I meant, I read Emma and her body proportion and nude drawing were impressive. But the level of detail in Otoyomegatari was just incomparable by most manga. I'm not saying that I don't see CLAMP's works or the more classics of Miuchi Suzue, or realistically drawing from other seinen/josei mangaka are not noticeable. Some are gorgeous and some are just outstanding. I guess different period of time brings out differences in our taste buds of what "Best" is about. For me, my breath was taken away (had never happened before) by Otoyomegatari.
I also think Okano Reiko's and Sumeragi Natsuki's works are thoroughly and beautifully fabricated. The additional point here is that they draw by hands, that, I really admire.
Other works that captured my interest not only by the arts but also the storyline are Hyakki Yakoushou, One Piece (it's SIMPLY the BEST), Basara and 7Seeds, I was madly in love with Candy Candy in my early age, Saiyuki, Visionary the Other Side, and probably a lot more.
I also think the likes of Ouke no Monshou are beautiful. CLAMP's are beautiful. Bride of the Water God is beautiful. But they are not how I prefer arts in manga to be.
Some Chinese authors are amazing also like Xia Da and the ones who drew the manga version (I can't really remember the year it published but it was very well-drawn) of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.
An interestingly provocative perspective is Helter-Skelter. It was drawn in sketch but I saw a lot of artistic movements there :-?
I'm still looking forward to see the likes (not style but detail and uniqueness) of Mori Kaoru, Okano Reiko and Sumeragi Natsuki
