In March 2025, Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen manga dominated the U.S. adult graphic novel charts, according to Circana BookScan. This marks a significant achievement for the series, highlighting its sustained popularity and impact on the manga market. Let’s dive into the details of this accomplishment and explore the broader context of manga’s success in the United States.
Jujutsu Kaisen Takes the Top Spot
Jujutsu Kaisen volume 25 secured the #1 position on Circana BookScan’s list of top 20 adult graphic novels for March 2025. This ranking reflects actual sales data from a wide array of retailers, including major chains like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, as well as independent bookstores and online retailers. Circana BookScan, formerly NPD BookScan, captures approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market, making its data a reliable indicator of consumer trends.
The series has maintained a strong presence on the monthly top 20 adult graphic novels list since January 2021, according to Wikipedia.
What Makes Volume 25 Special?
Volume 25 of Jujutsu Kaisen continues the gripping narrative that has captivated fans worldwide. While specific plot details might contain spoilers, it’s safe to say that this volume likely delves deeper into the ongoing conflicts and character development that define the series.
Other Manga Titles in the Top 20
The March 2025 list demonstrates the continued dominance of manga in the U.S. graphic novel market. Alongside Jujutsu Kaisen, several other popular series made a strong showing:
- One Piece volume 108 ranked at #3.
- Jujutsu Kaisen volume 1 also appeared on the list at #7, indicating ongoing interest from new readers looking to start the series from the beginning.
- The Apothecary Diaries volume 13 secured the #8 spot.
- Berserk Deluxe volume 1 and Berserk volume 42 ranked at #9 and #10 respectively.
- One Piece Omnibus volume 1 appeared at #11.
- Dandadan volume 12 was listed at #13.
- My Hero Academia volume 40 secured the #14 spot.
- Chainsaw Man volume 17 ranked at #16.
- Blue Lock volume 1 was listed at #18.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba volume 1 appeared at #20.
In addition to these manga series, Solo Leveling, a popular Korean webcomic, also had multiple volumes ranking high on the list. Volumes 1, 11, and 10 secured the #2, #4, and #6 spots, respectively.
The Rise of Manga in the U.S. Market
The strong performance of Jujutsu Kaisen and other manga titles reflects the increasing popularity of Japanese comics in the United States. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
Anime Adaptations
Anime adaptations play a crucial role in introducing manga to a wider audience. The success of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, streamed on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, has undoubtedly boosted the manga’s popularity. Similarly, series like Solo Leveling, Blue Lock, and Demon Slayer have benefited from successful anime adaptations.
Unique Storytelling and Characters
Manga offers a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles that appeal to a broad readership. From action-packed adventures toSlice-of-life dramas, manga explores a wide array of themes and topics. The unique character designs and compelling narratives often resonate with readers of all ages.
Accessibility and Availability
The increasing availability of manga in English, both in print and digital formats, has made it easier for U.S. readers to access these titles. Publishers like Viz Media have played a significant role in bringing manga to a wider audience through their English-language releases. Digital platforms like Shonen Jump also offer convenient access to a vast library of manga titles.
Jujutsu Kaisen: A Closer Look
Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, has become one of the most popular manga series of recent years. The series follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in the world of curses and jujutsu sorcerers after swallowing a cursed finger belonging to the powerful Ryomen Sukuna.
Key Elements of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Appeal
- Action-Packed Battles: The series features intense and visually stunning fight scenes that showcase the unique abilities of the characters.
- Compelling Characters: Jujutsu Kaisen boasts a diverse cast of well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and backstories.
- Intriguing World-Building: The series creates a rich and detailed world filled with curses, jujutsu techniques, and secret organizations.
- Emotional Depth: Despite its action-oriented nature, Jujutsu Kaisen also explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
The Impact of the Anime
The anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen, produced by MAPPA, has been widely praised for its high-quality animation, faithful adaptation of the manga, and compelling voice acting. The anime has introduced the series to a global audience, further boosting its popularity and sales.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Jujutsu Kaisen is actually a sequel to Gege Akutami’s Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, which was later retitled Jujutsu Kaisen 0. This prequel explores the story of Yuta Okkotsu, another student at Jujutsu High, and his connection to a powerful cursed spirit. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 has also been adapted into a successful anime film, further expanding the franchise’s reach.
Other Top-Selling Manga Series
While Jujutsu Kaisen has achieved remarkable success, it’s important to acknowledge the other manga series that have contributed to the genre’s popularity in the U.S. market.
One Piece
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Its ongoing adventure, expansive world, and memorable characters have captivated readers for over two decades.
My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has gained a massive following for its superhero-themed story, relatable characters, and exciting action sequences.
Chainsaw Man
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man has garnered critical acclaim for its dark humor, unconventional storytelling, and unique character designs.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has achieved widespread popularity for its emotional story, stunning visuals, and thrilling battles against demons.
The Future of Manga in the U.S.
The success of Jujutsu Kaisen and other manga series suggests a bright future for the genre in the United States. With the continued growth of anime streaming services, the increasing availability of manga in English, and the ongoing creativity of manga artists, it’s likely that manga will continue to captivate and inspire readers for years to come.
Trends to Watch
- The Rise of Digital Manga: Digital manga sales are expected to continue growing as more readers embrace the convenience of reading manga on their smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.
- The Expansion of Manga Genres: While action and adventure manga remain popular, other genres, such as romance, slice-of-life, and historical fiction, are also gaining traction in the U.S. market.
- The Influence of Social Media: Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a significant role in promoting manga and connecting fans with their favorite series.
Final Thoughts
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s recent triumph on the U.S. adult graphic novel charts is a testament to the series’ quality, the growing popularity of manga, and the power of anime adaptations. As manga continues to evolve and diversify, it’s sure to remain a vibrant and influential force in the world of comics and entertainment.
