In the ever-dynamic universe of manga, certain series manage to transcend borders, and “My Hero Academia” is, undoubtedly, one of those series. September witnessed the smashing achievement of Kōhei Horikoshi’s powerhouse, My Hero Academia volume 35, as it ascended to the pinnacle of Circana BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels, amidst its enthralling final arc.
My Hero Academia: An Unstoppable Force in the Manga World
“My Hero Academia” (MHA), a spectacle of superheroes, villains, intense battles, and moral quandaries, has magnetized readers across the globe.
Beyond merely entertaining, it explores diverse, underrepresented voices within the arena of superpowered beings. Kōhei Horikoshi has exquisitely blended action, emotion, and socio-political themes, crafting a manga that speaks to various demographics. Volume 35 clinching the #1 spot on the esteemed Circana BookScan list is a testament to its perpetual magnetic allure.
The list for September showcased a total of 16 manga volumes, which demonstrates the increasing popularity and consumption of manga globally. Other notable manga that graced the list include Gege Akutami’s “Jujutsu Kaisen” and Toyotarō and Akira Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball Super.”
A Closer Look at Circana BookScan’s September Manga Rankings
Circana BookScan, formerly known as NPD BookScan until its rebranding in March following the 2022 merger of NPD Group and Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), provides an insightful weekly digest of point-of-sale data on print books, accumulated from a myriad of outlets, including independent bookshops, e-tailers, and more. The relevancy and precision of this data make its lists vital for observing market trends and consumer preferences in the literary world.
Subsequent to “My Hero Academia” in the first position, the chart welcomed Gege Akutami’s “Jujutsu Kaisen” volume 20 and 1, securing the #2 and #6 spots respectively. Akutami’s series, celebrated for its supernatural horror and compelling characters, firmly held its ground, even securing positions #8 and #18 with volumes 0 and 2, displaying the robust appetite readers hold for its thrilling narrative.
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The Vibrant Melting Pot of Manga in the U.S. Market
Juxtaposed with the nail-biting adventures in “My Hero Academia” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” the list also gave a nod to various other genres within manga. Hiroto Wada’s heartwarming “Disney Manga: Stitch and the Samurai: The Complete Collection” clinched the #10 spot, while the spy-themed mystery of Tatsuya Endō’s “SPY x FAMILY” volumes 1 and 2 captured positions #11 and #20 respectively.
The diversity within the list, from the adventures of “One Piece” to the psychological thrills of “Berserk,” illustrates that the U.S. market has become a vibrant melting pot for various manga genres and storytelling techniques, bridging cultural narratives between the East and the West. This amalgamation is providing readers with a rich, varied tapestry of stories to explore and immerse themselves in.
This month’s list featured 16 manga volumes:
- #1 — Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia volume 35
- #2 — Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen volume 20
- #4 — Toyotarō and Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Super volume 19
- #6 — Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen volume 1
- #8 — Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen volume 0
- #9 — Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yūsuke Nomura’s Blue Lock volume 8
- #10 — Hiroto Wada’s Disney Manga: Stitch and the Samurai: The Complete Collection
- #11 — Tatsuya Endō’s SPY x FAMILY volume 1
- #12 — Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man volume 1
- #13 — Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba volume 1
- #14 — Kentarou Miura’s Berserk Deluxe volume 1
- #15 — One and Yūsuke Murata’s One-Punch Man volume 26
- #16 — Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece volume 103
- #18 — Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen volume 2
- #19 — Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece Omnibus volume 1
- #20 — Tatsuya Endō’s SPY x FAMILY volume 2
Wrapping Up the Manga Frenzy
“My Hero Academia” reigning supreme amid its final arc is a symbol of not only its influential storytelling but also the poignant moments and characters that have resonated with readers.
The blending of intense battles, moral dilemmas, and the nuanced exploration of what it means to be a ‘hero’ in a world of grey has enabled MHA to permeate the hearts of many.
Its victory, alongside the resounding success of various other manga in the U.S., reflects the global appeal and impact of these Japanese graphic novels, validating their place in the global literary arena. As readers, we witness not merely battles on paper but a beautiful combat and convergence of cultures, themes, and narratives, inviting us to dive deep into the spectacular worlds crafted by brilliant mangaka like Kōhei Horikoshi.
