From iconic series that would change the face of the medium to quirky and lesser-known gems, the 90s was a golden era in manga history that produced countless unforgettable titles across all genres.
If you're a fan of manga and want to dive into some of the most influential and beloved stories from the decade, here are 10 must-read 90s manga classics that you shouldn't miss out on:
From the groundbreaking cyberpunk epic that inspired a generation of sci-fi tales, Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow, to the heartwarming coming-of-age romance that captured the hearts of readers worldwide, Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP, these manga classics not only entertained but also challenged norms and pushed the boundaries of the art form.
Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers, introspective dramas, quirky comedies, or anything in between, there's something in here for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a nostalgic journey through the best of 90s manga's rich and diverse world.
After reading this article, you'll not only have a deeper appreciation for the era's manga landscape but also a list of new favorites that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. So don't hesitate to check out the full list and discover the magic of 90s manga for yourself!
"90s Manga" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The 90s was a time when manga dominated the world. From action-packed superhero stories to heartfelt romances, the decade was filled with some of the greatest manga classics that fans still cherish today. Whether you’re a seasoned manga reader or a new fan, here are 10 must-read 90s manga classics for fans of all genres.
1. Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is arguably one of the most popular manga series of all time. Created by Akira Toriyama in 1984, it became a phenomenon in the 90s with its colorful characters and epic battles. While the anime adaptation is perhaps better known, the manga is definitely worth reading for fans of action and adventure.
| Dragon Ball (Manga) | Dragon Ball Z (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detailed story and character development. | More action-packed and visually stunning. |
| Focuses on Goku's journey to becoming a martial arts master. | Focuses on his battle against powerful enemies to save the world. |
Opinion: Fans of the anime should definitely give the manga a try as it provides a deeper look into the story and characters. Also, the original Dragon Ball series is often overlooked, so it's great to see where the series began and how the characters developed over time.
2. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is a magical girl series created by Naoko Takeuchi in 1992. It follows the story of Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who transforms into Sailor Moon to fight evil forces that threaten Earth. The manga is one of the most iconic 90s shojo series, with its mix of romance, action, and female empowerment.
| Sailor Moon (Manga) | Sailor Moon (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More mature themes and character development. | Toned down violence and censorship for younger audiences. |
| Features a larger cast of characters and complex storylines. | Mostly episodic with a focus on Usagi and her friends. |
Opinion: While the anime is great for introducing new fans to the series, the manga is a must-read for fans who want to experience the full story and character development. The artwork is gorgeous and the plot is more complex than the anime. Plus, it's great to see a strong female lead who can fight for herself.
3. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin, also known as Samurai X, is a historical action manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It tells the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin turned wanderer who seeks redemption for his past. The series is well-known for its unique blend of action, drama, and humor.
| Rurouni Kenshin (Manga) | Rurouni Kenshin (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More mature themes and darker storylines. | Lighter tone, omitting some of the darker moments from the manga. |
| More character development and backstory for Kenshin and his friends. | Less focus on character development and more on action. |
Opinion: While the anime is great for its action scenes, the manga is where you'll get the full story and character development. The artwork is beautiful and the historical backdrop adds to the depth of the story. Fans of samurai stories will definitely enjoy this classic.
4. Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura is a magical girl manga by CLAMP that follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who accidentally releases a set of magical cards that must be collected to prevent a catastrophe. The series is known for its bright colors, cute characters, and positive messages of friendship and love.
| Cardcaptor Sakura (Manga) | Cardcaptor Sakura (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail and backstory on the magical cards and their origins. | Features more filler episodes and less emphasis on the cards. |
| More focus on Sakura's relationships with her friends and family. | More emphasis on action and comedy. |
Opinion: Both the manga and anime are great, but the manga gives more insight into the magical world of the cards and the origins of the characters. The artwork is stunning and the messages of friendship and love are heartwarming. Definitely a must-read for fans of the genre.
5. Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk is a sports manga by Takehiko Inoue that follows the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl he likes. The manga is known for its intense basketball action, relatable characters, and humor.
| Slam Dunk (Manga) | Slam Dunk (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail on the basketball techniques and strategies used by the teams. | More comedic and less focused on action. |
| More character development for the main cast and their opponents. | Less background for the characters and their motivations. |
Opinion: The manga is definitely the way to go for fans of sports manga. The basketball action is intense and well-detailed, with plenty of humor to balance it out. The characters are also well-developed and relatable, making it easy to root for the team. A classic that never gets old.
6. Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a supernatural action manga by Yoshihiro Togashi that follows the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent who becomes a Spirit Detective tasked with protecting the human world from demons and other threats. The manga is known for its thrilling fights, unique characters, and emotional moments.
| Yu Yu Hakusho (Manga) | Yu Yu Hakusho (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detailed fights and abilities of the characters. | More filler episodes and less emphasis on the action. |
| More details on the Spirit World and its inhabitants. | Less focus on the supernatural aspects of the story. |
Opinion: The manga is a must-read for fans of supernatural action. The fights are intense and the characters are unique and well-developed. The story also touches on deeper themes like life and death, making it more than just a typical action manga. An essential addition to any manga collection.
7. Fushigi Yugi
Fushigi Yugi, also known as Mysterious Play, is a fantasy shojo manga by Yuu Watase that follows the story of Miaka Yuki, a teenage girl who is transported to a mystical land called the Universe of the Four Gods, where she becomes the Priestess of Suzaku and must gather her Seven Celestial Warriors to save the world. The manga is known for its intricate plot, romantic intrigue, and emotional drama.
| Fushigi Yugi (Manga) | Fushigi Yugi (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail on the characters' backstories and motivations. | Less emphasis on the romance and drama. |
| More focus on Miaka's growth as a character and her relationships with the Warriors. | Less focus on Miaka's personal journey and more on the overall plot. |
Opinion: The manga is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. The plot is intricate and the characters are well-rounded, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. The artwork is beautiful and the drama is intense. Definitely one of the best 90s shojo series out there.
