North America Manga Market Expected to Reach $1,986.6 million by 2034—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “North America Manga Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape, and Trend Analysis Report by Genre, Age Group, Gender, Region of Resident, Income Group, Reader Type, And Application: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034.”

The North America manga market size was valued at $1101.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1986.6 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034.

The manga market refers to the regional industry surrounding the creation, distribution, and consumption of manga—Japanese-style comic books and graphic novels. The market includes various players such as publishers, digital platforms, bookstores, anime studios, merchandise retailers, and event organizers. In North America, the manga market has witnessed significant growth driven by rising interest in Japanese pop culture, anime adaptations, and digital accessibility. Manga caters to diverse genres and audiences, ranging from action and fantasy to romance, slice-of-life, and LGBTQ+ themes. It operates through both print and digital mediums, and its success is increasingly tied to cross-media adaptations, online fandoms, and conventions.

The expansion of digital manga platforms is significantly driving the North America manga market growth by increasing accessibility, affordability, and reader engagement. Platforms like VIZ Media, MANGA Plus by Shueisha, and Crunchyroll Manga have gained widespread traction among North American audiences owing to growing preference for digital content consumption. These platforms offer simultaneous or near-simultaneous releases with Japanese versions, eliminating the traditional delay in English translations.

Services such as MANGA Plus offer free access to the latest chapters globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, supporting a freemium model that encourages widespread consumption before transitioning users to paid tiers or print editions. In addition, the rise of webtoon-style manga and vertical scrolling formats optimized for smartphones has further broadened its appeal. Digital manga also improves community engagement through social features, fan ratings, and personalized recommendations, enhancing retention.

The shift away from physical retail constraints — such as limited shelf space and stock availability — enables users in remote or suburban areas to access vast manga libraries instantly. However, limited shelf space in retail stores poses a significant restraint to the growth of the North America manga market by constraining the visibility and availability of a diverse range of titles. Unlike Japan, where dedicated manga sections in bookstores and convenience stores are commonplace, many North American retailers offer limited physical space for manga.

This results in the prioritization of mainstream and high-demand titles—such as One Piece, Naruto, or My Hero Academia—while niche genres or emerging authors receive minimal exposure. According to the American Booksellers Association (ABA), independent bookstores in the U.S. typically have limited shelf space dedicated to graphic novels, with manga occupying an even smaller fraction of that segment. In addition, Barnes & Noble, one of the few chains supporting a dedicated manga section, reported in recent years that despite rising North America manga market demand, space constraints led them to rotate stock more frequently, resulting in reduced shelf time for lesser-known series.

This limited physical presence affects not only discoverability but also impacts impulse buying—a critical factor for print media sales. Also, manga that is not stocked physically often struggles to gain traction, particularly among readers who prefer browsing and collecting physical copies. Although more people are reading manga online, printed books still make up a large part of manga sales in North America, so having enough shelf space in stores is still very important.

Furthermore, the increasing female reader base is significantly reshaping the North America manga market, creating opportunities for publishers, content creators, and retailers. Traditionally, manga readership was turned towards male-oriented genres such as action and shonen; however, recent trends indicate a strong rise in female readership, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. Genres such as romance, drama, slice-of-life, and BL (Boys’ Love) are seeing higher engagement, especially among young women, who seek relatable and emotionally nuanced content.

This shift creates multiple opportunities such as, publishers can diversify their catalog with female-centric or gender-inclusive titles; creators are increasingly empowered to explore themes like identity, mental health, and social relationships; and retailers can tailor inventory and marketing strategies for a broader, more engaged audience.

Additionally, platforms such as VIZ Media and Webtoon are capitalizing on this trend by promoting shojo and josei titles and including diverse protagonists and storylines that resonate with female readers. The rise of book clubs, TikTok trends like mangatok, and fan-driven communities have also amplified word-of-mouth marketing. This growing demographic offers the North American manga industry an opportunity not only for expanded sales but also for cultivating long-term, loyal readership through inclusive storytelling.

The North America manga market analysis is segmented into genre, age group, gender, region of resident, income group, reader type, and application. By genre, the market is segmented into Shonen, Shojo, Seinen, Josei, Kodomo, Mecha and others. By age group, the market is divided into Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X & Boomers. By gender, the market is classified into male reader and female reader.

By region of resident, it is categorized into urban, suburban, and rural. By income group, the market is divided into budget, middle-income, premium and high-income. By reader type, the market is divided into casual browsers, digital-only, collectors, and others. By platform, the market is divided into library, subscriptions, collectors and others. By distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, bookstores, online channels, and others.

Based on genre, the Shonen segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to its broad appeal among young male and female readers, action-packed storytelling, and strong anime tie-ins. Popular titles like Demon Slayer, One Piece, and My Hero Academia have driven high sales, supported by streaming platforms, merchandise, and fan communities that continually increase demand for Shonen content across all age groups. The genre’s ability to balance intense plotlines with emotional character development makes it accessible and addictive, ensuring repeat readership and sustained popularity.

Based on age group, the Gen Z segment held the major North America manga market share in 2024 owing to its strong digital presence, early exposure to anime, and preference for visual storytelling. Platforms like TikTok, Webtoon, and VIZ Media apps have made manga easily accessible, while social media trends and fandom culture have further boosted engagement. Gen Z readers also contribute significantly to user-generated content, reviews, and fan art, which amplify organic marketing and community-based growth across North America.

Based on gender, the male reader segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to the popularity of action, adventure, and fantasy genres typically targeted at male audiences, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and Attack on Titan. These titles dominate sales charts and are often supported by anime adaptations, digital platforms, and merchandise, which strongly resonate with male readers, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Additionally, the popularity of gaming and crossover media reinforces sustained interest among male fans.

Based on the region of resident, the urban segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to higher population density, greater access to bookstores, libraries, and manga events, and stronger digital infrastructure. Urban residents, especially Gen Z and millennials, are more exposed to global pop culture trends and North America manga market trends are early adopters of anime and manga.

Based on income group, the middle-income segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to its large, stable consumer base with moderate spending capacity. These readers actively purchase both digital subscriptions and physical volumes, often engaging with mainstream and trending titles.

Based on reader type, the collectors segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to strong demand for physical manga volumes, deluxe editions, and limited-release box sets. Collectors are highly engaged fans willing to invest in high-quality, exclusive content, driving significant revenue. Many also participate in pre-orders, conventions, and fan clubs, contributing to early sales spikes and supporting long-term brand loyalty for both classic and new manga titles.

Based on application, the collectors segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to strong demand for physical manga volumes, deluxe box sets, and limited-edition prints. Collectors often invest in high-quality editions for display, gifting, or resale value. The rise of manga as a cultural and artistic collectible, supported by fan conventions and online marketplaces, has made this segment a key revenue driver in North America.

Based on distribution channel, the specialty stores segment held the major share of the market in 2024. Specialty stores are ideally suited for hosting manga launch events, theme-based displays, creator signing sessions, or genre-specific awareness campaigns that align with fan preferences. By offering early access volumes, signed editions, or exclusive merchandise, these stores can appeal to collectors and superfans seeking content beyond what is available online.

Key Findings of the Study 

• By genre, the Shonen segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By age group, the Gen Z segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By gender, the male reader segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By region of resident, the urban segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By income group, the middle-income segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By reader type, the collectors segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By platform, the collectors segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By Distribution channel, the specialty stores was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.