2024 Manga Rankings: Surprising List of Japan’s Most-Read Manga According to New Anime Report

As we approach the culmination of 2024, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the most prominent and influential anime and manga series of the year. The past year has seen some of the biggest titles from Shōnen Jump, including fan favorites like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia, reach their conclusions. The excitement and anticipation surrounding these climactic moments likely led to notable spikes in popularity. A recent report by GEM Partners highlights the most-read manga in Japan this year, revealing both established series and rising newcomers.

The manga landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant shifts, characterized by the endings of major series and temporary pauses for others. Despite these changes, numerous titles have experienced consistent growth. While the report naturally showcases the perennial favorites, it also features newcomers that have begun to carve out their niche in the industry. Fans will undoubtedly find certain entries surprising, showcasing the dynamic nature of manga readership.

The Rise of a New Generation in Manga

Image of Luffy smiling with Frieren and Itadori in the back

One standout this year was Oshi no Ko, which impressively ranked fourth, particularly after concluding its serialization. The manga’s ending sparked considerable debate among fans, potentially driving more readers to explore the series. Notably, Frieren made significant strides in the rankings, finishing closely behind Oshi no Ko. The manga’s popularity soared during the airing of its anime adaptation, and it has maintained strong readership even months after the show’s conclusion.

Anime Adaptations Boost Manga Readership

Frieren was not alone in enjoying heightened readership following its anime launch. The ongoing success of Demon Slayer’s television series has kept the manga in the spotlight, despite its publication ending back in May 2020. Additionally, Kaiju No. 8 made a strong showing by entering the top 20, bolstered by a well-received adaptation that resonated with both fans and critics. Interestingly, My Hero Academia barely managed to break into the top 10, despite all the buzz around its final chapters and the accompanying anime series. Perhaps the most remarkable entry is Dandadan, which closed out the year just within the top 20.

Though Dandadan has enjoyed some popularity, it has not historically garnered the same readership as top-tier series. However, the recent anime adaptation that premiered in October 2024 has significantly boosted its visibility and attracted a wave of new fans. Overall, 2024 has been a year of fluctuations within the manga community, with both established and innovative series achieving notable success. While Shōnen Jump titles continue to dominate the conversation, an emerging generation of manga is clearly eager to challenge the old guard.

Source: X

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