Wondering who made the One Piece manga? You’re not alone in asking about the creator behind this global phenomenon. Many fans want to know the single mastermind responsible for this epic pirate saga.
The globally acclaimed One Piece manga was created, written, and illustrated by the Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda. He began its serialization in July 1997 and remains the sole creative force behind the story and art, making it the best-selling manga in history.
Based on an analysis of official publication records and verified creator information, this guide details Eiichiro Oda’s journey. You will discover his inspirations, the manga’s publication history, and the factors behind its unprecedented success.
Key Facts
- Sole Creator: Eiichiro Oda is the single author and illustrator for the entire One Piece series, a rare feat for such a long-running manga.
- Unmatched Sales: The series is the best-selling manga in history, with sales data indicating over 516 million copies have been put in circulation worldwide.
- Guinness World Record Holder: One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for “the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” a testament to Oda’s consistency and output.
- Childhood Inspiration: Oda’s lifelong fascination with pirates, which forms the core of One Piece, was sparked by the classic anime series Vicky the Viking.
- Long-Running Serialization: The manga began its journey in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on July 22, 1997, and continues to be published more than two decades later.
Who Made the One Piece Manga?
The creator of the One Piece manga is the celebrated Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda. As the sole author and illustrator, he is responsible for every aspect of the story, from the intricate plot and world-building to the distinctive character designs and artwork that have defined the series for over two decades.
His singular vision is a primary reason for the manga’s incredible consistency and cohesive narrative. Unlike many other long-running series where creative duties might be split, One Piece is purely Oda’s creation. He began publishing the series in Shueisha’s renowned Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in July 1997, and his dedication has guided it to become a global cultural icon. The work is officially credited to him as its one and only creator.
Who is Eiichiro Oda and What is His Background?
Eiichiro Oda is a Japanese manga artist, or mangaka, born on January 1, 1975, in Kumamoto, Japan, who decided to become a manga artist at the young age of four. His primary inspirations were the work of the legendary Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, and a deep fascination with pirates that stemmed from the animated series Vicky the Viking. These two influences—epic adventure and high-seas fantasy—would become the cornerstones of his future masterpiece.
Oda’s professional journey began long before One Piece set sail. He started his career as an assistant to several established manga artists, including Shinobu Kaitani, Masaya Tokuhiro, and Nobuhiro Watsuki (creator of Rurouni Kenshin). This experience provided him with invaluable industry knowledge and honed his artistic skills. His talent was recognized early on, as demonstrated by several key milestones in his formative years.
Key points from his early career include:
* Tezuka Award Winner: At just 17 years old, he won the prestigious semi-grand prize at the Tezuka Awards for his one-shot manga, Wanted!.
* Assistant Work: He gained practical experience working on popular manga series, learning the demanding process of weekly serialization.
* Prototype Development: He created early one-shot versions of One Piece, titled Romance Dawn, which allowed him to refine his characters and story concepts before the official launch.
What Were Oda’s First Published Works Before One Piece?
Before One Piece, Eiichiro Oda published several one-shot manga, with his most notable early works being Wanted! (1992) and two versions of Romance Dawn (1996). These early projects are crucial for understanding his creative evolution. They showcase the themes and artistic style that he would later perfect.
- Wanted! (1992): This was his debut work, a Western-themed one-shot that earned him the Tezuka Award. Its success announced his arrival as a promising new talent in the manga industry.
- Monsters (1994): Another one-shot that explored themes of swordsmanship and honor, featuring a character that fans would later recognize in the world of One Piece.
- Romance Dawn (Version 1 & 2, 1996): These two distinct one-shot stories are the most direct predecessors to One Piece. Both were published in Shōnen Jump magazines and served as prototypes for the series. They introduced an early version of the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and established the core concept of a young adventurer seeking treasure and freedom on the high seas.
How Was the One Piece Manga Developed and Published?
The One Piece manga was developed from two prototype stories called Romance Dawn and began its official serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on July 22, 1997. The serialization process involves publishing the story in regular weekly installments within the magazine, a demanding schedule that Eiichiro Oda has maintained for over two decades. Weekly Shōnen Jump is Japan’s premier magazine for shōnen manga (manga aimed at a teen male audience), making its selection a mark of significant promise.
