Jujutsu Kaisen rose fast from a prequel one-shot to a global hit. The main run began on March 5, 2018, and ended on September 30, 2024. Fans can trace the story across 30 collected volumes, released between July 4, 2018, and December 25, 2024.
The series started from Gege Akutami’s Jump Giga prequel in April–July 2017, later compiled as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in December 2018. The plot follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who hosts Ryomen Sukuna and joins the ranks of Jujutsu Sorcerers.
Jujutsu Kaisen became a bestseller, topping sales with over 100 million copies in circulation by September 2024. Shueisha serialized the work, while Viz Media and Manga Plus offered official English access.
This article will map every major release milestone, note key volume details, highlight anime news and season timelines, and point to legal reading options for US readers. Expect dates, volume notes, and final-issue epilogues explained.
Quick answer: when did JJK manga come out?
Jujutsu Kaisen’s main run began in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 5, 2018. That is the clearest answer to the typical query “when did jjk manga come out”.
Ahead of that launch, Gege Akutami published prequel chapters in Jump Giga from April 28 to July 28, 2017. Those chapters were later collected as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in December 2018.
The serialized story wrapped in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 30, 2024. Chapters were compiled into 30 collected volumes released between July 4, 2018, and December 25, 2024.
English readers received simulpublished chapters on Manga Plus starting January 2019, and Viz Media began print releases with Volume 1 on December 3, 2019. Publishers Shueisha and Viz Media handled official distribution.
Why these dates matter: the magazine debut marks the series start, while tankōbon dates reflect collected volume releases. A detailed timeline and archived original references follow below for fans and anime news trackers.
“The magazine debut and collected volume dates answer most reading and collecting questions.”
From prologue to phenomenon: how Jujutsu Kaisen began
Gege Akutami first introduced the franchise via a short four-chapter run in Jump Giga during spring and summer 2017. That Jump Giga window (April 28–July 28, 2017) is often cited as the archived original spring entry for the property.
Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School → Jujutsu Kaisen 0
The prologue, titled Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, established the school setting, clans, and early curse lore. It focused on Yuta Okkotsu and Rika, giving a different vantage point from the main tale.
This four-chapter story was later collected and retroactively titled Jujutsu Kaisen 0 on December 4, 2018. Readers can start with that volume or the main run; both work as entry points.
Serialization kickoff in Weekly Shōnen Jump
Strong editorial backing turned the short concept into a full series that debuted in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 5, 2018. The main plot follows a high school student, Yuji Itadori, who becomes host to Ryomen Sukuna and joins the Jujutsu Sorcerers.
“Akutami served as both writer and illustrator, unifying tone and visual style as the story expanded from school-level stakes to global threats.”
- Prequel seeds: school, clans, curses.
- Rebranded as a collected volume titled jujutsu kaisen 0.
- Main serialization broadened scope and set up future volumes.
These early moves set up the timeline that news outlets and anime news network archives later referenced in detailed release guides and archived original reports.
Timeline of key manga release dates
The franchise’s release arc spans an initial Jump Giga prologue in 2017 and a full serialization that closed in 2024.
Jump Giga run of the prequel: April–July 2017
The first official window ran from April 28 to July 28, 2017. These four chapters later became Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which explains why some archived original sources list 2017 as the start.
Main series debut: March 5, 2018
The mainline debut began on March 5, 2018 in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Most readers treat that magazine start as the core series kickoff.
Tankōbon schedule: July 4, 2018 – December 25, 2024
Collected volumes began July 4, 2018 and continued through December 25, 2024, totaling 30 volumes. The print schedule helped collectors track releases and stock.
Series conclusion: September 30, 2024
The serialized run closed on September 30, 2024. The final volume includes newly drawn epilogues, which makes the last release a must-have for completionists.
- English access: simulpublishing on Manga Plus started January 2019; Viz Media printed Volume 1 on December 3, 2019.
- Volume releases often overlapped anime news and season windows, causing spikes in demand and restocks noted by anime news network and other news network archives.
“Use these dates to plan reading order: optional prequel, main serialized run, then collected volumes.”
