The Last Ronin, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel, has secured the second spot in the top 20 adult graphic novels of 2023, surpassing several popular manga titles. It is one of only three non-manga comics to make the list, making it the sole Western comic in the top 10. The Last Ronin's distinctive storytelling, unique comic universe, and the anticipation for an upcoming video game have solidified its status as a fan-favorite TMNT series and a must-read for fans.
The hit comic series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, has maintained its popularity and impressive sales figures. According to data provided by Circana BookScan, it ranked second in top 20 adult graphic novels of 2023, only surpassed by the manga Demon: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This makes it the only Western comic to make it into the top 10.
Circana BookScan is well-known for its rankings graphic novels, providing monthly and annual sales information. The current ranking predominantly features manga titles, which has been a consistent throughout 2023.
Interestingly, TMNT: The Last Ronin stands out as of only three non-manga comics in the ranking. Its creative team includes Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Peter Laird, Esau and Isaac Escorza,, Shawn Lee,and Luis Antonio Delgado. Despite being released in 2022, its second-place ranking is particularly noteworthy.
The next non-manga title to in the ranking is The Mysteries by Bill Watterson and John Kascht. This graphic novel revolves aroundables and showcases both Watterson's renowned comic strip Calvin and Hobbes and Kascht's talent as a caricaturist. It's worth noting that these two-manga comics differ from each other in terms of format - one being a collection of issues while the other is a complete graphic novel.The top ten best-selling manga and non-manga comics were dominated by VIZ Media titles, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Vol. 1 taking the number one spot. IDW Publishing's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin HC also made a strong showing, surpassing several popular manga titles. Other notable entries include Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, My Hero Academia, and the debut volume of Blue Lock. Additionally, the hit webcomic series Lore Olympus ranked in the top twenty.TMNT: The Last Ronin is a highly acclaimed comic series that marks a significant shift in storytelling for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Set in its own unique comic universe, it has garnered a dedicated fan base and even inspired several sequels. The success of the series has also an upcoming video game adaptation with the same title. With its captivating storyline and distinctive style, TMNT: The Last Ronin has become a favorite among Teenage Mutant Turtle fans. It is undoubtedly a must-read for enthusiasts and has rightfully earned its place one of this year's best-selling adult graphic novels.
If you're interested in readingNT: The Lastin, you can find it at IDW Publishing in the form Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin HC (2022). It features talented writers Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Peter Laird with artists Esau & Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop and colorist Luis Antoniogado. Additionally, the cover is beautifully illustrated by Esau & Isaac Escorza and colored by Luis Antonio Delgado.