15 Famous Manga Artists Everyone Should Know (2026)
Meet the most famous manga artists and authors of all time, from legendary pioneers to modern superstars, and discover the works that made them icons.
The most famous manga artists are global icons whose work has sold hundreds of millions of copies and inspired countless creators. This guide introduces fifteen of the most famous and influential manga artists — the legendary pioneers, the master illustrators, and the modern superstars — and the works that made each one unforgettable.
⚡ TL;DR — Meet the most famous manga artists and authors of all time, from legendary pioneers to modern superstars, and discover the works that made them icons.
What Is a Manga Artist Called?
A manga artist is called a mangaka (漫画家). Most mangaka are solo creators who handle both the story and the artwork, which is part of what makes their achievements so remarkable — a single person crafting entire worlds, panel by panel. For a complete ranking of the greatest of them, see our best mangaka of all time guide, and browse full profiles in our mangaka biographies collection.
The Legendary Pioneers
Osamu Tezuka
The “God of Manga” and creator of Astro Boy, Osamu Tezuka invented much of the visual language modern manga still uses. He is the single most influential figure in the medium’s history.
Akira Toriyama
Creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama is arguably the most globally recognized manga artist ever. His clean, energetic style shaped the entire action genre and reached audiences in every corner of the world.
Rumiko Takahashi
One of the best-selling comic artists on earth, Rumiko Takahashi created Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Urusei Yatsura, dominating manga across multiple decades.
The Master Illustrators
Takehiko Inoue
Takehiko Inoue is widely regarded as the finest draftsman in manga. His brushwork on Vagabond and his sports storytelling in Slam Dunk represent the artistic peak of the medium.
Kentaro Miura
Kentaro Miura created Berserk, home to the most intricately detailed artwork in manga history. His influence on dark fantasy is unmatched.
- Showcase Miura’s legendary linework in oversized hardcover
- Collects volumes 1–3
- A must-own for any art lover
Yusuke Murata
Yusuke Murata turned One Punch Man into a visual spectacle. His jaw-dropping action art is considered some of the most technically impressive in modern manga.
Junji Ito
The master of horror, Junji Ito creates meticulously detailed nightmares in Uzumaki and Tomie. His name is synonymous with manga horror worldwide.
The Modern Superstars
Eiichiro Oda
Eiichiro Oda is the best-selling living mangaka, creator of One Piece. His imaginative world-building has kept the series at the top of the industry for over 25 years.
- Volumes 1–23 of the best-selling manga ever
- Includes a premium booklet and color poster
- The perfect way to discover Oda’s genius
Hirohiko Araki
Hirohiko Araki created JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, famous for its fashion-forward art and the iconic “Stand” battle system. His style is one of the most distinctive in manga.
Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawa is the master of the literary thriller, creator of Monster and 20th Century Boys. He elevated manga to the level of prestige fiction.
Tatsuki Fujimoto
Tatsuki Fujimoto is the boldest new voice in manga, creator of Chainsaw Man. His unpredictable, cinematic storytelling has made him a generational favorite.
Gege Akutami
Gege Akutami created Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the defining hits of modern Shonen Jump, blending dark fantasy with brutal, stylish action.
Koyoharu Gotouge
Koyoharu Gotouge created Demon Slayer, a record-breaking phenomenon whose emotional storytelling and gorgeous art captivated the world.
Kohei Horikoshi
Kohei Horikoshi created My Hero Academia, modernizing the superhero-shonen formula and building one of the biggest franchises of the 2010s and 2020s.
Hiromu Arakawa
Hiromu Arakawa created Fullmetal Alchemist, one of the most acclaimed and perfectly structured manga ever made.
Discover More
These fifteen artists are just the beginning. For the definitive ranking, read our best mangaka of all time guide. To celebrate the women who shaped the medium, see female mangaka you should know. And to explore their works, visit our best manga of all time ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous manga artist?
Osamu Tezuka is the most historically important, while Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) and the late Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) are the most globally famous. Toriyama is recognized worldwide thanks to Dragon Ball’s reach.
What is a manga artist called?
A manga artist is called a mangaka (漫画家). The term refers to someone who creates manga, typically handling both the writing and the artwork.
Who is the best manga artist for art quality?
Takehiko Inoue, Kentaro Miura, and Yusuke Murata are frequently cited as the most technically gifted illustrators in manga.
Who are the most famous female manga artists?
Rumiko Takahashi, Naoko Takeuchi, Hiromu Arakawa, and the collective CLAMP are the most famous female manga artists.
Who are the famous new generation manga artists?
Tatsuki Fujimoto, Gege Akutami, Koyoharu Gotouge, and Kohei Horikoshi are the most famous new-generation manga artists today.
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