The role of Weekly Shōnen Jump and Shueisha
Landing a slot in Weekly Shōnen Jump signaled major editorial backing and gave the series instant exposure to millions of weekly readers. Shueisha used that platform to shape pacing, publicity, and release rhythm.
Weekly Shōnen Jump serialization window
The series ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 5, 2018, through September 30, 2024. That run produced weekly chapter beats that favored cliffhangers and rapid arc turns.
Shueisha compiled those chapters into 30 tankōbon volumes between 2018 and 2024. The collected format reads differently from weekly installments because pacing smooths over serialized breaks.
Shueisha also made the title available worldwide via Manga Plus, so many international readers first found it there before moving to Viz Media print editions.
“Jump’s weekly cadence and event promotions played a large role in the series’ fast growth.”
- Jump Giga hosted the 2017 prologue, showing Shueisha’s pipeline from special imprints to mainline Jump.
- Major announcements often arrived around Jump Festa and other Jump events, which anime news outlets and archived original reports later cited.
Gege Akutami: the creator behind the series
Akutami’s dual role as author and artist shaped the tone, fights, and visual language of Jujutsu Kaisen. As the single creator, gege akutami wrote and drew both the prologue and the main run, keeping character voices and mythic threats consistent.
The early 2017 prologue proved the concept and let Akutami expand the story into a full serialized run. A brief health hiatus in mid-2021 interrupted production, but the series resumed and reached its planned end on September 30, 2024.
Influences blend shōnen battle systems and horror beats. That mix gave the work a unique edge and helped the jujutsu kaisen manga stand out in news coverage and on anime news feeds.
- Clear focus on Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, and Gojo kept the ensemble grounded.
- Visual rules—Cursed Energy, Techniques, Domains—were explained through art and pacing.
- New epilogues in the final volume deliver closure and extra character moments.
“Consistency of authorship made complex ideas readable and thrilling.”
Archive notes and many archived original reports on anime news network and other news network pages track interviews, release updates, and statements from Akutami. Viz Media handled English print volumes, and several archived original sources were later retrieved december in news roundups.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 vs. the main series: release order explained
A short Jump Giga run in 2017 planted the seeds for the larger jujutsu kaisen universe.
The prequel chapters ran from April 28 to July 28, 2017 in Jump Giga. Shueisha later compiled those chapters and rebranded them as the volume titled jujutsu kaisen 0 on December 4, 2018.
The main series began its Weekly Shōnen Jump serialization on March 5, 2018. That means the prologue was published first, but the collected “0” volume arrived after the mainline debut.
Prequel context and reading advice
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 focuses on Yuta Okkotsu and adds backstory for several later plot beats. Readers can start with 0 for context or read it after a few mainline arcs. Both paths work.
“The prequel seeds characters and motives that pay off in the main run.”
- Prequel publication: April–July 2017 (Jump Giga).
- Mainline debut: March 5, 2018 (Weekly Shōnen Jump).
- 0 volume release: December 4, 2018 (collected edition).
| Entry | Format | Key date |
|---|---|---|
| Prologue (Jump Giga) | One-shot run | April–July 2017 (archived original) |
| Main series | Weekly serialization | March 5, 2018 (archived original march) |
| Jujutsu Kaisen 0 | Collected volume | December 4, 2018 (original december) |
Shueisha’s packaging and an alternate cover linking Yuta and Yuji helped bridge both entries. The 0 volume also boosted marketing, aided later by the 2021 film and coverage on anime news and anime news network feeds.
English releases: Viz Media and Manga Plus
Global readers gained timely access to new chapters through official English channels. That access helped the fan community avoid spoilers and share reactions across time zones.
Simulpublishing on Manga Plus
Shueisha began simulpublishing the series in English on Manga Plus in January 2019. Free, legal chapters let readers follow weekly beats and join live discussions on social feeds and anime news outlets.
Viz Media’s North American print editions
Viz Media announced print plans in March 2019 and shipped the first volume on December 3, 2019. Viz also ran a short “Jump Start” preview of the first three chapters to introduce the series to new readers.
Finding and collecting English editions
- Read new chapters on Manga Plus for timely access and spoiler protection.
