The Rise of Manga on the New York Times Best Seller List
The world of manga is making waves in the U.S., with titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece securing top spots on the New York Times Best Seller list. This resurgence in popularity is a testament to the genre’s diverse storytelling and artistic styles, captivating readers across the nation.
A Historic Return for Manga
In August 2024, multiple manga series graced the New York Times Best Seller list, marking a significant moment just before the conclusion of the Jujutsu Kaisen series. The list, compiled weekly by the NYT News Surveys department, features a variety of genres, including Business, Young Adult Paperback, and Audiobooks. This particular month saw three manga titles, occupying three out of the 15 available positions.
The Global Anime Phenomenon
Anime and manga have been gaining momentum globally, with the U.S. experiencing a newfound love for these Japanese comics. Originally launched as an experimental category in 2009, the New York Times removed Graphics, Comics, and Manga from their best seller list in February 2017. However, after significant feedback from the illustrated content community, the category made a triumphant return in November 2019.
Notably, My Hero Academia was the first manga to break into the top three of the reinstated list, with its 21st volume claiming the third spot. Fast forward to August 2024, and manga continues to dominate, with titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Berserk achieving remarkable success.
Jujutsu Kaisen Ending Soon is the Best Thing That Could Happen to the Series
August 2024: A Landmark Month for Manga
Three manga series have secured places in the top 10 of August 2024’s Monthly Graphic Books and Manga Best Seller list. Foremost among them, One Piece has claimed the number 4 spot with its 106th volume, cementing its status as one of the best-selling literary works worldwide.
Following closely is the deluxe edition of Kentaro Miura’s timeless classic, Berserk, positioned at number 6. Meanwhile, the first volume of Jujutsu Kaisen finds itself at number 13, riding the wave of the anime’s explosive second season.
Understanding the New York Times Best Seller Criteria
The New York Times has been a beacon for ranking U.S. literature sales since 1931. Their list is compiled from reports gathered from selected independent and chain bookstores, as well as wholesalers across the country. While details about the inclusion of wholesalers remain unconfirmed, the list of top 15 best-selling books is diligently updated each month on the NYT website.
To earn a spot on the NYT best seller list, a book typically needs to sell between 1,000 to 10,000 copies weekly. Since the reinstatement of the Graphics and Manga category in 2019, manga series have consistently featured on the list, reflecting the genre’s unprecedented yet well-deserved popularity.
The Everlasting Impact of Manga
The enduring appeal of One Piece, combined with the classic allure of Berserk, demonstrates manga’s significant market presence worldwide. The inclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen’s first volume on the NYT best-selling list indicates the series’ meteoric rise, captivating audiences globally. With the manga’s imminent conclusion, fans are eager to own it in volume form, ensuring Gege Akutami’s masterpiece remains on the NYT list for many months ahead.
Sources: NYT Monthly Graphic Books & Manga List; The New York Times: Best Sellers List
Jujutsu Kaisen
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 joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College to learn how to combat curses while searching for the remaining fingers of Sukuna to exorcise him permanently.