How Much Do Mangakas Make?

In Partnership with APG

Manga is a unique form of Japanese comics that has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its distinct style and storytelling. From the gripping action of Attack on Titan to the heartwarming romance of Your Lie in April, manga has something for everyone. But have you ever wondered about the creative minds behind these captivating stories? Who are the mangakas, and how much do they make from their work? In this article, we dive into the world of manga and explore the fascinating and often lucrative career of mangakas.

Mangakas are creators of mangas. While comics are popular in Japan, mangakas have spanned the international market, selling millions of copies. Primarily, mangakas work in groups with divided responsibilities. One is tasked with writing, and the other is tasked with creating illustrations. However, one Mangaka will sometimes handle the writing and illustrations.

To publish the mangas, mangakas partner with publishing companies. However, a mangaka may eventually get signed by a major publisher or go independent. The mangas are then sold to generate funds for the mangakas. Mangakas can also sell their copyrights to publishers and earn a special commission or lump sum. These commissions may be acquired from sales royalties, licensing, video games, and more.

Moreover, the amount a mangaka makes in royalties can vary widely depending on the success of the manga series. Many mangakas are paid in advance for a manga series. This is then split among the members of the creative team and their publisher.

This poses a critical question. How much do mangakas make? Mangakas are estimated to earn between $12,520 to $339,997 dollars, but the average mangaka makes around $61,038. However, like any other business, the mangakas must pay taxes on their earnings.

While becoming rich as a mangaka is possible, you must work hard to create top-quality mangas. The massive difference between the lowest and the highest-earning mangaka proves this, but most mangakas branch out to video games and anime, which are well paying. Negotiating contracts can also greatly influence a mangaka's pay.

Eiichiro Oda is the richest mangaka, worth around 250 million dollars. His popularity and expertise in manga comics have made him an internationally acknowledged mangaka. His One Series has gained popularity since its release, selling over 500 million copies globally. The sales have made Oda a legend and the richest mangaka in the world. Moreover, his success has inspired many young mangakas to enter the industry.

Masashi Kishimoto is another well-known mangaka earning significantly from his famous global anime, Naruto. Naruto has gained popularity to become a globally accredited comic and anime. Masashi is worth around 25 million dollars, making him one of the richest mangakas in the world and the sixth wealthiest mangaka in history. This proves that hard work and dedication to your craft pay off.

Akira Toriyama is another top mangaka in the history of manga. He is the founder and creator of the acclaimed Dragon Ball series. Akira's net worth is estimated to be around 45 million dollars, with millions of sales from Dragon Ball.

Overall, mangakas make a decent amount of money from their work. They can take home up to $339,997 annually, depending on the success and popularity of the manga series.

Significant earnings linked to mangakas prove that being a mangaka is a good business. However, you must be vigilant regarding contracts, loyalties, and more. You must also keep up with the changing market, which has turned the manga business into more digital. 

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