Manga, the Japanese comics that have gained popularity worldwide, is an art form that has transcended language barriers, cultural differences, and time. As an art form, manga is a unique medium that combines visual art and storytelling to create a powerful and immersive experience for readers.
One of the most defining features of manga is the use of panels, which are the building blocks of a manga page. Panels are the boxes or frames that contain the illustrations and text that tell the story. A well-executed panel can convey emotions, capture action, and create suspense, making it an integral part of the manga reading experience.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best manga panels of all time. From the early days of manga to the present, manga has produced some of the most breathtaking, emotionally impactful, and culturally significant panels that have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, nor is it meant to be definitive. Instead, it’s a celebration of the creativity, imagination, and artistry that manga has to offer.
Criteria for Selection
Selecting the best manga panels of all time is a daunting task, given the vast array of manga titles and panels created over the years. To help us in our selection, we’ve come up with a set of criteria that we believe will help us identify the most exceptional panels. Here are the criteria we’ve used:
1. Artistic Merit: The first criterion we’ve used is artistic merit. We’ve looked for panels that showcase exceptional technical skills, creativity, and attention to detail. The art in a manga panel should be able to stand on its own as a work of art, regardless of the story or context.
2. Emotional Impact: The second criterion we’ve used is emotional impact. We’ve looked for panels that evoke strong emotions, whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or fear. The best manga panels have the power to connect with readers on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impression long after the story has ended.
3. Cultural Significance: The third criterion we’ve used is cultural significance. We’ve looked for panels that have had a significant impact on the manga industry, or that have helped to shape the cultural landscape in Japan or around the world. These panels may have introduced new storytelling techniques, challenged societal norms, or inspired new generations of manga creators.
4. Storytelling Ability: The fourth criterion we’ve used is storytelling ability. We’ve looked for panels that are able to effectively convey the story and its themes through the use of art and text. The best manga panels are able to tell a story in a way that is engaging, thought-provoking, and memorable.
By using these criteria, we hope to identify the best manga panels of all time that showcase the best that manga has to offer. In the next section of this post, we’ll discuss the panels that have made our list.
Best Manga Panels of All Time
1. “Goku and Frieza Final Clash” panel from “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama
Goku and Frieza’s final clash Akira Toriyama is a genius at creating iconic moments in “Dragon Ball”. The showdown between Goku and Frieza is undoubtedly one of the most epic moments in anime history. This panel perfectly captures the intensity of the battle, with both warriors unleashing their most powerful attacks.
What’s fascinating about this panel is the contrast between Goku’s calm expression and Frieza’s ferocious rage. The tension in the air is palpable, and you can feel the earth-shattering impact of their attacks just by looking at the panel.
2. “Kaneki’s Centipede Form” panel from “Tokyo Ghoul” by Sui Ishida
Kaneki’s Centipede Form Sui Ishida’s “Tokyo Ghoul” is a masterpiece of horror and psychological thriller. This panel showcases the transformation of Kaneki into his monstrous centipede form, an iconic moment in the series.
The intricate details of Kaneki’s new form, the terrifying expression on his face, and the aura of fear that he exudes are all brilliantly depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the fear and panic of the characters around him as they face this monstrous new enemy.
3. “Luffy’s Conqueror’s Haki” panel from “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda
Luffy’s Conqueror’s Haki Eiichiro Oda is a master of storytelling and world-building in “One Piece”. This panel captures the moment when Luffy unleashes his Conqueror’s Haki, a rare and powerful ability possessed only by the strongest of warriors.
The intense energy and aura of power emanating from Luffy in this panel are palpable. You can almost feel the shockwaves of his Haki as they ripple through the air. This moment sets the stage for Luffy’s epic battles to come, and it’s a testament to Oda’s skill as a manga artist that he can convey such raw power through his artwork.
4. “Gon’s Transformation” panel from “Hunter x Hunter” by Yoshihiro Togashi
Gon’s Transformation Yoshihiro Togashi’s “Hunter x Hunter” is a complex and nuanced series that explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition. This panel captures the moment when Gon undergoes a radical transformation to unleash his full potential.
The grandeur of Gon’s new form, the awe-inspiring aura of power he exudes, and the shock on the faces of those around him are all masterfully depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the electricity in the air as Gon’s transformation shakes the very foundations of the story’s world.
5. “Guts vs. Griffith” panel from “Berserk” by Kentaro Miura
Guts vs. Griffith Kentaro Miura’s “Berserk” is a dark and brutal masterpiece of storytelling. This panel captures the moment when Guts confronts his former ally and friend, Griffith, in a bloody and violent battle.
The raw emotion and intensity of the battle are palpable in this panel. The expressions on the characters’ faces, the intricate details of their armor and weapons, and the sheer brutality of the violence are all masterfully depicted. This panel is a testament to Miura’s skill as a manga artist and his ability to capture the raw power and emotion of his story.
