For decades, the debate over which anime hero could defeat Superman has been a hot topic. From Goku to Saitama, fans have weighed their muscle power and abilities.
However, while fictional strength battles continue, Monkey D. Luffy has officially surpassed the “Man of Steel” in a real and far more significant arena: record-breaking sales.
One Piece Topples DC Comics’ 88-Year Empire
According to an official announcement from Eiichiro Oda’s X account (@Eiichiro_Staff), the One Piece manga has surpassed 600 million copies in circulation worldwide. This milestone is not only a record for the manga industry but also officially places Luffy ahead of Superman as the best-selling comic series in history.
Superman reached nearly 600 million copies through more than 18,000 issues since his debut in 1938. Meanwhile, One Piece achieved this feat in about one-third of the time (since 1997) and with just 113 volumes, dethroning the king of Western comics. This is a powerful testament to the massive appeal of Shonen Jump in the modern era.
The 600 Million Mark and the Ambition to Hit 1 Billion
Of the 600 million copies in circulation, about 450 million come from the Japanese market and 150 million from international markets. Notably, One Piece’s growth shows no signs of slowing, especially as the story enters its final saga with the most dramatic developments yet.