The publication journey followed a clear and successful path:
1. Prototypes (1996): Oda tested the waters with the two Romance Dawn one-shots, refining his protagonist and world.
2. Serialization (July 1997): Following the positive reception of the prototypes, One Piece began its continuous run in issue #34 of Weekly Shōnen Jump.
3. Tankōbon Volumes (December 1997): After a certain number of chapters are published in the magazine, the publisher, Shueisha, compiles them into collected volumes known as tankōbon. The very first One Piece tankōbon was released on December 24, 1997, under the Jump Comics imprint, allowing fans to collect the story in book form.
This cycle of weekly serialization followed by periodic volume releases has continued ever since, building one of the largest and most successful manga series in history.
Why is One Piece the Best-Selling Manga of All Time?
One Piece is the best-selling manga in history, with over 516 million copies sold worldwide as of 2026, due to its epic world-building, deep emotional storytelling, and universally appealing themes of friendship and adventure. This incredible success is also officially recognized by Guinness World Records, which awarded Oda the title for “the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”
The reasons for its dominance can be broken down into several key factors. First, Eiichiro Oda’s intricate and ever-expanding world is filled with unique islands, diverse cultures, and a deep, overarching mystery that keeps readers engaged for decades. Second, the series features a massive cast of well-developed characters, whose emotional journeys and strong bonds resonate deeply with a global audience. Finally, Oda masterfully balances thrilling action, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartbreaking drama, creating a story with something for everyone.
When compared to other giants of the manga industry, One Piece’s sales figures are in a league of their own.
| Manga Series | Creator(s) | Approximate Copies Sold (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|
| One Piece | Eiichiro Oda | Over 516 Million |
| Dragon Ball | Akira Toriyama | Over 300 Million |
| Naruto | Masashi Kishimoto | Over 250 Million |
| Detective Conan | Gosho Aoyama | Over 250 Million |
What is the Lasting Impact and Legacy of Eiichiro Oda’s Work?
The legacy of Eiichiro Oda’s work extends far beyond the manga, spawning a massive media franchise that has become a global cultural phenomenon. His story’s universal appeal has allowed it to successfully transition into nearly every form of media, cementing its place in entertainment history. The manga served as the foundation for an entire ecosystem of content that continues to grow and attract new fans worldwide.
The influence of One Piece can be seen across various platforms:
* Anime Series: The anime adaptation, produced by Toei Animation, began airing in 1999 and has become one of the longest-running and most popular anime series of all time, bringing Oda’s world to life for a television audience.
* Feature Films: The franchise includes over a dozen animated feature films, many of which have been major box office successes in Japan and abroad.
* Video Games: A vast library of video games across numerous platforms allows fans to interact with the world and characters in new ways.
* Live-Action Series: In a rare feat for manga adaptations, the Netflix live-action series, which Oda supervised, was met with both critical and commercial success in 2026, introducing the story to a new mainstream global audience.
* Merchandise: An enormous market for merchandise, from figures and apparel to themed cafes, demonstrates the series’ deep cultural and economic footprint.
Oda’s work has not only created a multi-billion dollar franchise but has also significantly influenced a new generation of manga artists and storytellers.
FAQs About who made one piece manga
Is the One Piece manga finished?
No, the One Piece manga is not finished, but it is in its final saga. Eiichiro Oda officially announced in 2026 that the series has entered its ultimate storyline. While an exact end date has not been given, the narrative is building towards its long-awaited conclusion after more than 25 years of serialization.
Did the One Piece manga or anime come first?
The One Piece manga came first. The manga began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on July 22, 1997. The anime adaptation, produced by Toei Animation, first aired over two years later on October 20, 1999, and has been following the manga’s story ever since.
How long has Eiichiro Oda been drawing One Piece?
Eiichiro Oda has been drawing One Piece for over 25 years. The series began its serialization in July 1997, and Oda has been writing and illustrating it continuously since then with very few breaks, showcasing a legendary level of dedication and work ethic within the manga industry.
