Over the past decade, the manga industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, with several series rising to global prominence thanks to their storytelling, art, and cultural impact. Among these standout works, Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as one of the most defining shonen titles of recent years — captivating millions of readers and leaving a lasting impression on the world of manga and anime.
A Shonen Sensation That Redefined the Genre
Debuting in 2018, Jujutsu Kaisen instantly distinguished itself from traditional shonen stories with its gritty tone, complex characters, and dark themes. Written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, the series follows Yuji Itadori, a seemingly ordinary high school student who becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of curses and jujutsu sorcery after ingesting a powerful cursed object.
What sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart is its blend of intense action, supernatural horror elements, and emotional depth. Rather than relying solely on typical battle tropes, the story delves into themes of mortality, loss, and the psychological burden of fighting forces beyond human comprehension — a narrative weight that has resonated deeply with readers worldwide.
Commercial Success and Global Reach
The series didn’t just win critical acclaim — it also achieved major commercial success. Jujutsu Kaisen has regularly topped manga sales charts, demonstrating its panoramic appeal across the globe. In 2025, for example, several volumes of Jujutsu Kaisen ranked among the best-selling manga in Japan, often competing closely with long-standing giants like One Piece and Spy x Family.
Even after the main story concluded with the end of its serialization, the series continued to build momentum. As of late 2025, the total worldwide circulation of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga had surpassed 150 million copies, putting it among the top ten best-selling manga of all time — a remarkable achievement for a story that began less than a decade ago.
This places Jujutsu Kaisen ahead of influential titles like Attack on Titan in global sales rankings, underscoring its rapid rise and the strength of its worldwide fanbase.
Anime Adaptation: Amplifying the Phenomenon
A big part of Jujutsu Kaisen’s explosive growth came from its anime adaptation, produced by studio MAPPA. The anime, which began airing in 2020, brought the manga’s intense battles, emotional arcs, and memorable characters to life with dynamic animation and high-quality production — helping it reach a broader global audience and boosting interest in the original manga.
The ongoing popularity of the anime has also made Jujutsu Kaisen one of the most in-demand series on streaming platforms, contributing to its international cultural footprint beyond traditional manga readerships.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Despite its serialization ending, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to influence both readers and creators. Its darker tone and willingness to explore mature themes within a shonen framework have inspired other series and attracted new fans who seek stories that balance action, character psychology, and emotional stakes.
Moreover, the franchise has expanded with spin-offs like Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo — a new series exploring different facets of the jujutsu world — demonstrating that the universe Akutami built still has more stories to tell.
The anime’s third season — covering one of the most anticipated arcs, known as the Culling Game — only adds to the series’ ongoing relevance as it draws both loyal followers and newcomers to the world of curses and sorcery.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen Belongs Among the Best Manga of the Decade
Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t simply successful because of flashy visuals or high-octane battles. It stands out for blending narrative depth with thrilling action, giving readers reason to care about characters beyond surface-level excitement. Its exploration of hope and despair — set against a backdrop of supernatural conflict — offers a powerful commentary on resilience and humanity’s response to overwhelming odds.
That kind of storytelling, combined with commercial success and broad cultural resonance, is why Jujutsu Kaisen is regarded as one of the most influential and iconic manga of the past decade.
A Shonen Legacy That Won’t Fade
In less than a decade, Jujutsu Kaisen has transformed from a promising new series into a hallmark of modern manga storytelling. Its commercial achievements, critical recognition, and passionate global fandom speak volumes about its impact — not only as a shonen action story but as a narrative that touches on deeper emotional and philosophical themes.
While the main manga has concluded, its legacy continues through anime seasons, spin-offs, and the vibrant discussions it ignites among fans. Jujutsu Kaisen has not just defined a chapter of the manga industry — it has helped shape the direction of storytelling in shonen for years to come.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the world of curses and sorcery, Jujutsu Kaisen remains a testament to how powerful and resonant manga can be in the modern era.
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