Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man continues its reign in the United States, securing the top spot on Circana BookScan’s list of best-selling adult graphic novels for January 2025. This marks a significant achievement for the manga series, underscoring its sustained popularity and impact on the American market.
Manga Dominates the Charts
The January 2025 BookScan list, compiled by Circana (formerly NPD BookScan), reveals a striking trend: the complete absence of American graphic novels in the top 20. This is a notable shift, as manga and manhwa titles now exclusively occupy the best-selling slots. Even mainstays like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin have slipped out of the top 20, highlighting the current dominance of Japanese and Korean comics in the U.S. market.
Chainsaw Man Leads the Charge
Chainsaw Man volume 17 leads the pack, demonstrating the series’ continued appeal. The series, known for its blend of dark humor, action, and horror, has captivated readers with its compelling storyline and dynamic characters. Its success isn’t new; the manga has consistently performed well, with previous volumes also topping bestseller lists.
The Top Contenders
Following Chainsaw Man on the January 2025 list are other popular manga series:
- SPY x FAMILY volume 13 by Tatsuya Endō
- Solo Leveling volume 10 by CHUGONG
- Jujutsu Kaisen volume 24 by Gege Akutami
- Dandadan volume 1 by Yukinobu Tatsu
- Berserk Deluxe volume 1 by Kentarō Miura
This diverse lineup showcases the breadth of manga genres finding success in the U.S., from action-packed adventures to heartwarming family stories.
The Anime Effect and Sustained Popularity
A key factor contributing to the success of many of these titles is the “anime effect.” The debut of the Chainsaw Man anime in October 2022 triggered a surge in manga sales, introducing the series to a wider audience. This pattern is mirrored by other series on the list, such as SPY x FAMILY, which has also benefited from a successful anime adaptation.
Beyond Anime: Deluxe Editions and New Discoveries
While anime adaptations play a significant role, other factors also drive manga sales. Deluxe editions, such as the Berserk Deluxe volumes and the Vagabond Definitive Edition, cater to collectors and fans seeking a premium reading experience. Additionally, new series like Sakamoto Days are making their Top 20 debut, suggesting a continuous influx of fresh content and rising stars in the manga world.
Chainsaw Man’s Journey to the Top
The rise of Chainsaw Man to the top of the U.S. adult graphic novel charts is a testament to its unique appeal and the growing popularity of manga in the West.
- Early Success: Even before the anime adaptation, Chainsaw Man was gaining traction. In the first half of 2021, it was the fifth best-selling manga series in Japan, with over 4 million copies sold. By the end of 2021, it had become the seventh best-selling manga, with over 5 million copies sold.
- Anime Boost: The anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, further amplified the manga’s popularity. While the anime’s reception in Japan was mixed, it became a massive hit with American audiences.
- Continued Growth: The series has continued to achieve impressive sales figures. In the first half of 2023, it was the second best-selling manga series in Japan, with over 4.4 million copies sold. By December 2024, the manga had over 30 million copies in circulation, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
Circana BookScan: The Authority on Book Sales
Circana BookScan is a widely recognized source of sales data for the U.S. book market. It collects weekly point-of-sale information on print books from over 16,000 locations, including online retailers, chain stores, mass merchandisers, and independent bookstores. Circana BookScan’s data covers approximately 85% of the U.S. trade print book market, making it a reliable indicator of book sales trends.
How Bookscan Compiles the List
It’s important to note that Circana BookScan’s charts are based on unit sales, meaning the rankings reflect the number of copies sold rather than the total revenue generated. Additionally, ICv2, a pop culture and entertainment news website, removes titles that are primarily text or art books from the rankings, ensuring that the list focuses specifically on graphic novels. The charts also exclude graphic novels classified for the children’s market, further refining the focus on adult-oriented titles.
What this Means for the Graphic Novel Industry
The dominance of manga on the January 2025 BookScan list has several implications for the graphic novel industry:
- Growing Manga Market: The sustained popularity of manga indicates a growing and engaged readership in the U.S. This presents opportunities for publishers and retailers to cater to this audience with a wider selection of manga titles.
- Impact of Anime Adaptations: The “anime effect” highlights the significant impact that anime adaptations can have on manga sales. Publishers may increasingly consider anime adaptations as a strategy for boosting the popularity of their manga titles.
- Rise of Manhwa: The presence of Solo Leveling on the list also suggests a growing interest in manhwa, Korean comics. This could lead to increased investment in and distribution of manhwa titles in the U.S.
- Challenges for American Graphic Novels: The absence of American graphic novels in the top 20 raises questions about the challenges facing this segment of the industry. It may prompt publishers to explore new strategies for promoting and distributing American graphic novels to better compete with manga.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chainsaw Man and Manga in the U.S.
The success of Chainsaw Man and other manga series in the U.S. is likely to continue, driven by factors such as the ongoing release of new volumes, the premiere of the Chainsaw Man movie Reze Arc in 2025, and the sustained popularity of anime. As the manga market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how American graphic novels respond and whether they can regain a foothold in the top ranks.
