A recent surge in popularity for the Netflix anime series “Delicious in Dungeon” has led to a significant increase in demand for its manga counterpart, with some volumes reportedly selling out across various retailers. This phenomenon highlights the powerful influence of streaming platforms on the sales of manga and the growing global appetite for anime content.
The Rise of “Delicious in Dungeon”
“Delicious in Dungeon,” also known as “Dungeon Meshi,” is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ryoko Kui. The story follows a group of adventurers who, after failing to defeat a dragon, are forced to explore a dangerous dungeon, surviving by cooking and eating the monsters they encounter. This unique premise, blending fantasy adventure with culinary elements, has captured the imaginations of viewers and readers alike.
The anime adaptation, produced by Studio Trigger and released on Netflix, has further propelled the series into the spotlight. It quickly became one of the most-watched anime series on the platform in the first half of 2024, racking up an impressive 90.6 million hours watched. This level of viewership demonstrates its broad appeal and has undoubtedly contributed to the heightened interest in the manga.
A Unique Blend of Fantasy and Food
The series stands out from typical fantasy adventures by focusing on the practicalities of surviving in a dungeon. The characters meticulously prepare and cook the various monsters, offering a fun and often humorous look at the culinary possibilities of a fantasy world. This unique take has resonated with audiences, making “Delicious in Dungeon” a refreshing and engaging experience.
Manga Sales Skyrocket
The success of the Netflix anime has had a direct impact on the manga’s sales. Many fans, captivated by the anime, have sought out the original source material, leading to increased demand and, in some cases, sell-outs. The manga, serialized in Enterbrain’s seinen manga magazine Harta from February 2014 to September 2023, concluded with 14 collected volumes.
Impact on Manga Industry
This surge in manga sales is not an isolated incident. Anime adaptations often act as a catalyst for increased manga sales, showcasing the close relationship between the two mediums. In this case, the success of “Delicious in Dungeon” underscores the important role that streaming platforms like Netflix play in introducing new audiences to Japanese manga.
“Blue Box” Also Sees a Sales Boost
While “Delicious in Dungeon” has gained significant traction, another Netflix anime, “Blue Box,” has also experienced a similar phenomenon. The sports anime, which focuses on high schoolers in basketball and badminton, has seen its manga volumes sell out, prompting a massive reprint of all 18 volumes. This highlights a broader trend of Netflix anime adaptations boosting the popularity of their manga counterparts.
What Makes “Delicious in Dungeon” So Popular?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of “Delicious in Dungeon.” The series offers:
- A Unique Premise: The combination of dungeon crawling and cooking monsters is a fresh and innovative concept.
- Engaging Characters: The diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and motivations, resonates with viewers.
- High-Quality Animation: Studio Trigger’s animation is visually stunning, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Humorous Tone: The series balances its adventurous elements with lighthearted humor, making it enjoyable for a broad audience.
- Culinary Creativity: The detailed and creative depiction of monster cuisine offers a novel twist.
“Delicious in Dungeon” vs. Other Popular Anime
While “Delicious in Dungeon” has seen tremendous success, it’s important to compare it to other popular anime on Netflix. According to viewing data, “Delicious in Dungeon” was the most-watched anime season on Netflix in the first half of 2024 with 8.8 million views. Other popular anime included “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “SPY x FAMILY”. However, even with strong contenders, “Delicious in Dungeon” has managed to carve out its own niche, demonstrating that unique storytelling and engaging characters are the key to success.
The Future of Anime on Netflix
The success of “Delicious in Dungeon” and “Blue Box” underscores Netflix’s growing commitment to anime content. The streaming platform has acquired a multitude of anime exclusives, including:
- “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean”
- “Sakamoto Days”
- “Baki Hanma”
- “Beastars”
- “The Seven Deadly Sins”
Additionally, Netflix is adding other popular anime series like “My Hero Academia,” “Spy x Family,” “Haikyuu!!” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” to their catalog, further solidifying their position as a major player in the anime streaming market. The platform is also producing original anime content such as “Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance,” which was the only anime to make it into the Top 10 of Netflix Original animation releases in 2024, showcasing the diverse range of anime content available on the platform.
This investment in anime indicates that Netflix sees a bright future in the genre. As more viewers tune in to watch anime, the demand for manga is likely to continue its upward trajectory. The trend signals a thriving ecosystem where anime and manga fuel each other’s popularity.
The Power of Anime Adaptations
The sell-out of “Delicious in Dungeon” manga is a testament to the power of anime adaptations. When done well, an anime can introduce new fans to the original manga, leading to increased sales and greater recognition for the creators. As the anime landscape continues to grow, we can expect to see more manga series benefit from the “Netflix effect.”
Conclusion
The recent surge in demand for the “Delicious in Dungeon” manga, fueled by the success of its Netflix anime adaptation, demonstrates the powerful influence that streaming platforms can have on the manga industry. This phenomenon highlights not only the global appeal of anime but also the importance of unique storytelling and high-quality animation in capturing the hearts and minds of audiences. As Netflix continues to expand its anime library, we can expect to see more manga series experience similar boosts in popularity, further blurring the lines between the two mediums and creating a dynamic ecosystem for fans to enjoy.
