Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular manga and anime to come out in recent years, so many collectors are rushing to add the best volumes to their collections. We’ve ranked the top 10 best Jujutsu Kaisen manga, based on cover art, story, and a few other factors.
If you just want a quick list, then I’ve got you covered:
If you want to know why each volume is on this list and in that order, then continue reading below!
Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 0 tops this list because of how unique it is (and because I’m very biased when it comes to prequels.) Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 0 is a prequel to the main series presented in the manga and anime, so you can read it pretty much anytime you want. Some fans suggest reading it in between chapters 64 and 65, while others will recommend reading it before you even read chapter 1. Personally, I prefer reading prequels after seeing the main series because I like knowing the characters and then getting context that explains them a little more. However, if you want to read volume 0 first, go right ahead. Either way, this is a must-have in any collection.
I know it may seem a bit obvious, but Volume 1 is also a must-have. I do have a pretty good reason, though. First of all, I really like the cover art for the first volume and I think it really sets the tone for what Jujutsu Kaisen is going to be (it also gives off major Parasyte vibes.) Secondly, if you ever have a friend over and they check out your manga collection, you want to have the first volume for all of your favorite manga. This way you can trick them into starting the manga, getting hooked, and starting their own manga collection. I’m not going to recommend every single manga in order on this list, but Volume 0 and Volume 1 are non-negotiable.
Volume 0 features Geto - but Volume 9 throws him right on the cover which instantly propels this to the top of this list. This doesn’t just make #3 because of its cover, though. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 9 features an absolutely epic fight between Goji and Toji. A lot of the volumes on this list are going to make the list either because they have an epic fight or because they have a sick cover. Volume 9 happens to have both, which is why it’s landed up here at number 3. I also really enjoy Gojo and Geto’s chemistry in this manga (you can also see it in Volume 0.)
Gojo is the favorite character of many Jujutsu Kaisen fans, so if I didn’t put Volume 4 somewhere on this list I’m sure we would’ve had problems. Beyond just featuring Gojo, I also love the colors in this cover. This isn’t a “best covers” list though, which is the only reason volume 4 falls down here instead of at number one. The plot is great, but not as great as Volume 9 and not as iconic as Volume 0 and Volume 1. Volume 4 introduces a really interesting dynamic between Sukuna and Yuji and has a really sweet fight between Yuji, Nanami, and Mahito. So this volume has a little bit of everything; action and character building / drama. Volume 4 also introduces Todo, one of my favorite characters, so it has earned its spot in the top 5.
Gege Akutami absolutely killed it with this cover. This was almost certainly the best manga cover of 2021. The colors are mesmerizing and (just like Volume 1), the art does an excellent job of portraying exactly what Jujutsu Kaisen is about. Volume 14 sold over 1 million copies in 3 weeks. While I’d absolutely recommend buying Volume 14 for its cover alone, the actual content does not disappoint. You’ll be creeped out, spooked, and will probably feel a bit sad by the end of it, but Jujutsu Kaisen is all about messing with our psyches and volume 14 is a great example of that. While Volume 9 is on here for its fighting, Volume 14 is on here for its plot.
Volume 6 is another volume that makes this list solely due to its art. The cover is absolutely mesmerizing. I like the subtlety of Volume 14’s art, which is why I ranked it higher, but Volume 6 is absolutely nothing to scoff at. Mahito looks absolutely insane with the light radiating from his hands and the mutating, melting faces under his torso. This volume was actually really hard to get my hands on when it first came out, probably due to its cover art alone. The content of volume 6 is pretty good. Lots of action and showcases the skills and teamwork of many of the students. The fights aren’t as cool as Volume 9’s, but there are plenty of them and enough action to keep your interest.
This Volume has some action and heavily centers around Gojo training Yuji, which makes it a somewhat interesting read. It builds some of the characters and sets up the first arc of the series quite well. However, there’s nothing very impactful that happens. So why’s Volume 2 on this list? Well, take a look at its cover and then ask me that again! Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 2 is in my top 3 favorite covers, right next to Volume 6 and Volume 4. The color contrast and the curiosity that this cover creates solidify volume 2’s place on this list - even if nothing super important happens as far as the plot goes.
Volume 8 makes this list not because of its cover art (which is still great, don’t get me wrong) but because of its plot. Volume 8 of Jujutsu Kaisen takes us back in time and shows us the relationship between Gojo and Geto. I don’t want to get into too many details here just in case anyone hasn’t made it this far, but Volume 8 does a really good job of building these two characters and giving every moment between them even more importance. This volume makes the list because it gives us a ton of context for Gojo’s character, and if you’re a fan of Gojo, then volume 8 belongs in your collection.
A lot of people love Volume 15 because of its grotesque and eye-catching cover. To be honest, most fans probably just love seeing Mahito in agonizing pain, and if you’re a fan of the series then there’s a good chance you do too. Volume 15 makes this list because it has some of the best action scenes of the entire series. The movement, perspective, and choreography of the action in this volume is unparalleled. Overall, this volume is filled with everything we love about Jujutsu Kaisen, from drama to action to plain morbidity (as seen on the cover), so it will always remain solidly in the top 10 best Jujutsu Kaisen manga of all time.
Volume 16’s cover features Kenjaku drinking his own brain juice, and looking absolutely menacing. Again, since this volume is later in the series I’m not going to spoil anything about it, but I will say it has some of the best character building and storytelling of any volume. At this point in the series, we know what everyone’s deal is and we are reading to see how these different characters interact with each other. Volume 16 executes this idea to perfection while still delivering the art we love - which is why it’s the final entry on this list.
I love Jujutsu Kaisen and if you’re reading this list I hope you do too! I know not everyone can pick up every single volume, which is why I made this list to help you pick out the best for your collection. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy any volume that you decide to check out!
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