Best Shonen Manga - 45th Kodansha Manga Award for 2021

Dive into the intense world of Blue Lock, where a non-lethal, Squid Game-like competition pits young Japanese Strikers against each other. As they claw their way to the top, only the best Striker will be left standing!

With 40 million copies in circulation and translations in 18 countries, this manga has garnered international acclaim. Winner of Best Shonen Manga at the 45th Kodansha Manga Awards in 2021, it promises adrenaline-pumping action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Stores focused on broad reach and/or price sensitivity.

All current and future distribution channels in Mass-market and value.

Large, big-box retailers that carry a broad range of products. Ex: Walmart, Target, and Tesco.

Traditional, multi-category stores with mid-to-high price ranges. Ex: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and John Lewis.

Slightly more value-focused than high-end department stores. Ex: Kohl’s and Dillard’s.

Extreme value-focused retailers offering low-priced goods. Ex: Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Poundland.

Sell surplus or out-of-season merchandise at lower prices. Ex: T.J. Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and outlet malls.

Bulk or club buying model with membership-based retail. Ex: Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Primarily food-focused, but often include general merchandise sections. Ex: Kroger, Whole Foods, and Carrefour.

Stores focused on specific product verticals or hobbies.

All current and future distribution channels in Specialty.

Focused on clothing, footwear, and athleisure for men, women, and children. Ex: Gap, Foot Locker, Lululemon, Uniqlo, H&M.

Trend-driven apparel retailers offering affordable, frequently updated collections. Ex: H&M, Zara, SHEIN, Forever 21, Primark, Fashion Nova.

Sell consumer electronics, appliances, and tech accessories. Ex: Best Buy, MediaMarkt, Currys, B&H Photo.

Specialize in hardware, tools, appliances, and home renovation materials. Ex: Home Depot, Lowe’s, B&Q, Menards.

Specialty retailers serving hobbyists and collectors with model kits, tabletop games, trading cards, and hobby supplies.

Offer cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and grooming products. Ex: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Bluemercury.

Retailers offering medicines, health and wellness products, personal care items, and everyday essentials.

Sell products for fitness, outdoor recreation, and sports. Ex: Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Academy Sports.

Focused on toys, games, crafts, and educational play. Ex: Toys “R” Us, The Entertainer, LEGO, Learning Express, Michaels.

Sell stationery, electronics, furniture, and business supplies. Ex: Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax.

Specialize in pet food, supplies, and accessories. Ex: PetSmart, Petco, Chewy.

Provide vehicle parts, tools, and maintenance products. Ex: AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly.

Retailers focused on homeware, décor, and design-led lifestyle goods, including curated concept stores. Ex: Crate & Barrel, MoMA Design Store, John Derian, Selfridges Home, and independent concept shops.

Retailers focused on books, magazines, and periodicals, including chain and independent bookshops and newsstands. Ex: Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Books-A-Million, and airport newsstands.

Retailers selling giftware, souvenirs, and impulse-purchase gifts outside museums or event venues. Ex: Hallmark, airport and tourist gift shops, and hotel gift boutiques.

Specialty retailers not covered by a more specific specialty category, including independent boutiques, single-location stores, and regional specialty chains. Use this option only when none of the specific specialty categories applies.

All current and future distribution channels in Digital and remote.

Online reselling platforms. Depop, TheRealReal.

Broad online marketplaces, often with global reach. Ex.: Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, and Mercado Libre.

Selling directly to consumers without 3rd-party retailers. Ex.: brand-owned e-commerce sites, subscription boxes (Dollar Shave Club), and brand pop-ups.

Virtual marketplaces that sell digital goods (NFTs, in-game items, etc.). Ex.: Fortnite Item Shop, Roblox, and Decentraland.

Television-based retail where products are demonstrated live. Ex.: QVC, HSN, and ShopHQ.

Traditional channels that use print catalogs or phone sales. Ex.: L.L.Bean, Lands’ End (historically), and Fingerhut.

Curated products delivered periodically to subscribers. Ex.: Loot Crate, BarkBox, and FabFitFun.

Social and video-driven e-commerce that enables real-time interaction. Ex.: Instagram Live Shopping, TikTok Live, and Taobao Live.

Online storefronts and platforms selling products printed or produced only after an order is placed. Examples include made-to-order apparel, posters, mugs, and books.

Location-based, seasonal, or immersive selling.

All current and future distribution channels in Experiential, travel, and temporary.

