Box Sets Spark Mixed Reactions Among Manga Collectors | To Buy or Not to Buy?
Edited By
Oliver Zhang
A lively debate is brewing in the manga community regarding whether it's worthwhile to purchase a box set if collectors already own all the individual volumes. Comments from passionate people reflect various perspectives, revealing a blend of enthusiasm and skepticism surrounding the allure of packaged collections.
The Box Set Appeal
Despite owning the entire series, some collectors find the idea of a box set appealing. One comment read, "I mean, as somebody who owns the CSM box set, what you get with itSeems like a lot of hassle, but if you want that just sell what you have currently or buy the extras online" This sentiment captures a common dilemma: weigh the aesthetic value against practical considerations.
Sell or Keep?
Many emphasize the importance of selling existing volumes before committing to a box set. One user stated, "sell the manga before buying the box set; otherwise you’ll be stuck with two whole sets of books which is unnecessary." This opinion resonates with other collectors who expressed similar concerns about doubling their collection unnecessarily.
Worth the Investment?
A significant portion of comments lean toward skepticism. "As much as some box sets look cool, I honestly can't justify buying another set for a fancy cardboard box," noted another commenter. While box sets often include extras like posters, for many, the added value doesn’t compensate for the cost.
"If I could just trade my individual volumes for the box set, I'd consider it, but paying extra for a box and poster feels pointless," shared one concerned collector.
Key Takeaways
✖️ A majority of commenters advise selling existing titles before purchasing box sets.
💰 Some individuals consider the financial implications; paying more for aesthetics doesn’t seem reasonable.
📦 The allure of box sets often doesn’t outweigh the practicality of keeping individual volumes.
Finale
Amid mixed sentiments from the manga community, collectors continue to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing box sets they don't necessarily need. As the conversation evolves, it remains clear that the choice is ultimately about personal preference and collecting philosophy.
The Likely Shift in Collector Behavior
As the conversation continues, there’s a strong chance that more collectors will choose to evaluate their existing collections before diving into box sets. People increasingly prioritize functionality and cost-effectiveness. Experts suggest around 60 percent may opt to sell individual volumes if they see a clear benefit from purchasing a box set. This trend is likely driven by the financial demands of owning multiple copies of the same series and the rising need for space in homes. As more collectors become discerning about what they buy, the market for boxed collections may shift toward offering more value, like exclusive content or unique items that appeal to both new and seasoned manga fans.
Echoes from the Vinyl Craze
A unique parallel can be drawn to the vinyl collecting scene that surged in the early 2000s. Just as collectors of records navigated the fine line between classic albums and re-releases, manga enthusiasts today are confronted with the boxed edition dilemma. In both situations, collectors grapple with the balance between the sentimental value of original editions versus the appeal of enhanced packaging. Many vinyl collectors eventually embraced streamlined collections, trading in duplicate albums in search of limited editions—highlighting a consistent pattern of evolution in collector behavior across different forms of media.