The world of Japanese manga is home to some of the longest-running serialized stories in literary history. While most manga last 10-20 volumes, there are a select few series that have amassed a staggering number of chapters and volumes over decades of publication and remain actively serialized to this day.
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These marathon manga hold a special place both in the industry and pop culture. Having origins in the age of manga, they retained popularity through generations of fans. Fans grow up following the series year after year as a comfortable constant. This cycle allows classic manga to stand the test of time, whereas others fade away after a few years.
10The Kindaichi Case Files
31 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.1
The Kindaichi Case Files
Why Read The Kindaichi Case Files?
First published in 1992 in Weekly Shonen Magazine, this long-running detective manga has garnered a loyal following for its classic “whodunnit” storylines filled with twist endings. Each mystery takes place in a contained arc, with Kindaichi revealing the killer through clever reasoning in the climax.
The Kindaichi Case Files has seen various iterations, including Kindaichi Case Files R and others, along with numerous anime adaptations, special episodes, and live-action adaptations. Hajime Kindaichi’s combination of teenage relatability and intellectual prowess makes him an enduring figure in the world of detective fiction.
Release Date
Volume Count
Where To Read
Aug 18, 2025
9Hajime No Ippo
34 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.7
Hajime no Ippo
Why Read Hajime no Ippo?
Hajime no Ippo is a celebrated sports manga that has left a significant mark on the genre. The title translates to “The First Step,” which signifies Ippo’s entry into the world of boxing and his journey from a novice to a professional. With over 1,400 chapters and counting, the series has won over readers with its kinetic boxing matches and likable underdog protagonist.
Ippo struggles against rival boxers like Ichiro Miyata and Eiji Date, striving to claim the national featherweight belt and, one day, the world championship title. The manga also focuses on training, relationships, and slice-of-life elements, creating a rich world around the sweet science. The manga has been incredibly successful, leading to an anime adaptation that first aired in 2000, followed by Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger in 2009, and Hajime no Ippo: Rising in 2013. Additionally, original video animations (OVAs) and video games have been produced.
Aug 01, 2025
K MANGA (Kodansha)
8JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
36 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 9.3
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures
Why Read JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most iconic and influential shonen manga ever created. Each arc focuses on a different Joestar descendant, from the original protagonist, Jonathan Joestar, to fan favorites like Jotaro Kujo and Josuke Higashikata. Creator Hirohiko Araki continually reinvents the series with stylish art and unique powers based on music, tarot cards, and more.
Fights are strategic and over-the-top, showcasing Araki’s strength in blending action, adventure, and powers. But bizarre powers and battles are only part of JoJo’s charm. Equally memorable are its eccentric characters and sense of humor. The striking character poses and flamboyant personalities have sparked numerous memes and pop culture references.
7Cooking Papa
38 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.25
Cooking Papa
Why Read Cooking Papa?
Cooking Papa stands out in the manga world for its focus on cuisine and the daily life of its protagonist. It’s a comforting read that combines the joys of cooking with the storytelling elements of a slice-of-life manga, and it encourages readers to appreciate the culinary arts in their own lives. Author Ueyama’s cooking know-how also infuses the manga with authenticity.
Cooking techniques are explained in detail, making dishes easily replicable for readers. Kazumi Araiwa works for a company and appears as an average salaryman, but he has a secret talent for cooking. The manga often plays with traditional gender roles, as Araiwa’s culinary skills are contrasted with his wife’s lack of interest in cooking. It has been considered progressive for its time, showcasing a man excelling in what is traditionally viewed in Japan as a woman’s role within the family.
6Captain Tsubasa
42 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.5
Captain Tsubasa
Why Read Captain Tsubasa?
What sets Captain Tsubasa apart is its exhilarating portrayal of soccer matches as high-stakes, energetic battles. Mangaka Takahashi is considered a pioneer in sports manga thanks to his cinematic angles, imaginative onboard POV shots, and emphasis on action. The competitive drive, signature moves, and sheer passion for soccer leap off the page.
