Where To Buy Manga

Manga readers in the US have a plethora of options when it comes to buying manga. From online giants like Amazon and Crunchyroll to local bookstores and comic shops, most people are only one Uber ride away from getting their favorite titles! Still, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, finding the right place to buy manga can be overwhelming. Plus, it gets pretty tricky to navigate the vast minefield of scams found online. But, never you fear! This guide will break down your options, helping you choose the store that best suits your needs. Let's dive in!

Best Online Retailers For Manga

For sheer convenience and selection, online retailers are a popular choice for manga readers. Here's a look at some of the top online stores to consider:

Crunchyroll

The king of anime streaming recently acquired Right Stuf, a beloved manga retailer. Now, Crunchyroll boasts impressive sales, a vast selection of manga, and free shipping with their premium memberships.

In terms of genre selection, Crunchyroll leans heavily into action, adventure, fantasy, and sci-fi, making it a haven for shonen manga. Still, they have a decent selection of shojo manga, seinen manga, and josei manga.

This provider focuses on simulcasts, which are manga chapters released shortly after their debut in Japan. They also have a robust library of completed series.

Pros

Cons

• High-quality shipping standards
• Regular sales and exclusive releases
• Discounts and perks for streaming subscribers

• Higher free shipping threshold ($75+)
• No dedicated shipping protection option

Amazon

A one-stop shop for everything, including manga. With millions of titles in their catalog, you're practically guaranteed to find the manga you're looking for, whether it's the latest shonen release or a classic seinen title.

They offer everyday convenience, with fast shipping thanks to their Prime membership program, and easy returns if something arrives damaged. Plus, you can often find deals on manga box sets, hardcover editions, and even individual volumes.

Best Naruto Funko Pop! Figures In 2024

These Naruto Funko Pop! figures will look great on any fan's shelf.

Amazon has a pre-order price guarantee policy, which ensures you get the lowest price between the time you place your order and the release date. Unlike some other retailers, Amazon won't charge you for pre-orders until the release day.

Amazon offers manga from a variety of sellers, including Amazon itself and third-party vendors. Be sure to check the seller's ratings and reviews before making a purchase from a third-party seller, as their prices and customer service can vary.

Pros

Cons

• Usually the best prices and discounts on manga box sets and hardcover editions
• Convenient and fast shipping, especially with Prime Membership
• Pre-order price guarantee ensures you get the lowest price
• Easy returns and cancellation of orders

• Packaging often leads to damaged volumes
• Be cautious of third-party sellers who might overcharge or provide poor quality products

Kinokuniya

Kinokuniya, a renowned Japanese bookstore chain, offers a wide array of manga, including both English translations and original Japanese editions. It's a fantastic destination for exclusive releases and imported titles that might not be available elsewhere.

While the prices can be higher, reflecting the import and rarity of some items, the variety and authenticity of their offerings make them a top choice for serious collectors. Kinokuniya also has an online store, making their extensive catalog accessible even if you're not near one of their physical locations.

Pros

Cons

• Extensive selection of Japanese and English manga
• Often carries exclusive editions and imports directly from Japan
• Physical and online shopping options

• Higher prices due to import costs
• Limited number of physical stores in the U.S.

InstockTrades

In addition to offering everyday deals on manga, InStockTrades is a great place to find Dark Horse titles, often at a significant discount compared to other retailers. They also boast a lower free shipping threshold than some other online stores, making them a budget-friendly option for manga collectors.

Best Cozy Anime

These cozy anime are perfect for a night in.

However, it's important to keep in mind that their selection is smaller than what you'll find on giant retailers like Amazon or Crunchyroll. Additionally, their shipping speeds tend to be slower than other online retailers.

So, if you need your manga fix right away, InStockTrades might not be the best choice. Still, if you're patient and on the lookout for good deals, particularly on Dark Horse manga, InStockTrades is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

Cons

• Competitive everyday prices
• Special discounts on certain publishers like Dark Horse
• Low free shipping threshold ($50)

• Limited variety compared to other retailers
• Longer shipping times even for in-stock items

Best Brick and Mortar Options for Manga

While online retailers offer convenience and competitive prices, there's a certain charm to browsing physical shelves and holding manga volumes in your hands. Here's a look at some brick-and-mortar stores you can explore for your manga fix:

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble offers a comfortable balance between online convenience and the tactile pleasure of shopping in-store. They frequently run promotions such as "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" and offer a membership program that now includes ten percent off both in-store and online, with no minimum free shipping.

This makes them a strong option for those who prefer to inspect their manga before purchase or enjoy the immediacy of taking their new books home the same day. Recently, they've also enhanced their membership benefits by adding a rewards system where customers collect stamps for future discounts.

