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May 2025 manga scores revealed: wsj rankings update

Current Manga Rankings | Ratings Spike and Fan Reactions

By

Haruka Tanaka

May 12, 2025, 02:20 AM

Edited By

Liam O'Reilly

2 minutes (approx.)

Ranking chart showing popular manga series for May 2025 including 'One Piece' and 'Star of Beethoven'.
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Anime and manga enthusiasts are buzzing as the latest scores from MyAnimeList reveal significant shifts in the manga rankings for May 2025. The data shows a mix of stable favorites and newcomers sparking debate among fans about their appeal.

Overview of Rankings

The top-ranked series, One Piece, continues to hold its strong position with over 402,000 votes. Meanwhile, several series are also gaining traction:

  • Blue Box remains steady with 33,000 votes.

  • Akane-banashi has shown an upward trend, collecting 7,000 votes.

  • Kagurabachi has impressively maintained its standing with 21,000 votes despite lacking an anime adaptation.

"The likelihood for that many ratings to lower the score's ceiling is quite likely," a community member noted regarding Kagurabachi.

Key Themes Arising from Discussions

  1. Consistent High Ratings: Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch are highlighted for their stability and expected future boosts with upcoming anime adaptations.

  2. Confusion Over Scores: Many fans expressed surprise at the low scores for The Elusive Samurai and Witch Watch.

  3. Niche Appeal: Some users argue that niche titles donโ€™t detract from their quality, defending series like Akane-banashi.

Community Reactions

Fans are keenly discussing the rankings on various forums and user boards. Notable comments include:

  • "Honestly impressed with Kagurabachi managing to stay high."

  • "Witch Watch's score is criminally low."

  • "What makes Nue so unappealing to general readers?"

The sentiment around these series ranges from appreciation to puzzlement, revealing a vibrant community engaged in lively debates.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ 402k votes for One Piece keep it at the top.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Kagurabachi maintains significant popularity despite no anime.

  • โš ๏ธ Users express concern over The Elusive Samurai's low score.

  • ๐Ÿ†• New Prison might outpace Nue, causing ripples in the rankings.

As these trends develop, fans are eager to see how upcoming adaptations will influence future scores. The clash between mainstream hits and niche favorites continues to enrich the anime fandom.

MyAnimeList Rankings\

Future Shifts on the Horizon

As the manga scene evolves, thereโ€™s a strong chance that upcoming anime adaptations will significantly impact rankings. Experts estimate around a 30% increase in votes for popular series upon their adaptations, particularly for titles like Kagurabachi and Ichi the Witch. This momentum could shift viewer focus toward other emerging stories, such as New Prison, which may capture the attention of readers looking for fresh content. Conversely, perennial favorites like The Elusive Samurai might face challenges maintaining their positions if the community's opinions do not align with the overall trends. The community's discussions are a barometer for what stories resonate, and as tastes shift, the landscape will likely continue to reshape.

An Unlikely Reflection

Looking back, a parallel can be drawn between this manga climate and the early days of the comic book industry in the 1990s. Just as that era witnessed the rise of independent titles alongside blockbuster franchises, todayโ€™s rankings reflect a similar dynamic with niche series gaining traction. Fans championing Akane-banashi mirror the fervent support seen for lesser-known comics that eventually gained mainstream attention. Such moments remind us that vibrant fan communities can elevate unexpected gems, altering the course of popularity and profitability in any artistic domain.