- Buy Viz Media print volumes for a shelf-ready collection; track release calendars because English volumes lag behind Japan’s schedule.
- Use official channels to support creators and ensure accurate translations.
“Official English releases amplified US interest and synced global fandom as the anime hit screens.”
Practical note: by May 20, 2025, 26 English volumes were available, with more released on a separate schedule. For anime news and archived original reports, check reputable outlets like anime news network and major news network archives for release updates and retrieved december or retrieved may citations.
How many volumes are there?
Collectors can track the full run across thirty official volumes released by Shueisha between 2018 and 2024.
Jujutsu Kaisen was compiled into 30 tankōbon, starting with Volume 1 on July 4, 2018 and finishing with Volume 30 on December 25, 2024.
30 volumes collected by Shueisha
There are 30 collected volumes in total. The volume format smooths serial pacing and helps readers follow long arcs like Shibuya and the Culling Game.
New epilogues included in the final volume
The last volume contains a special 16‑page section with four newly drawn epilogues. These highlight Yūko Ozawa, Uraume, Nobara Kugisaki, and Panda.
Completionists will want Volume 30 for those exclusives, even if they followed chapters digitally. English print editions from Viz Media often lag behind Japan, so US readers may receive some final volumes later.
“The collected editions preserve climactic beats — including key moments with Sukuna and Yuji — more cleanly than weekly chapters.”
- Volume span: July 4, 2018 → December 25, 2024.
- Total collected volumes: 30 (Shueisha).
- Final volume extras: 16 pages, four new epilogues.
- Tip: consult Viz Media’s official catalog or an official list of volumes to build a complete set in order.
| Item | Detail | Key date |
|---|---|---|
| Total volumes | 30 tankōbon | Finalized Dec 25, 2024 |
| First volume | Volume 1 release | July 4, 2018 |
| Special content | Four epilogues (16 pages) | Volume 30 (Dec 25, 2024) |
when did jjk manga come out: search intent and the essential dates
If you need one citation-ready date, use March 5, 2018. That Weekly Shōnen Jump debut is the clearest answer most readers and searchers want.
Key supporting milestones clarify the timeline for collectors and fans:
- Prequel window: April 28–July 28, 2017 (Jump Giga).
- Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (collected): December 4, 2018.
- Serialized conclusion: September 30, 2024.
- Tankōbon span: July 4, 2018 → December 25, 2024 (30 volumes).
- English access: Manga Plus simulpublishing from January 2019; Viz Media Volume 1 on December 3, 2019.
Magazine debut and book release dates serve different purposes. Use the March 2018 magazine date for timeline citations, and the tankōbon window for collecting and purchasing.
“These dates align with official publisher timelines and archived original sources cited by anime news and anime news network reports.”
Tip: bookmark the timeline section and archived original references if you plan posts, buying guides, or research. For US readers, consult Viz Media and anime news outlets for retrieved december and other retrieved dates.
Characters and setup tied to the debut era
The opening scenes center on a remarkable teen whose encounter with a cursed artifact sparks the series’ central conflict.
Yuji Itadori, Sukuna, and the school link
Yuji Itadori is shown as a capable high school student with unusual strength. A fateful bite of a cursed finger binds him to Ryomen Sukuna and thrusts him into jujutsu duty.
The possession ties Yuji’s fate to the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High, a direct line from the earlier metropolitan curse technical setup in the prequel. Faculty like Satoru Gojo frame training, missions, and rules for controlling or exorcising Cursed Energy.
Early arcs teach techniques, tease domain ideas, and set stakes. Megumi and Nobara arrive as steady allies, while Sukuna’s interest in Megumi foreshadows later tension.
“Relics such as Sukuna’s fingers drive missions and shape antagonist strategy.”
For readers tracking dates and sources, archived original reports and anime news coverage note these character beats across volumes and news network roundups. Check Viz Media listings and retrieved december entries in anime news network archives for reference before diving into longer arcs.
Anime tie-in timeline and why it matters for manga readers
MAPPA’s animated take brought new readers to the books and renewed attention to earlier story beats. The studio’s pacing and visuals made fight scenes more immediate, which pushed many viewers to track down the original chapters.
