Mangas and comics are alike. Comics are the ones that are made in America, Europe, and other regions, and you have to read them from left to right. On the other hand, manga are the ones that are made in Japan, and unlike comics, you have to read them from right to left.
They both have significance in the collecting market. Just like Marvel or DC have collectibles, Manga have them too and they all hold their values amongst collectors.
In this article, we will thoroughly see which niche has the biggest market for collectors!
Let’s dig in!
Overview of Manga and Comics Collecting
Manga has a lot of popularity in Japan, and lately, we have been noticing a surge globally as well. There are various key publishers or mangas, such as Shueisha that have the most famous Dragon Ball Z published, Kodansha with its most successful Blue Lock Manga, and more! There are many valuables for collectors to collect, such as Dragon Ball Z collectible editions including the Funimation “remastered” box sets, hard-to-find toys like the Bandai Full Action Pose Super Saiyan Goku Yardrat Outfit variant, and more.
Whereas the most popular comics that got published are by either Marvel or DC. Both of them have a lot of collectibles and various comic books with multiverse theories. Some of the most famous comic books released by Marvel and DC Comics are listed below:
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- X-Men
- The Avengers
- Thor
- Iron Man
- Captain America
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
- Batman: Year One (1987)
- Superman
- Crisis on Infinite Earths
These are some of the most expensive and rare comics that get collected by collectors who love comic books. Plus, to keep collections safe, many collectors use booklet boxes to protect their comics and manga. Having their collectible stored in such compact storage collectors keep comics and mangas in mint condition!
Market Size and Growth Trends
The manga market is growing fast worldwide, with strong sales numbers. In 2022, manga made up 79% of U.S. graphic novel sales, selling 28.4 million units. In France, manga sales hit €280 million in 2020. Meanwhile, the U.S. comics market is shifting, with indie comics and graphic novels gaining popularity. Despite a 14% decline in 2023, manga still led North America’s market with a 43% share, while superhero comics held only 15%.
| Aspect | Manga Market | Comics Market |
| Annual Sales (US) | 28.4 million units (2022) | Data varies; includes traditional & indie comics |
| Market Share (NA) | 43% of graphic novel and comics market (2023) | 15% for superhero comics (2023) |
| Revenue (France) | Over €280 million (2020) | Data varies; includes traditional & indie comics |
| Growth Trends | Global expansion; digital sales rising | Indie comics & graphic novels gaining traction |
| Collector Focus | Young readers; diverse genres | Superhero fans & growing indie readership |
These trends show how manga and comics are evolving. With changing preferences and digital growth, the industry keeps adapting.
Factors That Influence Collectibility
There are several factors that determine if the comic or manga is worthy of collection or not. Here are some of the factors mentioned below, such as:
- Rarity & Print Runs: It is one of the factors that affect the availability of limited editions. If the comic or manga is limited for some time, then it automatically becomes rare and hard to find, which makes them worthy of collectibles to have!
- Cultural and historical significance: This plays an important role as acting iconic stories gain lasting value.
- Condition and Grading Standards: Grading systems like CGC assess a comic’s condition, with higher grades significantly increasing its value.
- The popularity of Creators and Series: Works by famous writers and artists, or highly acclaimed series, tend to attract more collectors.
- Market Demand and Resale Value: A strong fan base and high resale value drive interest, making some comics more collectible than others.
Investment Value and Future Prospects
Manga is becoming a top collectible market, with rare editions and box sets increasing in value. Its global popularity is rising fast as many have just been getting introduced to new genres. Some also call them anime books, as many mangas have anime based on them. On the other hand, comics have been a solid investment for decades. Classic issues from Marvel and DC sell for high prices. The long-term value of each depends on demand, rarity, and cultural impact. Manga’s rapid growth suggests strong future potential, but classic comics have a proven history of value, making both markets great for collectors.
Conclusion
Both manga and comics have strong collector markets. Manga is growing fast and attracting younger buyers worldwide. Meanwhile, comics have a long history of value, especially rare editions. Whether you invest in manga’s rising market or classic comics, both offer great opportunities. The key is to choose wisely, store them properly, and follow market trends. No matter your preference, both manga and comics are exciting collectibles with strong potential for the future.
