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Top wsj manga hits of the 2010s in the west revealed

The Dominance of 2010's Manga | Is Demon Slayer the King of the West?

By

Liam O'Shea

Oct 19, 2025, 08:31 PM

Edited By

Emily Chang

3 minutes (approx.)

A collage of popular manga covers from the Wall Street Journal during the 2010s, showcasing fan favorites that made an impact in the West.
popular

Controversy brews among manga fans as discussions heat up over the most popular manga of the 2010s in Western markets. With various contenders vying for the top spot, opinions reveal a clear divide on who truly reigns supreme.

Manga Titans Clash

Sources confirm a surge in popularity for several series during the last decade. Demon Slayer stands out for its record-breaking sales, leaving competitors struggling to keep pace. Commenters highlight its unmatched dominance: "Demon Slayer by a mile, no contest!

Interestingly, some argue that Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) only gained traction post-anime release in 2020. This parallels Demon Slayer, which made waves with its anime debut in 2019.

"Once you hit the 20s, itโ€™s different. MHA and JJK lose steam while Chainsaw Man roars in!"

This shifting landscape in manga fandom raises questions about the true face of the industry in those years. Although Boruto surfaces in conversations, many dismiss it as a contender, insisting it canโ€™t keep up with the likes of My Hero Academia (MHA) and the front-running Demon Slayer.

The Emergence of the Big Three

Fans are increasingly referring to Demon Slayer, JJK, and MHA as the big three of the 2010s. This trio sparked huge discussions about their relevance in the West. Demon Slayer consistently tops the charts, with one fan arguing, "Nothing even comes close!"

The Numbers Donโ€™t Lie

  • Demon Slayer: Breaks multiple sales records, consistently in the spotlight.

  • MHA: Maintains a steady fanbase since its inception, although some say its appeal is waning.

  • JJK: Gained a foothold primarily post-anime release, yet still a fan-favorite.

Voices of the Community

Some fans have mixed feelings about the ongoing debate:

  • "Crazy how popular Demon Slayer is, even casual fans know it!"

  • "Just seems like Chainsaw Man is getting a lot of attention out of the blue."

Key Insights

  • Dominance: Demon Slayer remains a clear favorite, widely recognized even by those outside the anime community.

  • Debate continues: JJK and MHA maintain lively fan discussions, especially in light of their recent anime successes.

  • Growing fanbase for others: Titles like Chainsaw Man are shaking things up in the current marketplace.

As the manga landscape evolves, the debate remains ongoing. How will the next wave of series impact this competitive arena? Only time will tell.

Paths of Profit and Change

As the manga market continues to grow, predictions suggest that new titles will emerge to challenge the current favorites. There's a strong chance that the explosive popularity of Chainsaw Man may translate to sustained market presence, potentially pushing it into the same conversation as Demon Slayer and JJK. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that upcoming anime adaptations will significantly boost lesser-known series, prompting shifts in the fanbase. This evolving landscape means viewers will likely keep their eyes peeled for innovative stories that resonate with fresh themes and characters, possibly upending the status quo established by past favorites.

History Repeats in Unseen Ways

In the world of entertainment, the rise of digital music in the early 2000s mirrors the current surge in manga and anime's global popularity. Just as emerging artists began to dismantle traditional music industry gatekeeping with online platforms, today's illustrators and writers harness forums and digital channels to share their work and build fanbases. This parallel reminds us that significant cultural shifts often arise from the grassroots level, as creators connect directly with fans, inviting a dynamic exchange that can redefine the landscape, much like we're witnessing in today's manga scene.