Pros

Cons

• Buy in-store or online
• Exclusive manga releases
• Frequent sales including Buy 2, Get 1 Free on manga
• Membership offers discounts and benefits such as 10% off and free shipping

• Higher prices compared to other retailers
• Shipping may be less protective, leading to damaged items

Books-A-Million (BAM)

Books-A-Million, similar to Barnes & Noble, provides the flexibility of buying manga either in-store or online, with the added benefit of inspecting the quality of manga volumes directly. The membership, slightly less expensive than Barnes & Noble's, offers similar discounts and benefits, making it a good option for regular customers.

It also secures exclusive releases occasionally, which can be a significant draw for collectors. However, when it isn't running sales, the prices can be higher than other retailers.

Pros

Cons

• Both in-store and online purchase options
• Periodic exclusive manga releases
• Runs promotional sales frequently
• Membership includes 10% off in-store purchases and free shipping on all orders

• Tends to have higher prices
• Some items don't qualify for free shipping
• Packaging and shipping methods could be improved to prevent damage

Local Comic Books Shops

Local comic book shops are not just for American comics; many also stock a diverse range of manga titles. These stores are particularly valuable for collectors seeking rare or out-of-print editions that are hard to find elsewhere.

By shopping at these local establishments, you're supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy, which can also mean building relationships with shop owners who can recommend titles based on your interests. However, the selection can be smaller than large online retailers or specialized manga stores, and prices can vary widely depending on the rarity and condition of the manga.

Pros

Cons

• Support local businesses
• Often have rare or out-of-print manga
• Personal interaction and recommendations

• Smaller selection
• Prices can vary significantly

Used Bookstores (e.g., Half Price Books, 2nd & Charles)

Used bookstores like Half Price Books and 2nd & Charles offer manga enthusiasts the chance to find volumes at significantly reduced prices. These stores are excellent for budget-conscious buyers or those starting a collection without committing to full retail prices.

They can also be goldmines for discovering out-of-print manga that may not be available at larger chain stores or online retailers. However, the quality of manga can vary widely, from nearly new to well-worn, and stock levels can be unpredictable.

Shoppers may need to visit frequently or check multiple locations to find specific titles, as the inventory in used bookstores is typically based on recent acquisitions and what others have sold to the store.

Pros

Cons

• Affordable prices
• Great for finding out-of-print manga

• Quality can vary
• Limited and inconsistent stock

Best Digital Manga Shops

For many manga enthusiasts, digital platforms offer an alternative that marries convenience with immediate access to the latest releases directly from Japan. Digital manga services like Viz Media's Shonen Jump app and Manga Plus provide expansive libraries and the ability to read on-the-go, appealing to a generation of readers who prefer their media digital.

Viz Media and Shonen Jump App

Viz Media's Shonen Jump app is a powerhouse in the digital manga sphere, offering an extensive library for a nominal monthly fee. For just a few dollars a month, subscribers gain unlimited access to a massive catalog of manga, including blockbuster hits and niche titles alike.

One of the most significant advantages is the timely access to new chapters released simultaneously with their debut in Japan, allowing fans to stay up-to-date with the latest story developments without delay. However, for collectors and those who prefer the tactile experience of a book, the digital-only format may be a drawback as it doesn't provide physical copies for shelves.

Pros

Cons

• Affordable subscription for a vast library of manga
• Access to new chapters as they are released in Japan

• No physical copies

Manga Plus by Shueisha

Manga Plus offers a unique model that makes it an attractive option for readers worldwide. This service provides free access to a wide range of manga series, including some of the most popular and critically acclaimed titles.

Like the Shonen Jump app, it allows readers to access new chapters as soon as they are released in Japan. However, the selection is limited to the series Shueisha chooses to include, which may not encompass everyone's favorites.

Despite this limitation, Manga Plus is an excellent resource for fans who want to explore new manga without financial commitment.

Pros

Cons

• Free access to many titles
• New chapters available simultaneously with Japan

• Limited only to certain series and titles

Final Thoughts: So Where's the Perfect Place?

The answer depends on your priorities!

• Best prices and sales: Crunchyroll
• Convenience and easy returns: Amazon
• In-store experience and quality selection: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million
• Used and rare manga: Used bookstores
• Supporting local businesses: Local comic book shops
• Digital reading: Subscription apps or publisher websites

Remember, there's no single "best" place. Explore different options, compare prices, and prioritize what matters most to you – happy manga hunting!

Where To Watch Dragon Ball Movies And Shows

Do you want to re-live Goku's iconic adventures? Here is how you can.