6. “Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Final Battle” panel from “Bleach” by Tite Kubo
Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Final Battle Tite Kubo’s “Bleach” is a classic shonen series known for its epic battles and memorable characters. This panel captures the final battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra, one of the most intense and emotional moments in the series.
The complex characteristics of Ichigo’s Bankai, the ominous aura of Ulquiorra’s released form, and the intensity of their clash are all masterfully depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the weight of the battle and the emotions of the characters as they face their final confrontation.
7. “Kaneda’s Bike Slide” panel from “Akira” by Katsuhiro Otomo
Kaneda’s Bike Slide Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Akira” is a groundbreaking manga that helped popularize the cyberpunk genre in Japan. This panel captures Kaneda’s iconic bike slide, one of the most memorable moments in the series.
The fine design of Kaneda’s bike, the motion blur of the slide, and the intensity of the action are all brilliantly depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the rush of adrenaline as Kaneda pulls off this daring maneuver, cementing his status as one of the coolest characters in manga history.
8. “Kira’s Death” panel from “Death Note” by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
Kira’s Death Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata’s “Death Note” is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of justice and power. This panel captures the moment when Kira, the series’ main antagonist, meets his end.
The intricate nature of the scene, the solemn expressions on the characters’ faces, and the weight of the moment are all masterfully depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the finality of Kira’s fate and the impact it has on the story’s world.
9. “Eren’s Transformation” panel from “Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama
Eren’s Transformation Hajime Isayama’s “Attack on Titan” is a dark and intense series that explores the themes of survival and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. This panel captures the moment when Eren transforms into a Titan for the first time.
The details of Eren’s Titan form, the ominous aura of power he exudes, and the shock on the faces of those around him are all brilliantly depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the weight of the moment and the impact it has on the story’s world.
10. “Gon Freecss’ Jajanken” panel from “Hunter x Hunter” by Yoshihiro Togashi
Gon Freecss’ Jajanken Yoshihiro Togashi’s “Hunter x Hunter” is a complex and nuanced series that explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition. This panel captures the moment when Gon Freecss unleashes his signature technique, Jajanken.
The technique, the energy and force of the attack, and the intensity of the moment are all masterfully depicted in this panel. You can almost feel the raw power and emotion that Gon puts into his attack as he faces off against his foes.
11. “Tanjiro’s first time using Hinokami Kagura” panel from “Demon Slayer” by Koyoharu Gotoge
This panel from Demon Slayer captures Tanjiro’s first time using Hinokami Kagura, a powerful and intense attack. The way the colors blend together and create an ethereal atmosphere is simply breathtaking.
The use of motion lines creates a dynamic sense of movement that draws the reader into the action. This panel showcases the incredible talent of Koyoharu Gotouge as a mangaka and is a testament to the beauty and power of manga.
12. “Jiraiya’s Death” panel from “Naruto” by Masashi Kishimoto
Masashi Kishimoto is an expert at making the readers feel the hype of a moment. No matter what scene in Naruto, he masterfully evokes strong emotions through his drawings. One of the most memorable moments that left a deep impact on Naruto fans is the death of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya.
Jiraiya’s death was a turning point in the story, as it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The way Kishimoto portrayed this moment was both poignant and powerful.
The panel showing Jiraiya’s lifeless body floating on the water after his battle with Pain is both heart-wrenching and breathtaking. It is as if Jiraiya is peacefully drifting away to the afterlife, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
But what really makes this scene stand out is the flashback to Jiraiya’s past, as he remembers his time with Naruto and the bond they shared. The dialogue between Jiraiya and Naruto in this panel is particularly emotional, as Jiraiya acknowledges Naruto as the one who will carry on his legacy.
This moment is a testament to the power of Kishimoto’s storytelling and the way he can create such a profound impact on the readers. Jiraiya’s death is not just a plot point in the story, it is a moment that fans will always remember and cherish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of manga is a vast and varied landscape, filled with incredible stories, unforgettable characters, and stunning artwork. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, there’s no denying the impact that manga has had on popular culture and the world of art.
In this blog post, we’ve explored the criteria for what makes a great manga panel and listed some of the best examples of manga panels of all time. We’ve seen how manga can use art, dialogue, layout, and action to create moments of excitement, horror, emotion, and more.
However, it’s important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless other manga panels that are just as worthy of praise and recognition. The world of manga is constantly evolving, and new artists and stories are being created all the time. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of manga, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Ultimately, what makes manga so special is its ability to capture the imagination and touch the hearts of readers around the world. Manga has a unique power to tell stories that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant, and it’s no wonder that it has become such a beloved art form.
We hope this blog post has given you a greater appreciation for the world of manga and the incredible panels that have helped make it what it is today. Whether you’re a fan of action, romance, drama, or comedy, there’s a manga out there for everyone. So pick up a book, start reading, and get ready to be transported to new worlds and experience incredible stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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