Like American comic books, manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels) are often printed initially in short magazine-style issues that come out on a monthly basis. Later on several issues may be collected together and released as a trade paperback. Neither version is usually on sale for longer than a few months, or perhaps a year if the story is particularly popular. Titles such as the original “Sailor Moon” and “Ghost in the Shell” can be hard to find nowadays, as they were initially printed in the 1990s and new manga has come along to replace on them on the shelves since then. For manga enthusiasts that wish to find older stories, as well as complete collections that include older titles, there is hope for finding out-of-print titles.
Comic Book Stores – Many comic book stores now carry a selection of manga titles available for sale as well. They also often times have a shelf or two full of used manga that has been traded in buy customers for newer merchandise. While the selection of used titles will vary from store to store and depends on what has been brought in as a trade, a manga collector may be able to find what they are looking for if they check in often enough. Aside from older titles, they may also be able to find used copies of newer titles that they can purchase for less than current retail price. Some used manga will cost significantly cheaper than it did when it was brand new, because of the wear to the book or because it is not a collectible item. Other manga that is seen as rare or super collectible may have a higher price tag on it. Because comic book stores are often independently owned and operated, the owner may be willing to haggle on price a bit if the buyer thinks it is too steep.
Used Bookstores – Some chain stores such as Hastings Entertainment sell both new and used books, and will include a selection of used manga titles on the shelves with the newer titles. Collectors may be able to find entire series for sale much cheaper than they normally would. But as stores like this get their manga in trade from customers, there is no telling what titles they will have available each day. Bookstores that deal in just old, rare, and used books may also have a selection of used manga available for sale. It will depend on where they are getting their inventory, what kinds of materials they like to sell, and how often they get more used books in stock. If a used bookstore deals often with rare materials, they may be more likely to recognize manga that is rare as well, and price it higher than a different kind of store might.
Yard Sales – As more and more people become fans of manga, more and more people will have it in their book collections. And more and more people are likely to be selling some of it off when it is time for them to move or clean out their house. It can be a lot more difficult finding good manga at yard sales than in a used book store or comic book shop. With a little research beforehand into the type of people holding the yard sale, however, the chances of finding something good might go up. Families with teenagers, young couples or roommates, or even groups of college age people might be more likely to be manga fans than older couples with no children living at home.
Online – Almost anything can be purchased online, including used, out of print, and rare manga. Auction sites may be a good place to start a search, as they have items from all over the world available that may be purchased cheaply by a smart shopper. Booksellers such as Amazon.com and Half.com offer person-to-person sales of used material, offered at a variety of prices and in a multitude of conditions (such as “Like New” or “Good”). Oftentimes the price listed is dependent upon that condition, as well as how hard it is to find copies of the material. If the manga is extremely rare, collectors can try going into specialized forums where other collectors discuss items and where they can be found.
