I Don't Care About Manga Deluxe Editions! 

Berserk deluxe has the most satisfying scent after opening the package 😅

I think the main thing you are missing, which is probably because you aren't an old collector, is that the hardcovers will physically last long. I have two decade old softcover manga where the spine has disintegrated. And that's not a storage issue, but bacteria literally eats the glue they use for perfect binding. Therefore a good hardcover with a sewn binding will last longer.

So when reading berserk for the first time I read the first 15 volumes through the deluxes, and then read volumes 16-41 through the singles as that’s all that was out at the time. Although I loved the singles, Miura had drawn many two page spreads that just looked way better in the deluxes. The gutter loss is terrible in such a small format. Nothing compares to the sewn spine, large format of the deluxes as far as reading experience goes.

Idk about that first point. I read my Berserk deluxe volumes laying on my bed. You can get comfortable reading them.

I think if you already own all the singles, there's no reason to buy the deluxe editions. If you're just getting into manga like me though, I recommend the deluxe editions, if you can get a good deal on them. You're right about Blade of the Immortal not having the full color volume covers. However, Berserk has all the volume covers in full color at the end of each deluxe edition. I read my manga in a leather chair and I have a table at chest level, so reading the deluxe editions is no problem for me. I love seeing the extra details in the blown-up artwork. Totally get where you're coming from, though. I very much enjoy reading my tankobon volumes, too. Wish I could get the Gantz singles, but the omnibus editions were dirt cheap on Right Stuf last month, so I took full advantage. Can't wait to read your #1 series.

So basically: I'm weak, my shelves are weak, I didn't do my homework (covers are in the deluxe editions), "My Pride!", I don't mind qc issues on softcovers, the end

I get that. I had Blade of the Immortal in singles 1-26. I gave them to a friend, and started getting the Deluxe Editions. It's a tradeoff. You do miss out on covers, but that beautiful interior artwork is larger. It saves shelf space even though they are larger. And a plus is that the Manga Deluxe is the same size a a Comics Trade Paperback or Standard Hardcover, so for someone who collects both, it gives you options in term of shelf organization. Also, there are a number of series in Deluxe format. Akira, Battle Angel Alita, Magic Knight Rayearth, A Silent Voice, Dragon Ball in Color, Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, etc.

I like the take, I’ve not really seen people talk about this. Personally I do have the Berserk deluxe editions, but my main factor comes down to price. I’m able to collect the deluxe editions cheaper on places like RS, Amazon, and Instock Trades than it would cost to buy the singles. But tbh one of my biggest gripes is how god damn long it takes me to read a deluxe editions. I’ve been reading Akira for like 2 months 😭

You've made some great points my guy 👌. The deluxe editions of Girl From The Other Side though...those are some premium quality hardbacks, and there are brand new covers I believe, from the Author.

I read my deluxe manga and oversized comics on a titled book podium. It feels very distinguished when I reading those tomes. I love the deluxe editions, but I have no desire to get things like Attack on Titan or anything where the art is pretty atrocious. I also pride myself in only collecting what I really love, and that makes my collection specific to me. I have a lot of older manga because I've been collecting on and off since about 2004.

Eh, I collect western comics in omnibus editions so the deluxe editions don't bother me. If I'm going to a coffee shop I'll pack something smaller, if I'm at home on the couch the bigger art and nicer paper is awesome

I'll be totally honest, 90% of mangas don't need a deluxe, oversized format considering the art is simply not as impressive but those that have spectacular art really benefit from the big format

I love my deluxe editions. Usually go hardcover for certain manga and artbooks. Its definitly a preference thing tho. I kno alot of ppl like the small paperbacks because its easier to read. I have noticed that alot of mangatubers do that tho theyll have 20+ volumes and say "i cant wait to complete this series so i can finally dive in" 😂 quite the investment before even readin volume 1

I personally don’t have any Deluxe editions for a few reasons. One of which are space reasons, these books are HUGE and take up a lot of space. Then secondly along with being so big they become a pain to read. I have a hard time reading Vizbigs, I can’t even begin to imagine how much of a pain reading those deluxe editions might be….BUT I might have to submit myself too it soon so that I can finally experience Trigun for myself

Since I read a lot of American comics, deluxe edition is not a problem for me at all. Actually, I prefer this format 😅. But I understand your reasons. Excellent video.

