Manga has been seeing a rise in popularity, lately due to the success of some titles being adapted into popular anime. Titles like Chainsaw Man were one of the few Manga to see a huge rise in popularity despite not having an anime adaptation. But now that has changed with the anime set to premiere in the fall of this year.
2022 has many convinced that this is the year for animanga as many properties have seen their fair share of adaptations, thus gaining more attraction from readers and viewers alike. (Figures sourced from TV Fandom Lounge).
Kingdom
Although not quite as old as One Piece, Kingdom the story set in the Warring States period in Chinese History has since 2006 remained one of the most popular Manga of all time. Studio Pierrot adapted the Manga back in 2012 and is still trying to catch up with mangaka Yasuhisa Hara as the fourth season premiered in April this year.
The series has managed to sell a little over 1.4 million copies in 2022 alone as the battle driven story has fans anticipating protagonist Xin's journey to become the "Greatest General in the World!" The historical based world and wonderfully executed battle sequences have led credence to Kingdom being one of the best Manga's to depict war. Standing alongside other popular works such as Berserk or Vagabond.
My Dress Up Darling
After four years of ongoing publication, My Dress Up Darling, the romantic comedy saw a rise in sales with its highly popular anime series having premiered earlier this year. The story follows the introverted and aspiring Hina doll artist, Wakana Gojo and the highly popular aspiring cosplayer, Marin Kitagawa as they work together to make the best cosplay ever.
The series is a unique take on the rom-com when it delves into the world of cosplay and the absolute dedication and enthusiasm that people go into to recreate themselves as their favorite characters. Thanks to the anime adaptation, the series saw a spike in sales this year alone as it sold over 1.5 million copies.
Kaiju No. 8
Mangaka Naoya Matsumoto's official Twitter recently released a short clip of a teaser announcing that the anime adaptation of his series so Kaiju No. 8 is now in production. With a Pacific Rim-like setting where humanity finds themselves on the verge of being overrun by kaiju. It's up to the ever-dedicated Defense Force to combat these building-sized beasts and the Monster Sweeper workers to clean up the aftermath.
In 2022 the series has sold over 1.7 million copies maintaining its popularity among the shonen demographic. The story of the aptly named protagonist Kafka has resounded with readers for his optimistic perseverance in the kaiju-infested realm of Tokyo. HIs journey from hapless Monster Sweeper to a human-kaiju hybrid that aids humanity may sound a little too familiar to AoT readers but unlike Isayama's works, Kaiju no. 8 adds a little more levity that many have found themselves appreciating.
My Hero Academia
Considered the main entry into the newest iteration of The Big Three, My Hero Academia has earned its spot as one of the most popular series in Shonen Jump. The Bizzaro version of the X-Men, MHA plays up its unique quirk of a setting and runs with it full steam ahead that even most fans of the superhero genre can get behind.
Though the Marvel Cinematic Universe still dominates the genre on a global scale, MHA is still able to rake in its success having sold over 2.1 million copies of the Manga in 2022 so far. In a lot of ways, the series feels like the outside looking in when it comes to American superhero comics and comes out far more unique than what Marvel or DC have been putting out in the last twenty years.
Mystery To Iu Nakare
Otherwise, known as Do Not Say, Mystery, Yumi Tamura's josei series has been in the top ten highest-selling Manga since its debut in 2017. Engaging mysteries afoot and a protagonist who finds themselves in dangerous situations daily has led many to pick up the series to see what new trouble awaits Totono Kuno that week.
Yet, the manga did see itself receiving a live-action adaptation in a television drama of the same name with Suda Masaki perming his hair to play Totono. Having sold a little over 2.4 million copies this year may have been something to coincide with said adaptation.
Demon Slayer
What Studio Ufotable did with an otherwise straightforward shonen Manga, should be sung with praise. Considered one of the best anime adaptations of a manga, Demon Slayer has risen in popularity since the premiere of its first episode. The Manga is still an enjoyable medium on its own, as author Koyoharu Gotouge should also be applauded for her great work in creating some of the best set of characters seen in a shonen Manga.
Her work has served as the basis for one of the most successful franchises of all time as the film Mugen Train became one of the highest-grossing movies in Japan. The Manga concluded its run back in 2020 so to see that it still has managed to sell over 2.4 million copies in 2022, speaks volumes of its ever-growing fanbase.
SPY X FAMILY
The first cour of the first season of SPY X FAMILY had just wrapped up this summer leaving many viewers to pick up the Manga where the anime left off. SPY X FAMILY is one of the few stories that understand "conflict" and use it to its fullest extent.
Tatsuya Endo must have an affinity with 60s aesthetic and Bond culture as much as Brad Bird. Utilizing Cold War themes and crafting a story around them, Endo crafted an engaging story with such bleak themes while simultaneously making it a hilarious comedy. It's no wonder that it has garnered an audience as much as it has for its innate creativity. The family-friendly vibe it gives off can almost make one forget that it's set in a world on the brink of war.
One Piece
One Piece is still considered to be one of the most successful long-running Manga series of all time. Eiichiro Oda's magnum opus has maintained its top ten ranking for over twenty years now. This year the ever affable and entertaining Straw Hat crew has set sail for their final voyage, and it has fans reading more than ever.
While some readers still drop One Piece due to the story's length, there is still a large fan base to justify its success. With over 3.9 million copies sold in 2022, One Piece still proves its worth the read for its extensive world-building, pirate lore, innovative devil-fruit abilities, as well as its fantastic ensemble that never fails to entertain.
Tokyo Revengers
With over 6.6 million copies sold in 2022, Tokyo Revengers managed to stick to the second highest-selling Manga of 2022. The adventures of freeter, Takemichi as he traverses back and forth in time to prevent the tragic deaths of his loved ones.
A new take on the street-gang genre, Tokyo Revengers gives it a sci-fi twist by adding a time-travel paradox element to its story. Due to its popularity, it appears that the series isn't slowing down anytime soon. With awesome character designs for any cosplayer to get behind and a bare-knuckle attitude that any sports Manga wishes it had, Tokyo Revengers makes it a unique enough tale for most Manga readers to enjoy.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen has quickly become a fan favorite since the anime premiered in 2020. Its clever mix of a sorcerer world reminiscent of Harry Potter but have a more action based pacing like Bleach has resonated with so many fans. And its popularity has only grown more since the premiere of the prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
Since the beginning of its publication, Jujutsu Kaisen has gained a lot of tracts for its wonderful storytelling, engaging characters, and amazing action set pieces. Now, with an anime and many viewers wondering how the story continues, many consume more of Gege Akutami's work. This has led to the series selling over 8.8 million copies and garnering the number one spot for 2022.