Manga collecting is a satisfying and exciting hobby.
Having a manga collection means that you can conveniently explore new series on a whim and review the old favorite anytime you want without going to the library or bookstore.
But you are probably wondering about the cost of pursuing this hobby.
So, Is Manga Collecting An Expensive Hobby?
Yes, possessing a Manga collection can be an expensive hobby. Purchasing all manga volumes for just a single series can be pricey, mainly if it is a long-running series. Also, some single-volume manga goes for thousands. For example, one of the costliest Manga is the One Piece Volume 1 Shiny Holo edition that goes for $2000 up to $5000 depending on its condition.
However, you can still pursue the hobby on a budget, such as buying used Manga, purchasing the collection in bulk, avoiding buying the Manga you won’t read, etc. More so, if you are a fan and a great enthusiast of collecting Manga, investing in the hobby will not be a waste of time. This hobby can be expensive, but it is worth the investment.
Read on to understand what makes manga collections expensive and tips for pursuing the hobby on a budget.
What Makes Manga Collecting Expensive?
Regular manga collecting is already expensive.
However, like any other art medium, some factors make particular Manga even more costly.
Manga that is considered desirable and rare are often more expensive. Some of the reasons why Manga is expensive to include;
1. Out Of Print
Out of print manga refers to the collections that are no longer being published.
Some of the best-sellers have already gone out of print, so their prices have gone up even for the used and second-hand market.
For example, Red River is a popular series established from 1995 to 2002. The manga series went out of print in 2010, making the series as expensive as $1500 today.
2. Collector’s Editions
Collectors’ editions are expensive. They are printed explicitly for enthusiasts.
Therefore, they are distributed in higher-quality hardcover and superior page quality.
3. Limited editions
Limited manga editions can be insanely expensive, and you can understand why.
These manga volumes are only produced in limited numbers.
Some good examples of limited manga editions include;
- Yuyu Hakusho,
- One Piece
- Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Naruto
- Shaman King
- and Dragon Ball go for more than $2000.
These limited editions are reprinted with holographic foil covers, each with only 5000 copies.
Other less popular titles such as Usagi Yojimbo also release limited editions, but although not as expensive as the popular series, they are still pricey.
4. Anniversary Releases
Manga series, especially those that have gone out of print, often have anniversary releases.
Publishers often release anniversary series for titles that have been loved in previous years, and they usually go for higher prices.
For example, Akira released a new boxed set during its 35th anniversary, priced at $149.99. Also, during their 50th anniversary,
Doraemon released a set including 45 volumes with hardcovers, with the complete set going for $1200.
Six Tips For Manga Collecting as A Hobby On A Budget
As earlier stated, manga collecting can be an expensive hobby. By following these tips, you increase the possibilities of saving money from time to time.
1. Get A Bookshelf Or Display Case
If you’re the type of person who wishes to display your Manga collection, storage bins won’t do.
Also if you plan to read a specific book and wish to locate it quickly, keeping your collection organized within a bookcase or display case is the way to go.
2. Keep A Google Sheet List Of Your Favorite Manga Series
Beginning your manga collection is the most challenging part, particularly when you love various series.
With thousands of incredible Manga available, selecting the series you want to complete first can be challenging.
To avoid making any purchases on impulse, you should start by making a list of your favorite series.
3. Don’t Purchase Manga You Won’t Read
On the same note of starting by purchasing your favorite Manga, you should avoid buying manga collections you will never read. It is pointless to have a manga collection just for display.
Purchasing manga collections only to keep them on display will only waste the money you would otherwise spend on Manga that you like.
4. Purchase Used Manga
You can save money by purchasing used Manga and\or a collection of Manga in bulk.
Not all Manga has to look seamlessly new.
Visit your local thrift shop or bookstore, and you will probably find your favorite used Manga you are searching for in good shape and at a cheaper price.
If that doesn’t work, you can always search online. Purchasing boxed sets of Manga is also a viable option. When bought as a set, Manga is often cheaper than buying each Manga individually.
5. Go Digital
Purchasing digital is a remarkable way of supporting the manga industry without depleting your savings.
On online websites such as Noble and Barnes, digital copies usually are half the price of physical copies.
Therefore, if you are interested in collecting materials digitally, you can save a significant amount of money on your manga collection as a hobby.
Also, saving your collection on the cloud means you can readily take your collection with you on the go compared to the hassle of moving with your physical manga collection.
Therefore, going digital comes with definite benefits in practical and financial aspects.
6. Avoid The Longer Series At First
Some of the super-long manga series like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and One Piece can be impossible to collect.
You will need to sacrifice a significant amount of money, time, and space to collect the dozens of volumes that are not worth it unless you immensely enjoy the series and are a die-hard fan.
More so, it is still okay if you just own a partial collection for a particular series, so you don’t have to worry that you don’t have all the volumes of a manga series.
You might also consider setting a limit for the number of manga volumes you would like to have in each series.
Bottom Line
Manga collecting is an expensive hobby, but this will depend on how much you are willing to pay for Manga and how much is too expensive for you.
Also, the tips reviewed will help you pursue the hobby on a budget. Once your manga collection begins to come together, you can now relax and enjoy the story and art in each Manga.
Manga collection is a satisfying hobby that appears excellent on your bookshelf!
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