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V Jump
V Jump
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V Jump
Cover of the December 2024 issue, featuring Dragon Ball Daima
Editor-in-ChiefDaisuke Terashi
Former editorsKazuhiko Torishima
CategoriesShōnen manga and video games
FrequencyMonthly (since 1993)
Semiannually (1990–1992)
Circulation147,000 (January–December 2021)[1]
PublisherShueisha
First issue
  • 1990 (extra edition)
  • 1993 (regular edition)
CountryJapan
Based inTokyo
LanguageJapanese
Websitevjump.shueisha.co.jp

V Jump (Japanese: Vジャンプ, Hepburn: Bui Janpu) is a Japanese shōnen manga magazine, focusing on manga as well as video games based on popular manga. The magazine's debut was in 1990[2] by Shueisha under the Jump line of magazines.

History

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In the early 1990s, Shueisha directed Weekly Shōnen Jump editor Kazuhiko Torishima to create V Jump as a children's magazine to compete with Shogakukan's CoroCoro Comic. Believing Shueisha was incapable of this because they lacked the experience and personal connections Shogakukan had, Torishima claims to have purposefully chosen a theme he knew would be unpopular for the third issue.[3][4] He then received permission to re-launch the magazine with the new goal of containing manga, anime, and video game content all in one medium.[3] Torishima later claimed to have predicted people being able to access all of these in one place like smartphones, and wanted to "get off the sinking ship" that was print manga magazines as soon as possible.[4][5] He also wanted to begin promoting games while they were still in development, and personally went around to major game studios and asked them to publicize the names and faces of the individual creators.[3][4] Torishima left Weekly Shōnen Jump to re-launch V Jump in 1992, and serve as its editor-in-chief.[4][6] He also changed the meaning of the "V" in its title from "Victory", derived from the V sign, to "Virtual".[4] Akira Toriyama designed the magazine's mascot character V Dragon (V龍), who was named via a reader poll.[7]

Most of the manga serialized in V Jump are spin-offs of popular Weekly Shōnen Jump titles or adaptations of video games and anime. These include Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Boruto. Original manga serialized in the magazine include Shadow Lady by Masakazu Katsura and Go! Go! Ackman by Toriyama. In November 2020, comedian Kendo Kobayashi was officially appointed an editor of V Jump.[8]

V Jump Books

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V Jump Books is a line of V Jump manga and video game guides and some of the premiere editions. It mostly does guides for the series of Square Enix. It is the other publisher of Disney Books in Japan along with Kodansha since it published books and guides for the Kingdom Hearts games.

Features

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Most of the manga serialized in V Jump are spin-offs of popular Weekly Shōnen Jump titles, or adaptations of video games or anime.

Series

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There are currently nine manga titles being regularly serialized in V Jump.

Series title Author(s) Premiered Notes
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex (BORUTO -ボルト- -TWO BLUE VORTEX-) Mikio Ikemoto, Masashi Kishimoto August 2023
Dragon Ball Super (ドラゴンボール超) Akira Toriyama, Toyotarou June 2015 On hiatus
Digimon World Re:Digitize Encode (デジモンワールド リ:デジタイズ エンコード) Kōhei Fujino, Akiyoshi Hongō April 2013 On hiatus
Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken - Yūsha Avan to Gokuen no Maō (ドラゴンクエスト ダイの大冒険 勇者アバンと獄炎の魔王) Yusaku Shibata, Riku Sanjo September 2020
Inu Mayuge de Ikō (犬マユゲでいこう) Ishizuka 2 Yūko July 1994
Metaphor: ReFantazio (メタファー:リファンタジオ) Yoichi Amano, Atlus January 2025
N E O Shindō no “Puro” Rōōogu!! (N・E・Oシンドーの“プロ”ローーーーグ!!) Kasaiyūji, N E O Shindō March 2024
Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Stories (遊☆戯☆王OCGストーリーズ) Naohito Miyoshi, Shin Yoshida April 2022
Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Structures (遊☆戯☆王OCGストラクチャーズ) Masashi Sato June 2019

