From Solo Leveling to Dandadan, Manga Report Reveals How the Industry Is Dominating the U.S.

The U.S. manga market continues to thrive, with new reports confirming that the medium's popularity shows no signs of slowing down, especially with the popularity of big series like Solo Leveling. At ComicsPRO’s Pre-Conference Sneak Peek, Circana Senior Executive Director Kristen McLean shared key insights into the state of the industry according to @MangaAlerts on X, revealing that manga remains a dominant force in the graphic novel space. From fast-growing series to trends in box sets and horror titles, manga’s grip on American readers is stronger than ever.

With breakout series like Dandadan and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End leading the charge, and long-time favorites such as One Piece still going strong, the variety and depth of manga available to readers have undeniably fueled sustained growth for the medium. Meanwhile, South Korean manhwa titles like Solo Leveling are also huge successes, proving that international comics are reshaping the industry landscape in the U.S. market.

The Rise of Bestselling Series and Box Sets

Solo Leveling, Dandadan, and Many Other Manga Titles Are Skyrocketing

Titles with recent anime adaptations lead the way, with Dandadan, Delicious in Dungeon, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End topping the fastest-growing manga series list. These series, alongside the ever-reliable One Piece, are attracting both longtime fans and new readers. Light novels are also seeing strong success, with The Apothecary Diaries dominating sales in that category, while the Chinese manhua Heaven’s Official Blessing leads in its genre. This highlights a growing appetite for diverse stories beyond just traditional Japanese manga.

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Manga box sets are also a big force in the market. These collections offer value and convenience for fans who want entire story arcs in one purchase. Long-running series like One Piece and Naruto have long benefited from this trend, but now newer titles are also seeing strong box set sales, making it easier for readers to jump into expansive stories without hunting down individual volumes.

Horror and Manhwa's Growing Influence

Despite Shōnen Manga Being the Most Popular, Horror Has Carved Out Its Own Niche

While shōnen and fantasy manga remain the bestsellers, horror titles have also seen a huge growth in sales. Series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Choujin X are among the fastest-growing in the genre, reflecting the demand for supernatural and dark fantasy storytelling. Horror has always had a niche following in manga, but the success of these titles proves that more readers are starting to look for eerie, action-packed stories.

At the same time, manhwa is rising in popularity, with Solo Leveling leading the charge. As the top-growing manhwa series in BookScan for 2024, Solo Leveling has proven that Korean comics are no longer just an emerging trend but a major player in the U.S. manga market. Manga’s dominance in the U.S. is undeniable, and with a steady influx of new series, tropes, and cross-cultural influences, its popularity is only expected to grow.