Jujutsu Kaisen continues its reign as a top-selling manga in the United States, consistently ranking high on bestseller lists. Most recently, the series has once again proven its popularity by topping Bookscan’s May adult graphic novel list.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Success in May 2024
According to Circana BookScan data for May 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22 secured the third position on the Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels chart. While Chainsaw Man Vol. 15 took the top spot and Lore Olympus: Vol. Six HC claimed second, Jujutsu Kaisen’s strong performance highlights its continued appeal to readers.
Here’s a quick look at the top contenders in May 2024:
- Chainsaw Man Vol. 15 by Tatsuki Fujimoto (VIZ Media)
- Lore Olympus: Vol. Six HC by Rachel Smythe (INKLORE)
- Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 22 by Gege Akutami (VIZ Media)
Manga’s Overall Dominance
It’s worth noting that manga continues to dominate the adult graphic novel charts, with a mix of new and first volumes of Shonen Jump series taking up most of the slots. This trend underscores the increasing popularity and mainstream acceptance of manga in the U.S. market.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Impact in 2024
Jujutsu Kaisen has consistently performed well throughout 2024. In January 2024, following the end of Season 2 of the anime, the series took seven of the top 20 spots in the Adult Graphics Novel rankings. Specifically, Volumes 16, 17, 18, 19, 1, and 20 swept places ninth to 13th, while Volume 21 secured the third spot.
Manga Sales Surge
The end of the anime’s second season significantly boosted manga sales, demonstrating a strong connection between the anime adaptation and the source material’s popularity. Fans eager to continue the story flocked to the manga, driving sales and solidifying Jujutsu Kaisen’s position as a leading manga franchise.
General Sales Data
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has reached impressive milestones in terms of copies in circulation:
- December 2018: 600,000 copies
- February 2019: 1.1 million copies
- June 2019: 2 million copies
- November 2019: 2.5 million copies
- May 2020: 4.5 million copies
- September 2020: 6.8 million copies
- October 2020: Over 10 million copies
- December 2020: 15 million copies
- January 2021: 20 million copies
- January 2021: 25 million copies
- February 2021: 30 million copies
- March 2021: 36 million copies
- March 2021: 40 million copies
- April 2021: 45 million copies
- May 2021: 50 million copies
- October 2021: Over 55 million copies
- December 2021: Over 60 million copies
- April 2022: Over 65 million copies
- August 2022: Over 70 million copies
- July 2023: Over 80 million copies
- January 2024: Over 90 million copies
- September 2024: Over 100 million copies
In 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen was the fifth best-selling manga series, selling 6,702,736 copies. By the first half of 2021, it became the second best-selling manga series with over 23 million copies sold. Moreover, in 2021, it was the best-selling manga series, selling over 30 million copies.
Manga Market Overview
The manga market has been experiencing substantial growth, driven by popular titles like Jujutsu Kaisen. According to ICv2, manga sales have consistently increased, reflecting a broader trend of rising interest in graphic novels and comics.
Key Factors Driving Manga Sales
Several factors contribute to the success of manga in the U.S.:
- Anime Adaptations: The popularity of anime adaptations significantly boosts manga sales, as fans turn to the original source material for more content.
- Digital Platforms: Online platforms like Manga Plus provide easy access to manga, further expanding the readership.
- Community and Social Media: Strong online communities and social media engagement amplify the reach and appeal of manga series.
What is Jujutsu Kaisen About?
Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. It follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes the host of a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna. To protect the world from Curses, Yuji joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers.
Storyline and Key Elements
- Curses: Born from negative human emotions, Curses are malevolent spirits that threaten humanity.
- Jujutsu Sorcerers: Trained individuals who can manipulate cursed energy to fight and exorcise Curses.
- Ryomen Sukuna: A powerful Curse known as the “King of Curses,” whose essence resides within Yuji Itadori.
Characters of Jujutsu Kaisen
- Yuji Itadori: The protagonist, a kind-hearted and athletic high school student who becomes Sukuna’s vessel.
- Megumi Fushiguro: A skilled Jujutsu Sorcerer and Yuji’s classmate, known for his strategic mind and powerful techniques.
- Nobara Kugisaki: A confident and headstrong Jujutsu Sorcerer and Yuji’s classmate, specializing in unique cursed techniques.
- Satoru Gojo: A powerful and enigmatic Jujutsu Sorcerer, considered one of the strongest in the world, and a mentor to Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara.
Anime Adaptations and Sequels
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has been adapted into a successful anime television series produced by MAPPA. The first season aired from October 2020 to March 2021, and the second season aired from July to December 2023. A sequel adapting the “Culling Game” arc has been announced, further exciting fans of the series.
Anime’s Influence
The anime adaptation has played a crucial role in expanding the Jujutsu Kaisen fanbase. Its high-quality animation, engaging storyline, and compelling characters have attracted a wide audience, leading to increased manga sales and overall popularity.
Other Notable Manga Series
While Jujutsu Kaisen enjoys considerable success, other manga series also perform well in the U.S. market. These include:
- Chainsaw Man: A dark and action-packed series known for its unique storyline and dynamic characters.
- Lore Olympus: A webtoon-turned-graphic novel that reimagines Greek mythology in a modern setting.
- Berserk: A dark fantasy manga series praised for its intricate storytelling and detailed artwork.
- One Piece: A long-running adventure manga with a massive global following.
- My Hero Academia: A superhero-themed manga popular among younger readers.
- Dandadan: The paranormal comedy-action series is benefiting massively from its rising cult following and continued digital success.
Trends in Graphic Novel and Manga Market
The graphic novel and manga market is dynamic, with several ongoing trends shaping its landscape:
- Growth of Digital Comics: Digital platforms offer convenient access to comics, attracting a wider audience.
- Increasing Diversity: More diverse voices and stories are emerging in the comics industry, appealing to a broader readership.
- Rise of Webtoons: Webtoons, originally from South Korea, have gained international popularity, influencing the style and content of graphic novels.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive trends, the graphic novel market faces challenges such as:
- Competition: A large number of titles compete for readers’ attention.
- Distribution: Ensuring wide availability in bookstores and libraries can be challenging.
- Discoverability: Helping readers find new and interesting titles is crucial for sustained growth.
The Future of Jujutsu Kaisen
With a dedicated fanbase, a successful anime adaptation, and consistent performance on bestseller lists, Jujutsu Kaisen is poised for continued success. The upcoming anime sequel and ongoing manga sales suggest a bright future for the series. As the manga market continues to evolve, Jujutsu Kaisen’s ability to adapt and resonate with readers will be key to maintaining its top position.
