Jujutsu Kaisen once again proved its unstoppable force in the manga world, with its 29th volume claiming the #1 spot on Circana BookScan's Top 20 adult graphic novels list for February. This remarkable achievement highlights the series' enduring popularity and consistent demand among readers across the U.S. The latest ranking data from Circana BookScan, a leading authority on print book sales, paints a clear picture: manga continues its robust performance, securing a staggering 17 positions out of the top 20 this past month.
Jujutsu Kaisen's Unstoppable Momentum
Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen didn't just take the top spot; it asserted a commanding presence throughout the entire list. Beyond volume 29 at #1, an incredible seven other volumes from the series also made the cut. Volume 1, a perennial favorite for new readers, landed at #3, showcasing the strong influx of newcomers to the world of curses and sorcerers. Volume 28 followed closely at #5, with subsequent volumes like #2, #26, and even the prequel, Volume 0: Blinding Darkness, consistently appearing within the top half of the chart. The continued strong performance of both recent and older volumes indicates a deeply engaged fanbase, eager to collect every installment and revisit key moments.
Emerging Challengers and Fan Favorites
While Jujutsu Kaisen held the crown, several other series made significant impacts, demonstrating the diverse and vibrant landscape of contemporary manga. Kei Urana's Gachiakuta made a strong debut, with volume 1 securing #4 and volume 2 at #10. This impressive showing for a relatively newer title signals its rapid ascent in popularity and a growing readership. Another notable entry is Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi volume 6, which landed at #7, reflecting the buzz surrounding this action-packed series.
Adding to the excitement, Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died volume 1, a title known for its atmospheric horror and psychological depth, captivated readers enough to reach #9. Its debut on such a prominent sales chart underscores the widening appeal of manga beyond traditional shonen action categories, embracing a broader range of genres and storytelling.
Perennial Powerhouses Still Reign
Alongside the newer entries, several long-standing titans of the manga industry continued to demonstrate their unwavering appeal. Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba volume 1, a gateway series for many into the world of manga, re-entered the top ranks at #8. This indicates its consistent ability to draw in new fans, likely fueled by its highly successful anime adaptation.
Yukinobu Tatsu's Dandadan volume 17, known for its unique blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements, secured #6, proving its loyal fanbase is eagerly keeping up with its wild adventures. Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe's Frieren: Beyond Journey's End volume 14, a critically acclaimed fantasy series celebrated for its poignant narrative, appeared at #11, cementing its status as a must-read for many. Even Eiichiro Oda's monumental One Piece Omnibus Edition volume 1 made its presence felt at #14, a testament to the Straw Hat Pirates' undying global influence and the continuous stream of new fans discovering its epic saga. Rounding out the diverse list, Hirohiko Araki's iconic JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run hardcover volume 5 also found its spot at #20, highlighting the enduring legacy and collector appeal of this legendary series.
What This Means for Manga
The February Circana BookScan list vividly illustrates the robust health and expanding reach of the manga market in the U.S. With 17 out of the top 20 adult graphic novel spots occupied by manga, the category undeniably dominates print sales. This consistent performance across a wide array of genres—from action-packed shonen like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer to unique horror, fantasy, and adventure series—shows a thriving industry that continues to attract and retain a vast readership. The success of both established giants and newer series indicates a dynamic market where quality storytelling, captivating art, and engaging characters consistently resonate with consumers.
Circana BookScan's comprehensive data collection from over 16,000 retail locations, including e-tailers, chains, and independent bookstores, provides a reliable snapshot of these trends. As manga continues to break sales records and captivate audiences globally, these monthly rankings serve as a crucial indicator of what's hot and what's next in the exciting world of Japanese comics.
