, it’s large popularity in the east has cemented it’s spot on the top 10 sports manga of all time. Created by Tsukasa Ooshima, Shoot! follows Toshihiko Tanaka, a high school student who is passionate about soccer and joins the team to emulate his idol, Kubo Yoshiharu.
The series focuses on team dynamics, perseverance, and the emotional and physical demands of playing soccer at a competitive level. Shoot! was extremely popular in the 1990s, selling over 50 million copies, and was praised for its realistic portrayal of soccer and the challenges faced by players. The anime adaptation further solidified its place as one of the top soccer manga.
Dokaben (Baseball)
Dokaben, written by Shinji Mizushima, is another classic baseball manga and deserves its spot at ten on the top 10 sports manga that has left a lasting legacy. It follows Taro Yamada, a high school catcher, and his rise to become a baseball star. As one of the earliest baseball manga, Dokaben helped lay the foundation for the genre’s popularity in Japan.
With over 48 million copies sold, Dokaben remains a beloved series for both baseball enthusiasts and manga fans alike. Its influence on future baseball manga is undeniable, cementing its place in sports manga history.
Honorable Mentions
While the above manga have dominated sales charts, a few newer series are making waves in the world of sports manga. Blue Lock, a soccer series focused on finding the best striker for Japan’s national team, is gaining momentum and could soon break into the top-selling lists. Similarly, One Outs, a psychological baseball thriller, and The Climber, a gripping mountain climbing manga, are also worth keeping an eye on.
Where to Read Sports Manga
If you’re eager to explore these legendary sports manga, there are several platforms where you can read them:
- Shonen Jump: Offers access to popular titles like Haikyuu!! and Slam Dunk.
- Manga Plus by Shueisha: Provides free access to many sports manga series.
These apps provide a legal and affordable way to enjoy your favorite manga, Find the full list of free manga apps here.
Conclusion
The top 10 sports manga listed here have not only dominated sales charts but have also inspired readers worldwide. Their stories of perseverance, teamwork, and individual growth resonate deeply with audiences, whether they are fans of the sports depicted or not. These manga go beyond just portraying athletic competition—they offer life lessons and characters that stay with you long after the final page is turned.
Bold Prediction: Keep an eye on Blue Lock—its rise in popularity, especially with soccer fever at an all-time high, could soon make it a top contender in the sports manga sales rankings!
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