Highlights
- The best-selling manga of 2023 were mostly familiar names with loyal fan bases, and their popularity was further boosted by anime adaptations.
- The manga series “Kingdom” sold over 3 million copies, thanks to its great story set in a historical context.
- “Tokyo Revengers,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Spy x Family” were also among the best-selling manga series, with each having their own unique appeal.
2023 was another successful year for the manga industry. A lot of new manga came out, and they earned a lot of fame. The success of these series ensured that they were next in line to receive an anime adaptation. The older ongoing manga also got plenty of love, which was reflected in their overall sales.
When it comes to the best-selling manga of 2023, there are mostly familiar names as they have a loyal fan base. The release of their anime adaptations also bolstered their popularity, which directly affected the sales of the series. These manga series in particular managed to outshine the rest and were the best-selling titles of 2023.
The data has been taken from the Oricon sales provided by the X account, @WSJ_manga.
10 Kingdom
3,207,691 Copies Sold
Kingdom is one of the longest-running manga series, and in 2023, it managed to sell over 3 million copies. The manga has a great story, which is enough to keep fans glued to their screens.
Kingdom is a historical manga that is set in China, when it was in a state of turmoil. At this time, two young children were aiming to become the greatest general in the entire land. One of the two boys was taken away to act as a sacrificial pawn for the young prince. With his friend gone, Xin swore to fulfill the dream that they shared.
9 Tokyo Revengers
3,218,117 Copies Sold
Tokyo Revengers has been one of the most consistent series in the last decade. The manga came to an end in 2022, but the series has remained popular thanks to its solid anime adaptation.
Takemichi is a grownup with no hope in life. One day, he is involved in an accident that changes everything. Takemichi is sent to the past with an opportunity to alter the future.
8 My Hero Academia
3,528,423 Copies Sold
My Hero Academia is in its final stretch, which means the end of the series is not far away. However, the manga isn’t gaining too much traction, as it only sold 3.5 million copies, according to the data. 2024 may be better for the manga, as season 7 of the anime is on its way along with another movie.
My Hero Academia is set in a time when people are born with Quirks, except for Midoriya, the main protagonist of the series. Midoriya dreams of becoming a great hero like All Might, but the lack of a Quirk holds him back. Fortunately for him, he meets All Might, which changes everything.
7 Spy x Family
4,326,425 Copies Sold
Spy x Family continues to be among the most popular manga series in the world. The first season of the anime came to an end in January 2023. The subsequent season was released in October 2023. In addition to the anime, a new anime movie is on the way.
Spy x Family is a comedy-drama series that follows the Forger family. Every member has their own goal, but they must put aside their differences in order to keep up their pretense as a family.
6 Slam Dunk
4,968,484 Copies Sold
Slam Dunk is the biggest surprise in the top 10 best-selling manga of 2023. The series came to an end in 1996, so it’s surprising to find that the title sold over 4 million copies. Part of it is due to the release of the new Slam Dunk animated movie. The manga’s success shows that good titles can still sell even after the story has concluded.
Slam Dunk is a sports manga that covers Sakuragi Hanamichi, a delinquent who tries to join the basketball team to impress a girl. Not long after becoming a member of the team, he begins to realize that he actually cares about the sport.
5 Chainsaw Man
5,348,618 Copies Sold
Chainsaw Man manga finished in the top 10 for the second year running, proving that it is still a great attraction for reading enthusiasts. The release of the anime played a significant role in helping the manga reach a global audience.
Chainsaw Man follows the journey of Denji, whose entire life changes after a mysterious girl recruits him for the devil hunters. Chainsaw Main has great combat scenes and storytelling, which makes it very easy to pick up but very hard to drop.
4 Oshi no Ko
5,413,091 Copies Sold
Oshi no Ko’s rise is nothing short of spectacular. The manga came into the spotlight after the release of its anime, which received a positive response from fans and critics alike. With the anime ending in just 11 episodes, many fans decided to pick up the manga to read about what lies beyond.
Oshi no Ko is a story about two siblings, Aqua and Ruby, who are reborn as the kids of a well-known idol named Ai Hoshino. After their mother is brutally murdered, the kids must step into a cruel world with no one to trust but each other.
3 One Piece
7,197,532 Copies Sold
One Piece sold over 7 million copies in 2023. This is extremely impressive considering the manga only released three volumes in Japan. The next year is going to be even better for One Piece fans, as anime will enter the Final Saga.
One Piece follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who aspires to be the king of the pirates. On his journey, Luffy meets many new people; some of them even join his crew and try to help him achieve his dream.
2 Jujutsu Kaisen
8,541,411 Copies Sold
Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen is an incredible manga that has become well-known throughout the world. The series focuses on Itadori Yuji, who ends up eating a cursed item that reawakens the king of curses. The series is known for its great fights and supporting cast.
Jujutsu Kaisen sold over 8 million copies in 2023, which helped it finish above the likes of One Piece, Chainsaw Man, and Oshi no Ko. Jujutsu Kaisen anime released its second season in 2023, covering the Shibuya Incident arc, which many believe to be the best in the series. So it is hardly surprising that the series sold so many copies.
1 Blue Lock
10,527,146 Copies Sold
Blue Lock surprisingly finished at the top of the sales charts due to the immense spike in its popularity. It is a sports manga that follows the adventures of Isagi Yoichi, a talented soccer player who is chosen to join a training regime known as Blue Lock.
Blue Lock’s popularity shot up after the release of the anime. The series sold an impressive 10.527.146 copies, which was almost 2 million more than Jujutsu Kaisen. With an anime film and the second season of anime announced, the numbers won’t be going down anytime soon.
