The world of manga is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, with new series constantly vying for the attention of avid readers. For publishers like Kodansha, Shogakukan, and Shueisha, the initial print run of a new volume is a crucial indicator of confidence in its potential success. These numbers reflect not only the manga’s popularity but also the publisher’s marketing strategies and anticipation of demand. Let’s delve into the world of manga publishing and explore the biggest first printings from these industry giants in recent years, and what these numbers signify.
What First Printings Reveal About the Manga Market
First printings are a window into the manga market’s health and trends. They demonstrate which titles are generating buzz and which publishers are willing to invest heavily in. A large first printing suggests that the publisher expects high sales and has likely put significant marketing resources behind the title. Moreover, these numbers can be a point of pride for creators, signifying the strong belief in their work by the publishing house.
Understanding the Numbers: Factors Influencing First Printings
Several factors go into determining the size of a first printing:
- Existing Popularity: Sequels to established hit series usually get larger print runs.
- Anime Adaptations: If a manga has a successful anime adaptation, the first printing of subsequent volumes tends to increase significantly.
- Marketing Campaigns: Extensive advertising and promotional efforts can lead to higher initial printings.
- Critical Acclaim and Awards: Recognition from industry awards or positive reviews can boost publisher confidence.
- Genre Trends: The popularity of certain genres, such as action-adventure, Isekai, or romance, influences print runs.
- Digital Manga Growth: The increasing popularity of digital manga and webtoons also reshapes the online market.
First Printings: Looking Back at 2023-2024
In April 2024, Tsukuru Shuppan’s Tsukuru magazine released a chart detailing the top 15 manga volumes from Kodansha, Shogakukan, and Shueisha based on first printings between April 2023 and March 2024. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top contenders:
Kodansha
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 23: 505,000 copies
- Blue Lock, Vol. 24: 450,000 copies
- Space Brothers, Vol. 43: 252,000 copies
Shogakukan
- Detective Conan, Vol. 103: 630,000 copies
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Vol. 12: 600,000 copies
- Don’t Call It Mystery, Vol. 13: 450,000 copies
Shueisha
- One Piece, Vol. 108: 3.2 million copies
- Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 23: 1.75 million copies
- Spy x Family, Vol. 11: 1.55 million copies
Manga Market Dominance in 2024
While first printings offer insight, sales figures ultimately determine a manga’s success. According to Oricon, here were the top-selling manga series in Japan in 2024:
- Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami (Shueisha): 7,610,995 copies
- One Piece by Eiichiro Oda (Shueisha): 5,250,210 copies
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe (Shogakukan): 4,988,170 copies
- The Apothecary Diaries: 4,723,562 copies
- Blue Lock by Muneyuki Kaneshiro / Yusuke Nomura (Kodansha): 3,881,269 copies
- Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto (Shueisha): 3,398,326 copies
- Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara (Shueisha): 3,234,204 copies
- Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate (Shueisha): 3,077,085 copies
- My Hero Academia by Kōhei Horikoshi (Shueisha): 2,943,985 copies
- Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo (Shueisha): 2,662,408 copies
Key Observations:
- Shonen Powerhouses: Shueisha’s Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece continue to dominate the sales charts, proving the enduring popularity of shonen manga.
- Rising Stars: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End experienced a meteoric rise, driven by its acclaimed anime adaptation.
- Kodansha’s Strong Contender: Blue Lock remains a strong performer for Kodansha, capitalizing on the sports manga trend.
- Digital Impact: Kaiju No. 8, serialized on Shonen Jump+, demonstrates the growing influence of digital platforms.
Publisher Spotlights: Kodansha, Shogakukan, and Shueisha
- Kodansha: Known for titles like Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, and Blue Lock. They have a diverse range of manga, including the educational Shogakukan Edition Educational Manga: Japanese History for Schools. They have also expanded their digital manga services. In October 2023, Kodansha announced the release of seven new simulpub titles on its K MANGA service, including two new manga series launched in Japan and the U.S.
- Shogakukan: Renowned for long-running series such as Detective Conan and newer hits like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Shogakukan also focuses on educational manga. Frieren volume 12 was their second-highest first-print-run manga volume of 2023–2024.
- Shueisha: Home to iconic series like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Spy x Family. They dominate the shonen market and have successfully leveraged digital platforms like Shonen Jump+. Shueisha’s One Piece has been serialized since 1997, with 111 volumes released as of March 2025.
Spotting a First Edition
Identifying a first edition manga can be a rewarding pursuit for collectors. Here’s how to tell:
- Copyright Page: Look for the colophon on the copyright page, typically at the beginning or end of the book.
- Printing Information: The colophon lists printing details. A series of numbers (e.g., 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1) indicates the printing number. If “1” is present, it’s a first printing.
- Printing Date: A line stating “First printing, [Date]” confirms it’s a first edition. Later printings may have additional lines indicating their printing dates.
- Publisher Variations: Viz Media and Udon usually include the printing date even for later editions. However, Seven Seas, Yen Press, Vertical, Dark Horse, Tokyopop, and Kodansha often only include the first printing date.
Note: For very popular series with long print runs, the numbers may go significantly higher than 10.
The Digital Revolution and Manga’s Future
The manga market is undergoing a digital transformation, with digital manga gaining significant traction.
- Market Growth: The global manga market is expected to reach USD 42.46 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 18.7% from 2025 to 2030.
- Digital Dominance: The digital segment recorded the largest revenue share of over 78% in 2024, driven by the accessibility of digital platforms.
- Asia-Pacific Leadership: The Asia Pacific region accounts for over 85% of the manga market.
- Genre Preferences: Action and adventure remain the most popular genres, with a growing demand for strong and diverse protagonists.
Trends and Predictions for 2025
Predicting the biggest first printings for 2025 is speculative, but several factors can provide clues:
- Continued Popularity of Established Series: One Piece, even with fewer releases, remains a powerhouse. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s conclusion might lead to a slight drop, but the anime’s ongoing popularity should keep it in the top ranks.
- Anime Adaptations: Manga with upcoming or ongoing anime adaptations will likely see increased printings. A second season of Kaiju No. 8 anime adaptation may boost sales.
- New and Emerging Titles: Keep an eye on critically acclaimed or award-winning series, as well as those gaining traction on digital platforms.
- Globalization: Increased availability and marketing in regions outside Japan, particularly in China, could significantly impact print runs.
Final Thoughts
The world of manga first printings offers a fascinating insight into the dynamics of the industry. By analyzing these numbers, alongside sales data and market trends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the art, the creators, and the business behind our favorite manga series. As the manga market continues to evolve, the strategies of Kodansha, Shogakukan, and Shueisha, and the readers’ preferences will shape the landscape of this beloved art form.
