Oricon recently unveiled the best-selling manga of 2023, and surprisingly, Shueisha has not topped the list this time.
As the year is coming to an end, the manga universe continues to captivate readers. With compelling stories, vibrant characters, and breathtaking adventures, the industry is one of the most successful industries in the world. In this article, we delve into the realm of success and popularity, counting down the top best-selling manga in 2023. From epic tales of action and adventure to heartwarming narratives of friendship and discovery, these manga have got everything covered. As such, they not only dominated the shelves but have also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Read on as we explore the unparalleled success and literary brilliance that defined the manga landscape in 2023. Get ready to discover, reminisce, and hopefully, find your next favorite read among the best of the best!
Blue Lock, Muneyuki Kaneshiro & Yusuke Nomura
Written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, Blue Lock takes the top spot as the best-selling manga of this year. With more than 10.5 million copies sold, it stands out due to its unique and intense focus on the world of soccer and player development. Kodansha publishes the manga, and it is serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.
The plot narrates a high-stakes experiment to create the ultimate striker for the Japanese national team. Moreover, the manga skillfully combines sports action and psychological depth, thereby giving a fresh take on the sports genre. Blue Lock continues to attract readers with its dynamic artwork and the exploration of the pressures and ambitions that are inherent in the competitive world of professional soccer.
Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami
Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami earns the title of the second best-selling manga in the year 2023. With over 8.5 million copies sold, this manga makes its way into the list due to its compelling plot that blends action, horror, and supernatural elements. The manga features well-developed characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds. As such, this adds to a rich and immersive world.
Moreover, the intense and strategic battles, coupled with an intricately crafted plot, keep readers hooked. Additionally, the series has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional art style, enhancing the reading experience holistically.
One Piece, Eiichiro Oda
One Piece by Eiichiro Oda is widely considered one of the best manga for its unmatched storytelling and diverse as well as memorable characters. The manga has sold more than 7.1 million copies in 2023, and over 500 million copies overall. It is serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine and lets the fans take a dive into an immersive universe. This universe has a rich history, unique cultures, and an overarching narrative that keeps readers invested for the long haul.
Moreover, the manga’s ability to beautifully blend humor with epic battles adds to its widespread popularity and critical acclaim. The longevity of this series is no surprise, given its consistently high quality.
Oshi No Ko, Aka Akasaka & Mengo Yokoyari
Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s Oshi No Ko has garnered acclaim as one of the best manga due to its engaging story that explores the dark side of the idol industry. The series delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the price that one has to pay for fame. Hence, it provides a unique perspective on the idol phenomenon.
Published by Shueisha, the manga sold over 5.4 million copies in 2023, touching the hearts of its readers with well-crafted characters and thought-provoking themes. Moreover, it mixes drama, mystery, and psychological elements to stand out as one of the best-selling manga of the year.
Chainsaw Man, Tatsuki Fujimoto
Published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump Magazine, Chainsaw Man touches upon themes of action, horror, dark fantasy, and comedy. According to Oricon, it is the fifth best-selling manga this year, with over 5.3 million copies in distribution. Tatsuki Fujimoto, the mangaka, weaves a unique story with a bold and unconventional narrative. Hence, the manga creates a captivating and unexpected reading experience.
Additionally, its distinctive artwork is a cherry on top, along with its visceral style that complements the intense, fast-paced narration. All in all, the manga is a standout in the manga landscape and is now one of the top best-selling manga of the year.
