As 2022 comes to a close, manga readers can finally look back at all the series that they started or finished reading throughout the year. There is no shortage of top-quality manga, but some readers tend to enjoy one series more than the other.
These series can be considered a cut above the rest as they offer more in terms of story, world-building, action, etc. The unmistakable quality of these manga series was reflected in their sales and the reviews that fans posted on various social media platforms. After putting all that into consideration, here are the best manga of 2022.
This list is not ranked.
10 My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia has become one of the go-to manga series for any new fan interested in the medium. The manga is currently in the "Final War arc," which is why fans are drawn into the series more than ever. There have been rumors that the manga might now end next year after Horikoshi initially claimed that he saw it ending in 2022.
My Hero Academia is an action-packed series that is set in a world where people are born with Quirks. These Quirks grant different abilities that can either be used to protect or destroy the world. At the center of the story is a boy named Midoriya Izuku, who wants to become the No.1 hero.
9 Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a staple for all combat lovers. It offers intense fights that are filled with drama and absurd powers. In the most recent Jump Festa, the series creator, Gege Akutami, revealed that he expects the manga to last up to one more year. With the manga heading toward its end, it wasn't surprising to see the sales increase.
According to Oricon, Jujutsu Kaisen finished the year with the most sales. The manga focuses on Itadori Yuuji, who is an ordinary student. However, his encounter with Megumi Fushiguro changes his life completely, and after a chain of bizarre events, Itadori ends up in an institution that fights curses.
8 One Piece
One Piece has consistently been a part of the best manga lists every year. Eiichiro Oda's ability to write a story is unmatched, which explains why the One Piece manga has sold over 500 million copies. One Piece was launched in the Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997, and over the years, the manga's popularity has only continued to increase.
The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. Luffy sets out on his own, but not long after, he realizes that he needs to gather a strong crew.
7 One Punch Man
One Punch Man might not have the same level of popularity as the other shonen manga, but it's hard to argue against its inclusion on the list. After a disappointing second season of anime, the manga was the only salvation for the fans, and needless to say, both ONE and Murata delivered greatness.
In 2022, One Punch Man released some of its best chapters, which sent waves through the entire manga community. For people who don't know, One Punch Man covers the life of Saitama, a rather ordinary-looking man who possesses an absurd amount of power. Throughout the series, Saitama tries to fight an opponent who can give him a proper fight.
6 Blue Lock
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Blue Lock's popularity soared in 2022 for two main reasons: its incredible story and because it was the year of the FIFA World Cup. The anime adaptation of the series also came out which boosted the sales even further.
The plot for Blue Lock follows Yoichi Isagi, a high school student who has a strong desire to play soccer at the highest level. After crashing out of a tournament, Isagi receives an invitation to join Blue Lock, a training facility created to find the next soccer star of Japan.
5 Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers enjoyed a great year in terms of sales. The manga sold over 10 million copies, and it was only beaten in numbers by Jujutsu Kaisen. Tokyo Revengers concluded in November 2022, but there is no reason to fret as the anime for the same has been renewed for a second season.
Tokyo Revengers tells an interesting story of Hangaki Takemichi, a 26-year-old man who considers himself to be a failure. Every day, Takemichi reminisces about his past, when he had friends and a girlfriend. With seemingly no hope left, Takemichi receives a second chance after a freak incident sends him back to the past.
4 Kaguya-sama: Love is War
By now, Kaguya-sama: Love is War is the favorite rom-com series of most manga readers. Its unique story separates it from other rom-com series. Aka Akasaka finally wrapped up the series, which means that new readers can enjoy it from start to finish without any breaks.
Kaguya-sama: Love is War delves into the lives of two individuals, namely, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. The two are considered elite students and well-respected in their school. With time, they develop feelings for each other but refuse to confess. So, they try to force the other person into admitting their love.
3 Spy x Family
Spy x Family's popularity continued to increase throughout the year. The manga captivated the audience with its gripping plot and loveable characters. Such is the manga's popularity that it managed to sell over 30 million copies with just 10 compiled volumes.
The manga has action, drama, comedy, and even romance, which means there is something for almost everyone. As the title suggests, the manga focuses on Twilight, a spy who must find a fake family to save the world from destruction.
2 Chihayafuru
Chihayafuru is a josei manga that used to be serialized in Kodansha's Be Love magazine. The manga is heavily focused on karuta, which has caused many people to take up the sport. This shows how influential Chihayafuru is as a series.
The manga follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, who spends her time supporting her sister. When Chihaya meets Arata Wataya; he manages to convince her that she can become an outstanding karuta player. This leads to Chihaya starting a new chapter in her life.
1 Vinland Saga
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Written by Makoto Yukimura, Vinland Saga is a historical seinen manga that loosely follows the Vikings. The manga's riveting story has been praised by critics and fans alike.
The main protagonist of Vinland Saga is a boy named Thorfinn, who wants to become strong like his father. Sadly, Thorfinn and his father are involved in a gruesome incident that results in the latter's death. After witnessing his father's demise, Thorfinn swears to take revenge.