Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo‘s Triumph: What It Signals for the Future of Manga
The year 2025, according to Manga Plus’s year-end summary, belongs to Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo. Not only did the spin-off claim the title of “Best New Manga,” but it also snagged the coveted spot of “Most Popular Chapter,” surpassing giants like One Piece and Chainsaw Man. This isn’t just a win for creator Gege Akutami and artist Yuji Iwasaki; it’s a potential seismic shift in the manga landscape. What does this success tell us about where the industry is heading?
The Rise of the Spin-Off and Sequels
For years, manga has thrived on long-running, original series. However, Modulo’s performance suggests a growing appetite for expanding established universes. Fans aren’t necessarily seeking *entirely* new worlds; they want to revisit beloved characters and lore. This trend mirrors successes in other entertainment mediums. Think of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, built on decades of comic book history, or the Star Wars franchise’s constant expansion through spin-offs like The Mandalorian.
This is a smart move for publishers like Shueisha. Spin-offs carry a built-in audience, reducing marketing costs and increasing the likelihood of initial success. It’s a lower-risk, high-reward strategy. We’re likely to see more publishers actively exploring spin-offs and sequels to their popular titles.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo’s success signals a potential shift towards expanding established universes in manga.
The Power of Collaborative Storytelling
Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo’s unique approach – Akutami focusing solely on the story while Yuji Iwasaki handles the artwork – is also noteworthy. This division of labor allowed Akutami to concentrate on narrative complexity, a key factor in the spin-off’s critical acclaim.
This model could become more prevalent, particularly for demanding series. It addresses the challenges of maintaining consistent quality and pacing in long-running manga, where a single creator can face burnout. We might see more collaborations between writers and artists, leveraging each individual’s strengths. This isn’t entirely new – many manga have assistants – but a formalized, high-profile split like this is a significant development.
The Continued Dominance of Dark Fantasy
Jujutsu Kaisen itself, and now Modulo, fall squarely within the dark fantasy genre. This genre has been steadily gaining popularity, fueled by titles like Chainsaw Man and Attack on Titan. The appeal lies in its willingness to explore mature themes, complex characters, and morally grey areas.
Compared to the often lighter tone of shonen manga staples, dark fantasy offers a grittier, more emotionally resonant experience. Data from ComiCan, a Japanese manga analytics site, shows a 35% increase in readership for dark fantasy titles over the past five years. This suggests the genre isn’t a fleeting trend, but a fundamental shift in reader preferences.
Manga Plus as a Trendsetter
The fact that these trends are being highlighted by Manga Plus is significant. The platform’s direct access to a global audience provides valuable data on what resonates with readers worldwide. Manga Plus isn’t just a distribution channel; it’s becoming a tastemaker, influencing which series gain traction and which ones fade into obscurity.
Their year-end summaries are now closely watched by industry professionals, offering insights into emerging trends and reader behavior. This data-driven approach is likely to shape the future of manga publishing and content creation.
The Top 10 Chapters of 2025: A Snapshot of Reader Preferences
Looking at the full list of Manga Plus’s most popular chapters of 2025 reveals further insights:
- 1. Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo – Chapter 1: Special Grade Incident
- 2. Chainsaw Man – Chapter 198: It’s Fami!
- 3. One Piece – Chapter 1161: A Song of Love Bound Under a Hail of Arrows
- 4. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex – Chapter 21: Mangekyo Sharingan
- 5. Dandadan – Chapter 181: Must be the Influence of a Curse
- 6. Dragon Ball Super – Chapter 104: The Birth of Saiyaman X
- 7. Kaiju No.8 – Chapter 129: The Disheveled Hero Makes His Return…
- 8. Black Clover – Chapter 379: Absolute Messiah
- 9. Spy x Family – Chapter 120: Mission 120
- 10. Otr of the Flame – Chapter 1: The Flame Awakens
The list demonstrates a blend of established franchises (One Piece, Dragon Ball) and newer, critically acclaimed titles (Dandadan, Kaiju No.8). The presence of Boruto highlights the continued appeal of sequel series, even if they face criticism.
FAQ
Q: Will we see more Jujutsu Kaisen spin-offs?
A: It’s highly likely. The success of Modulo demonstrates the potential for expanding the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
Q: Is dark fantasy manga here to stay?
A: Current data suggests it is. The genre’s popularity has been steadily increasing, and it’s attracting a wider audience.
Q: How important is Manga Plus to the manga industry?
A: Increasingly important. It provides direct access to a global audience and valuable data on reader preferences.
Q: What does this mean for aspiring manga creators?
A: Consider exploring spin-offs or sequels to existing popular series. Also, don’t shy away from darker, more complex themes.
Want to dive deeper into the world of manga? Explore our other articles on shonen trends and the impact of digital platforms. Share your thoughts on Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo and the future of manga in the comments below!
