Ranking the Longest-Running Manga Ever, By Years in Publication (2024)

The world of Japanese manga has endured for many decades, and from the early 20th century to now, thousands of manga series have been published. Some ran only for a brief time, either because they got axed or the author only wanted to draw a short story. Such series might be released as one-volume omnibuses in the West. Meanwhile, some manga series have been in publication for an impressively long time, and some are still running as of the year 2024.

Sometimes, an author has so many good ideas and so much enthusiasm that they can keep writing and drawing their manga series for decades on end. Those series often become cultural icons in Japan and/or the West, with multiple generations of fans reading such series and falling in love with them. Some manga series are famed for their immense number of chapters and volumes, while others are considered the industry's longest because of how many years they have spent in publication. Some of the longest-running series have since ended and may be eclipsed by other series in the future, while others are still ongoing, so they will remain at the top well into the future.

11 Detective Conan/Case Closed Follows the Adventures of Shinichi Kudo the Detective

Detective Conan

While witnessing a suspicious exchange, Shinichi Kudo, a renowned high school detective, is drugged and transformed into a child. Adopting the alias Conan Edogawa, he seeks refuge with Ran Mouri, his childhood friend, and her father, Kogoro Mouri, a private detective. Using his intellect and Kogoro's unwitting deductions, Conan secretly solves challenging cases, often manipulating situations to guide Kogoro to the correct culprit. All the while, he desperately seeks an antidote to return to his original form and dismantle the mysterious organization responsible for his plight. With Ran, his friends, and other allies by his side, Conan unravels complex mysteries, navigates dangerous situations, and inches closer to his ultimate goal.

Release Date

1994-01-00

Author

Gosho Aoyama

Artist

Gosho Aoyama

Genre

Mystery , Crime , Police Procedural

Chapters

104

Publisher

Shogakukan

Detective Conan/Case Closed Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.05
• AnimePlanet: 4.17/5

The famed mystery series Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed among Western audiences, is a lengthy and highly compelling adventure starring the young Shinichi/Jimmy Kudo, a genius young man who got shrunk into a younger form one day. A criminal group known as the Black Organziation is responsible, and Shinichiro must find a way to deal with them. In the meantime, though, there are mysteries to solve.

The Detective Conan manga features a stunning variety of mind-bending mystery stories, and only the brilliant Shinichi can solve them with the powers of observation and deduction. It's not easy for authors to write truly fascinating mystery stories, but the Detective Conan series has been doing that for 30 years and counting as of 2024. It's a long story with great mysteries, but even that only makes it the 10th longest manga based on its years in publication.

10 The Kindaichi Case Files Is a High School Mystery Manga

The Kindaichi Case Files

Bored with everyday life, Hajime Kindaichi finds himself thrust into the world of criminal investigation when a series of seemingly impossible murders occur around him. With his genius-level intellect and inherited deductive skills, he begins assisting the police, impressing them with his ability to uncover hidden clues and expose seemingly airtight alibis. As he delves deeper into each case, he encounters eccentric characters, hidden agendas, and intricate puzzles that challenge his wit and courage. Will Hajime be able to unravel the truth behind each mystery and bring the perpetrators to justice?

Release Date

1992-10-00

Author

Yōzaburō Kanari (Original Series), Seimaru Amagi (Later Series)

Artist

Fumiya Satō

Genre

Mystery

Chapters

76

Publisher

Kodansha

The Kindaichi Case Files Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.11
• AnimePlanet: 4.11/5

The Kindaichi Case Files is a popular mystery/detective manga series starring the intelligent high schooler Hajime Kindaichi, who just might be the grandson of the famous detective Kosuke Kindaichi. No matter Hajime's lineage, though, there's no denying that he's a skilled sleuth who has been entertaining manga fans for 32 years and counting.

Many of the mysteries presented in The Kindaichi Case Files are "whodunit" stories with one or more gruesome murders involved, and the supernatural often gets involved as well to put another fun twist on things. Also, the villains and murderers in this series aren't just cheap antagonists motivated by money; they have more human and complex personal profiles, adding a much-needed emotional layer to the story. Hajime is trying to catch real, flawed human beings who committed crimes, which makes for a great narrative.

9 Hajime No Ippo Charts the Rise of an Underdog Boxing Champ

Hajime no Ippo

Ippo Makunouchi, a shy high school student, discovers his talent for boxing after being saved from bullies by professional boxer Mamoru Takamura. Determined to pursue a career in boxing, Ippo undergoes rigorous training under coach Genji Kamogawa. The series follows Ippo's journey in the boxing world, exploring his character development, relationships, and pursuit of championships, with a focus on sportsmanship and the diverse cast of characters within the Kamogawa Gym.

