Manga mania

CEBU, Philippines - As popular as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Dynamite Entertainment and Zenescope Entertainment’s characters are, Japan’s comics industry – more popularly known as the world of manga – isn’t without its share of unique and outstanding heroes.

From superpowered pirates to mystics-enhanced ninjas, here are some of the manga world’s more iconic superstars, characters whose very being and adventures have captivated audiences of all ages from different parts of the world.

Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto

The Naruto manga series, authored by mangaka Masashi Kishimoto, first saw print in 1999 and has since become one of the most phenomenal manga-to-anime adapted titles ever known to be.

With more than 600 manga chapters, the series is still ongoing, telling the story of Naruto Uzumaki and his quest into becoming the Hokage, a title that is given to the strongest ninja in the Konohagakure ninja village.

Though Naruto himself is the main protagonist of the series, cast characters such as Sasuke and Kakashi have managed to gather their own line of fans and followers, rivaling Naruto’s popularity.

This however, hasn’t caused a dent in Naruto’s iconic role as the title’s titular star.

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece

With his wide-eyed thirst for adventure and wonder, the pirate known as Luffy veers away from the stereotype cutthroat persona of pirates, being the conscientious and adventure-loving lad that he is.

Authored by mangaka Oda Eiichiro, One Piece first saw print in 1997, and, just like Naruto, is one of the more notable manga-to-anime adapted titles known throughout the world.

In constant search for One Piece (the legendary horde of Gold Roger, once known as the Pirate King), Luffy and his crew of pirates continue to solve dark mysteries and engage in exciting adventures, with the magna series close to celebrating its 700th chapter.

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach

First seeing print in 2001, Bleach tells the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a young fifteen-year-old boy who could see ghosts.

Authored by mangaka Kubo Tite, the title delves into the world of the Shinigami (ghost hunters, if you will), documenting Ichigo’s growth as a member of the Shinigami cadre. From saving the world from Hallows (rouge souls) to focusing on his growth as a Shinigami, Bleach is also one of manga’s well-loved manga-to-anime adapted titles.

With more than 500 manga chapters, the title is still ongoing, with Bleach featuring distinct and unique characters in its heroes and villains alike.

Pikachu from Pokemon

In 1996, Nintendo released a role playing game (RPG) title for its portable Game Boy console, one which proved to be a huge hit.

It is from this game title where Pikachu of Pokemon fame came from, whose adventures with Pokemon Master-in-training Ash Ketchum has been adapted into popular comics/manga and anime formats, paving the way towards Pikachu’s status as one of the most iconic manga/anime characters recognized almost anywhere in the world.  (Photos from the wires)