Retailers located in airports, on cruise ships, and in international travel hubs offering tax-free or travel-exclusive products. Ex: Duty Free Americas, DFS Group, Heinemann, Dufry, World Duty Free.

Temporary retail spaces for brand collaborations, product launches, or holiday seasons.

Quick-stop retailers focusing on snacks, beverages, and everyday essentials. Ex.: 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa.

On-site stores that sell event-exclusive or licensed merchandise. Ex.: stadiums, arenas, theme parks, concerts, and museums.

Retail outlets serving travelers may offer branded or licensed items aimed at tourists or commuters. Ex.: highway rest stops, state-run rest areas, service stations, bus or train stations, and airports.

Automated self-service machines selling products without staffed checkout. Examples include snacks, beverages, personal care items, and collectibles in public venues.

Interactive or immersive retail experiences that blend entertainment with shopping. Often used for brand-building, product launches, or fan engagement. Ex.: Crayola Experience, Netflix House, and theme-based immersive pop-ups.

Sales through schools or public institutions.

All current and future distribution channels in Institutional and educational.

Retailers within museums and galleries offering licensed prints, books, and collectibles tied to art, history, or exhibits. Ex: MoMA Design Store, The Met Store, Tate Modern Shop.

Educational institutions and affiliated stores offering licensed books, media, and classroom materials. Ex: Scholastic Book Fairs, Follett, Junior Library Guild.

Business-driven or high-volume distribution.

All current and future distribution channels in Wholesale, B2B, and corporate.

Person-to-person sales models where independent sellers market and distribute products directly to consumers, often through home parties or social networks. Ex: Avon, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Amway.

Middlemen distributing to smaller retailers or specialized markets. This may include licensing agents or brokers that handle bulk transactions.

Companies that purchase branded or licensed products for employee gifts, promotions, etc.

Kodansha

Blue Lock Manga

Speed Racer, aka MachGoGoGo, is a first-class crime-fighting race car driver on a mission to live up to the ideals of his thought-to-be-dead brother, who is secretly Racer X. Behind the wheel of his independent super-car, the Mach 5, Speed races to victory, saves the day, and combats crime with unmatched skill and determination.

Partner with Speed Racer to leverage the iconic brand's legacy and excitement. Explore unique licensing opportunities that bring the thrilling world of Speed Racer to life through innovative products and engaging collaborations. Tap into a dedicated fan base and capture the spirit of adventure, competition, and heroism with Speed Racer.

Tatsunoko Production

Speed Racer

Shaman King Anime Available on Netflix and Prime Video!

Shaman King began its legendary journey with the mystical and thrilling tale of the battle to become the Shaman King, a contest that occurs every 500 years. Yoh Asakura, joined by gods and spirits, competes against other Shamans to claim this prestigious title. Based on the acclaimed manga series, Shaman King follows Yoh's adventures as he hones his shamanic abilities to triumph in the Shaman Fight.

Ranking in the top 10 on Netflix in 26 countries, Shaman King has captivated audiences worldwide with its dynamic action and fantastical storyline.

Shaman King

Discover the adrenaline-fueled world of Initial D, the classic street racing manga that revolutionized the genre long before Fast and Furious hit the screen! Follow Tak Fujiwara as he navigates treacherous mountain roads in his tofu delivery car, unwittingly mastering the art of racing to achieve renown as the "drift king," while competing against rival teams such as the Akina Speed Stars and the Red Suns.

Spanning 48 volumes from the '90s and boasting over 55 million copies in circulation, Initial D is a legendary tale of speed, skill, and rivalry.

Initial D Manga

Nominated for 45th Best Manga Award for 2021

Immerse yourself in the action-packed, steampunk world of Fire Force, where Tokyo faces a deadly threat. The city is plagued by spontaneous human combustion, but the Fire Force are on the front lines to combat the flames. Enter Shinra, a boy with the power to run at rocket speed, leaving behind the infamous “devil’s footprints.” Join Shinra and his comrades as they race against time to uncover the source of this deadly epidemic before Tokyo is reduced to ashes.

With over 20 million copies in circulation since 2015 and a nomination for the 45th Best Manga Award in 2021, Fire Force is a must-read for fans of thrilling action and unforgettable characters.

Fire Force Manga

Parasyte, a groundbreaking sci-fi horror manga series, began its legendary journey with a gripping tale of a secret alien invasion. Aliens take over human bodies to feed on the population, but one boy, Shinichi Izumi, defies the odds. Trapping an alien in his arm, Shinichi forms an unlikely partnership to combat the invasion and save humanity.