How many volumes does the One Piece manga have?
As of 2026, the One Piece manga has over 100 tankōbon volumes. The exact number continues to grow as the final saga progresses. Shueisha has been collecting the chapters into these volumes since the first one was released in December 1997, creating an enormous and iconic collection.
Who illustrates the One Piece manga?
Eiichiro Oda is the sole illustrator for the One Piece manga. Unlike some manga productions that delegate background art or inking, Oda is famously hands-on. While he has assistants for certain tasks, he is responsible for drawing all the main characters and key elements himself, which is central to the series’ consistent artistic style.
Does Eiichiro Oda have help writing One Piece?
No, Eiichiro Oda is the sole writer of the One Piece story. While he collaborates with his editors who provide feedback and suggestions, the entire plot, character creation, and world-building comes from Oda himself. He has meticulously planned the overarching narrative since the very beginning.
What other manga did Eiichiro Oda create?
While One Piece is his life’s work, Eiichiro Oda created several one-shot manga before it. His most notable early works are collected in a volume called Wanted!, which includes his award-winning 1992 manga of the same name and the first prototype of One Piece, Romance Dawn.
How much money has the One Piece manga made?
The One Piece franchise has generated over $21 billion in total revenue, but sales from the manga alone are estimated to be in the billions. With over 516 million copies sold, it is the best-selling manga in history, making Eiichiro Oda one of the wealthiest and most successful manga artists of all time.
What inspired the pirate theme in One Piece?
Eiichiro Oda’s primary inspiration for the pirate theme was a childhood fascination with the animated TV series Vicky the Viking. He has stated in interviews that this show sparked his love for pirate adventures and exploration, which became the foundational concept for the world of One Piece.
Is Eiichiro Oda in good health?
While there have been concerns due to his intense work schedule, Eiichiro Oda is generally in good health. The manga occasionally takes short breaks to allow him to rest and maintain his health for the long-term goal of completing the series. These breaks are planned and announced by the publisher to manage his workload.
Key Takeaways: Who Made One Piece Manga Summary
- The Sole Creator is Eiichiro Oda – The One Piece manga was written and illustrated entirely by one person, Japanese mangaka Eiichiro Oda, who has maintained creative control since its debut in 1997.
- A Long-Held Passion for Pirates – Oda’s desire to create a pirate manga was not a sudden idea; it stemmed from his childhood love for the anime Vicky the Viking and was developed through early prototypes called Romance Dawn.
- Published by Shueisha in Weekly Shōnen Jump – The series has been serialized in Japan’s most famous manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, and published by Shueisha, which are hallmarks of quality and success in the industry.
- The Undisputed Best-Selling Manga in History – With over 516 million copies sold and a Guinness World Record, One Piece’s commercial success is unparalleled, dwarfing that of many other iconic manga series.
- A Massive Transmedia Franchise – The legacy of One Piece goes far beyond the manga, encompassing a globally popular anime from Toei Animation, numerous films, and a successful live-action series on Netflix.
- More Than 25 Years of Dedication – Eiichiro Oda’s legendary work ethic and commitment to his story for over two decades are key reasons for the series’ consistent quality and enduring popularity.
- Currently in its Final Saga – While the manga is not yet finished, Eiichiro Oda has confirmed that the epic story has officially entered its final saga, building towards a conclusion planned decades in advance.
Final Thoughts on Eiichiro Oda, the Creator of One Piece
Eiichiro Oda’s position as the singular creative force behind One Piece is a monumental achievement in the history of fiction. His decades of unwavering dedication to a single, cohesive vision have resulted in a story of unmatched scale and emotional depth. More than just the author of the best-selling manga of all time, he is an architect of a world that has captured the hearts of millions across generations and borders.
His work is a testament to the power of long-form storytelling and has not only set a new standard within the shōnen genre but has also built a global cultural phenomenon. From the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump to a sprawling transmedia empire, Oda’s creation continues to inspire adventure, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, solidifying his legacy as one of the most important storytellers of our time.
