Blue Lock manga surpasses One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, emerging as the top-selling manga of 2023

Blue Lock has been a massive hit this year 

Blue Lock manga has recently outpaced both One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen to claim the title of the best-selling series in 2023. Given the considerable commercial and cultural influence of the competing franchises, Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s manga has undoubtedly achieved a remarkable milestone.

The impact of the 2022 anime adaptation has played a significant role in this accomplishment. Since its debut in 2018, the series has consistently garnered attention, offering a distinctive sports manga experience. Its celebration of individualism, emphasis on thinking outside the box, and the encouragement to prioritize personal goals have resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to its unique and enduring popularity.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Blue Lock series.

Blue Lock overtakes Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece as the highest-selling manga in 2023

TOP BEST-SELLING MANGA in 2023
Oricon · Japan

Blue Lock becomes the 1st Kodansha series to top the yearly ranking ever! (since oricon) Huge year for this spokon. JJK manages a 2nd spot with great second half of the year, thanks to the anime too. And One Piece closes the podium!! pic.twitter.com/ljWONldmMT

— 寿 三井 (@Josu_ke) November 29, 2023

Oricon, a prominent Japanese platform for monitoring manga sales, reports that Blue Lock has surpassed the sales of manga copies compared to renowned series like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, typically considered the most popular series currently. It is crucial to note that these figures pertain to overall manga copies sold and not specific volumes. In this context, it’s noteworthy that the other two series have sold more copies in terms of individual volumes compared to Kaneshiro’s manga.

As of the current moment, Blue Lock has achieved remarkable success with over 30 million copies sold since its inception in 2018. The anime adaptation by Eight Bit has undeniably played a significant role in propelling the series to success, introducing the story to a broader audience and garnering widespread interest. Notably, Blue Lock has made history as the first Kodansha series to top the yearly rankings.

A pivotal factor contributing to Blue Lock’s commercial success, particularly when compared to One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, is its emphasis on football. Being the most popular sport globally, football attracts the attention of individuals who may not necessarily be avid manga enthusiasts, providing an additional advantage to the series.

The appeal and premise of the series

Blue Lock’s resounding success can be attributed in part to its distinctive premise, setting it apart from conventional sports narratives. Protagonist Yoichi Isagi, a teenage striker grappling with decision-making challenges, receives a unique opportunity through the Blue Lock project due to his immense potential. The project mandates that the finest young strikers in Japan undergo rigorous trials to secure a spot on the national Under-20 team, with failure meaning a permanent exclusion from football.

The narrative unfolds in a cutthroat fashion, where Ego, the project’s influential figure, advocates for players to prioritize their individual success in a ruthless environment. According to Ego, this approach is integral to cultivating the best strikers. Blue Lock weaves a tale of survival, with unexpected twists and turns. Isagi, facing opponents with superior natural abilities, undergoes a remarkable transformation, developing keen game-reading skills and adaptability that prove crucial to his journey.