I'm late, and I don't understand why you got a lot of dislikes since your arguments make sense. Trade Paperbacks are a lot more portable and travel friendly compared to OHCs and Omnibuses. I mainly collect American comics and I usually only buy Omnibuses and Deluxe editions because they cheaper (in the long run) and last longer than TPBs. But I completely understand why some people prefer TPBs.

meanwhile when I bought the First Deluxe Berserk volume, it was so good that it got me back into manga lol

U can read the deluxe ed lying down on your stomach and putting it in front of you on ur bed ... Singles do look better tbh thought...😊

As someone who reads comics as well as manga Comic deluxe formats are the norm but Manga it’s the opposite but for me who’s use to oversized sewn bound books I really enjoy the deluxe treatment some of these series are getting but I can understand your points

Gantz yes please 🤣 I Love Deluxe Editions cuz they look so nice and fit perfectly with my ocd. But gotta admit that they are unhandy to read and cant be taken with you at least not as many 🤣 But big Panels for the win.

I can generally agree but the silent voice, soul eater perfect edition, and girl from the other side deluxe are an exception.

I've seen some ppl just stack their deluxes on the ground and I thought in some cases it still looked good like that

Huh I actually read my deluxe editions lying down 😂 got that strong neck

Dude I’ve been collecting all of the deluxe editions of berserk but I didn’t wanna admit that I actually kinda like the single better for the cover art and literally all the other reasons you mentioned. I think I wanna trade them for the singles. Do you happen to know how to go about that? What should I do haha

I agree with what you’re saying, and I wanted to ask a question to you. Are you interested in the Trigun releases? And if not, what do you think the chances are that we’ll get regular single versions? I’m interested in getting into Trigun, but I’m nervous that if I buy them they’ll just release the single versions. Kind of like what happened with the hellsing deluxe releases.

And then there’s me still waiting for akumetsu to get a physical print

I'm fan of Kingdom manga sadly there hasn't been an official English yet. So I decided to start printing out the chapters and placing them in binders.

So far no series I'm interested in has been published in deluxe edition. That's going to change when Trigun hits shelves though. The only other series I am currently interested in a deluxe edition of is Gunsmith Cats but that's mainly because I don't want to pay the 200$ for volume 5 of Burst.

A big point for me was that i also own several HC books and the Berserk Dekuxe Edition fits in the shelf with the other books. With only normal edition mangas it wouldn't fit that well, so i get why people dislike them or prefer the single edition.

I don't really agree with these points personally, but I do agree about the covers. Luckily, they are included on the inside of the book in full color which is super nice, so you don't really miss out on them. I think the black leather covers suit Berserk very well. I do hope for future deluxe editions we can get some full artwork on the covers, that would be a game changer

The deluxe Hellsing look much better in the bright red faux leather. Most of these series the spines are nothing to talk about. I have Berserk in both formats all in a line on one shelf and the deluxe looks better. The regular spines of Berserk aren’t that nice. Also I’ve had no QC problems with any of mine.

I just started collecting Berserk manga, and in Poland it's really hard to find all the volumes in one particular edition, so I dont' really care what edition i'm buying. I just really want to read some more of Berserk. Although, reading Berserk in deluxe edition is something special to me ( like reading some ancient book), but I like good old manga mood, when I read some normal edition of Berserk. So I don't care.

You can read deluxe laying down. Put it on the bed and face it. Deluxe editions (dark horse) have the front covers as full colored pages at the end either in each volume (berserk) or compiled at the end of the last (hellsing)

FYI target shelves can handle the deluxe editions. I own them myself, total of 4 double stacked full & the whole bottom shelves is DE volumes. Still standing strong 2 years

I love them. The look on the shelf, the quality of paper, the larger images and text... the Berserk deluxes are up there among my favourite volumes I own. You absolutely nailed it though on some points. They are cumbersome, and there's just no way I'd sell something I already owned just to rebuy it with a different cover. I'd prefer if they focused on licensing more series, or reprinting older ones instead. Also I agree about finding it boring everyone just has the exact same books in their collection. It's like that SpongeBob meme... "Daring today, aren't we?". It makes sense of course, they want the best, it's easy to get caught up in the hype of a new/popular release, and it's much easier to buy something you know you'd like instead of taking a chance with something you're unsure about. It'd just be nice to see collectors branch out more, even looking at western comics or even novels. There's such a vast, rich world out there so it seems silly to restrict yourself to one little corner of it.

