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Demon slayer surpasses naruto in manga sales milestone

Demon Slayer Surpasses Naruto in Manga Sales | Unprecedented Shift in Popularity

By

Chen Wu

Feb 17, 2026, 01:13 PM

Edited By

Tanya Lee

3 minutes (approx.)

A graphic showing Demon Slayer manga surpassing Naruto in sales, highlighting the popularity of both series.
popular

In an astonishing turn of events, Demon Slayer has officially surpassed Naruto in manga sales as of early 2026. This change has ignited fervent discussions among fans and sparked debates over the evolving landscape of manga and anime fandom.

Recent Trends in Manga Sales

The news arrives amid a booming interest in anime and manga, particularly in Demon Slayer, which has captured significant international acclaim. Several commenters expressed surprise at this milestone, noting its shift from being overshadowed by earlier classics like Naruto. One fan pointed out,

"Not surprised. I love Naruto but Demon Slayer rocks."

The Impact of Timing on Sales

The success of Demon Slayer comes after Naruto concluded its run years ago, while Demon Slayer continues to thrive with a vibrant fan base and ongoing adaptations. As one user remarked,

"Naruto has been over for years and Demon Slayerโ€™s popularity outside of Japan is at its peak."

Fans recognize this timing advantage as crucial in the growing sales figures. Although some fans argue that Naruto has solidified its place in cultural history, they acknowledge that Demon Slayer deserves recognition for this achievement, with one fan commenting:

"I think KnY deserves its flowers here for surpassing a powerhouse like Naruto."

Quality of Storytelling and Art

A significant point of contention among commenters focuses on the storytelling and artistic qualities of both series. While a few fans appreciate the intricate tales of Naruto, others believe that Demon Slayer excels in other areas. One fan said,

"The story was fun, the ending sucked."

Many agree that Demon Slayer long-lasting appeal comes from its cohesive narrative and stunning artwork.

Sentiment Analysis

Most comments reflect a positive sentiment towards Demon Slayer, with fans celebrating its achievement while acknowledging Narutoโ€™s influence. However, a few dissenting voices raised skepticism about the reported sales figures. Notably, one user remarked:

"Thereโ€™s no source for this number, btw. Itโ€™s entirely fabricated."

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ Demon Slayer has surpassed Naruto in sales, reflecting a shift in fandom.

  • โ˜… Increasing global acceptance of anime contributes to this trend.

  • โš–๏ธ Fans debate the comparative quality of storytelling and art in both series.

With the rise of Demon Slayer, questions arise about the future of classic fan favorites like Naruto. Will this change the dynamics of manga sales further? Only time will tell.

Looking to the Horizon

As Demon Slayer continues its impressive journey, experts predict that its sales will likely further eclipse Naruto in the coming years. The ongoing anime adaptations and merchandise releases could boost its presence globally, likely increasing sales by an estimated 20% year-on-year. While some fans may shift their loyalty back to classics, the ongoing popularity of Demon Slayer suggests a great chance for it to create a legacy of its own, transforming the manga landscape. It's conceivable that over the next few years, new titles may emerge aiming to replicate this success, leading to increased competition and excitement in the anime and manga market.

A Dance of Shifts Across Eras

This situation mirrors the transition seen in the music industry from rock to hip-hop dominance. Just as rock icons faced challenges from a stronger, innovative genre, earlier manga stalwarts like Naruto now experience a similar struggle against Demon Slayer. Both shifts highlight the inevitable evolution of tastes within fan communities and suggest that nothing remains static in popular culture. Only time will reveal if Demon Slayer can maintain its momentum, just as hip-hop has had to prove its staying power in an ever-changing musical landscape.