Manga in France - statistics and facts

France’s manga market is thriving

France’s manga history dates back to the early 1990s when translations of popular titles such as “Akira” were first introduced to the public. Prior to that, several Japanese anime series had already captured millions of TV viewers and paved the way for many print editions to come. Another explanation for the positive reception of manga in France is the country’s rich history of graphic novels or bandes dessinées. Industry data shows that the demand for manga has rapidly increased in recent years, with the number of manga volumes sold in France soaring to a record 22 million in 2020. That year, manga accounted for over half of all comic titles sold in France, outperforming genre and children’s comics alike. A more detailed look at sales numbers reveals that shōnen manga, marketed towards young male readers, remains by far the most sought-after manga type in France.

Manga consumption trends

Teens and tweens made up the largest manga audience in France in 2020. While young readers have flocked to comic books and manga for decades, the growing appetite for this art form was once again evidenced in mid-2021, when the French government launched the Culture Pass. The smartphone app, which allowed 18-year-olds to spend up to 300 euros on arts and culture, was predominantly used to purchase manga titles, prompting the news media to call it the “Manga Pass”. France also made manga history in Europe by publishing 250,000 copies of the “One Piece” series’ 100th volume in 2021. That year, “Solo Leveling Vol. 1” was the best-selling manga title in France by sales volume, while “Demon Slayer” editions sold an even more impressive number of copies. Even though these and other titles are still predominantly read in their print versions, French manga fans are increasingly turning to digital sources and webtoons. Various new platforms and online content formats have entered the market in recent years, highlighting how the industry is adapting to the expectations of its digitally versed consumers.

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