Weekly Shōnen Sunday

Readers hunting for the latest issues on a Wednesday morning in March 1959 found the first copy of Weekly Shōnen Sunday on newsstands. Publisher Shogakukan launched this anthology alongside its rival Weekly Shōnen Magazine, creating a weekly rhythm that has persisted for decades. The magazine does not wait for the weekend; it arrives every Wednesday to deliver serialized stories across sports, comedy, fantasy, and mystery genres.

Since 1986, the publication has moved over 1.8 billion copies, securing the fourth spot in Japan behind Weekly Shōnen Jump, Weekly Shōnen Magazine, and Weekly Young Jump. Editors balance veteran creators with new talent, allowing space for experimental themes and psychological depth that sometimes exceed standard shōnen boundaries. This approach helped launch series like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, which critics note could surpass even Demon Slayer in popularity after its anime adaptation.

The magazine hosts major cultural moments beyond the printed page. In July 2022, Weekly Shōnen Sunday joined forces with Weekly Shōnen Jump for a historic crossover cover featuring Luffy from One Piece and Shinichi Kudo from Detective Conan. Annual events like Sunday Fes bring fans and creators together for exclusive content, while recent milestones include the conclusion of Sora e... by Shun Matsuena in early 2026 and the return of Kai-hen Wizards by Yellow Tanabe later that year. [edit]