Despite how enormously successfulSolo Levelinghas been both in Japan and abroad, the sales figures of the Blu-ray paint a much different picture that fans should not be worried about anymore, given the age we are currently in. Furthermore, it shows just how unreliable these figures have become in the past few years, even if they are still useful in some cases.
According to Oricon last year,Solo Leveling’s volume 2 Blu-ray didn’t even manage to be ranked in the first week of its release. For reference, the last ranked series, which wasMashle: Magic and Muscles, season 2 volume 2, sold approximately 629 units, meaning thatSolo Levelingsold even less than that. While it might be surprising how a series that gigantic ends up selling so low, it makes perfect sense, and there is a precedent for this, as series just as big have failed to garner good sales.
Solo Leveling Blu-ray Sales Aren’t Indicators Of Popularity
There Is A Much Better Metric Available
The best-selling Blu-ray volume of that week wasGirls Und PanzerFinal Chapter Part 4, followed by the popularGushing over Magical GirlsVolume 1. Much more popular anime such asUndead Unluck,Solo Leveling,andBlue Exorcistsold incredibly low or did not even rank. One might wonder why such hits sell much lower than niche anime like that, but the answer is quite simple.Girls Und Panzertargets a niche and more dedicated fanbase, one that would support the series and buy the physical media.
This does not mean that Blu-ray sales are not used anymore in the decision-making process. Anime that performs well in this aspect usually has a very dedicated fanbase, and there is no better way to show this than through physical sales.
Anime likeChainsaw ManandSolo Levelingattract a broader and more casual audience due to their appealing action, which resonates with a diverse range of viewers. As a result,streaming has become the preferred methodfor these fans, as it offers greater convenience. Additionally, streaming now provides a more accurate measure of a series' success in today’s market. Traditionally, Blu-ray sales were a key factor in deciding whether an anime would get a sequel.
How Many Seasons Will Solo Leveling Need to Adapt the Manhwa? More Than You Think
Fans can ease their worries as it’s clear that Jinwoo’s journey continues and the franchise is not stopping after Solo Leveling Season 2’s finale.
However, with the rise of streaming over the past decade, this practice has largely become obsolete.Many anime that sold poorly but garnered high streaming numbers have ended up receiving additional projects.
Solo Leveling’s Blu-ray Sales Don’t Affect It Much
Its Popularity Cannot Be Denied Despite This
Solo Levelingalready has two incredibly successful seasons that could not stop breaking records, as well as a game and a sequel, that have helped20 future webtoon anime adaptations. The series is dominating streaming platforms, and this, as well as other cases likeChainsaw Man, proves that the anime industry is changing and globalizing.
