who the best mangaka you ever know?

Hiroya Oku, creator of the manga Gantz.

Its almost like a movie with the depth of the characters & storyline.

Though I like Masashi Kishimoto of Naruto & Nobuhiro Watsuki of Rurouni Kenshin. Along with some other ones.

Well in terms of who is considered top mangaka, and are well known for their manga turning to anime and having good storylines.

CLAMP would definatly be one of them. A group of ladies who have created a number of successful series and are know for their good artwork and good storylines.

Rumiko Takahashi would also have to be considered one of the best. [It's been said in a Japanese newspaper that she is the most payed mangaka in Japan] So, im sure she dosen't get payed more then others, for nothing. She known to have engaging storylines and last for a long time, and she aims to probably created the longest manga storyline. Plus many of her stories also have become sucessful in anime form

Kaori Yuki - Probably has one of the most beautiful artwork and character designs of manga-ka. Although only her Angel Sanctuary was animated, she creates very vivid storylines and has very awesome artwork, and has created a number of manga series.

CLAMP.