Shonen Jump's American run was a huge event for manga in the United States. It brought popular series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sand Land, and Yu Yu Hakusho to a completely new right-to-left readable format. With the popularity created by shows like Dragon Ball Z and Yu-Gi-Oh!, many Americans were ready to see their favorite anime in a more comic-book-like setting. If readers weren't already hooked on their favorite titles, Shonen Jump Magazine Cover did a great job of conveying the theme of the manga collection through bright and crisp illustrations.
While Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan features many characters from different series on its cover, The American version focuses on the country's most famous characters. At that time. Goku, Naruto, Gintoki and a few other main characters were the ones appearing on most of the covers, giving readers a preview of what was coming next.
10 Shonen Jump #58
Super Saiyan 3 Goku Just Ahead
Shonen Jump #58, released in October 2007, featured one of manga and anime's most popular characters in a completely new form. Only Goku appeared on the cover in powerful Super Saiyan 3 formHe also has a frown on his face and a raised fist, telling the reader that he has a serious problem with whoever he's looking at. Goku is also seen sweating heavily on the cover of Shonen Jump #58, hinting to the reader at the strain Super Saiyan 3 puts on Goku.
While Goku takes up the majority of the cover, there are two small guests on either side of him. Naruto on the left side of the page tells the reader that Sasuke's past is about to be revealed, while Ichigo from Bleach on the right side promotes the new Bleach Nintendo DS and Wii games.
9 Shonen Jump #51
Gintoki looks as shiny as ever
Shonen Jump #51 features the most popular freelance artist Gintoki Sakata on the cover with his silver-blue hair flying to full effect. He also has a katana sheath, or saya, in his mouth, meaning his hand may be holding the sword itself. However, knowing Gintoki, there might be no reason for that. The cover proudly proclaims “Gintama: Samurai vs. Aliens!”, a battle that not many manga can depict.
While Gintoki certainly takes center stage on the cover of Shonen Jump #51, there are a few other popular characters making appearances. Shinigami Ryuk, Ichigo Kurosaki, and a young Naruto also appear on the cover, promoting their respective series. Ryuk asks readers if they can solve the Death Note puzzle, Naruto promises to reveal the secrets of the snake ninja, and Bleach is gearing up for its Siege on the Soul Society arc.
8 Shonen Jump #2
Kid Naruto Has Never Looked More Evil
Shonen Jump magazine cover #2 featuring Naruto in the early chapters of the manga looks like a real threat. He fills the screen in an amazing acrobatic pose with his right hand throwing a shuriken over his shoulder and his left hand throwing a kunai between his legs. If that wasn't enough weapons for the shinobi kid, Naruto also has another kunai in his mouth. This cover does a great job of showing Naruto's ferocity before he calmed down after the timeskip.
The magazine cover also features Goku from Dragon Ball in his Super Saiyan form, Luffy from One Piece with a big smile on his face, the Sand Land gang racing through the desert, Yugi Muto preparing to duel, and Yusuke Urameshi preparing to fight. Shonen Jump #2 is a large issue with over 300 pages of manga.
7 Shonen Jump #53
Ichigo Kurosaki looks scary when facing Aizen
Shonen Jump issue #53 covers Ichigo Kurosaki and the villains in one of Bleach's best chapters, Soul Society Invasion. Ichigo looks fierce with the sword on his back and his spiky orange hair just above. In the reflection of Ichigo's blade, readers can see Sosuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and a few other enemies looking to cause chaos. Shonen Jump also boasts on the cover that this issue has 368 pages.
The alternate Shinigami may take up most of the space on the cover, but he's not alone. Gintoki is to his left, saying goodbye to readers, as Shonen Jump announces that this will be the final chapter of Ginatama in the anthology. Naruto is also seen above the Bleach screen advertising a recent behind-the-scenes look at mangaka Masashi Kishimoto's studio.
6 Shonen Jump #49
Yu-Gi-Oh! Turn to Go Forward
Yu-Gi-Oh! made Shonen Jump popular in America before this manga anthology came out, thanks to its hugely popular anime. Americans also love Yu-Gi-Oh! as a card game, which has encouraged distributors. The cover of Shonen Jump #49 features Yami Yugi with a Duel Disk in his hand, looking more serious than ever. He is also quoted as saying, “This is our 4th anniversary issue!”, referring to Shonen Jump’s 4th year in the US.
