Jujutsu Kaisen has once again proven its immense popularity by topping Bookscan’s March 2025 list of best-selling adult graphic novels in the U.S. This marks another significant achievement for Gege Akutami’s supernatural manga series, solidifying its place as a dominant force in the manga market.
Chart-Topping Success: Jujutsu Kaisen’s March Triumph
According to Circana (formerly NPD BookScan), Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 25 secured the number one spot on the March 2025 list. This list reflects sales data collected from over 16,000 locations, including online retailers, chain stores, mass merchandisers, and independent bookstores, covering approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market. The ranking is based on the number of units sold.
Manga’s Strong Showing
The March 2025 list highlights the continued popularity of manga in the U.S., with 12 manga volumes making the Top 20. Besides Jujutsu Kaisen, other notable entries include:
- One Piece Vol. 108 (#3)
- Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 1 (#7)
- The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 13 (#8)
- Berserk Deluxe Vol. 1 (#9)
- Berserk Vol. 42 (#10)
- One Piece Omnibus Vol. 1 (#11)
- Dandadan Vol. 12 (#13)
- My Hero Academia Vol. 40 (#14)
- Chainsaw Man Vol. 17 (#16)
- Blue Lock Vol. 1 (#18)
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Vol. 1 (#20)
Solo Leveling’s Strong Performance
The Korean webcomic Solo Leveling also had a strong presence, with multiple volumes ranking high:
- Solo Leveling Vol. 1 (#2)
- Solo Leveling Vol. 11 (#4)
- Solo Leveling Vol. 10 (#6)
- Solo Leveling Vol. 15 (#15)
- Solo Leveling Vol. 17 (#17)
The Jujutsu Kaisen Phenomenon
Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, has become a global phenomenon since its debut in March 2018 in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in the world of jujutsu sorcerers and cursed spirits.
Manga Sales Milestones
The manga series has achieved impressive sales figures, demonstrating its widespread appeal:
- Over 100 million copies in circulation by September 2024: This includes physical copies, digital versions, and related novels.
- Best-selling manga series in 2021: Selling over 30 million copies.
- Fifth best-selling manga series in 2020: With 6,702,736 copies sold.
Anime Adaptation’s Impact
The anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, has significantly boosted the manga’s popularity. The first season aired from October 2020 to March 2021, and the second season aired from July to December 2023. A third season, covering the “Culling Game” arc, has been announced.
- Increased manga sales: The anime adaptation has led to increased awareness and sales of the original manga.
- Most in-demand TV show in the world in 2023: According to Parrot Analytics, surpassing even One Piece and Attack on Titan.
- Guinness World Record: Recognized as the “most in-demand animated TV show” in 2023.
Factors Contributing to Success
Several factors have contributed to Jujutsu Kaisen’s success:
- Engaging storyline: The series features a compelling narrative with well-developed characters and intense action.
- Anime adaptation quality: MAPPA’s high-quality animation and faithful adaptation have resonated with fans.
- Gen Z appeal: A significant portion of Jujutsu Kaisen’s audience comprises Gen Z viewers, who are highly active on social media and contribute to the series’ popularity through online engagement.
- Availability on multiple platforms: Licensed for English-language release by Viz Media and available on platforms like Manga Plus, making it accessible to a global audience.
Manga Market Trends
The success of Jujutsu Kaisen reflects broader trends in the manga market. Manga sales have been booming in recent years, driven by factors such as:
- Increased popularity of anime: Anime adaptations often lead to increased interest in the original manga.
- Growth of streaming services: Streaming platforms have made anime more accessible to global audiences.
- Social media influence: Social media platforms play a significant role in promoting manga and anime, driving engagement and sales.
Key Players in the Manga Market
Several publishers and platforms play a crucial role in the manga market:
- Viz Media: A leading publisher of manga in North America, responsible for the English-language release of Jujutsu Kaisen.
- Shueisha: The Japanese publisher of Weekly Shōnen Jump, where Jujutsu Kaisen is serialized.
- Manga Plus: Shueisha’s online platform that offers English-language versions of its manga series.
- ICv2: A news and analysis site that provides valuable insights into the manga and graphic novel market.
- Circana (formerly NPD BookScan): A market research firm that collects and analyzes sales data for books, including manga and graphic novels.
Competition and Market Dynamics
While Jujutsu Kaisen has enjoyed considerable success, it faces competition from other popular manga series, such as:
- One Piece: Eiichiro Oda’s long-running series remains a dominant force in the manga market.
- My Hero Academia: Kōhei Horikoshi’s superhero manga has a dedicated fanbase.
- Chainsaw Man: Tatsuki Fujimoto’s dark fantasy manga has gained significant popularity.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Koyoharu Gotouge’s historical fantasy manga has been a commercial success.
- Solo Leveling: A popular Korean webcomic (manhwa) that has gained a large following.
The Future of Jujutsu Kaisen
Despite the manga’s conclusion in Japan in September 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen’s popularity is expected to continue. The upcoming anime season and ongoing English translations will likely sustain interest in the series.
Upcoming Anime Season
The third season of the anime, covering the “Culling Game” arc, is highly anticipated by fans. The release date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to further boost the series’ popularity.
English Translations
English translations of the final volumes of the manga are being released throughout 2025 and 2026. This will allow English-speaking fans to experience the conclusion of the story.
Influence and Legacy
Jujutsu Kaisen has had a significant impact on the manga and anime industries. Its success has demonstrated the global appeal of the shonen genre and has inspired other creators. The series’ engaging characters, compelling storyline, and high-quality adaptation have cemented its place as a modern classic.
Conclusion
Jujutsu Kaisen’s continued success on Bookscan’s charts is a testament to its enduring popularity and impact on the manga market. With a dedicated fanbase, a high-quality anime adaptation, and a compelling storyline, Jujutsu Kaisen has solidified its place as one of the most influential and commercially successful manga series of recent years. As the series continues to unfold through anime and English translations, its legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
