In a recent survey regarding manga, Oricon decided to focus on the supporting cast for a change. 1,000 people were asked, "Who do you think is the greatest supporting character in a manga?"

The #1 answer was the bullyish but ultimately good-hearted Takeshi Goda from "Doraemon." Tied for second place were Inspector Zenigata ("Lupin III") and Kuririn/Krillin ("Dragonball"), with the latter getting his support almost entirely from male respondents.

Nobita, also from "Doraemon," ranked in at 4th, and Nezumi Otoko of "Gegege no Kitaro" rounded out the top five. The rest of the list includes Lupin's sidekick Daisuke Jigen at #6; Kaede Rukawa ("Slam Dunk"), L ("Death Note"), and Ojii-chan ("Chibi Maruko-chan") tied at #7; Rerere Oji-san ("Tensai Bakabon"), Raoh ("Fist of the North Star"), and Char Aznable ("Mobile Suit Gundam") tied at #10.