Season one: October 2020–March 2021
Season one aired from October 3, 2020, to March 27, 2021. That window sparked major traffic spikes in sales and search interest across anime news and news network outlets.
Season two: July–December 2023
Season two ran July 6 to December 28, 2023. The second run re-energized older arcs and led to reprints in Japan and North America. Anime news network and other archived original reports tracked restocks and translated release notes.
Sequel announcement covering the Culling Game arc
After Season two’s finale, studios announced a sequel to adapt the Culling Game arc. That announcement signaled another sales surge and renewed attention to scenes where a character activates Domain Expansion on screen.
“The anime’s success helped the series hit major circulation milestones by September 2024.”
- Tip: Watching an arc first can highlight animation choices; reading it afterward reveals extra detail.
- Use legal streams and official Viz Media or Manga Plus listings to support creators and follow archived original release notes like retrieved december entries.
Publication milestones and “archived original” dates often cited in news coverage
Many articles rely on month-stamped sources to present a clear, citable history of Jujutsu Kaisen publication. Month labels link announcements, scans of official pages, and press posts into a single timeline that reporters and fans can verify.
Core milestones checklist:
- Jump Giga prologue: Apr–Jul 2017 (archival snapshot).
- Weekly Shōnen Jump debut: Mar 5, 2018 (official page dates).
- Tankōbon span: Jul 4, 2018 → Dec 25, 2024 (volume jujutsu kaisen).
- Series conclusion in magazine: Sept 30, 2024 (archived notice).
- English windows: Manga Plus Jan 2019; Viz Media Volume 1 Dec 3, 2019.
Why reporters use month tags: archived original pages often include a month and year, which makes citation easier for anime news and other news network posts. These month markers also help differentiate the prologue publication from the Weekly Shōnen Jump start.
“Use exact dates and archived snapshots when you cite releases; it prevents confusion across platforms.”
Quick tip: cross-check publisher pages and official press releases before publishing. That step keeps your timeline aligned with anime news network and major news network recaps.
Licensing, distribution, and the global audience
Shueisha and its partners deployed a coordinated release plan to reach readers across the globe. That plan blended fast digital access with durable print editions to serve different reading habits.
Shueisha’s Manga Plus and worldwide access
Manga Plus began simulpublishing English chapters in January 2019. This gave fans instant, legal access and helped reduce spoilers across regions.
The platform made the jujutsu kaisen series easy to follow week to week. It also supported archived original references used by anime news and news network outlets.
Viz Media’s announcements and cataloging
Viz Media announced North American print plans in March 2019 and shipped Volume 1 on December 3, 2019. Viz’s catalog pages list cover art, ISBNs, and release dates for collectors and libraries.
Coordinated digital and print strategies helped jujutsu kaisen reach the world quickly. Licensing ensured quality translations and steady release timing.
“Official channels maintain translation quality and help creators get proper support.”
- Use Manga Plus for weekly updates.
- Choose Viz print volumes for a shelf-ready collection.
- Check anime news network and archived original pages for official release notes retrieved december or retrieved may entries.
Cultural impact and circulation by the end of serialization
By September 2024, Jujutsu Kaisen had surpassed 100 million copies in circulation, placing it among the best-selling modern series worldwide.
The jujutsu kaisen anime helped push that growth. High-profile arcs and animated set pieces made headlines on anime news and social feeds.
Signature moments—memorable battles and scenes where a character activates domain expansion—became discussion points on anime news network threads and wider news network coverage.
Characters like Yuji, Gojo, and Sukuna moved beyond the page and screen. They became icons across fan art, cosplay, and merch drops.
“Weekly Shōnen Jump’s weekly cadence built real-time anticipation that amplified each chapter and volume release.”
Official English access and synced releases reduced barriers, creating a shared worldwide experience. Collector demand spiked around major chapter drops and anime episodes.
Gege Akutami left a clear mark: the work balanced dark fantasy with shōnen structure, keeping readers hooked through long arcs. The announced Culling Game sequel shows the property still has momentum.