Yami Yugi isn't the only character from Yu-Gi-Oh! to make an appearance, as Jaden Yuki from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX also appears on the cover, letting everyone know that the new generation is here. Gintoki from Gintama also appears on the cover with his beautiful blue and silver hair while Naruto is right above him, preparing for the brutal battle between Sasuke and Gaara that is about to take place in the next arc.
5 Shonen Jump #6
Yu Yu Hakusho rocks the house
Shonen Jump #6 introduces Yoshihiro Togashi's first hit manga, Yu Yu Hakusho. Before creating Hunter x Hunter, Togashi created the Spirit Detectives universe, which focuses on Yusuke Urameshi. Yusuke appears on the cover of Shonen Jump #6 with a tense expression and two clenched fists at his sides. He is a fierce villain who wants to protect the Human World and this cover captures that theme with a beautiful orange and yellow color scheme.
There is also a Super Saiyan at the top of the cover with Dragon Ball GT details while Yami Yugi sits below him looking ready for a duel. Team Seven, consisting of Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi, from Naruto in the bottom right corner looking ready to fight on one of the sage frogs.
4 Shonen Jump #61
Naruto Finally Returns From Training
The cover of Shonen Jump #61 reintroduces the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in a unique fashion. Naruto reappears on the cover looking two years older than his last appearance in Shonen Jump. He has returned from his training with Jiraiya and looks taller, more mature, and ready to fight for his friends. Naruto takes up most of the cover and is seen in his new post-timeskip outfit, complete with a Konoha headband and an orange and black tracksuit.
Under Naruto, Shonen Jump writes that Naruto “Older! Stronger! (and)… Wiser?” shows that even after two long years, Naruto is still a goofy hero. He's not the only character on the cover of issue #61 as Ryuk from Death Note is trying to get people to dress “Shinigami Style” and Ichigo makes a choice about a new Bleach power.
3 Shonen Jump #72
Luffy is not kidding
Shonen Jump #72 only features a few members of the Straw Hats. Luffy is the most prominent on the cover and looks very angry. Anyone he fights is going to be in trouble as Luffy is seen throwing a punch at the reader, which flashes across the Shonen Jump title. Chopper is clearly worried on the right, while Sanji and Zoro are also a bit worried about the consequences of what is about to happen. If there is one thing Luffy is known for, it is first punch the bad guys and then ask questions, something that this book cover does a great job of demonstrating.
The Straw Hats aren't the only group on the cover as Naruto is at the top of the page promoting some great ninja gift ideas. Ichigo from Bleach is also seen at the top with some game-changing card tricks that are sure to give you the edge over your opponents.
2 Shonen Jump #10
Super Saiyan Unite
The cover of Shonen Jump magazine issue 10 not only features the three strongest characters in Dragon Ball, but also three strongest characters in manga. Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta are all in their Super Saiyan forms on the cover of Shonen Jump #10, showing off their power through their long blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, and menacing poses.. Vegeta leads the charge while Gohan is cloaked by Piccolo. Goku stands in the back in his normal orange and blue Turtle School Uniform. Behind all three Super Saiyans is an orange and white backdrop that compliments their colors.
Asakura Yoh from Shaman King also appears on the cover, showing off some of his universe's skills. Shonen Jump also included a popularity quiz with this manga anthology issue, giving readers the chance to pick their favorite Dragon Ball Z character.
1 Shonen Jump #0
Goku, Luffy, Naruto and more share cover art
Shonen Jump #0 is the best American Shonen Jump cover ever. It shows Many of the main characters from the magazine's most popular series appear together on one fashion page. Goku is the most prominent, flying towards the reader in his Super Saiyan form with a dangerous look on his face. Next to him, Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho is pointing his Spirit Gun at the reader while Luffy from One Piece holds up a peace sign in the same direction, showing a very clear difference in their personalities.
Naruto is seen on the bottom left of the book cover, covered in a mist like the demon fox. Yugi Muto representing Yu-Gi-Oh!, Asakura Yoh from Shaman King is also there, along with the entire gang from Sand Land. Book Cover Shonen Jump #0 shows what the magazine does best: bringing together all of manga's best heroes.