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Why do some collect without reading their manga?

Collecting Manga | The Rising Trend of Unread Volumes

By

Marcus Johnson

Apr 18, 2025, 08:50 AM

Edited By

Yuki Tanaka

Updated

Apr 18, 2025, 04:57 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A visually striking arrangement of various manga volumes, emphasizing the allure of collection without reading.

A heated debate among manga fans has emerged regarding the growing trend of collecting manga without reading it. Many find it baffling that enthusiasts accumulate extensive backlogs while often neglecting to engage with the material.

The Collection Dilemma

On various forums, participants voiced their opinions on this phenomenon. One user expressed confusion, questioning why people can maintain a never-ending backlog of games yet struggle with unread manga. This sentiment resonated with others, leading to comments like, "Can confirm. I have backlogs big enough for two lifetimes," and "I have about 20 books I have not read in about 1000 books; I think I am doing fine."

Three Primary Perspectives on Collecting

Comments from the community highlight three key themes related to manga collecting:

  1. Collector Pride: Many collectors emphasize their right to amass volumes regardless of their reading status. One comment summed it up perfectly: "Itโ€™s the same idea as people who collect video games, board games, movies, other kinds of books, etc."

  2. Purposeful Purchases: Some prioritize thoughtfulness when browsing for manga, as one individual noted, "I very rarely purchase physical manga I havenโ€™t already read digitally."

  3. The Slow Burn Approach: For many, collecting is an ongoing journey. The sentiment is echoed with comments suggesting that some people buy significant amounts ahead of reading them to ensure they have them when they are ready, highlighting the forward-thinking nature of certain collectors.

Thoughts from the Community

Reactions among fans tend to reflect a mix of understanding and acceptance of different collecting habits. One user stated, "We are rare, my friend," suggesting that varied approaches to collecting exist within the community.

As the manga scene continues to attract new fans, no signs point to the culture of collecting diminishing.

Insights from the Discussion

  • โญ Many collectors enjoy acquiring while keeping reading at a slower pace.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก "Collector styles differ; itโ€™s your money!" - A common belief among fans.

  • ๐Ÿ” Understand the passion behind building a collection, even if reading isnโ€™t immediate.

In summary, the ongoing conversation around manga collecting reflects the diverse motivations and habits that define this ever-growing community.