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a science fiction manga by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto that follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who is recruited by his father to pilot a giant bio-machine called an Evangelion to fight mysterious beings called Angels. The manga is known for its psychological elements, post-apocalyptic setting, and mecha action.
| Neon Genesis Evangelion (Manga) | Neon Genesis Evangelion (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail on the characters' thought processes and motivations. | More focus on the mecha action and visual spectacle. |
| More focus on the psychological elements of the story. | Less emphasis on the characters' internal struggles. |
Opinion: The manga is a must-read for fans who want a deeper look into the minds of the characters. The artwork is stunning and the psychological elements are intense. However, the mecha action takes a backseat, so fans looking for non-stop action may be disappointed. Overall, a great read for fans of science fiction and psychology.
9. Great Teacher Onizuka
Great Teacher Onizuka, also known as GTO, is a comedy manga by Tooru Fujisawa that follows the story of Eikichi Onizuka, a former gang member who becomes a teacher to fulfil his dream of becoming a hero. The manga is known for its hilarious hijinks, heartwarming moments, and social commentary.
| Great Teacher Onizuka (Manga) | Great Teacher Onizuka (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail on Onizuka's past and struggles. | More focus on the comedy and exaggerated facial expressions. |
| More social commentary and exploration of the issues facing students in Japan. | Less emphasis on the serious themes and more on the laughs. |
Opinion: The manga is a must-read for fans of comedy and slice-of-life. The characters are lovable and the hijinks are hilarious. However, the social commentary may be lost on non-Japanese readers. Overall, a great read for anyone looking for a good laugh.
10. Berserk
Berserk is a dark fantasy manga by Kentaro Miura that follows the story of Guts, a lone mercenary who embarks on a quest for revenge against his former friend turned demon lord, Griffith. The manga is known for its gritty realism, graphic violence, and philosophical themes.
| Berserk (Manga) | Berserk (Anime) |
|---|---|
| More detail on the world-building and lore. | Adapted only certain arcs and omitted many details from the manga. |
| More focus on the complex characters and their motivations. | Less emphasis on the characters' internal struggles. |
Opinion: The manga is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and horror. The artwork is stunning and the themes are thought-provoking. However, it is not for the faint of heart, as the violence is graphic and disturbing. Overall, a highly-recommended read for fans of mature and gritty manga.
10 Must-Read 90s Manga Classics for Fans of All Genres
Thank you for taking the time to read through this article on 10 Must-Read 90s Manga Classics for Fans of All Genres. We hope that you have found this list both informative and entertaining, and that it has provided you with some great recommendations for your next read.
The 90s were an iconic era for manga, and these classics represent the best of the best from that time period. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventure, gripping crime dramas, heartwarming romance, or anything in between, there's something on this list for everyone.
If you haven't had the chance to check out any of these 90s manga classics yet, we highly recommend that you do. From the captivating storytelling and beautiful artwork to the unforgettable characters and themes, each of these series is a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
Below are the top 10 must-read 90s manga classics for fans of all genres:
Dragon Ball Z
Why is Dragon Ball Z considered a classic manga?
Dragon Ball Z is a classic manga because it introduced many popular themes and tropes that are still used in modern manga today. It also has a huge fan following and is considered one of the most iconic manga series of all time.
Sailor Moon
What makes Sailor Moon a must-read for fans of all genres?
Sailor Moon is a must-read for fans of all genres because it combines elements of shoujo, magical girl, and action genres into one cohesive story. It also features a diverse cast of characters and tackles important themes such as love, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Rurouni Kenshin
Why is Rurouni Kenshin considered a classic manga?
Rurouni Kenshin is considered a classic manga because it blends historical fiction with action and adventure, creating a unique and engaging story. It also features complex characters with rich backstories and explores themes such as redemption and morality.
Berserk
What makes Berserk a must-read for fans of all genres?
Berserk is a must-read for fans of all genres because it is a dark and gritty story that explores the darker aspects of humanity. It also features stunning artwork and intense action scenes that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Why is Neon Genesis Evangelion considered a classic manga?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered a classic manga because it is a thought-provoking story that explores complex themes such as identity, depression, and the human condition. It also features stunning visuals and some of the most memorable mecha designs in anime and manga.
Slam Dunk
What makes Slam Dunk a must-read for fans of all genres?
Slam Dunk is a must-read for fans of all genres because it is a sports manga that combines humor, drama, and romance into one entertaining package. It also features a relatable protagonist and dynamic basketball action scenes that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Why is Cardcaptor Sakura considered a classic manga?
Cardcaptor Sakura is considered a classic manga because it is a charming and whimsical story that appeals to readers of all ages. It also features beautiful artwork, lovable characters, and a heartwarming message about the power of love and friendship.
Akira
What makes Akira a must-read for fans of all genres?
Akira is a must-read for fans of all genres because it is a groundbreaking work that helped popularize manga and anime in the West. It also features stunning artwork, intense action scenes, and a complex story that explores themes such as power, corruption, and the nature of humanity.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Why is Yu Yu Hakusho considered a classic manga?
Yu Yu Hakusho is considered a classic manga because it is a well-crafted story that blends action, comedy, and drama into one entertaining package. It also features memorable characters, engaging fight scenes, and a compelling storyline that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
What makes Jojo's Bizarre Adventure a must-read for fans of all genres?
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is a must-read for fans of all genres because it is a unique and innovative manga that defies expectations. It also features creative character designs, over-the-top fight scenes, and a sprawling storyline that spans generations.
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