Release Date

October 11, 1989

Author

George Morikawa

Artist

George Morikawa

Genre

Action , Comedy , Sport

Chapters

1414

Volumes

137

Adaptation

Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit

Publisher

Kodansha

Hajime No Ippo Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.73
• AnimePlanet: 4.35/5

8

Manga and anime fans widely recognize Hajime No Ippo as one of the best sports manga stories out there, alongside other greats like author Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk and Haikyuu!!. The beloved tale of Hajime No Ippo features the scrappy underdog Ippo Makunouchi, a gentle, bullied boy who works to support his single mother. Ippo used to be a total nobody, but then he decided to fight back and become somebody.

What follows is one of manga's best zero-to-hero stories, with Ippo pushing himself incredibly hard to be braver, stronger, and more disciplined than ever as a burgeoning boxing star. He will face off against many rivals in the boxing ring, learning to both throw and take a punch while developing his own fighting style. It's written to be an uplifting tale reminding manga fans that if a person tries hard enough, they can definitely make something of themselves.

7 Berserk Tells the Tale of Guts the Swordsman Mercenary

Berserk

Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Hawk after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the group's leader and founder. Together, they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.

Release Date

August 25, 1989

Author

Kentaro Miura (1989–2021), Kouji Mori (2022–present)

Artist

Kentaro Miura (1989–2021), Studio Gaga (2022–present)

Genre

Action , Adventure , Fantasy

Chapters

364

Volumes

41

Adaptation

Berserk

Publisher

Hakusensha, Dark Horse Comics

Berserk Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 9.47
• AnimePlanet: 4.59/5

Berserk, written and drawn by the late Kentaro Miura, still stands tall as one of the greatest manga series of all time. The story of Berserk is brutal and dark in most scenes, but it's not just brutality for the sake of it. Instead, Berserk is written to be an inspiring story of hope, perseverance, and second chances in the face of severe trauma and overwhelming odds.

Berserk's publication may have slowed down since the 2000s, and it may be some time before it's completed, if ever. Still, even if the tale of Guts the mercenary swordsman isn't over, Berserk has won over legions of fans with its unparalleled artwork, engaging action scenes, cool plot, and the incredible depth of its themes and the characters' emotions. At the heart of Berserk is a love triangle that will forever shape Midland's future.

6 Sunset on Third Street is an Exemplary Slice-Of-Life Manga Series

Sunset on Third Street

The plot takes place in a small community in post-war Tokyo, and follows the interweaving story threads of a number of the community's residents over the course of a single year as Tokyo Tower is being built.

Author

Ryōhei Saigan

Artist

Ryōhei Saigan

Release Date

1974-09-00

Genre

Slice of Life , Historical

Where to Read

Big Comic Original

Volumes

69

Publisher

Shogakukan

Sunset on Third Street Scores:

• MyAnimeList: N/A
• AnimePlanet: N/A

Sunset on Third Street is a long-running manga series that is largely unknown in the West, but if any Western fans do find it, they will discover a whole new perspective on Japan and its experiences in the 20th century. Western manga/anime fans are used to seeing Japan as it is today via slice-of-life stories, but Sunset on Third Street takes place in the recent past during post-war Japan.

Set mainly from 1955 and 1964, Sunset on Third Street explores a nation in recovery through the eyes of ordinary Japanese citizens. Such a story is a fascinating insight into the ethos of those people in that era, which includes both one-off characters and a more regular cast of characters. If manga fans want something a little more intimate, a story that lets readers see the world through many new sets of eyes, the lengthy Sunset on Third Street is a fine pick.

5 Asari-Chan is a Time-Honored Shojo Classic

Asari-chan

Short stories about Asari, a naughty, boyish, voracious, but also a very innocent girl.

Author

Mayumi Muroyama

Artist

Mayumi Muroyama

Release Date

July 1, 1978

Genre

Comedy

Where to Read

Shōgaku Ninensei

Chapters

1738

Volumes

100

Publisher

Shogakukan

Asari-Chan Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.19
• AnimePlanet: N/A

Asari-Chan is an example of a manga series that's popular in Japan and has a vast amount of content to its name but is still obscure in the West, making it a hidden gem for manga fans who want to explore the furthest corners of the manga industry. Asari-Chan has been in publication for 36 years, from 1978 to 2014, putting it in the middle among the longest manga series by number of years in publication.

Asari-Chan is a comedic manga featuring the energetic tomboy Asari, who might be described as a genki girl of sorts. She may appear foolish and get into trouble sometimes, but she is also a likable kid with a good heart, so fans can't help but root for her. Asari's parents and older sister are all successful while Asari is not, so Asari stands as the one who needs to catch up. Then again, perhaps Asari would rather be her authentic self than try to be more like her big sister.

4 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Follows the Joestar Family In Their War Against Evil

JoJo's Bizarre Adventures

The story of the Joestar family, who are possessed with intense psychic strength, and the adventures each member encounters throughout their lives.