Hey! 👋 Fine edition book designer here; I help create illustrated gift edition books so I'm firmly in the 'hardbacks for life' corner haha. I came across this whilst wondering if designing special edition manga box sets is even possible, because I can imagine making beautiful editions with fully foiled covers in a fancy boxes would just be the dream. ALAS as we know there are always just too many volumes so it wouldn't make any sense (and would cost literally £1000's for a complete set if we used leather and good materials to bind them..SAD). But I will agree with other's that hardbacks last longer, so I'm glad there are options out there, I'm just bummed I can't make the fancy books for the nerds because I know we all love collecting things, putting them on a shelf, and looking at those things occasionally 😂. Digressing but hey I'm glad your books are read and treasured, as that's really what it's all about 👍. Note: I don't know what the Berserk designer was doing though making the number on the spine not in series with the rest, big publishing faux pas there! Also the smaller illustration you mentioned on the Blade of the Immortal cover is called a paper label! It's a traditional fine edition cover style that gives a bespoke/classy vibe. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I can see what they were going for. I'm more into maximalism with more heavily detailed covers, but it really depends on the book. Also I will pretend you did not say you enjoy bending the covers back 😂.

On amazon there cheaper like $30 and there owes new wrap when i buy the manga it could be use idk why

I like your take one deluxe edition. If I'm going to be truthful, I own the berserk single and the hellsing deluxe edition. I guess my take is to get the easiest edition available at the cheapest price. As much I want to get hellsing as single, they're hard to find where I'm from 😢. I guess I'll get trigun in the deluxe edition too😅. I'm so jealous of all your oop manga, I only collect a few of them 😊.

The biggest thing for me is how boring the spines are in these deluxe editions. With so much space, you'd think it will look more unique like how Novels are, but its just boring to look at. Not to mention the no cover art. Like why? It's just Berserk, hellsing, etc in big bold letters with a very simple, singular colored, backdrop.

I would do more singles but the issue is a lot of older mangas like Hellsing it’s hard to find certain volumes or they’re too expense because people like to resell them for like $200 because they know it’s out of print.

Bigger hardcovers are no doubt cumbersome and awkward to read - I collect some western comic omnibus hardcovers in addition to manga and those are also difficult to hold and read. However I think it's worth it if you like the art well enough to have in an oversized format, with higher quality paper. Those Berserk hardcovers really make Miura's artwork shine, and the double-pages open better with less gutter loss and going back to the smaller paperbacks would be difficult. I wouldn't want most of my manga series in big hardcovers, but if the art is really something special I think it's worth it. You mentioned Trigun at the end there - I'm torn on that series, as it's nice to have it reprinted but I dunno if I like the art in that series enough to want it in hardcover... I will say however, while I do prefer those Berserk hardcovers, I wish Dark Horse put some artwork on the spines and cover - all that black looks boring on the shelf. I honestly briefly thought about printing my own little copies of the paperback covers to glue onto the covers but thought better of it haha

I agree 100%, I always make it a point to get the singles whenever possible. I'm glad most people like deluxes, I like the bigger pages too, but I do not like holding a 600 page behemoth up (despite working out!) or reading it off the table like it's some law book. I feel like a lot of the identity of the series gets lost in the more generic covers of the deluxe editions. For example, the VizBigs for Dragon Ball are so stock, they just have Goku on every volume lol. Speaking of stock, the Berserk ones are really annoying to me (especially because everybody and their mother has them). I have seen video comparisons between them and the singles and have even flipped through them at a local store, and I can say with confidence that, no, I do not prefer how it looks in the deluxe edition. The art feels oversized, while the singles are compact + I do like the yellow-ish tint of the singles, it makes them look like a graphic by Durer or something. I do have some Jojo hardcovers because 1) there are no singles 2) there are not huge. But like you said, it's so much cooler when you see a dude who has the Stardust Crusaders singles.

