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Introduction
In the vibrant, ever-changing world of popular culture, manga has established itself as a global phenomenon, transcending borders and captivating millions of readers across the globe. In 2023, this fascination with manga shows no signs of slowing down, with impressive sales testifying to their growing popularity. More than just a form of entertainment, manga has become a mirror reflecting various aspects of society, attracting a diverse and engaged audience.
This year, innovative and captivating titles emerged, marking the year with powerful narratives and stunning illustrations. These works not only captured readers' imaginations but also redefined the manga landscape, offering a new perspective on what successful manga can be. Among them, ten titles stood out, not only for their narrative quality but also for their commercial success, ranking as the best-selling mangas of the year.
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of these ten mangas, exploring their worlds, their plots, and the reasons behind their resounding success. From the bustling streets of Tokyo in "Spy X Family" to the basketball court in "Slam Dunk", these mangas offer a diversity of genres and themes, from dynamic shonen to more introspective seinen, to captivating tales that have captured the essence of what makes a manga successful.
This article, rich in analysis and insight, is aimed not only at long-time fans, but also at those who have just checked out their first manga. It aims to offer an in-depth look at current manga trends, while also taking a look at why these works have captured the hearts of millions of readers in France and around the world.
Manga Market Analysis
In 2023, the global manga market continued to experience dazzling growth, testifying to the steady expansion of this literary genre once considered a niche. With an estimated value of $12.13 billion in 2022, the manga market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.4% until 2030. This remarkable expansion reflects not only the global craze for captivating graphic storytelling, but also manga's significant cultural impact on young people and adults alike, embracing themes ranging from creativity to inspiration, and even education.
Sales of Japanese manga, both domestically and internationally, have reached record levels, underlining the adaptability and longevity of a literary genre once perceived as exclusively for children. By 2022, total sales of printed and digital manga amounted to around 677 billion yen ($5.05 billion), boosted by the launch of new titles and explosive public demand. This trend is a clear response to changing reader tastes and expectations.
The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the manga market was also notable. With the increased availability of anime on streaming platforms and the restrictions of confinement, a new wave of fans has turned to online communities to discover manga and anime, leading to an increase in the number of fans.
The transition to digital content is particularly striking, with projected growth of 20.0% for eBooks, which offer convenience, accessibility and lower cost than printed versions. At the same time, the online segment accounts for over 70.0% of manga market revenues in 2022, thanks to consumers' growing preference for e-commerce portals.
Finally, the action-adventure segment dominated the market, accounting for 33.79% of revenues in 2022. This genre, which traditionally attracts a young male audience, has also won over a significant female audience, increasing its global reach. This diversity of genres reflects the richness and complexity of modern manga, an art form that continues to evolve and renew itself year after year.
Without further ado, let's get down to the rankings!
The 10 best-selling mangas of 2023
1. Blue Lock (8 046 032 unities)
Pitch: Blue Lock stands out in the world of sports manga. Inspired by the 2018 Football World Cup, this manga follows the story of a coach hired to train Japan's best striker. He gathers 300 young players in a prison-like facility for a fierce competition, where only the best will make it into the national team.
Success: Blue Lock's success lies in its unique fusion of intense traditional shonen action with a sports setting. Each match is a spectacular display of skill, comparable to the fight scenes of other popular manga. The exquisite art and staging of the soccer matches captivate readers, while offering surprisingly well-crafted strategic analysis.
2. Chainsaw Man (4 492 906 unities)
Pitch: In a world where human fears materialize into demons, Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young demon hunter who merges with his pet demon, Pochita, to become a fearsome entity. The manga blends action, horror and drama in a bloody quest against demons.
Success: Chainsaw Man's unique blend of ultra-violent action and deep character development makes it a captivating title. The series is praised for its refreshing approach to the shonen genre, well-developed characters and a distinctive art style.
3. Slam Dunk (4 199 966 unities)
Pitch: Slam Dunk tells the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a young delinquent who joins his high school basketball team. This classic sports manga focuses on the players' personal development and the realistic details of the game of basketball.
Success: Its popularity is attributed to its realistic and passionate portrayal of basketball. Unlike other sports manga, Slam Dunk remains rooted in reality, making it accessible and inspiring for sports fans.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen (3 757 215 unities)
Pitch: This manga follows Itadori, a high-school student who finds himself drawn into the world of exorcists and curses after ingesting a cursed artifact. Jujutsu Kaisen combines supernatural elements and epic battles in a modern, dark universe.
