Gege Akutami’s highly popular manga series, Jujutsu Kaisen, has once again demonstrated its formidable presence in the North American market, with its 27th volume clinching the #1 spot on Circana BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for September. The latest ranking underscores the ongoing immense popularity of the dark fantasy series among U.S. readers.
The achievement for Jujutsu Kaisen volume 27 comes as Circana BookScan, formerly NPD BookScan, released its comprehensive data for the month. The list prominently featured 18 manga volumes, along with one Korean webcomic, indicating a strong performance for Japanese and East Asian comics in the adult graphic novel category.
Understanding Circana BookScan’s Influence
Circana BookScan is a critical authority in the publishing industry, renowned for tracking print book sales across the United States. The company aggregates weekly point-of-sale data from a vast network of over 16,000 locations, encompassing major e-tailers, national chains, mass merchandisers, and independent bookstores. This extensive coverage accounts for approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market, making its rankings a significant indicator of commercial success and consumer trends. The ranks are determined by piece sales, reflecting the sheer volume of copies sold.
A Strong Showing for Manga and Graphic Novels
September’s list highlights the continued dominance of manga in the graphic novel sector. Beyond Jujutsu Kaisen‘s leading position, several other fan-favorite titles and new entries made a significant impact:
- Top Contenders: Following Jujutsu Kaisen volume 27, Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba volume 1 secured the #2 spot, proving its enduring appeal. Notably, other volumes of Jujutsu Kaisen also appeared multiple times on the list, with volume 26 at #3, volume 1 at #9, and volume 25 at #15, showcasing the series’ widespread demand.
- Diverse Genres and Series: The list was a testament to the variety within the manga landscape. Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run hardcover editions were particularly strong, with volume 3 at #4, volume 1 at #8, and volume 2 at #12. Kei Urana’s Gachiakuta volume 1 debuted at #6, with volume 2 also charting at #17, signaling a strong reception for the newer series.
- Notable Mentions: The list also included Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 volume 14 at #7, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece Omnibus Edition volume 1 at #10, Kentarō Miura’s Berserk Deluxe volume 1 at #13, Mokumokuren’s The Summer Hikaru Died volume 1 at #14, Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan volume 1 at #16, Tatsuya Endō’s SPY x FAMILY volume 14 at #18, and Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yūsuke Nomura’s Blue Lock volume 22 at #19, with volume 1 also ranking at #20.
- Webcomic Success: The Korean webcomic Solo Leveling volume 13 also performed exceptionally well, ranking at #5, demonstrating the growing cross-cultural appeal of digital comic formats in print.
The Enduring Appeal of Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen, penned and illustrated by Gege Akutami, has captivated a global audience with its intricate narrative, compelling characters, and intense supernatural battles. The series follows high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers after consuming a cursed object.
The manga’s success is not limited to sales; by September 2024, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga had already surpassed 100 million copies in circulation, including digital versions and related novels, solidifying its status as one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its critically acclaimed anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, has further propelled its popularity, introducing the series to an even broader international audience. The consistent high rankings on BookScan lists reflect a sustained enthusiasm for both new and older volumes of the series.