Former series

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Circulation

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Year / Period Monthly circulation Magazine sales Sales revenue (est.) Issue price
September 1998 to August 2003 149,833[9] 8,989,980 ¥4,944,489,000 ¥550
September 2003 to August 2004 149,833[9] 1,797,996 ¥988,897,800
September 2004 to August 2005 178,334[9] 2,140,008 ¥1,177,004,400
September 2005 to September 2007 178,334[9] 4,458,350 ¥2,452,092,500
October 2007 to September 2008 366,667[10] 4,400,004 ¥2,420,002,200
October 2008 to September 2009 379,167[11] 4,550,004 ¥2,502,502,200
October 2009 to September 2010 391,667[12] 4,700,004 ¥2,585,002,200
October 2010 to September 2011 320,834[13] 3,850,002 ¥2,117,501,100
October 2011 to September 2012 302,500[14] 3,630,000 ¥1,996,500,000
October 2012 to September 2013 292,500[15] 3,510,000 ¥1,930,500,000
October 2013 to September 2014 252,500[16] 3,030,000 ¥1,666,500,000
October 2014 to September 2015 233,334[17] 2,800,008 ¥1,540,004,400
October 2015 to September 2016 258,333[18] 3,099,996 ¥1,704,997,800
October 2016 to September 2017 212,500[19] 2,550,000 ¥1,402,500,000
October 2017 to September 2018 187,500[20] 2,250,000 ¥1,237,500,000
October 2018 to March 2019 176,667[21] 1,059,999 ¥582,999,450
September 1998 to March 2019 230,026 (est.) 56,816,351 ¥31,248,993,050 ($360.2 million) ¥550

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
V Jump (Japanese: Vジャンプ, Hepburn: V Janpu) is a monthly Japanese shōnen manga magazine published by Shueisha, focusing on video games, card games, anime, and manga serializations tied to popular franchises such as Dragon Ball, Boruto, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Established in 1993 as a dedicated publication under Shueisha's Jump line, V Jump evolved from earlier experimental issues dating back to 1990, aiming to target younger readers interested in interactive media adaptations of manga properties. The magazine is released on the 21st of each month and has maintained a consistent circulation, providing in-depth coverage of gaming news, strategy guides, and hobby content. Key features of V Jump include exclusive promotional trading cards for games like the Gundam Card Game and Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as previews of upcoming manga chapters and anime episodes, making it a staple for fans of Shueisha's multimedia ecosystem. Over the years, it has serialized major titles including Dragon Ball Super since 2015 and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations after its transfer from Weekly Shōnen Jump, emphasizing its role in bridging traditional manga with digital entertainment.

Overview

Publication Information

V Jump is a monthly published by , operating as part of the company's Jump line of publications. Originally launched as an extra edition in November 1990, it transitioned to a regular monthly publication starting with the May 1993 issue. The magazine follows a B5-sized format and typically features 300–400 pages per issue, including serialized content, game information, and promotional materials. As of , individual issues are priced at ¥950 (tax included). The official website, vjump..co.jp, offers digital previews of upcoming issues and archives of previous content for subscribers and visitors. Daisuke Terashi has served as editor-in-chief since at least 2023, succeeding figures like Akio Iyoku. A notable editor is comedian Kendo Kobayashi, who joined the team in 2020. As a spin-off from , V Jump focuses on game-related and media tie-ins.

Editorial Focus and Audience

V Jump's editorial focus encompasses spin-offs and original serializations, alongside extensive coverage of announcements, previews, and strategies, adaptations, and game promotions, with a particular emphasis on interactive elements tied to major franchises like Dragon Ball and Yu-Gi-Oh!. This blend positions the magazine as a hub, prioritizing content that bridges narrative storytelling with gaming and collectible experiences. The target audience consists primarily of boys aged 9 to 14, though reader demographics indicate a broader appeal among elementary and middle school students, with 90% male readership and significant portions in upper elementary (25%) and middle school (24%) age groups. The magazine appeals especially to young gamers and collectors by highlighting merchandise tie-ins, exclusive cards, and gameplay tips, distinguishing it from narrative-driven shōnen publications through its interactive, hobby-oriented approach. Launched in 1993 by under editor , V Jump was specifically developed to rival by integrating serialization with video game and merchandise promotions, aiming to capture the attention of young gamers previously dominated by the competitor. Over its history, the publication has shifted from a predominantly game-focused format in the —emphasizing previews and tips for titles like —to a more balanced integration of and multimedia content in the post-2000s, reflecting evolving reader interests in serialized stories alongside gaming news. As of 2025, V Jump remains primarily a domestic Japanese magazine, with international access limited to imports via retailers and unofficial online fan translations, though select content from its pages, such as Yu-Gi-Oh! chapters, appeared in English-language editions published by during the 1990s.