Success: Jujutsu Kaisen has captured readers' attention with its small group of well-defined main characters and ongoing development through complex interactions and moral dilemmas. Its success is reinforced by well-thought-out narrative arcs and emotional depth that goes beyond the action.
5. One Piece (3 550 097 unities)
Pitch: One Piece follows the adventures of Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the ultimate treasure. This iconic manga is distinguished by its expansive world and colorful characters.
Success: The key to One Piece's enduring success lies in its complex narrative, distinctive characters and the depth of its world. The series is acclaimed for its ability to weave long-term plots and develop its characters in a coherent, captivating way.
6. Spy X Family (2 688 171 unities)
Pitch: Spy X Family tells the story of a spy who creates a fake family to carry out a mission. The series blends action, suspense and comedy, while exploring family dynamics and the relationships between its characters.
Success: Spy X Family's success is based on its original concept, which blends different genres, and on its engaging characters. The series offers a perfect balance between political intrigue and comic moments, making each chapter both entertaining and engaging.
7. Tokyo Revengers (2 622 078 unities)
Pitch: Tokyo Revengers, written and illustrated by Ken Wakui, plunges into a thrilling tale of time travel and gang warfare. Following Takemichi Hanagaki, a 26-year-old man who returns to his teenage years to save his ex-girlfriend from a tragic fate, he finds himself involved in the dangerous world of the Tokyo Manji gang.
Success: The series has been hailed for its captivating plot and memorable characters. It has won various awards, including the 44th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category, testifying to its narrative quality and cultural impact.
8. My Hero Academia (1 887 507 unities)
Pitch: My Hero Academia, a Shonen Jump flagship title, follows the adventures of young heroes-in-training in a world where superpowers are commonplace. The series is renowned for its fusion of superheroic action and the darker themes of the shōnen genre.
Success: The manga's detailed art and darker tone have been praised, as has the fidelity and quality of its anime adaptation. The fight scenes, particularly well rendered in the anime, also contribute to the series' success.
9. Oshi No Ko (1 690 722 unities)
Pitch: Oshi No Ko, created by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, delves into the fascinating world of showbiz. Launched in April 2020, the manga quickly captured attention with its tale blending acting, performance and the world of show business. The series explores complex themes in the world of Japanese idolatry.
Success: Oshi No Ko's success is driven by the reputation of its creators, Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, who are well known for their earlier work. The series was acclaimed for its captivating narrative and unique approach to the world of entertainment, quickly winning a wide audience.
10. Kingdom (1 569 434 unities)
Pitch: Kingdom offers a fictionalized account of the Warring Kingdoms period through the experiences of war orphan Xin. The series stands out for its striking realism and depiction of war, as Xin struggles to become the greatest general and unify China.
Success: Kingdom's popularity rests on its deep realism and impressive world-building. Mangaka Yasuhisa Hara skilfully integrates historical elements into a fictional narrative, offering a powerful and realistic vision of war. The series regularly ranks among the best-selling mangas, rivalling famous titles in the West
Conclusion
The year 2023 was marked by a notable effervescence in the world of manga, with titles that not only dominated sales, but also captured the imaginations of readers across the globe. From Blue Lock to My Hero Academia, these works have demonstrated the diversity and richness of manga as an art form and storyteller. Each of these mangas has struck a chord with its audience, whether through exciting sports tales, fantastic adventures or iconic superhero stories.
The resounding success of these mangas testifies to the constant evolution of the genre. Despite their growing popularity, these mangas have maintained a high artistic and narrative quality, forging a place in the hearts of long-time fans and newcomers alike. They have offered richly diverse universes, from the tumultuous streets of Tokyo to sports fields, fantasy worlds and dystopian societies.
The popularity of manga today extends far beyond the borders of Japan, reaching readers of all ages and cultures. These stories, though rooted in the Japanese context, tackle universal themes that resonate with a global audience. They offer fresh and stimulating perspectives on issues such as the fight against evil, the search for self, friendship, love and self-transcendence. It's these themes, combined with captivating storytelling and gorgeous illustrations, that have propelled these mangas to the top of the sales charts.
All in all, 2023 will go down in history as an exceptional period for manga. The year's best-selling titles not only strengthened manga's position on the world stage, but also paved the way for future innovative and inspiring works. Manga continues to prove that it is a powerful cultural force, capable of touching and inspiring millions of people around the globe.
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