With over 25 million copies in circulation by August 2022, Parasyte stands as one of the best-selling manga series of all time. It has garnered prestigious awards, including the 17th Kodansha Manga Award and the 27th Seiun Award. Partner with Parasyte to leverage this iconic series' enduring legacy and explore unique licensing opportunities.

Parasyte Manga

Most In-Demand TV Series in the World for 2021 - Global TV Demand Award

Experience the phenomenon that is Attack on Titan, the hit anime series adapted from Hajime Isayama's acclaimed manga series. Set in a world where humanity battles monstrous Titans for survival, this gripping saga follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they uncover shocking truths and fight for their lives.

Praised for its complex characters and thrilling plot twists, Attack on Titan has become a cultural landmark, winning numerous awards and earning a massive global fanbase. Named the Most In-Demand TV Series in the World in 2021, this series continues to break records and set new standards in the anime industry.

Attack on Titan

Delve into the compelling journey of Joe Yabuki in Tomorrow's Joe (Ashita no Joe), a renowned Japanese boxing manga series. From a troubled past in Tokyo's slums to discovering his passion for boxing in a juvenile prison, Joe's story is a testament to redemption and determination. Guided by an old boxing trainer, he navigates the challenges of the ring, rising through Japan's boxing ranks and onto the global stage.

Winner of the Tokyo Anime Award Festival, this timeless series continues to inspire with its enduring legacy in the world of manga and sports storytelling.

Tomorrow's Joe Manga

Explore the fascinating world inside the human body with Cells at Work!, a Japanese manga series by Akane Shimizu. Follow the adventures of the anthropomorphized cells of the human body, primarily the red blood cell and white blood cell, as they work to keep the cities of roughly 37.2 Trillion cells working smoothly in a daily struggle of resisting and removing pathogens: germs and bacteria.

Winning the Best Storytelling Award at the 25th Shanghai TV Festival's Magnolia Award, Cells at Work! captures the imagination of audiences with its unique blend of science and storytelling. 

Cells at Work Manga

Join Rebecca and Shiki as they journey to the far reaches of space in search of the ultimate wish in the thrilling series, Edens Zero. With two captivating seasons now available to stream, Edens Zero offers an exciting adventure filled with wonder and discovery.

Partner with Edens Zero to tap into a passionate fan base and explore unique licensing opportunities. Bring the magic of this sensational sci-fi series to your products and create engaging collaborations that resonate with audiences around the globe.

Edens Zero

After a pregnant chimpanzee is rescued from an animal testing lab by eco-terrorists, she gives birth to a human-chimpanzee hybrid named Charlie before dying. Fifteen years later, Charlie is allowed to attend a normal high school and make friends, but the Animal Liberation Alliance that freed him has become more extreme and has plans for him.

The Darwin Incident is the winner of the prestigious Manga Taisho and an Excellence Award at the Japanese Media Arts Festival. By May 2024, it had over 1.6 million copies in circulation, solidifying its place as a must-read series.

The Darwin Incident Manga

Over 1 Million Followers Across Social Media

'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' began its legendary journey as a top isekai manga, capturing hearts with its unique story of a murdered salaryman reincarnated into a sword and sorcery world as a humble slime. Despite the odds, even a slime can become a hero.

With three captivating anime seasons and a movie released at the end of 2022, this series has garnered widespread acclaim. The second season won the "Best Fantasy" award at the 6th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2022, solidifying its place in anime history.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Roaring back onto the track is Shuichi Shigeno, creator of Initial D, with his thrilling manga series, MF Ghost. Set in a future dominated by self-driving electric cars, MF Ghost follows Kanata Rivington, a half-Japanese racer entering the MFG, the last bastion of combustion engine racing. Amidst the fierce competition, Kanata also seeks to uncover the truth about his father's mysterious past. 

With over 4 million manga copies in print across 20 volumes, and as part of a franchise with numerous anime series and video game titles, MF Ghost accelerates into the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide.

MF Ghost Manga

Best Shonen Manga - Kodansha Manga Award for 2020!

Dive into the gripping world of Tokyo Revengers, where otaku loser Takemichi Hanagaki time travels to his youth, desperately trying to fix the past to prevent the tragic deaths and downfalls of his loved ones. Witness Takemichi's journey of personal growth as he transforms into a responsible man. 