History

Origins and Launch

V Jump was conceptualized in 1990 by , a prominent editor at 's , as a means to broaden the Jump franchise's influence into the expanding realms of video games and games (TCGs), capitalizing on the surging popularity of franchises such as . , who had previously played a key role in bridging and gaming through his involvement in 's development, proposed the magazine to leadership to capture a younger demographic increasingly engaged with interactive media. This initiative aimed to integrate storytelling with game-related content, fostering collaborations between creators in both fields. The debut issue appeared on December 12, 1990, functioning as a special extra edition of rather than a standalone publication. It showcased previews of upcoming video games, pilot chapters of tied to gaming themes, and promotional materials designed to appeal to child readers exploring the intersection of comics and digital entertainment. This experimental format allowed to test market interest without committing to full monthly production, though it encountered hurdles such as complications that restricted distribution and print runs. By July 1993, V Jump transitioned to a regular monthly magazine, marking its first standalone issue under Shueisha's Jump line. The expanded format delved deeper into titles, offering detailed coverage, strategies, and early serializations that built on the pilot concepts from the 1990 edition. However, the launch faced early challenges, including modest initial sales attributed to its specialized niche on gaming-manga crossovers, positioned as a direct counter to the established dominance of Shogakukan's in the children's game magazine sector. The founding editorial team was spearheaded by , serving as the inaugural editor-in-chief. Under his guidance, the publication prioritized synergies between manga artists and game developers, laying the groundwork for V Jump's role within the broader ecosystem.

Development and Key Changes

Following its initial launch as a special edition of , V Jump was established as a standalone monthly magazine on July 21, 1993, by , with an editorial focus on video games and adaptations. The magazine's expansion in the 1990s aligned with the burgeoning console gaming market in , particularly the PlayStation era starting in 1994, where its coverage of popular titles like the Final Fantasy series contributed to peak early popularity among young readers interested in interactive media tied to properties. In the , V Jump introduced milestones in promotional content, notably TCG exclusives beginning with promotions in 1999. The August 1999 issue featured the first special present sets of promotional cards, including rare reprints like "Blue-Eyes White Dragon," distributed via raffles to subscribers, marking the start of ongoing tie-ins that boosted engagement with the . These exclusives helped solidify V Jump's role as a hub for multimedia promotions, with similar events like the V Jump Festa 1999 further integrating content into the magazine's format. The 2010s saw editorial transitions and adaptations to , including the appointment of comedian Kendo Kobayashi as an official editor in November 2020. Kobayashi, known for his enthusiasm for and games, hosted promotional videos on the V Jump channel from April to June 2021, emphasizing revivals of franchises like to attract a broader audience. Recent developments from 2020 to 2025 reflect V Jump's adaptation to post-COVID challenges, including a shift toward hybrid print-digital distribution to maintain accessibility amid industry-wide print declines. The magazine reported an average circulation of 187,500 copies in 2018, part of a broader downward trend in print sales offset by digital growth. In 2024, V Jump provided extensive coverage of the Dragon Ball Daima anime, including exclusive previews and tie-in promotions in issues like the January 2025 edition, which featured DLC announcements for and bonus items. By 2025, the ongoing serialization of the Boruto sequel, —launched in V Jump and reaching 1 million copies sold across its first four volumes—has become a cornerstone, with issues like the June 2025 edition highlighting new chapters and related game adaptations. These efforts, including supplement-focused promotions, have helped navigate declining print sales by prioritizing high-impact digital previews and event tie-ins for streaming-era game announcements.

Content Features

Serialized Manga

V Jump features several ongoing manga serializations that tie into major franchises, with chapters published monthly and typically spanning 20-40 pages each. These series are collected into volumes under Shueisha's Jump Comics imprint, providing exclusive narrative expansions for and adaptations. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, illustrated by with story supervision by , premiered in the August 2023 issue of V Jump as a direct sequel to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The series advances the story through a time skip, centering on Uzumaki's growth amid escalating threats to the Hidden Leaf Village, with monthly chapters exclusive to the magazine that delve into advanced techniques and family dynamics unique to this post-anime arc. , written by and illustrated by Toyotarō, began serialization in the June 2015 issue of V Jump, serving as the official continuation of . It explores multiverse-spanning tournaments and divine conflicts involving and his allies, anchoring V Jump's lineup with annual volume releases that align closely with anime events while introducing original plot elements like the Tournament of Power saga. The series revived the franchise in form after a long hiatus.) Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Stories, drawn by Naohito Miyoshi with script by Shin Yoshida, debuted in the June 2022 issue (on sale April 21, 2022) of V Jump as a narrative companion to the Official Card Game (OCG). The weaves interconnected stories from the card lore, featuring duels that reveal backstories of iconic monsters and strategies, often accompanied by exclusive card artwork previews in the magazine. Another ongoing Yu-Gi-Oh! title, Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Structures by Masashi Sato, started in the August 2019 issue (on sale June 21, 2019) and complements OCG Stories by focusing on protagonist Yuma's journey through evolving OCG formats and real-world dueling challenges. As of November 2025, V Jump also includes minor ongoing series such as game adaptation tie-ins like Metaphor: ReFantazio by Yōichi Amanō, which premiered in January 2025 and adapts the RPG's fantasy-political intrigue into form with monthly installments.)