Release Date

January 1, 1987

Franchise

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

Author

Hirohiko Araki

Artist

Hirohiko Araki

Genre

Adventure , Supernatural

Chapters

959

Volumes

131

Adaptation

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Publisher

Shueisha, Viz Media

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.29
• AnimePlanet: 3.86/5

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, written and drawn by author Hirohoki Araki, is a mega-popular shonen manga series starring a small handful of protagonists rather than a single hero. The first story arc, Phantom Blood, took a gamble by breaking shonen conventions and killing off the hero, Jonathan Joestar. That threw open the door for later, even more popular Joestar family heroes.

Each story arc in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure features a different member of the Joestar family, each with their own friends, enemies, and quest. The most iconic is Stardust Crusaders, starring the tsundere hero Jotaro Kujo, while the Stone Ocean arc focuses on Jolyne Cujoh, the first heroine in the series. Then, the JoJo's franchise was rebooted for Steel Ball Run, which proved immensely popular among fans, feeling like a winning blend of old and new.

3 Cooking Papa

Cooking Papa

The story revolves around a salaryman (Kazumi Araiwa) who can cook well. He shares his love of cooking to his friends, co-workers, and family.

Author

Tochi Ueyama

Artist

Tochi Ueyama

Release Date

1984-01-00

Genre

Slice of Life , Cooking

Where to Read

Morning

Volumes

168

Publisher

Kodansha

Cooking Papa Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.25
• AnimePlanet: 4.05/5

The popular Cooking Papa manga series is a comforting, pleasant series that's been in publication for 39 years as of 2024, and it also has an immense 168 volumes and counting to its name. What's even more remarkable is that this series sustained itself for so long on a simple premise. The middle-aged hero, Kazumi Araiwa, is a salaryman who cooks for his family while letting his co-workers think his wife is doing the cooking.

Cooking Papa is thus presented as a culinary slice-of-life manga series that even takes the extra step of sharing the recipes for the dishes involved in the chapters. This series also inspired a 151-episode anime that ran in the 1990s, and more recently, in 2008, a television drama for Cooking Papa aired, proving how popular the series still is since its debut in 1985.

2 Crest of the Royal Family

Crest Of The Royal Family

Carol's family discovers an ancient Egyptian tomb that has been untouched for three thousand years. The discovery of the tomb comes with a thousand-year curse. Because of that curse, Carol's happy family shatters and she is brought back in time to three thousand years ago.

Author

Chieko Hosokawa

Artist

Chieko Hosokawa

Release Date

1976-07-00

Genre

Historical , Fantasy , Romance , Supernatural , Adventure , Drama

Where to Read

Princess

Volumes

69

Publisher

Akita Shoten

Crest of the Royal Family Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.15
• AnimePlanet: 3.66/5

Crest of the Royal Family is unusual in that it features an American protagonist, a charming blonde girl named Carol Reed, who decides to study Ancient Egypt in Cairo. One day, she was cursed in the tomb of a young pharaoh, and she was sent back in time to Ancient Egypt. There, Carol will meet a brash but handsome pharaoh by the name of Memphis.

Carol and Memphis will clash at first, but then they will develop a strong romance, despite interference from Memphis' half-sister, Isis. Also, with her knowledge of history, Carol will become valued for her visions of the future, allowing her to reshape history with what she knows. All this combines to make Crest of the Royal Family an off-beat but delightful staple in the shojo manga demographic.

1 Golgo 13 Is a Classic Seinen Manga About a Sniper

golgo 13

Dive into the dark world of espionage with Golgo 13, a legendary manga series following the enigmatic assassin known only by his code name. Operating with precision and ruthlessness, Golgo accepts high-paying assignments from international clients, navigating political intrigue, treacherous landscapes, and deadly encounters. Prepare for a thrilling journey into the shadows, where loyalty is fleeting, danger lurks behind every corner, and Golgo 13 remains an unwavering force of calculated execution.

Release Date

1968-10-00

Author

Takao Saito (1968-2021), Saito Production (2021-present)

Artist

takao Saito (1968-2021), Saito Production (2021-present)

Genre

Thriller , Action

Chapters

209

Golgo 13 Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.87
• AnimePlanet: 3.65/5

Golgo 13 is a highly popular seinen manga series that has been in publication since 1968, making it the single longest-running manga series of all time as of 2024. Golgo 13 follows an assassin simply known as Golgo 13, a mysterious man whose real name and birthplace are unknown. He's also ready and willing to dispatch anyone who tries to reveal his true identity.

Often going by Duke Togo, the protagonist will take on any assassination mission for the right price as a hitman, but he makes a lot of enemies in the process, so he can't ever let his guard down. Duke Togo has made powerful enemies, like the FBI, CIA, and even the U.S. military, and he must do whatever he can to survive and keep working in his chosen profession. Also, not only is Golgo 13 the longest manga series according to years in publication, it's also the longest according to published volumes. As of 2024, Golgo 13 has an incredible 209 volumes in publication, even putting juggernauts like author Eiichiro Oda's One Piece to shame.