A few people have commented but two things that can influence: 1: Stock. These deluxes are usually popular and in stock with lots of retailers. 2: Price. I actually think 3 in 1 omnibus style editions can be rather cost effective. Especially when you compare against seven seas which can charge 30 here in aus for 126 pages...

its not much but the berserk deluxe edition has a gallery in the back of all of it with glossy pics of the cover art

The Deluxe editions are beautiful and im primarily a marvel and dc Omnibus collector so these deluxe editions pulled me into manga honestly.

Deluxe editions cost more and eat up shelf space, which is bad as I have relatively small shelves to complement my small room. I’ll get it if it’s a box set but nah… eats up shelf space.

I think deluxe editions are very good for the right series. For example Berserk or Blade of the immortal where the art is so darn good on the bigger and better quality paper. However they are as you said very bulky also. So it's hard/Impossible to read the sitting down in a comfy chair or in bed. I don't think every series need a deluxe edition. I usually also prefer singles since they are easier to read laying down.

Was that thumbnail a 20th century boys reference👀?

One of your best takes EVER. Deluxe editions are just for looks, are just money grabs for publishers and exist to grab the attention of newbs. In fact if you look at the quality of stories chosen for deluxe editions are all 6's and 7's because those stories are accessible, not the best. But dat posture bro...

Hardcovers don't break down after few readings. That's why deluxe is so popular. And price difference between 3 single volumes and one deluxe of berserk is only like 5 bucks which is why deluxe is better bargain

I could not agree with you anymore PromG! Every point you make is valid and reasons why I keep singles, sometimes I'll make an exception with omnibuses as their still affordable, paper back and not to cumbersome to read and nice spine cover for example like my blade of the immortal collection. Great video keep it up and enjoy reading manga!

i like the larger size for enjoying the art work more.

I prefer DC/Marvel in omnibus format. manga I prefer soft cover. The only deluxe edition I have is Beserk(1-13), Due to the fact it was cheaper/on sale. If I could, I would prefer singles. Blade of the immortal I preferred in omnibus instead of Deluxe, due to the covers. Great vid!

I love them it saves me massive money

I curse Kodansha every time I look at Vinland Saga for not printing them in single format.

I personally like the deluxe editions due to the great quality and a lot bigger page for the art. I only own the berserk deluxe's but I already sold off my Vinland Saga 2in1's mainly because I never liked the book itself its just a cheap "hardcover" in standard viz sig size. plus they weren't the most comfortable to read for me anyways so might as well get the bigger one that's only a little bit more uncomfortable 😂 I actually used to own some of the berserk singles when I was buying the deluxe and Wow the paper quality is leagues better than the singles, not only physically bigger pages but it was more white and the art just looks more clear/crisp if that makes sense. That alone got me to sell off the little bit of single I had.

Bro has deluxe editions of gundam behind him

Nothing is better than single paperback volumes for reading, but deluxe editions look great on the shelf so I'ma keep buying them😂

How tf am i supposed to read that tome at the park or going on a walk like its impractical

I am the opposite, I won’t buy unless said book//manga has a special bigger edition, much prefer hardbacks and much prefer picking up a book with at least 400 pages, and they usually look better/add stuff

I think deluxe editions are good if you are collecting a series and you own no volumes

I feel the same way with Soul Eater Perfect Editions. They’re really ugly, the same, and the biggest offense to me was them not having the little author tidbits at the end of each volume.

I think they look better on the shelf. I think normal manga looks tacky on the shelf.

make more reprints. It still stings to have to buy trigun deluxe instead of the older formats.

Im a grown ass man so hardcovers are not an issue to carry around. From what I have seen the deluxe editions have better contrast and page layout so its simply much more enjoyable to consume.

