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Cover from International Masterpieces: Manga & BD
Cover from International Masterpieces: Manga & BD
Cover from International Masterpieces: Manga & BD
Cover from International Masterpieces: Manga & BD

International Masterpieces: Manga & BD

versedb 25 Series Apr 7, 2026
Staff Ranked
Essential comic series from Japan, France, Belgium, and beyond that defined global comics.

Series

Persepolis (2003)

Pantheon Books

2 issues

1

A powerful Iranian memoir that reached worldwide acclaim.

The Incal (2001)

Humanoids

12 issues

2

A surreal sci-fi collaboration between Jodorowsky and Moebius.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Limited Series

Dark Horse Comics

1 issue

3

Explored transhumanism and identity in a futuristic Japan.

The Smurfs Anthology (2013)

Papercutz, NBM

5 issues

4

The Belgian classic that became a global pop culture phenomenon.

Lone Wolf and Cub (1987)

First

45 issues

5

A masterclass in visual storytelling and samurai historical fiction.

Maus: A Survivor's Tale (1986)

Graphic Novel Series

Pantheon Books

2 issues

6

The landmark Polish-American story of the Holocaust told through metaphor.

The Metabarons (2000)

Humanoids

17 issues

7

A multi-generational space opera of extreme violence and imagination.

Asterix (1961)

Mad Cave Studios

41 issues

8

The most successful French comic series, blending history and humor.

The Adventures of Tintin (1974)

Casterman

24 issues

9

The foundational Belgian series that pioneered the Ligne Claire style.

Blacksad (2000)

Dargaud

7 issues

10

A Spanish-led noir masterpiece featuring anthropomorphic animals.

Spirou et Fantasio (1950)

Dupuis

57 issues

11

A pillar of the Franco-Belgian school, known for its dynamic energy.

Valérian (1970)

Dargaud

23 issues

12

The French sci-fi epic that heavily influenced Star Wars.

Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind (2004)

VIZ Media

7 issues

13

Miyazaki's epic environmental manga that transcends the medium.

Fullmetal Alchemist (2005)

VIZ Media

27 issues

14

A perfectly constructed narrative of sacrifice and fraternity.

Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys (2009)

VIZ Media

22 issues

15

A sprawling mystery about a group of friends saving the world.

Death Note (2004)

Shueisha

12 issues

16

The definitive supernatural battle of wits that captivated the world.

Berserk (1990)

Hakusensha

43 issues

17

The definitive dark fantasy manga known for its unparalleled art detail.

Monster (1995)

Shogakukan

18 issues

18

Naoki Urasawa's psychological thriller about the nature of evil.

Uzumaki (1998)

Shogakukan

3 issues

19

Junji Ito's terrifying exploration of obsession and body horror.

Blueberry (1965)

Dargaud

28 issues

20

Jean Giraud's (Moebius) legendary Western that redefined the genre.

Thorgal (1977)

Le Lombard

43 issues

21

A unique blend of Norse mythology, fantasy, and science fiction.

Vagabond (1999)

Kodansha

37 issues

22

A philosophical and artistic retelling of Musashi Miyamoto's life.

Akira (1984)

Kodansha

6 issues

23

The gold standard for cyberpunk and epic-scale sequential art.

Vinland Saga (2006)

Special

Kodansha

29 issues

24

A historical Viking epic focused on revenge and redemption.

Corto Maltese (1983)

RCS MediaGroup

103 issues

25

Hugo Pratt's poetic and philosophical adventure series.

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