The world of manga continues to captivate readers, with Jujutsu Kaisen and Berserk demonstrating their enduring popularity by securing top positions on The New York Times’ monthly Graphic Books and Manga bestseller list. Released in early January, the list highlights the sustained appeal of these two vastly different yet equally compelling series.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Continued Dominance
Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen, a supernatural action manga, continues to be a force in the manga market. The 24th volume of the series landed at the number 6 spot on the prestigious NYT list. This achievement underscores the series’ consistent popularity and its ability to maintain a strong fanbase. The series concluded in December 2024, which has further fueled sales, with the final volume featuring a new epilogue. In December 2024 alone, Jujutsu Kaisen sold an impressive 1,836,843 copies.
A Look at Jujutsu Kaisen’s Success
- Consistent Performance: Jujutsu Kaisen has consistently ranked high in sales, not just in the US but also in Japan.
- Anime Adaptation Boost: The anime adaptation has significantly amplified the manga’s popularity, drawing in a broader audience.
- Final Volume Impact: The release of the final volume in December caused a surge in sales, making it the best-selling manga series for that month.
- Global Recognition: The series has also achieved global recognition, even being named the most in-demand anime series of the year by Guinness World Records.
Berserk’s Enduring Legacy
Kentarou Miura’s Berserk, a dark fantasy epic, has also made its mark on the NYT bestseller list. The first volume of the Berserk Deluxe edition ranked at number 11, showcasing the series’ lasting impact and its continuous appeal to readers. Despite Miura’s passing in 2021, the series continues under the supervision of his friend and fellow manga artist Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga, ensuring the story reaches its intended conclusion.
Berserk’s Resurgence
- Deluxe Edition Appeal: The Berserk Deluxe edition has resonated with fans, boosting its sales and introducing new readers to the series.
- Timeless Story: Berserk’s dark and intricate storytelling continues to appeal to a wide audience, solidifying its place as a classic manga.
- Global Popularity: With over 60 million copies in circulation, Berserk remains one of the best-selling manga series of all time, showcasing a global fanbase.
- Critical Acclaim: The series has received widespread critical acclaim for its dark setting, compelling characters, and detailed artwork.
Other Notable Manga on the List
While Jujutsu Kaisen and Berserk garnered significant attention, other notable manga titles also appeared on the NYT bestseller list. In December’s list, One Piece volume 107 held the number 8 position, while the first volume of Kagurabachi was at number 9. This showcases the variety of manga that appeal to readers, from long-running adventures to newer series making their mark.
Other Manga Performances
- One Piece: One Piece, a long-running series, continues to perform well, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
- Kagurabachi: Kagurabachi has quickly gained popularity, marking it as a series to watch.
Manga Sales in Japan
In Japan, Jujutsu Kaisen also demonstrates strong sales. According to Oricon’s weekly manga sales ranking, as of January 20, 2025, Jujutsu Kaisen volume 30 was number one, with 59,872 estimated copies sold and a total of 1,074,219 copies sold to date. Jujutsu Kaisen volume 29 was second, selling 57,832 copies, with a total of 1,058,187 copies sold to date. This indicates that Jujutsu Kaisen remains a top seller both in Japan and the U.S.
Top Sellers in Japan
- Jujutsu Kaisen Dominance: Jujutsu Kaisen volumes 29 and 30 held the top two spots on Oricon’s sales chart, highlighting its massive popularity in Japan.
- Other Top Performers: Dandadan volume 18 also ranked high, showcasing the diversity in popular manga titles.
The New York Times Graphic Books and Manga List
The New York Times introduced its Graphic Books and Manga bestseller list in October 2019. This list has become a significant indicator of manga’s popularity in the United States, tracking the top fifteen best-selling manga and comics each month. The inclusion of manga in this list reflects the growing influence and readership of Japanese comics in the US.
Significance of the NYT List
- Industry Recognition: The NYT list provides a reliable gauge of manga sales and popularity in the US.
- Market Influence: Placement on the list can significantly impact the sales and recognition of manga titles.
- Growing Popularity: The consistent presence of manga on the list highlights the rising popularity of the genre in the Western world.
Future Trends in Manga
The continued success of manga series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Berserk indicates that manga’s popularity will continue to grow. Fans are eagerly anticipating new releases and adaptations, further solidifying manga’s place in popular culture. The manga market is thriving, and its influence on global entertainment is undeniable.
Manga’s Ongoing Impact
- Anime Adaptations: The success of anime adaptations continues to drive manga sales, broadening the audience for many series.
- Global Reach: Manga has transcended cultural boundaries, appealing to diverse readers worldwide.
- Creative Diversity: The wide range of genres and storytelling styles within manga continues to attract a broad readership.
- Community Engagement: Online communities and fan events contribute to the ongoing popularity and engagement with manga.
In conclusion, the recent rankings on the New York Times bestseller list underscore the consistent popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen and the enduring legacy of Berserk. These series, along with other notable titles, demonstrate the continued growth and influence of manga in the global entertainment landscape. As the manga market continues to evolve, these series will undoubtedly remain significant players, captivating readers with their unique stories and artwork.
