The 80th volume of Yasuhisa Hara's Kingdom manga has topped Oricon's monthly comic ranking for August 2026, selling 365,379 copies.
The 80th volume of Yasuhisa Hara's acclaimed manga series, Kingdom, has achieved the top position in Oricon's monthly comic ranking for August 2026. This significant achievement was reported by Anime News Network on September 6, 2026. The volume reportedly sold 365,379 copies since its release in Japan on August 19, showcasing the enduring appeal of this long-running series.
In the rankings, Blue Lock volume 40 secured the #2 spot, having shipped in Japan on August 17. The rise of Blue Lock reflects its growing impact, particularly due to its anime adaptation, which appeals to both domestic and international audiences. The Apothecary Diaries volume 17 maintained its position at #3 for the second consecutive month, emphasizing the competition among these popular series. With sales data from Oricon illustrating the market trends, it is evident that manga titles continue to capture reader interest.
The confirmed success of Kingdom can also be attributed to its English release by Viz Media, which began in November 2025. This release has opened the door for international fans to engage with Hara's intricate storytelling and expansive world-building, significantly increasing its readership. As English-speaking fans gain access to the saga, the popularity of Kingdom continues to rise on a global scale. The ongoing success of Blue Lock and The Apothecary Diaries attests to the increasing audience interest in manga adaptations, particularly with Blue Lock's upcoming anime season set to explore new story arcs.
Oricon has been an influential player in the Japanese entertainment market since its establishment in 1967, capturing data on sales across various media, including manga. The monthly comic ranking published by Oricon since 2008 serves as a reliable indicator of both market trends and consumer interests. This data highlights the significance of these rankings for publishers, as they demonstrate which series resonate with readers and are worth promoting heavily.
The competitive landscape of manga remains intense. Blue Lock, alongside its ongoing anime adaptation titled BLUE LOCK: Neo Egoist League, continues to draw in fans with new story arcs. Similarly, The Apothecary Diaries, which has garnered acclaim as a light novel adaptation, offers a strong narrative that captivates readers. The competition among these titles illustrates the dynamic nature of the manga market in Japan, as each series vies for attention from an ever-growing audience.
The strong performance of Kingdom in the August rankings underscores its remarkable longevity and impact within the genre. As audiences continue to embrace these series, especially following recent anime adaptations, the positive reception of Hara’s storytelling is evident. This success may prompt other manga publishers to seek out similar stories for adaptation, reflecting a keen understanding of narrative depth and character development that resonates well with fans. As manga continues to thrive both in Japan and abroad, it is poised to remain a significant cultural force.
For more on the impact of popular anime adaptations, check out our articles on Re:ZERO Season 4 Dominates Summer 2026 Rankings After Episode 15 and Kana Delays Inio Asano's Before Dawn and the End of the World Manga to March 4.
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