Video Games and Adaptations

V Jump has long emphasized video game coverage, offering monthly previews of upcoming titles tied to Shueisha's franchises. These features often include detailed screenshots, mechanics, and developer interviews; for instance, the magazine published exclusive scans for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero in 2024, highlighting new transformations and character abilities ahead of its release. Similarly, issues have showcased previews for games like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, providing in-depth guides on spells, skills, and boss strategies. The publication frequently provides exclusive content to engage readers, such as downloadable items and strategy resources for franchise-linked games. Examples include redemption codes for cosmetic auras in : Sparking! Zero, distributed via magazine inserts for platforms like and . For , V Jump reveals upcoming card updates and offers strategy guides, helping players build competitive decks with new archetypes like "Dragunity." Polls and fan-voted content also appear, influencing in-game events for titles in the Jump ecosystem. V Jump extends its focus to anime adaptations of its featured properties, delivering episode guides, production insights, and talent spotlights. The magazine played a key role in announcing Dragon Ball Daima's 2024 premiere, revealing main staff and confirming voice actor Masako Nozawa's return as , alongside details on new cast members like as Dr. Arinsu. Issues include merchandise previews and tie-in game expansions, such as the Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot DLC pack covering the series' first eight episodes. Historically, V Jump's video game emphasis began with a strong orientation toward console titles in the , exemplified by its previews of at the 1995 V-Jump Festival, where prototype footage and developer insights were shared. By the 2020s, coverage shifted toward mobile and elements, featuring updates for titles like and cross-promotions with global hits, reflecting evolving gaming trends. Games like those inspired by 's arcs often draw direct narrative ties in these sections. Each issue typically allocates a significant portion—often spanning dozens of pages—to game-related material, incorporating high-quality visuals, screenshots, and interactive fan contests to immerse readers in the content.

Promotions and Supplements

V Jump issues frequently include exclusive supplements such as promotional trading cards for popular card games, enhancing their appeal to collectors and fans. For instance, every monthly edition features an ultra-rare promotional card for the Official Card Game (OCG), with examples including "Drawbread" in the July 2025 issue and "Dark Magic Amulet" in the August 2025 issue. Similarly, the October 2025 issue contains a Card Game promo card, "P-108 ," while -themed supplements appear in issues like the August 2025 edition, which includes a "Son Goku: Childhood" card illustrated by . Additional inserts often comprise stickers and posters tied to franchises, such as promotional posters for figures in collaboration with . Promotions within V Jump emphasize reader engagement through contests and collaborative events. Readers can participate in draws for prizes like access to game betas, exemplified by 2025 contests offering early playtesting opportunities for upcoming One Piece titles developed by Bandai Namco. These initiatives extend to special application-based giveaways, such as the October 2024 "Special Pack" service, where subscribers pay a fee to receive additional One Piece Card Game promo cards via mail. Bandai Namco collaborations further amplify these efforts, integrating V Jump promos with events like Super Dragon Ball Heroes screenings and merchandise tie-ins. Special issues bolster the magazine's promotional calendar, particularly annual holiday editions that expand content and bonuses. The December issues serve as oversized holiday specials, featuring extended coverage and extra inserts; for example, the December 2024 edition was a Daima-themed double issue with dedicated features on the anime's Demon Realm arc and a supplement card depicting "Son Goku (Mini) DA." These editions often include bonus chapters or previews, aligning with seasonal fan events. The collector value of V Jump supplements lies in their limited availability and exclusivity, driving demand among enthusiasts. Modern issues incorporate sealed codes redeemable for , such as virtual cards in Card Game apps or online bonuses for games. Historically, 1990s issues hold rarity due to early holographic inserts and prototype promos, like initial Super Trump card sets from V Jump's 1993 launch, which now command premiums in secondary markets for their nostalgic tie-ins to Jump franchises. V Jump's marketing strategy leverages ties to major expos like for live reveals and enhanced promotions. The magazine coordinates with events to distribute exclusive cards and host on-site contests, such as the annual V Jump Card Festa since 2008, where attendees receive limited-edition promos not found in standard issues. This integration amplifies visibility, with 2025 previews showcasing upcoming V Jump supplements alongside Bandai Namco game demos.