Final note: by its close the series had cemented itself as a modern touchstone, one tracked closely in archived original sources and cited across anime news and anime news network reports (some entries retrieved december and retrieved may).
Where to read Jujutsu Kaisen legally online
Official services make it easy to follow the Jujutsu Kaisen story in English, with choices for quick chapter reads or full-volume collecting. Use licensed platforms to get accurate translations and to support Gege Akutami and the publishers.
Official Shonen Jump and Viz
Viz Media runs a Shonen Jump app and website that offer digital chapters and back issues for subscribers. Viz Media announced print plans in 2019 and shipped Volume 1 on December 3, 2019.
Why choose Viz: reliable release dates, ISBNs for each volume, and a stable digital backlog for collectors.
Manga Plus by Shueisha
Manga Plus provides free, legal English simulpublishing with new chapters synced to Japan since January 2019. It’s broadly available worldwide and is the fastest way to sample current chapters.
- Sample on Manga Plus, then buy favorite volumes from Viz for a shelf-ready set.
- Set notifications for chapter drops so you stay current each week.
- Official platforms offer cleaner images and extras missing from scans.
“Use licensed readers to protect devices, ensure translation quality, and support creators.”
Practical tip: Manga Plus is global; Viz services focus on North America. Check Viz catalog pages for volume info and archived original release notes if you need citation-ready dates.
Related media and spin-offs to explore after the manga
If you finished the main run, several official tie-ins add depth and replay value.
Novels by Ballad Kitaguni
Two novels from Ballad Kitaguni expand character arcs. They were published on May 1, 2019 and January 4, 2020.
Viz later licensed both for English readers, giving a solid route for US fans to read extra scenes and backstory.
Film and video games
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 hit theaters in 2021. The film retells the prologue with cinematic scale and added detail.
Interactive tie-ins include Phantom Parade (2023 JP; international 2024) and Cursed Clash (Feb 2, 2024). These games recreate signature techniques and let players use fan-favorite fighters.
“Spin-offs keep the fandom engaged between seasons and volume drops.”
- Recommended order: finish the series, watch the 0 film, then read the novels for extra lore.
- Games offer playable versions of techniques and highlight characters not central in the main run.
- Check platform availability and regional release timing before buying.
| Format | Title / Item | Key date |
|---|---|---|
| Novel | Ballad Kitaguni — Novel 1 | May 1, 2019 |
| Novel | Ballad Kitaguni — Novel 2 | January 4, 2020 |
| Film | Jujutsu Kaisen 0 | 2021 premiere |
| Games | Phantom Parade / Cursed Clash | 2023 JP (intl 2024) / Feb 2, 2024 |
Note: official releases, archived original posts, and coverage on anime news network and other news network pages track these tie-ins and regional dates. Check retrieved december or retrieved may entries for citation-ready details.
Conclusion
This guide wraps up the key dates and resources you need to track the full run of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Key facts: the main run began March 5, 2018 and closed September 30, 2024. Shueisha compiled 30 volumes by December 25, 2024. The Jump Giga prologue (2017) was later released as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in December 2018.
English readers: Manga Plus has simulpublishing from January 2019, and Viz Media started print volumes in December 2019. The final volume adds new epilogues that offer closure and character insight.
Use the timeline and archived original references above for citation-ready dates. Read legally via Manga Plus or Viz, watch the anime and the 0 film, and share this guide with friends asking about the series’ release history.
Thanks for reading — support official releases to keep creators supported and the world of Jujutsu Kaisen alive.
FAQ
When was the Jujutsu Kaisen main series first published?
What is the origin of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and how does it relate to the main story?
How many collected volumes were released for the series?
What were the major publication milestones and archival dates cited in coverage?
When did English publishers make the series available internationally?
How does Weekly Shōnen Jump and Shueisha factor into the publication?
Who created Jujutsu Kaisen and what is known about the creator?
How did the anime releases align with the manga timeline?
Where can readers access the series legally online?
What spin-offs and related media should fans explore after finishing the series?
How did the series perform in circulation and cultural impact by the end of serialization?
Are there differences in release order between the prequel and the main series?
What are the essential character connections introduced at debut?
