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 forshonen manga. Still, they have a decent selection of shojo manga, seinen manga, andjosei 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.
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’re able to often find deals on manga box sets, hardcover editions, and even individual volumes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 may 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Final Thoughts: So Where’s the Perfect Place?
The answer depends on your priorities!
Remember, there’s no single “best” place. Explore different options, compare prices, and prioritize what matters most to you – happy manga hunting!
