Manga has so many genres and so many different kinds of styles. There are some manga that transcends the sexes, meaning boys and girls will enjoy them, while some are just for boys and some just for girls. The nominees for Best Manga of the Year are….

One Piece - This manga about pirates has been going strong for over 60 volumes and anime episode and movies. The story follows Luffy and his gang as he travels to become the pirate king. The 60th volume set a record for the highest initial print run of any book in Japan in history with 3.4 million copies, being also the first book to sell over two million copies in its opening week on Japan’s Oricon book rankings. The manga has sold over 200 million copies of the series thus far.

Kimi Ni Todoke - This is the manga that I am most familiar with since the series thus far is sitting on my bookshelf. The story is about an outcast who falls in love with the most popular boy; he does in turn falls for her. Their love story is totally adorable, and the interactions with their friends are hilarious. A live action was released this year starring Haruma Miura. It was the third bestselling series this year in Japan, and it’s love for the manga keeps going strong. It won the Best Shojo Manga when it was first released in 2008.

Fullmetal Alchemist - I have to admit that the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime is by far my favorite anime, but the manga and the anime differ halfway through the story. While the anime was voted most popular anime of all time, the manga was the 6th bestselling manga in Japan this year. It follows the story of Ed and Al Elric as they search for the philosopher’s stone. Every volume has sold over 1 million copies in Japan and is one of Viz Media’s bestselling manga. Crazy tidbit, it’s first volume was the bestselling manga volume of 2005 in the U.S.

Naruto - Naruto was not only Japan’s 2nd bestselling series of 2010, but it also is probably one of the best manga that has reached the States. It has been featured in USA Today and won the Quil award in 2006. Naruto is about a ninja named Naruto and his adventures growing up as an outcast that houses the Nine-tailed fox. It has also had a successful anime series along with video games. Although it is mainly action and comedy, you can bet there’s a hint of romance dashed in there.

Hetalia - Hetalia has definitely had the biggest impact in America this year. Everywhere I go, I seem to always be hearing about Hetalia: Axis Powers. Although this manga started as a webcomic, it was turned into a manga as well, resulting in a successful anime series after. If you haven’t check this manga out, I would if I were you. The story makes countries during World War I and World War II into people, and basically makes fun at events that happened and the different countries. Historical, political, and military interaction between countries is presented in Hetalia as social and romantic interaction between the characters. This series is becoming incredibly popular in America and is hilarious! It’s very stereotypical though, so if you take great pride in your country of origin, you should probably avoid this manga.

The winner for Best Manga of the Year is…

One Piece! Everyone and their dogs love One Piece in Japan and America. The manga was the best selling series in Japan. The difference between first and second place was 32,343,809 (One Piece) to 7,409,068 (Naruto). For the top selling volumes, it took the top five places. One Piece has continually entertained boys and girls and familys alike. There’s was even a poll about who should play who IF a live action movie would be made. Hopefully, One Piece will continue to entertain the masses.