Jujutsu Kaisen continues its reign as a top-selling manga, securing the #1 spot on Bookscan’s May 2025 Adult Graphic Novel list in the U.S. This is just the latest achievement for Gege Akutami’s dark fantasy series, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its engaging characters, thrilling action, and intricate plot. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting news and explore the broader landscape of manga sales in North America.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Continued Dominance
The 25th volume of Jujutsu Kaisen ranked first on Circana BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for April. According to Oricon’s mid-year sales list, Jujutsu Kaisen has secured its place at the top of the manga world, finishing the first half of 2025 as the best-selling manga series. Between November 2024 and May 2025, it sold 3.36 million copies.
This dominance is particularly impressive considering the manga concluded in September 2024. Even without new volumes being released, the series’ popularity remains strong, driven by its dedicated fanbase and the ongoing success of its anime adaptation.
What is Bookscan?
Circana BookScan, formerly known as NPD BookScan, is a service that tracks book sales in the United States. It collects weekly point-of-sale data on print books from over 16,000 locations, including online retailers, chain stores, mass merchandisers, and independent bookstores. Circana BookScan covers approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market, providing a comprehensive overview of what’s selling in the book industry.
Other Manga on the Charts
While Jujutsu Kaisen leads the pack, other manga series also performed strongly in May. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top performers:
- Chainsaw Man: Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man continues to be a popular choice among readers.
- Solo Leveling: The Korean webcomic Solo Leveling has also gained significant traction, with multiple volumes appearing on the list.
- One Piece: Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, a perennial favorite, remains a strong seller, with both new and omnibus editions finding their way onto the charts.
- Blue Lock: Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s soccer-themed manga, Blue Lock, is a surprise hit, boosted by its popular anime adaptation.
- Dandadan: Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan, a zany supernatural comedy, has experienced a surge in popularity, driven by social media buzz and word-of-mouth.
- My Hero Academia: Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia continues to be a consistent performer, with its latest volume ranking high on the charts.
The presence of these titles demonstrates the diverse appeal of manga in the U.S., with genres ranging from action and adventure to sports and comedy all finding an audience.
Manga’s Soaring Popularity in North America
The success of Jujutsu Kaisen and other manga titles reflects the growing popularity of Japanese comics in North America. Manga sales have been soaring in recent years, with titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and My Hero Academia consistently dominating the charts.
Factors Driving Manga’s Success
Several factors have contributed to the rise of manga in North America:
- Anime Adaptations: Anime adaptations have played a crucial role in driving manga sales. Series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Blue Lock have all benefited from the popularity of their anime counterparts.
- Social Media Buzz: Social media platforms have become important avenues for manga fans to discover and share their favorite series. Word-of-mouth and viral trends have helped to boost the popularity of titles like Dandadan.
- Diverse Genres: Manga offers a wide range of genres to appeal to diverse tastes, from action and adventure to romance and comedy.
- Accessibility: Digital platforms like Manga Plus and Viz Media’s online platform have made it easier for readers to access manga titles.
Impact on the Graphic Novel Market
The rise of manga has had a significant impact on the graphic novel market in the U.S. In recent years, manga titles have consistently dominated the Top 20 Adult Graphic Novels lists, often pushing aside Western comic books. This trend reflects a shift in reading habits and preferences, with more and more readers turning to manga for their graphic novel fix.
A Closer Look at Jujutsu Kaisen
For those unfamiliar with the series, Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 2018 to September 2024, with its chapters collected in 30 tankōbon volumes.
Storyline
The story follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he becomes the host of a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna. To protect his friends and the world from Curses, Yuji joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers. The series is known for its dark fantasy elements, thrilling action sequences, and complex characters.
Anime Adaptation
An anime television series adaptation produced by MAPPA aired its first season from October 2020 to March 2021, followed by a second season from July to December 2023. A sequel covering the “Culling Game” arc has been announced, further fueling the series’ popularity.
Reception
Jujutsu Kaisen has received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. The series has also been a commercial success, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
Other Top-Selling Manga Series of 2025
While Jujutsu Kaisen is currently the best-selling manga of 2025, several other titles have also achieved impressive sales figures. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders:
- Dandadan: This paranormal comedy-action series has experienced a surge in popularity, thanks to its rising cult following and digital success on Shōnen Jump+.
- Blue Lock: This soccer-themed sports manga has gained a strong following, driven by its exciting storyline and the popularity of its anime adaptation.
- One Piece: Eiichiro Oda’s epic pirate adventure continues to be a top seller, with new volumes and omnibus editions flying off the shelves.
- My Hero Academia: Kōhei Horikoshi’s superhero hit remains a consistent performer, with its latest volumes achieving strong sales.
These titles demonstrate the diverse range of manga series that are resonating with readers in North America.
The Impact of Anime Adaptations
Anime adaptations have proven to be a major catalyst for manga sales. Series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Blue Lock have all experienced a significant boost in sales following the release of their anime adaptations.
How Anime Drives Manga Sales
There are several ways in which anime adaptations can drive manga sales:
- Increased Exposure: Anime adaptations introduce manga series to a wider audience, attracting viewers who may not have otherwise discovered the source material.
- Visual Appeal: The animation brings the characters and storylines to life, making them more engaging and accessible to viewers.
- Emotional Connection: Viewers who become invested in the anime series are more likely to seek out the manga to learn more about the characters and stories.
- Community Building: Anime adaptations often foster a sense of community among fans, who share their love for the series through online forums, social media, and fan events.
Webtoons vs. Manga
While manga has traditionally dominated the adult graphic novel charts, webtoons have also made significant inroads in recent years. Webtoons are digital comics that are designed to be read on smartphones and tablets. They originated in South Korea but have since gained popularity worldwide.
Key Differences
Here are some key differences between webtoons and manga:
- Format: Webtoons are typically formatted in a vertical scroll, while manga is read from right to left in a traditional book format.
- Color: Webtoons are often full-color, while manga is typically black and white.
- Distribution: Webtoons are primarily distributed online, while manga is available in both print and digital formats.
Notable Webtoons
Despite their differences, webtoons and manga share many similarities, including their storytelling conventions and diverse genres. Some notable webtoons that have gained popularity in North America include Lore Olympus and Solo Leveling.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for manga in North America. With a growing fanbase, diverse range of titles, and the continued success of anime adaptations, manga is poised to remain a dominant force in the graphic novel market. As more readers discover the appeal of Japanese comics, we can expect to see even more manga titles topping the charts in the years to come. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s success is a testament to the enduring power and global appeal of manga.
