Jujutsu Kaisen, the creation of Gege Akutami, has once again solidified its place as a titan in the manga industry. The series’ Volume 22 topped Circana BookScan’s Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels list for April, marking another significant achievement for the dark fantasy juggernaut. This isn’t just a one-month wonder; Jujutsu Kaisen‘s consistent performance demonstrates its enduring appeal and commercial power in the United States.
Manga Mania: Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Chart-Topping Triumph
The April Bookscan list, released in May, highlights the strong presence of manga in the U.S. graphic novel market. Out of the 20 spots, 14 were occupied by manga volumes, showcasing the diverse range of titles captivating American readers. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 22 led the charge, followed by other popular series like Berserk, SPY x FAMILY, and Chainsaw Man.
The Top Contenders
Here’s a snapshot of the top performers on Circana BookScan’s Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels list for April:
- Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 22 by Gege Akutami
- *Berserk Deluxe Volume 1 by Kentaro Miura
- SPY x FAMILY Volume 11 by Tatsuya Endo
- My Dress-Up Darling Volume 11 by Shinichi Fukuda
- Chainsaw Man Volume 14 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
- My Hero Academia Volume 37 by Kohei Horikoshi
- One Piece Volume 105 by Eiichiro Oda
Other Notable Entries
The list also featured volumes from other well-loved series:
- Komi Can’t Communicate Volume 29 by Tomohito Oda
- Dandadan Volume 7 by Yukinobu Tatsu
- *One Piece Omnibus Edition Volume 1 by Eiichiro Oda
- Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge and Natsuki Hokami
- Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 21 by Gege Akutami
- Gokurakugai Volume 1 by Yuto Sano
Notably, the Korean webcomic Solo Leveling also secured two spots, with volumes 1 and 8 ranking at #10 and #15, respectively.
Bookscan: The Pulse of the Graphic Novel Market
Circana BookScan, formerly known as NPD BookScan, is a vital service for tracking print book sales in the U.S. It gathers weekly point-of-sale data 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, BookScan provides a comprehensive view of what’s selling and who’s buying.
How Bookscan Works
Circana BookScan compiles sales data, offering publishers, authors, and industry analysts crucial insights into market trends. The rankings are based on the number of copies sold, providing a clear picture of a title’s popularity and commercial success. It’s important to note that ICv2, a news and information site focused on comics and graphic novels, sometimes adjusts these rankings by removing titles that are primarily text-based or art books, ensuring the list accurately reflects the performance of graphic novels.
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Enduring Popularity
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s success isn’t new. The series has consistently topped sales charts, both in the U.S. and Japan. Several factors contribute to its enduring popularity:
Anime Adaptation
The Jujutsu Kaisen anime adaptation has played a significant role in boosting manga sales. The anime’s compelling storytelling, dynamic animation, and faithful adaptation of Akutami’s work have attracted a broad audience. As fans eagerly await new episodes, many turn to the manga to continue the story.
Unique Blend of Horror and Action
Jujutsu Kaisen stands out with its unique blend of horror, action, and emotional depth. The series features a world filled with curses, sorcerers, and intense battles, appealing to fans of dark fantasy and supernatural themes.
Compelling Characters
Akutami’s characters are another key to the series’ success. From the determined protagonist Yuji Itadori to the enigmatic and powerful Satoru Gojo, each character is well-developed with their own motivations, struggles, and backstories.
Social Media Buzz
The series’ popularity is also fueled by social media. Fans actively share their love for Jujutsu Kaisen through fan art, cosplay, discussions, and memes, creating a vibrant online community.
Manga’s Reign in the U.S.
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s success is indicative of a larger trend: the increasing popularity of manga in the U.S. Over the past decade, manga sales have grown significantly, driven by factors like the increasing availability of titles in English, the rise of streaming services that showcase anime adaptations, and the growing acceptance of comics and graphic novels as legitimate forms of literature.
Diversity of Genres
Manga offers a wide array of genres, catering to diverse tastes. From action-packed shonen series like One Piece and My Hero Academia to heartwarming slice-of-life stories like Komi Can’t Communicate, there’s a manga for everyone.
Accessibility
Many manga series are readily available in both print and digital formats, making them accessible to readers of all ages. Digital platforms like Shonen Jump and Crunchyroll offer subscription services that allow fans to read the latest chapters as they’re released in Japan.
Community
The manga community is known for its passion and inclusivity. Fans often gather at conventions, online forums, and social media groups to discuss their favorite series, share fan art, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Sales Figures and Market Impact
In early 2025, Jujutsu Kaisen was already the best-selling manga of the year, with over 3.36 million copies sold between November 2024 and May 2025. This figure is particularly impressive considering that the series only released two new volumes during that period.
Comparison to Previous Years
While Jujutsu Kaisen continues to dominate the charts, it’s worth noting that manga sales in general have seen some fluctuations. In 2024, the series sold over 4.6 million copies in the same period.
Overall Best-Selling Manga of 2024
In Japan, Jujutsu Kaisen reclaimed its throne as a manga industry titan in 2024, selling 7,610,995 copies. This was fueled by the momentum from Season 2 of its anime adaptation, which won Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. All four of its new volumes released in 2024 ranked among the Top 10 best-selling volumes of the year, with Volume 25 selling 1,542,345 copies and taking second place.
Top 10 Best-Selling Manga in Japan for 2024
- Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami – 7,610,995
- One Piece by Eiichiro Oda – 5,250,210
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada & Tsukasa Abe – 4,988,170
- The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga, Itsuki Nanao, Nekokurage, & Minoji Kurata – 4,723,562
- Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro & Yusuke Nomura – 3,881,269
- Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto – 3,398,326
- Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara – 3,234,204
- Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate – 3,077,085
- My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi – 2,943,985
- SPY×FAMILY by Tatsuya Endo – 2,662,408
The Future of Jujutsu Kaisen
Despite the manga having concluded in Japan, its English translations continue to be released, keeping fans engaged. The anime’s third season is in development, promising to adapt the “Culling Game” arc from Volume 17 onwards.
Impact of Anime Breaks
Interestingly, a hiatus in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime can lead to increased manga sales. The absence of new episodes may drive fans to purchase the original manga to continue the story, demonstrating the powerful synergy between anime and manga.
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s continued success is a testament to its quality, compelling storytelling, and the vibrant community that supports it. As manga continues to gain popularity in the U.S., series like Jujutsu Kaisen are leading the charge, captivating readers and shaping the future of the graphic novel market.