With over 80 million copies in print spanning 31 thrilling volumes, Tokyo Revengers has captivated readers worldwide with its compelling narrative and dynamic characters. The series has seen tremendous success, with volumes 30 and 31 ranking as the best-selling manga volumes of 2023 and also winning the 44th Kodansha Manga Award for the shōnen category in 2020.

Tokyo Revengers Manga

Tokyo Revengers returns with Season 2, diving deeper into Takemichi's life twelve years after his middle school days. Haunted by the murder of his girlfriend, Hinata, Takemichi discovers he can alter the future by slipping back in time. His mission to save her leads him into the dangerous world of street gangs, triggering a chain of dire events. Now a leader in the very gang that once threatened Hinata, Takemichi navigates a treacherous present day, striving to change fate and protect those he loves.

Partner with Tokyo Revengers to bring the intense drama and time-bending adventures of this acclaimed series to your products, and celebrate the enduring appeal of Tokyo Revengers and its powerful story of love, loss, and redemption.

Tokyo Revengers

Over 100 Million Copies of Astro Boy Sold!

Over $3 Billion in Astro Boy Merchandise Sales

Explore the timeless tale of Astro Boy, known as "Mighty Atom" in Japan, created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka in 1952. Spanning sixteen years in manga form, Astro Boy tells the story of an android with human emotions, designed to fill a void in his creator's heart. With over 100 million manga copies sold and $3+ billion in merchandising sales, Astro Boy has become a global phenomenon.

Beyond its manga origins, Astro Boy has inspired multiple animated series, films, and comic books, captivating audiences worldwide. Praised for its impact on the anime and manga industry, Astro Boy remains Tezuka's most iconic creation, influencing generations of creators and earning a place on countless "greatest anime" lists.

Tezuka Productions

Astro Boy

Best American Edition of Foreign Material - Harvey Award

Humanity has been devastated and eaten by giant Titans, but the truth is even worse in this gripping series, Attack on Titan. With over 100+ million copies sold in 36 languages, and being the #1 VOD in the world, Attack on Titan has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its exhilarating narrative.

Attack on Titan is a New York Times bestselling series that has achieved immense, global success, making it one of the most significant manga hits of the past decade. The comic series has received numerous accolades, such as the Attilio Micheluzzi Award and the Harvey Award. 

Attack on Titan Manga

No. 1 - 44th Kodansha Manga Award for 2020 & 13th Manga Taisho Award for 2021

Witness the journey of Yatora, a studious high school student who discovers a new passion for painting in the anime series Blue Period. Adapted from the acclaimed manga, this series explores life's challenges and rewards as Yatora navigates his final year of high school and strives to enter a top art school.

With over 6 million copies sold across 17 countries, and winner of the prestigious 13th Manga Taisho Grand Prize (2021) and the 44th Kodansha Manga Award (2020), Blue Period captivates audiences with its poignant storytelling and rich artistic portrayal.

Blue Period

The Fable Anime is Available on Hulu Now!

The Fable, a gripping manga series, began its legendary journey with the story of Akira, a hitman ordered to lay low and avoid killing for a whole year. Accompanied by Youko, posing as his sister, they must navigate a treacherous world without getting into trouble, all while local mobsters conspire to take them out.

With over 20 million copies in circulation and winner of the prestigious 41st Kodansha Manga Award, The Fable stands as one of the best-selling manga series. Partner with The Fable to create impactful collaborations that celebrate the timeless appeal of this high-stakes tale of survival and intrigue.

The Fable Manga

'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' began its legendary journey as a top isekai manga, capturing hearts with its unique story of a murdered salaryman reincarnated into a sword and sorcery world as a humble slime. Despite the odds, even a slime can become a hero.

With over 40 million manga copies in print, this series has become a sensation. The manga adaptation won the prestigious 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2022 and 2018 BookWalker Award. It also made history as the first manga series based on a light novel to surpass 20 million total copies in print.

Blue Lock Manga

Why partner with Blue Lock Manga?

How do I license Blue Lock Manga?

Target audience

Product categories

Gallery

Notable successes

More from this brand owner

Blue Lock Manga

Why partner with .css-1s6x9ij{color:#5246DE;}Blue Lock Manga?

How do I license Blue Lock Manga?

Target audience

Product categories

Gallery

Notable successes

More from this brand owner

Why partner with Blue Lock Manga?