The rise of manga in recent years has been undeniable, but newly released data underscores just how significant its expansion has been. A new report from Grand View Research on the U.S. manga market confirms that the industry is now valued at an impressive $1 billion, with a projected growth rate of 24% over the next five years. This marks a dramatic increase from the market’s size five years ago, which was approximately half of what it is today—a clear indication of the industry’s rapid success and increasing influence.
The report not only highlights the current strength of the manga market but also offers insight into why the industry has become so profitable. The increasing availability of digital manga has played a key role in this rise, contributing to 80% of the total revenue.
While digital platforms have dominated the market in recent years, the demand for physical copies is also expected to grow, with a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) anticipated for printed manga. The continued appeal of physical editions, especially among dedicated fans seeking collectible copies, is driving this trend. Additionally, more brick-and-mortar stores specializing in manga are expected to emerge, further meeting the growing demand for physical releases.
Action and Adventure Lead the Market, but Romance and Drama Are Catching Up
One Piece (Toei)
The action and adventure genres remain the most dominant in terms of revenue and audience engagement, reflecting the continued popularity of best-selling titles in these categories. However, one of the most exciting revelations from the report is the anticipated rise of romance and drama , which are expected to experience the highest CAGR over the next five years. This shift could lead to greater diversity in available manga titles, including increased licensing and publication of shojo and josei series, which have traditionally been underrepresented in Western markets.
The data also provides valuable insight into the manga audience’s makeup. Male readers currently make up the largest segment of the market’s revenue, but female readership is expected to increase in the coming years. The report also identifies adults as the primary demographic driving the market’s growth, indicating that manga’s appeal extends well beyond younger audiences.
Demon Slayer and One Piece
Key industry players such as Viz Media, Kodansha, Seven Seas Entertainment, and Dark Horse Comics have played a major role in expanding the market’s reach. Their efforts to increase availability through subscription models, simultaneous publishing (simulpub), and wider distribution in mainstream retail stores have made it easier than ever for fans to access both new and classic manga titles. This increased accessibility has contributed to the surge in market value and created new opportunities for growth.
The manga industry’s expansion isn’t just limited to increased sales—it’s also leading to more diverse storytelling and greater genre representation. With growing support from major publishers and an increasingly engaged audience, the future of the U.S. manga market looks exceptionally promising. Fans can expect to see more varied titles, enhanced availability, and continued innovation in the years ahead.
The anime industry is poised for remarkable growth over the next decade, with a recent report by Variety revealing that the market is expected to grow from $5.5 billion to an astonishing $16 billion by 2030. This projection stems from a report by a Wall Street firm, which highlights the accelerating demand for anime content, particularly through streaming platforms.
Anime’s Explosive Growth Is Fueling More Diverse and Creative Content
Spy x Family Anime Extra Mission (Credits: Clover Works)
The rapid expansion of the anime market is not just boosting revenue—it’s also leading to more creative and experimental projects. While popular series like Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Dragon Ball continue to dominate viewership, the success of smaller and more niche anime is also becoming more common. Productions like MAPPA’s Zenshu and Production h+’s Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction are thriving in this more welcoming environment, demonstrating that the industry’s growth is supporting a broader range of storytelling styles.
Other Streaming Platforms Are Also Getting Involved
Luffy, Goku, Naruto, and Ichigo (Credits: Crunchyroll)
This surge in industry growth follows similar projections for the manga industry, which is also expected to triple in size by 2030. Breakout titles like Solo Leveling and Dandadan have contributed to this parallel success, reinforcing the idea that anime and manga are feeding into each other’s popularity.
The future of anime looks incredibly promising. With increasing global interest, more funding, and expanding creative freedom, the anime industry is on track to become one of the most influential entertainment sectors in the world. Fans can expect more variety, higher production values, and greater accessibility in the coming years.
