Boruto: Naruto Next Generations created a hype among the fans, and the Naruto fandom expected a lot from it. However, in the initial stages, it did not receive satisfactory reviews, and one of the most important reasons for that was that the anime did not have the same starting point as the manga. Considered to be one of the Big Three of anime, Naruto left behind a legacy that was surreal to climb.
Another one of the Big Three is One Piece. One Piece has been going on strong for the last 25 years. More tha 1080+ episodes, and people still cling to it as if it released its first episode today. Likewise, Eiichiro Oda, One Piece’s creator, always tends to hold the first place when it comes to rankings. But that might not be the case anymore after Shuiesha’s Manga Plus released the 2023 Year-end manga rankings.
Shueisha’s 2023 Year-end Rankings Have Surprised the Boruto and One Piece Fans
The anime community has high regard for the Big Three of anime and their creators. But when it comes to Eiichiro Oda, the fandom accepts him as the number one just for his sheer willingness to make One Piece one of the greatest anime year after year. It is a mutual feeling among the fans that Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus will always be at the top of any manga list.
But the 2023 Year-end manga rankings by Shueisha’s Manga Plus have surprised the whole anime fandom. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, by Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto, takes the first place. The second, third, and fourth are respectively held by Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece. 2023 has been a great year for One Piece, but Masashi Kishimoto took the crown due to massive developments in the Boruto manga.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has a great buildup, and accordingly, the story seems to get better with each chapter. Boruto Uzumaki becoming a rogue ninja and taking on Godly beings has everyone on the edge of their seat. Even though Boruto initially started as a mediocre manga, it has picked up its place and secured the top spot with Masashi Kishimoto’s help.
Masashi Kishimoto Takes the Win Over Eiichiro Oda
Mikio Ikemoto was having a problem dealing with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Even though he tried his best, somehow, it always lacked a special touch. After Masashi Kishimoto joined with Ikemoto, the manga skyrocketed, and its popularity soon increased. He soon took over Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece and secured the top spot on the 2023 year-end manga list.
Mashashi Kishimoto and Eiichiro Oda always had a Naruto and Sasuke relationship. Even though they were fellow mangaka, they were also rivals. After Naruto ended, the fans thought they would no longer be able to see the rivalry. But the top manga list has proven that the rivalry is very well alive. It is great to see two iconic mangaka, who are friends in real life, compete for the top position in a healthy competition. But as of 2023, Masashi Kishimoto takes up the win.