V Jump Books Imprint

The V Jump Books imprint is a dedicated line of companion publications under the Jump family of imprints. This initiative supports the magazine's emphasis on by providing in-depth resources for readers engaging with featured franchises. Primarily focused on strategy guides and official companion books for video games, games, and related hobby content, the imprint includes detailed gameplay mechanics, character analyses, and event coverage for titles such as and One Piece Card Game. These publications occasionally extend to illustrated collections and anniversary specials that tie into the serialized worlds promoted in V Jump. Editorially, V Jump Books maintains close integration with the parent , where upcoming volumes are previewed through exclusive excerpts, promotional inserts, and thematic s in issues, fostering expanded lore exploration for fans across print and digital platforms.

Notable Tie-In Works

V Jump Books has produced several notable publications that expand on the magazine's serialized content, including guides and original works linked to popular franchises. These books often provide deeper lore, alternate narratives, and supplementary materials that bridge the gap between serialization and multimedia adaptations. The "V Jump Dragon Ball Heroes" strategy book series, launched in 2010 and ongoing under V Jump Books, provides comprehensive guides for the arcade and console games while incorporating exclusive lore expansions that enrich the Dragon Ball multiverse. These volumes detail character stats, mission walkthroughs, and card strategies for titles like Super Dragon Ball Heroes, but notably include original story elements such as the "Prison Planet Saga" and "Dark King Mechikabura Saga," where Time Patrol agents like Xeno Goku battle demonic entities across timelines. For instance, anniversary editions like the 13th Anniversary Super Guide (2023) feature expanded narratives on crossovers with Dragon Ball Super, introducing concepts like the "Universe Mission" arcs that blend game mechanics with canonical lore extensions. These books have sustained fan engagement by offering in-universe insights, such as the origins of alternate Saiyan forms and interdimensional threats, directly tying into V Jump's promotional content. In August 2024, V Jump Books released "Super Dragon Ball Heroes -HEROES MEMORIES," the ultimate fan book commemorating the conclusion of the Dragon Ball Heroes arcade series. This volume includes comprehensive series history, character profiles, and three exclusive cards usable in the game, enhancing fan engagement with the franchise's promotional ecosystem.

Circulation and Reception

Sales Figures

V Jump achieved its peak average circulation of 391,667 copies during the period from October 2009 to September 2010, fueled by the immense popularity of serialized titles like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Dragon Ball. In the , the magazine's circulation steadily declined amid challenges from digital piracy and the rise of platforms, reaching an average of 233,334 copies from October 2014 to September 2015. The latest available figures show an average circulation of 147,000 copies for January to December 2021. Compared to other Jump family magazines, V Jump's circulation is lower than that of , which averaged 1.3 million copies weekly as of 2021, but higher than .

Cultural Impact

V Jump has significantly influenced the expansion of major manga franchises by serving as a primary platform for serialization and announcements, particularly for Dragon Ball. The magazine's June 2015 launch of the Dragon Ball Super manga marked a pivotal revival for the series following a decade-long hiatus in new content, aligning with the concurrent anime adaptation that reignited global interest and contributed to the anime industry's growth, with the franchise's market value reaching substantial heights in subsequent years. In the realm of gaming crossovers, V Jump pioneered the synergy between manga narratives and interactive media by focusing on video game adaptations and promotions of Shueisha's Jump properties. This approach influenced crossover titles like (2019), which merged characters from multiple Jump series into a unified universe, fostering deeper fan engagement across media formats. Similarly, the magazine's exclusive Yu-Gi-Oh! promotional cards have bolstered the game's market by introducing unique, subscriber-only content that enhances collectibility and drives ongoing participation in the TCG ecosystem. The publication has cultivated a dedicated fan community through its supplements and ties to events, building a collector culture around limited-edition items like promotional cards and artwork. V Jump's involvement in , an annual convention co-organized by Jump magazines, has inspired similar international fan gatherings by showcasing previews, merchandise, and interactive experiences that bridge Japanese origins with global audiences. Over its more than 30-year history since 1993, V Jump has endured as a niche pillar of the Jump ecosystem amid broader print media declines, adapting by emphasizing digital tie-ins and maintaining its role in media convergence. Criticisms of V Jump often center on its heavy emphasis on promotional content, with some observers noting that serialized and features sometimes serve as vehicles for marketing games and merchandise rather than standalone storytelling, leading to perceptions of filler material. Despite this, the magazine has shown adaptability in the 2020s by incorporating coverage of elements within its gaming sections, reflecting evolving trends in competitive digital play.

References

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