Jujutsu Kaisen has made a huge impact on the anime and manga industry in recent years, with its success in both mediums. The manga, which is now one of the top-selling of its generation, was inspired by Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter, according to its creator Gege Akutami. Recently, Jujutsu Kaisen even surpassed Hunter x Hunter in manga sales, much to the surprise of fans who reacted with positivity.
Disclaimer: This article contains some spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Reader's discretion is advised.
Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen manga sales overtake Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has quickly risen to become a favorite among readers in recent months. Surpassing the total manga sales of Hunter X Hunter at 84 million copies, it has achieved an impressive 90 million copies sold. Its popularity is no surprise, given its captivating plot, stellar fight scenes, and outstanding art.
The manga's recent success can largely be attributed to the highly-anticipated comeback of Satoru Gojo, which caused a sensation on the Internet. He is undeniably the most beloved and well-known character from the series, making his return after a three-year hiatus even more significant.
Following Gojo's return, the Battle of the Strongest against Ryomen Sukuna took place, which had been eagerly anticipated and speculated upon by fans. The drawn-out battle, spanning 14 chapters, kept readers on the edge of their seats.
But the defining moment in their battle that stunned the entire online world and propelled its fame to new heights was the sudden demise of Gojo. His unexpected death quickly became the most hotly debated event of the year, sending shockwaves through the entire anime community.
Gege Akutami's manga has skyrocketed to the top of the industry for good reason. Even after the death of Gojo, Akutami has managed to keep readers captivated with every turn of the page. Now that the hope of the Jujutsu society has faded, fans are eager to discover who could possibly challenge the King of Curses, who has arguably become the most powerful being in the series.
On the other hand, Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter X Hunter series is widely regarded as one of the greatest shonen series, despite its lack of conclusion. It has spawned two highly-rated anime adaptations, and while the manga is still ongoing, Togashi has experienced multiple health-related hiatuses.
Togashi has openly discussed how his health problems have impacted his ability to work, leading to a hiatus lasting an unprecedented four years from 2018 to 2022. He has even shared an alternative ending to the series, suggesting that fans should consider it the true conclusion in the event of his untimely passing before finishing the manga.
Fans have a wholesome reaction to Jujutsu Kaisen breaking Hunter X Hunter's record
The Hunter X Hunter manga's popularity has suffered due to ongoing issues and extended hiatuses. Fans are now urging Togashi to either conclude the series early or pass on the work to someone else. Historically, mangakas continuing work despite health issues has not had a positive outcome in the industry, causing concern among fans about their well-being.
The image via Our Website captured the fan reactions to Jujutsu Kaisen's milestone.
In the anime world, fandom battles are a common occurrence, but the rivalry between Jujutsu Kaisen and Hunter x Hunter seemed to be an exception. Despite some shock from Togashi's series fans, they extended their congratulations to Akutami for his success and expressed their happiness for the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom.
The reaction of fans to Jujutsu Kaisen surpassing Hunter X Hunter can be seen in the image via Our Website.
The majority of fans recognized both manga as two of the greatest series of all time. However, some also highlighted the influence of Togashi on Akutami and other mangakas of the new generation.
Final Reflection
While Gege Akutami's incredible success is cause for celebration, it's important not to overlook the impact that Yoshihiro Togashi has had on the anime and manga industries. Both of their manga series have built a substantial and devoted fanbase, eagerly anticipating the release of each new chapter every week.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to witness the meteoric rise of Jujutsu Kaisen and its recent achievement in surpassing Hunter x Hunter's manga sales record. The series has captivated me with its intricate plot, exhilarating fight scenes, and exceptional artwork. The return of the beloved character Satoru Gojo and the subsequent Battle of the Strongest against Ryomen Sukuna were particularly captivating, keeping me on the edge of my seat with each chapter. However, the sudden demise of Gojo left me in shock and eager to discover how the story will unfold without its most powerful protagonist.
On the other hand, I understand the frustration of Hunter x Hunter fans who have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the series. Togashi's health issues and prolonged hiatuses have undoubtedly affected the manga's momentum and left fans yearning for closure. While I appreciate Togashi's dedication to his craft, I believe it is essential for him to prioritize his well-being. Perhaps considering an alternative approach, such as collaborating with another mangaka or concluding the series prematurely, would be beneficial for both Togashi and the loyal Hunter x Hunter fanbase.