With 2024 coming to a close, The "Most-Read Chapter" award was claimed by Chainsaw Man chapter #167, titled "Super Smooch," suring two major contenders, Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, both of which concluded this year. Among the standout categories, the "Top New Manga" award went to Drama Queen, which debuted on December 1, 2024, published in Weekly Shōnen Jump.
Kuraku Ichikawa's manga Drama Queen follows a storyline where aliens take up residence on Earth alongside humans after saving the planet from a deadly meteor. However, not everyone welcomes this change, as the protagonists harbor deep resentment toward the aliens and are determined to take action against the "immigrants". With the protagonist openly expressing hatred and going as far as eating the aliens, the manga has sparked significant controversy, ultimately making Drama Queen the most popular manga of the year.
Drama Queen Tops the Chart of the New Manga Debuted on Manga Plus
A Staggering Number of More Than Five Hundred Thousand Views for the First Chapter
Manga Plus' "Top New Manga" category is determined by the number of views generated within the first seven days of a manga's debut chapter. Drama Queen chapter #1, released on December 1, has amassed over 500,000 views, securing the top spot by a significant margin over its competitors. Among the 57 new manga releases on the platform in 2024, Drama Queen is the only title to sur half a million views for its debut chapter. However, it is clear that the manga's popularity is largely driven by its controversial plot.
The first chapter of Kuraku Ichikawa's Drama Queen portrays the protagonists, Nomamoto and Kitama, expressing feelings that some readers described as xenophobic and anti-immigration. It also depicts Nomamoto developing a peculiar craving for extraterrestrial meat, relishing it with enthusiasm. By the chapter's conclusion, it becomes clear that the main narrative will revolve around Kitama killing the aliens, while Nomamoto consumes their carcasses, with the duo working together to rid their city of alien inhabitants.
Shonen Jump's New Manga Sparks Major Backlash Over "Racist" Plot, Characters
A new Shonen Jump+ title incites rage in its fanbase over its treatment of aliens – which fans argue is a stand-in for “in real life” immigrants.
The controversial plot has unsurprisingly sparked heated debates among fans online. Some have questioned how a flagship manga publisher could permit the release of content that seemingly promotes prejudice against immigrants. Conversely, others argue that this reflects Shōnen Jump's commitment to freedom of expression, fueling a never-ending discussion that has only amplified the manga's popularity. Meanwhile, the trend of controversial manga and anime gaining traction this year highlights a shifting perspective on the anime and manga industry.
Drama Queen's Popularity Hints At a Change Toward the Industry
While Drama Queen claimed the top spot with its controversial plot, Chainsaw Man stole the spotlight with what is considered the series' most controversial chapter. Dubbed the "alleyway incident" by fans, the chapter depicts Denji and Asa in an unexpectedly intimate moment, defying typical expectations for a shōnen series. The rising popularity of such controversial topics and unconventional narratives suggests that Shōnen Jump may be gravitating toward sensitive themes that resonate with people in real life.
The release of the Dandadan anime this Fall further highlights how anime and manga that break away from traditional shōnen tropes and offer something exceptional are finding greater success. While Shōnen Jump is ultimately interested in the commercial success of its manga, which could be the case with Drama Queen, it is evident that achieving recognition as a top new manga or anime now demands more than adhering to conventional shōnen formulas.
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Shonen Jump is one of Japan's most successful manga anthology franchises, published by Shueisha. Launched in 1968, it is the source of some of the most beloved and popular anime and manga series, such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Naruto. The franchise has extended into multiple adaptations across various media, including anime, films, video games, and merchandise.
