When Gege Akutami and Yuji Iwasaki announced Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, fans expected hype. What they didn’t expect was for the spinoff to smash records with its very first chapter.
In less than a week, Modulo hit over 444.4K views on MangaPlus, skyrocketing to the #1 trending manga worldwide and surpassing titans like Chainsaw Man (329.5K) and One Piece (328.9K). It is not often that a brand-new manga sequel makes this kind of splash, especially when it is competing with some of the most established franchises in the industry. The story wastes no time throwing readers into uncharted territory.

Humanity is now dealing with aliens who possess cursed energy and mysterious powers. These extraterrestrial refugees, numbering around 50,000, arrive on Earth seeking harmony but carry the potential for conflict on a Sukuna-level scale. It is a bold narrative swing, one that instantly sets Modulo apart from other sequels like Boruto, which often faced criticism for how it handled its generational storyline.
Rather than recycling old conflicts, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo introduces new sorcerers while respecting the weight of the past. At its core are Yuka and Surugi Okkotsu, the grandchildren of Yuta Okkotsu and Maki Zenin. Alongside them is Maru, an alien caught in the middle of human-sorcerer dynamics, whose presence sparks both comedy and deep philosophical questions about coexistence.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo surged past One Piece and Chainsaw Man?

The numbers don’t lie: Over 444.4K views for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo's first chapter is staggering. To put it in perspective, One Piece and Chainsaw Man, two of the most popular ongoing manga in the world, were both overtaken in the same week. But why did Modulo resonate so strongly, so quickly?
- Bold new direction with aliens: Introducing aliens into the Jujutsu Kaisen universe was a risky move. But instead of backlash, fans were intrigued. The “fish out of water” perspective through Maru adds both levity and curiosity, giving readers a character who asks the same questions they’re asking. It is a gateway to deeper lore without heavy-handed exposition.
- Generational continuity without recycling: Many shonen sequels stumble by simply rehashing the original. Modulo avoids this by giving Yuta and Maki’s grandkids distinct personalities. Yuka mirrors Yuta’s compassion while Surugi embodies Maki’s blunt competitiveness. Their sibling rivalry over a cursed ring adds personal stakes that feel authentic rather than contrived.
- Cultural momentum and social media buzz: Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok exploded with Modulo discussions within hours of release. Fan theories about Maru possibly being Sukuna’s reincarnation or the alien threat’s true purpose fueled nonstop engagement. In an era where viral momentum can make or break a manga, Modulo had the perfect launchpad.
Breaking the chains of sequel fatigue

What makes Modulo’s early success even more impressive is the fact that shonen sequels rarely hit this hard out of the gate. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, by contrast, has immediately carved its own lane. By blending Jujutsu Kaisen’s curse-filled world with new sci-fi elements, a fresh cast, and short serialization plans (reportedly around six months), it avoids dragging things out unnecessarily.
Instead, it feels like a concentrated story with a clear arc, raising the stakes while keeping character goals grounded. Now, to be clear: Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo surpassing One Piece and Chainsaw Man in weekly MangaPlus rankings doesn’t mean it has “beaten” them overall.
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece remains the best-selling manga of all time, and Chainsaw Man has cemented itself as one of the most influential dark shonen of the last decade. But what it does mean is that the industry and fandom are hungry for bold, fresh storytelling. Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo's rise signals that readers are willing to rally behind new spinoffs when they are done right.