When its a series you love getting a HC or a special edition of them is what we do as a collector. If your getting them just to get them thats different. Fullmetal editions or paracyte or gundam origin (*cough* *cough* behind you lol) even up to the deluxe are great for collectors. Its the same in the comic world etc. (I have the target shelves too and the middle shelf works great for them fyi.) So I just double dip on the things I love and not just "like" but thats what a collector would do but cost more money obv. So stop being a pleb LOL

Honestly, the covers is the primary reason why I never go for those type of publishing. They might last longer and cost less (compared to singles), but they aren't visually pleasing to me compared to regular hardcovers or special editions when stored on a shelf. As someone who like to read while I travel and usually jump from one series to another, they are also not "travel friendly" to me.

bro i read it laying down all the time

The Deluxe Editions actually have better quality Panels and are much easier to read since the text is bigger. Oh well, I still think you made very honest points. Have a Sub :D

Paperback books don't hold up well to the test of time

You ofc ypy read the deluxes in your lap or on a table😊

You should care, the deluxe editions are just so much nicer, bigger format, nicer white paper that makes the art look so much nicer. I have all the deluxe of Berserk plus the regular tankōbons and looking at them side by side the deluxe are so much nicer. And yea laying on your back reading is weird.

"Heavy, cumbersome and uncomfortable to read" Yup, that's fair, I've been reading the SAO Platinum Editions, I have to clench my cheeks to have enough strength not to drop the big bastard, it's ten volumes of the light novel in one book, that's a huge bitch. AND THERE'S TWO OF THEM Thankfully we don't lose out on cover art in that release, as when you turn the page to the next volume? boom. there it is, still lookin' like sexy, sexy abec work

Berserk deluxe edition is kinda gas just for the double spread pages

I just hate the look of ordinary manga editions, what they're doing with the deluxe editions like Berserk, Hellsing, blade of the immortal, Vinland saga and Trigun just looks better visually to me, It's dumb but they just look classy to me... The Berserk deluxe editions will probably always be the best looking ones in my eyes.

Me I only buy hardcover manga, including deluxe editions, for all the rest, I have my iPad. I don't care about buying cheap ugly books that won't stand multiple reads before falling apart in a few years. That's just me! Exception being underground, gekiga, indie, doujinshi etc. stuff that's only published in trades

People don't get the Deluxe editions because of the cover art. It's because of the size. They get them to READ, and it's much easier and nicer to read the large Deluxe edition formats.

Nahhh deluxe editions are definitely the way to go. Aesthetically they are better. They don’t look like some little kids book they look sophisticated.

They are such a chore to read. It's like a textbook I should be reading at the table.

I agree with you

I personally hate soft covers a lot, the books can’t be left flat so any dual page arts are 25% lost because its inside and you can’t force it to be open otherwise the binding will shatter fast+ the cover will not ‘cover your manga’ ironic right? It will be adapted to the format where its open and then the quality of the cover itself will be wack. Longevity of hardcover edition is-in fact- superior, if you are going to invest it better be a well made investment with high quality for your favourite series. If I could I want every edition to be at least hardcovered. I love a large format because it provides more details, but that’s subjective. Waiting for One-punch man & dragon ball to get this treatment but viz doesn’t do anything, I was shocked that they made a hardcover edition to fist of north star.

Well I don't care about you! How does that feel 🙁

good for u?

I agree to be honest I don’t have any as well. I also don’t like the looks of the books and losing out on the covers, I was hoping the Vinland Saga deluxes wouldn’t fall into the trend of the minimalist covers but it looks like it is which is what it is. Maybe if I didn’t already own some of the series before they had deluxes I might have bought them but the hassle (not to mention price) to “upgrade” is also another reason for me personally that I’m just fine to stick with and enjoy what I have

just get both versions

worst take on mangatube

Misleading

Hold this L

Might be a weird thing to say, but the deluxe editions, aren't for reading (imho). I get them after I finish the anime or the manga series, cause they look very nice on the shelves. Personally, not a fan of those singles volumes haaha)

Who asked this guy about his opinion

Japan doesn't do these giant deluxe editions for a reason, W take from ThePromG

I dont care abput this video😅😅😅

No one cares that you don’t care :3

I had a question. I’m not a long time viewer, but will you ever read Vinland saga because that is a hardcover and you said you didn’t like reading hardcovers

I don’t have any deluxe editions either. They are uncomfortable to read, expensive and they are way too big, imho, beside “regular” sized manga. Also, it’s nice reading a whole single in one sitting. A deluxe edition takes awhile to get through. But that might be a me thing. 😋 But with all that said… I might get the Trigun ones because it’s been so hard to get my hands on. 🙃