10 Iconic Manga Artists Adored by Anime Fans

Some mangaka in the anime and manga industry are adored by fans, particularly by those who appreciate their series. This adoration can stem from various aspects of the mangaka, including their personality outside of their work and their creative process. While some compare this worship to parasocial relationships often found in other fan-celebrity dynamics, there are distinct differences due to the context of this relationship. Despite the conclusion of their series or their contributions to it, it appears that the worship of these mangaka will persist.

One Piece, Kagurabachi, Berserk, and more, written by mangaka who are worshiped by anime fans

1) Eiichiro Oda, One Piece

Eiichiro Oda's iconic series has elevated him to the status of a revered mangaka among fans (Image via Twitter user @StrawHatShonen)

When it comes to revered mangaka, Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind One Piece, is one of the first names that comes to mind. With over 25 years of storytelling, his epic and enduring odyssey has solidified his place as a beloved figure in the world of manga.

One Piece has garnered widespread praise for its excellent writing, particularly in its character development, overarching storyline, world-building, and lore. These are key elements of a successful and highly-regarded manga series, and Oda's exceptional execution of each one justifies the adoration of fans.

2) Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho

Yoshihiro Togashi, the author and illustrator of Hunter x Hunter, is revered by fans for reasons similar to why Oda is adored. Togashi is often lauded for his captivating artwork and the skill with which he depicts various fight scenes throughout the series.

Before Hunter x Hunter, Togashi had already gained a devoted following for his Yu Yu Hakusho manga series, which had a major impact on the medium. The Dark Tournament arc of the series set the standard for how future series would tackle similar concepts, influencing works such as One Piece, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise, and others.

3) Tite Kubo, Bleach

Tite Kubo has garnered a dedicated following among fans for his work on the Bleach manga (Image via Facts.net)

When it comes to battle scenes, Tite Kubo's Bleach is often hailed by anime enthusiasts as featuring some of the most impressive fights in the Big 3 manga series, which also includes Naruto and One Piece. Kubo's artistic style and fight choreography receive particular acclaim, along with his skillful incorporation of power escalation and corresponding transformations.

4) Gege Akutami, Jujutsu Kaisen

Kubo's status as a revered mangaka among anime fans can be attributed to his exceptional character design and overall aesthetic for the series. This attention to detail is also evident in the spinoff series, Burn the Witch, which is situated in the expansive Bleach universe and similarly emphasizes character design and overall aesthetic.

Despite being a newer addition to this list, Gege Akutami’s work on the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series undeniably secures him a spot as one of the revered mangaka. Fans specifically admire Akutami’s innovative power system, as well as his fresh and unique approach to the classic “main character possessed by evil entity” trope.

Akutami’s relentless portrayal of brutality is another reason why fans are so captivated, applauding their skill in crafting a narrative world where virtually no character is safe. Although it may be unexpected to hear that fans embrace this aspect of the series, it remains a driving force behind Akutami's elevation to the ranks of revered mangaka worshiped by anime fans.

5) Takeru Hokazono, Kagurabachi

While Hokazono’s presence on this list of revered mangaka may baffle some, the enduring appeal of Kagurabachi justifies such recognition. What began as a fascination with memes related to the series has evolved into sustained and seemingly enduring excitement for one of the most promising new manga today.

6) Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball

Fans are particularly drawn to Hokazono's story due to its brutal nature, which sets him apart as an artist. The series goes beyond the usual Weekly Shonen Jump standards in terms of its gore, which captivates fans. Additionally, the series' potential for growth is a big reason why fans are so fixated on it and on Hokazono, as they commend the long-term viability of the narrative structure.

Akira Toriyama is revered by fans for his significant influence on the anime and manga industry (Image via Medium)

It comes as no surprise that Toriyama has secured a spot on this list, given the enduring legacy of his Dragon Ball franchise. Across generations, fans of anime and manga have been drawn to Toriyama's work, resulting in widespread admiration and praise for the mangaka.

7) Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia

Toriyama's influence on fans is significant due to the widespread impact of his works. The concept of the Super Saiyan has set the standard for anime power-ups, and the fighting style of the franchise has also made a lasting impact on the genre.

Kohei Horikoshi’s inclusion on this list is quite unique, as the majority of his admirers are fans of his popular My Hero Academia manga series. Unlike other mangaka who receive admiration from anime fans in general, regardless of their individual preferences, Horikoshi seems to struggle to capture the interest of those outside of his specific niche.

8) Kentaro Miura, Berserk

Horikoshi remains a beloved mangaka among anime fans for good reason. His character writing is top-notch, arguably some of the best in the new generation and even in the 21st century. The manga's simple yet powerful narrative of "Marvel meets Harry Potter" is another key factor contributing to the praise he receives.

Kentaro Miura, the late mangaka, is revered by anime fans for his work on the iconic series, Berserk. His pioneering contributions to the genre of dark fantasy, both narratively and artistically, continue to influence and inspire subsequent series.

Miura’s storytelling technique has garnered widespread acclaim for its skillful juxtaposition of light and dark ideals, evident in the character design and plot development. Despite criticism for its brutal and unyielding nature, the series has cemented Miura’s legendary status and earned him eternal adoration from anime fans.

9) Naoki Urasawa, Monster and Pluto

Naoki Urasawa, a legendary mangaka, has garnered a dedicated following among anime fans for his numerous works. The recent anime adaptation of his Pluto manga series has once again brought him into the spotlight, but this is not the first time his work has been celebrated. His Monster series is widely regarded as one of the best in the medium, sharing similar qualities that have solidified Urasawa's status as a revered mangaka among fans.

Urasawa’s works are recognized for their exceptional storytelling and satisfying resolution, frequently incorporating a significant overarching mystery that is interwoven throughout the entire series. His skill in character development is also widely acclaimed, transforming killers like the titular Pluto and Monster’s Johan Liebert into characters that are almost endearing or even beloved by the time their fate catches up with them.

10) Yusuke Murata, One Punch Man

Last but certainly not least, Yusuke Murata’s work on One Punch Man alone has established him as one of the mangaka who are worshiped by general fans. His manga adaptation of author and illustrator ONE’s original webtoon has established him as one of the best illustrators in the industry today.

As a mere artist in the manga industry, Murata's work is of such high quality that he is revered as one of the mangaka worshipped by fans. Stay updated on all anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 unfolds.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate anime fan, I hold these 10 mangaka in the highest regard for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Their creativity, storytelling prowess, and artistic talent have captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of anime and manga. From the epic adventures of One Piece to the thrilling battles of Hunter x Hunter, these mangaka have crafted masterpieces that have touched the hearts and souls of fans. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to consistently deliver high-quality content is truly awe-inspiring.

The adoration and worship of these mangaka extend beyond their works. Fans are drawn to their personalities, their creative processes, and their interactions with the community. The parasocial relationships that develop between fans and mangaka are unique and distinct from those found in other celebrity-fan dynamics. The mangaka's influence and impact on their fans' lives are profound, and their contributions to the anime and manga industry will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.