Check Out The Most Iconic Manga Panels!

Manga panels have become iconic for various reasons. They may have been extremely influential to the story, providing fans with the perfect conclusion to an arc, or perhaps the art was far above other manga of the time, making the panel stand out for that reason.

But beyond these reasons, there is another factor for a manga panel to become iconic and be recognized by many people, even those who don't watch anime: it may have become a meme.

We sought to choose the most recognized panels across different media and offer a variety to avoid this list being made up of just memes. We want to celebrate the art and storytelling of manga, highlighting moments that truly marked the history of the genre. It is important to note that this article may contain minor spoilers.

Jotaro and Dio

When it comes to iconic scenes in both anime and manga, the beginning of the confrontation between Dio and Jotaro in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one that cannot be missed.

The intense exchange of glances and the dramatic poses of the characters created an unforgettable moment that continues to be referenced and parodied in various media to this day. In addition, this confrontation was the conclusion of one of Jojo's longest arcs, which was sure to make any fan thrilled.

Nah, I’d Win

It’s hard to believe that anyone reading manga wouldn’t know this panel, but for the uninitiated, Satoru Gojo, in Jujutsu Kaisen, responded with “Nah, I’d win” when asked if he would lose to Sukuna and well, without further comment, in the end we all know what happened to Go/Jo, and it became an instant meme.

Gojo’s confidence and defiant attitude, combined with his stylish appearance, made this moment one of the most remembered.

The End of the Chimera Ants

Komugi holding the dead Meruem in her arms in Hunter x Hunter is one of the most moving and tragic moments in the manga. This panel shows the depth of the relationship between Komugi and Meruem and how, in the end, Meruem died as a human, finding comfort in Komugi's arms.

It's impossible not to be moved by this scene. Even after his fight with Netero and being tricked, Meruem still chose love.

Kaneki and Mahou Shoujo

These two panels are probably some of the most well-known by non-anime fans, as they have become mainstream memes. It kind of makes sense, the drawings are expressive and can be interpreted in many ways, especially the one in Mahou Shoujo, representing the “desperate girlfriend”. Kaneki’s in Tokyo Ghoul was a bit more obscure and its uses were not always the same, but it remained well-known.

Hero of Hell

Chainsaw Man features one of the most electrifying panels when Denji (or is it Pochita?) fully transforms into his Hero of Hell mode. This moment encapsulates the madness and intensity of the series, with the detailed art and Denji's impressive pose making it an unforgettable image for fans. Another factor that helps this panel's popularity is the fact that it occurs right at the climax of the manga.

Childhood Innocence

This panel from Oyasumi Punpun is one of the most beautiful and melancholic in the series. Showing the children looking up at the starry sky, it represents an innocence that is taken away from us in the rest of the series. Punpun brings up many heavy themes and this moment is like a pause to breathe, even with their turbulent lives these children still find time to be what they should be, children.

The detailed art and calm atmosphere contrast with the darkness present in most of the narrative, standing out as a moment of pure beauty and reflection.

End of Duel

Musashi Miyamoto, after defeating several opponents in seventy consecutive duels, finds himself exhausted and kneeling on the ground in Vagabond. This panel captures the warrior's exhaustion and loneliness, showing the brutal reality of a swordsman's life. Takehiko Inoue's art is exceptional, capturing the emotion and physicality of the moment perfectly.

They Shall Know Pain

When Pain destroys Konoha from the sky in Naruto, the line “You shall know pain” becomes one of the most iconic moments in the series. The devastation caused by Pain’s attack, something never seen on this scale before in Naruto, makes this panel unforgettable, and it also brings real danger to Konoha. The combination of dramatic art and powerful storytelling creates a scene that resonates deeply with fans.

Eren

This panel of a shirtless Eren with his hair tied up in Attack on Titan is one of the most recent, but it has already become iconic. It represents Eren's transformation into a complex and ambiguous character, with his posture and expression conveying a mix of determination and resignation to his past - in that moment, Eren became a traitor to everyone he loves, they just didn't know it yet. The impressive art, the emotional charge of this moment and what comes after make it one of the most memorable in the series.

These panels are not only enchanting for their art, but also for the depth, narrative impact they carry or in some other cases, humor. They’re perfect examples of how manga can capture powerful, memorable moments that resonate with readers on a deep level.

What manga panels do you think should be on this list? Are there any that we’ve included that don’t deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments, and maybe we can have a part two!