Challenges in Purchasing Used Manga in the EU | Disparities in Availability and Pricing
Edited By
Nicolette Rivers
Manga enthusiasts in the EU are expressing frustrations over the scarcity of available used manga, particularly in complete sets. This sentiment is shared across various forums as many are eager to find quality deals but feel limited by regional disparities, especially when comparing to the US market.
EU Sellers Are Sparse
With fewer sellers in Europe compared to the US, people are turning to platforms like local forums and user boards for solutions. However, the posts are often lacking in variety, with many offering disconnected volumes rather than complete collections. One participant lamented, "We get EU sellers that only have volume 1, 9, and 27, which are unsellable."
A Thriving Manga Market?
Interestingly, France has emerged as a strong contender in the used manga market, boasting a high volume of transactions. A comment read, "In France we’re the second consumer of mangas right after Japan." However, language barriers present a challenge, as many of the used offerings are exclusively in French, leaving English readers in a tough spot.
Recommendations for Buying Used Manga
Amid these challenges, some community members have shared tips, pointing towards platforms like Vinted and local sites such as OLX. One user highlighted their success with OLX in Romania, stating, "I managed to get a fantastic deal for deluxe editions for about 125 euros!" Others recommend Facebook Marketplace for more options.
The Current Sentiment
While frustrations are palpable, there's also a sense of camaraderie among manga enthusiasts. Many are actively sharing tips and resources in hopes of improving the situation. Regular conversations about scarcity highlight the passion within this community, but a lack of organized platforms dedicated specifically to the EU market seems to fuel ongoing discontent.
Key Points
📉 Access to used manga in the EU is notably limited compared to the US.
📚 France leads in used manga purchases, but mainly in French.
🛒 Local forums and boards are recommended for finding deals, including Vinted and OLX.
🤔 Community-driven efforts remain critical as enthusiasts seek solutions.
In an increasingly globalized world, will the EU manga market adapt to meet the growing demands of its passionate fanbase?