In a year brimming with blockbuster manga releases, the race for the top spot in 2024’s sales rankings was intense, but, to everyone's shock, One Piece did not take the crown. One Piece, a perennial favorite and long-time sales juggernaut, seemed poised to claim the crown once again. With its loyal global fanbase and ongoing epic arcs, Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece came tantalizingly close, moving over 5.25 million copies.
However, despite its monumental popularity, One Piece had to settle for second place, according to @WSJ_manga on X. The manga that ultimately stole the spotlight was Jujutsu Kaisen, racking up a remarkable 7.61 million copies sold. It is a huge feat, showing a shift in the landscape of shōnen dominance and how popular a series Jujutsu Kaisen has become, though this may have been in part due to the series ending in 2024.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Momentum and Fan Appeal
Jujutsu Kaisen Has Become One of Manga and Anime's Top Series
Much of Jujutsu Kaisen’s continued success lies in its ability to maintain high-stakes and emotional depth without losing its core appeal. Written by Gege Akutami, the series has pushed boundaries with a darker, more psychological take on the traditional exorcist story. In 2024, several important story arcs delivered intense action and heartbreaking twists, keeping readers glued to every volume up until the final chapters. This consistency in storytelling has helped it not only retain readers but attract new ones, keeping sales at a peak.
Jujutsu Kaisen Is Great, But It Completely Skipped Over 1 Arc We Needed to See
Jujutsu Kaisen is an amazing story with a great anime adaptation, but the series is missing one arc that would have taken it to the next level.
The anime adaptation has also played a huge role in boosting the manga’s profile. With a high-quality production and jaw-dropping animation, Studio MAPPA has amplified the story’s reach. As each episode aired, interest in the source material spiked, especially among newer fans who turned to the manga to get ahead in the storyline, instead of waiting for season 3. This synergy between the anime and manga worlds has proven incredibly effective for Jujutsu Kaisen’s sustained success.
The Broader Impact and What It Means for Manga
What Jujutsu Kaisen's Victory Means for the Manga Industry
Jujutsu Kaisen’s rise to the top is more than just a sales victory; it is a cultural moment. Its themes of grief, duty, and sacrifice resonate deeply with a global audience. The series does not shy away from complex character arcs and moral ambiguity, offering something more mature than the standard shōnen fare. This emotional depth, combined with striking visuals and a gripping plot, makes it a standout even in a crowded market.
Honorable Mentions: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and The Apothecary Diaries also impressed in 2024, ranking third and fourth respectively. Frieren sold 4.99 million copies, while The Apothecary Diaries followed closely with 4.73 million, proving that fantasy and historical drama still have strong audiences.
Its dominance also shows that manga readers are changing over time. While legacy titles like One Piece remain beloved, newer series that reflect contemporary storytelling trends are gaining ground. Jujutsu Kaisen’s 2024 win shows that fresh voices in manga can not only compete with legends but sur them. It is a promising sign for the industry and for fans eager to see bold, innovative stories take center stage.
Source: @WSJ_manga/X
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Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history's longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix's 2023 adaptation.
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Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese anime and manga series created by Gege Akutami. The story is set in a world where Cursed Spirits, born from negative human emotions, prey on humanity. It follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he becomes entangled in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after swallowing a cursed talisman—Ryomen Sukuna's finger—and becomes the host for one of the most powerful curses. Yuji s the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to learn how to combat curses while searching for the remaining fingers of Sukuna to exorcise him permanently.
