Word is spreading across the X social media platform about how the first volume of the manga series Kagurabachi has already been sold out on all the major Japanese digital comic stores.
Even though the printed compilation of chapters is not officially coming out until February 2nd, 2024, the publisher Shueisha enabled fans to pre-purchase it early on sites like Yahoo Japan’s Bookfan service, Rakuten Books, e-Hon, and Honya Club.
Kagurabachi is a Japanese comic in the battle shonen genre, focused on supernatural fight scenes, that is written and drawn by the artist Takeru Hokazono.
It first appeared as part of Shueisha’s Jump NEXTWAVE initiative to showcase new talent. Almost immediately, the intricate storyline and engaging personalities of the characters made it beloved by readers.
The fact that the first volume has completely sold out digitally prior to its actual release date demonstrates the tremendous popularity the series has already garnered in Japan.
Not even One Piece or Naruto could do this before their anime release
This hints at a very promising future for the manga and potential anime adaptation.
Kagurabachi’s Debut Volume Sells Out Ahead of Release
Latest updates reveal that the inaugural volume of Takeru Hokazono’s hit manga series Kagurabachi has already been entirely sold out on several major Japanese digital comic platforms, even though its official street date is not until February 2nd, 2024.
Shueisha Publishing, the company publishing the supernatural battle manga, had opened up pre-order sales on sites such as Rakuten Books, Yahoo Japan’s Bookfan service, e-Hon, and Honya Club.
However, just 3 days prior to the volume’s release, stocks have unexpectedly run completely dry on those sites.
This highlights the incredible demand from readers to get their hands on the first compilation of Hokazono’s action-packed chapters centered around exorcists and spirits.
While the graphic novel is no longer available to pre-purchase on those aforementioned platforms, interested fans still have the option of securing a copy through retailers like Amazon Japan, Honto, Yodobashi, and HMV&Books.
The instant selling out of Volume 1 underscores the immense popularity and bright future ahead for this budding franchise.
An anime adaptation also seems likely given the enthusiastic response.
Securing a Top 1000 Spot on Amazon Japan
In addition to selling out at major manga platforms, Kagurabachi Volume 1 has also made impressive inroads on the Amazon Japan store.
According to sales data, Hokazono’s still unreleased graphic novel has entered the Top 1000 bestselling comics on Amazon Japan, currently sitting at #914.
That ranking is astounding for a brand-new series that the wider public has yet to even read. In contrast, the other two manga that launched alongside Kagurabachi in Shueisha’s Jump NEXTWAVE initiative – “Two on Ice” and “MamaYuyu” – rank significantly lower at #10,263 and #3551 respectively on Amazon Japan.
While the supernatural battle manga still appears to have inventory left on Amazon Japan, this commandeering of a top 1000 sales spot signifies its rapidly growing popularity at home in Japan. Initially, Hokazono’s manga gained more traction with Western readers.
But over time, Japanese fans have demonstrated a swelling interest leading up to this first volume’s official street date.
The sellouts across online manga shops coupled with the high Amazon JP ranking confirm that Kagurabachi has cultivated an enthusiastic domestic fanbase hungry for more adventures from these exorcist characters.
An anime adaptation seems likely on the horizon given the buzz.
More About Kagurabachi
Kagurabachi centers around Chihiro Rokuhira, the teenage son of a famous swordsmith named Kunishige Rokuhira. At just 15 years old, Chihiro witnesses his father’s murder at the hands of the ruthless Hishaku group.
This same group also raids Kunishige’s workshop and steals six out of seven specially forged blades called the Enchanted Blades, which had been pivotal in ending the devastating Seitei War.
Overcome by grief and rage over his father’s senseless death, Chihiro vows revenge. He takes up the sole surviving seventh Enchanted Blade crafted by Kunishige to track down his killers and retrieve the stolen swords.
This sets up an epic tale of a young man treading a bloody path of retribution as he develops his skills as a swordsman.
With his father’s cherished blade in hand, Chihiro relentlessly hunts anyone associated with the Hishaku in order to unravel the mystery of why they killed his father and took the six blades.
Along the way, Chihiro must navigate a dangerous world filled with various warring factions who also seek the incredible power of the Enchanted Blades.