Equally important are the friendships and rivalries between players. Tsubasa’s relationship with his aloof teammate, Kojiro Hyuga, adds depth to their soccer dreams. Soccer forms the emotional core more than romance or slice-of-life elements. This intense focus on the sport created a generation of soccer lovers in Japan and overseas.
Aug 17, 2025
5Kinnikuman
44 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.7
Kinnikuman
Why Read Kinnikuman?
Kinnikuman manga stands out for fusing Japanese pro wrestling with slapstick humor and superhero tropes. It follows the adventures of the superhero Kinnikuman as he battles evil Chojin (supermen) as a clumsy underdog wrestler. Kinnikuman often faces off against various themed wrestlers in the ring, with many characters being parodies of popular wrestlers or cultural icons of the time.
Consistent with the themes of many shōnen series, Kinnikuman emphasizes the importance of friendship, effort, and victory. Kinnikuman, despite his flaws, often overcomes his obstacles through sheer willpower and the support of his friends. The franchise also spawned a successful line of merchandise, particularly the Kinkeshi rubber figures, which were a hit among children.
August 11, 2025
Shueisha (MANGA Plus)
4Asari-chan
45 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.21
Asari-chan
Why Read Asari-chan?
Asari-chan is considered a classic in Japan, capturing the essence of childhood and family life. It has been enjoyed by several generations of readers and viewers. The story revolves around a young girl named Asari, who is known for her mischievous and often troublemaking behavior, much to the chagrin of her family and teachers.
Despite not being as well-known internationally as some other manga and anime series, Asari-chan holds a significant place in the history of shōjo manga and remains a beloved series for those who grew up with it. Asari-chan won the 30th Shogakukan Manga Award for the children’s category in 1985, which is a testament to its popularity and appeal.
3Crest Of The Royal Family
47 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.15
Crest Of The Royal Family
Why Read Crest of the Royal Family?
Crest of the Royal Family is one of the longest-running shōjo manga series to date. A key element of the series involves time travel, as Carol Reed, an American in Cairo, finds herself transported back to the time of the Pharaohs. There, she becomes embroiled in the politics, culture, and conflicts of Ancient Egypt.
The series blends romance with historical drama as Carol navigates her complex relationship with Memphis and others she meets in the past. While not necessarily a mainstream hit outside of Japan, Crest of the Royal Family has contributed to the historical romance genre in manga and influenced other works that explore similar themes.
2Sunset On Third Street
49 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - N/A
Sunset on Third Street
Why Read Sunset on Third Street?
Sunset on Third Street is a nostalgic manga work that depicts the lives of residents in a small neighborhood of Tokyo during the Showa period, particularly the 1950s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid post-war economic growth and Westernization. Sunset on Third Street features an ensemble cast of characters, each with their own stories and backgrounds.
The characters' lives intertwine, depicting a community where everyone is connected. The manga falls into the ‘slice of life’ genre, which means it focuses on the day-to-day experiences and nuances of its characters. It can be educational and enlightening for readers who are interested in the historical and cultural aspects of Japan.
55 Years |My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.8
Why Read Golgo 13?
Golgo 13 captures the appealing cool ofanti-heroesin postwar pop culture. The manga follows Golgo 13, who is hired by various clients to carry out seemingly impossible assassination missions around the globe. Its gritty tone and Golgo’s stoic professionalism attracted an adult male readership. Anime adaptations further cemented Golgo 13 as a landmark seinen series.
Now 50+ years old but still ongoing, Golgo 13 continues to intrigue readers with an unflinching look at the dark side of society. Takao Saito’s meticulous attention to detail in execution, along with Golgo’s undying commitment to his craft, is why this landmark manga remains a compelling read. The creator, Saito, continued to work on Golgo 13 until his death in 2021, overseeing a massive output of over 200 volumes, with the series continuing under his production team’s guidance.
