The Best Manga Box Sets
What started in Japan has become a worldwide phenomenon. Manga has provided millions with laughs, tears, philosophy, and life lessons, so it's no wonder why the fandom is so passionate. If you or a loved one is a manga fan, these box sets deserve a place on the bookshelf. Read on for our reviews of the best manga box sets.
What to Look For
We’re big manga fans, so we wanted to find the best box sets to recommend. We considered the quality of the prints, the durability of the craftsmanship, the cost-value of the price, and the art design of the box. Some options won extra points for including bonus materials, such as the Demon Slayer Complete Box Set, which comes with a gorgeous poster and an “exclusive” booklet. But if you’re looking for a great gift to give, we recommend checking out the One Piece Box Set: East Blue and Baroque Works. It’s a shining example of manga’s ability to entertain both those already familiar with the franchise and total newbies. To find the right box set for you, read on.
Demon Slayer Complete Box Set: Volumes 1-23
Quality and quantity
Even if you’ve already explored the world of Demon Slayer through the anime TV series, this box set is still worth a gander. It’s packed with the vivid illustrations and characters of Koyoharu Gotouge, whose creative world is both dark and inspiring. With that in mind, there are mature themes that will resonate with older readers, so it’s not the most kid-friendly series. However, the violence and adult themes aren’t excessive, as this series offers an abundance of intelligent dialogue and gripping plotlines.
Pros:
- Makes a great gift for fans of the TV series or anyone who likes manga
- Gorgeous box covered with colorful designs
- Relatively low price considering the series’ popularity
- Includes a poster and an illustrated booklet
Cons:
- The box itself can be dented or scratched relatively easily, so take care
My Hero Academia Box Set 1: Volumes 1-20
The epic story unfolds
It’s time for the coolest school you’ll ever enter. The My Hero Academia Box Set 1 delivers a whirlwind of exciting battles and character development that young and older age groups can enjoy. We were also blown away by the price of this collection since it’s a surprisingly affordable cost for such a renowned and beloved series. Whether you’re already familiar with the universe of My Hero Academia or not, this box set earns top marks.
Pros:
- The colorful box opens from the side, making for a great display piece
- The price-per-book is very low compared to purchasing each one individually
- The story starts at the beginning
Cons:
- The pages are thin, so they can tear without proper handling
Dragon Ball Z Complete Box Set: Volumes 1-26
The legend lives
Dragon Ball Z might be popular among young kids all-too-eager to shout their “Kamehameha,” but we love it as adults, too. This box set is a modestly-priced tome of Dragon Ball Z adventures, and it all starts from the inception. With 26 volumes, it’s a sure-fire win for collectors and gift-givers alike, and the quality of the box and illustrations is undeniable.
Pros:
- Includes a poster with images on both sides
- The box has a carrying handle for transportation
- Each side of the box has a cool image, so it works as a cool display in any orientation
Cons:
- Dents to the corners of the box can’t be ironed out
One Piece Box Set: East Blue and Baroque Works, Volumes 1-23
The perfect present
For those searching for an awesome gift, we recommend the One Piece Box Set. It delivers on all fronts, with detailed illustrations and high-quality materials. More importantly, it’s the ideal step for readers that have recently caught the manga bug, as this series contains some of the most carefully-crafted storylines and character arcs in the world. Wild, raunchy, and fun, the One Piece adventure begins here.
Pros:
- Appropriate for kids as young as eight years old
- Interesting themes that make you think
- Over 4,700 pages of pioneering illustrations
Cons:
- Due to the high quality of the prints and size of the set, this one comes at a higher price
Claymore Complete Box Set: Volumes 1-27
Dense in artwork
The Claymore box set is captivatingly beautiful. The vertically-oriented box opens up to reveal a gorgeous depiction of the protagonist Clare, who gazes at you with her catlike eyes as if daring you to explore the Claymore universe. Indeed, it’s a carefully illustrated and crafted piece of manga artwork that’s hard to put down.
Pros:
- The vertical design is unique and easier to transport with the handle
- Considering this offers over 5,200 pages across 27 volumes, it’s a great value
- Accessible for folks totally new to the series
Cons:
- The TV series has a TV-MA rating, and the manga itself is also not appropriate for adolescents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manga appropriate for kids?
This depends heavily upon the manga itself. Because the vast majority of manga comes from Japan, you may be able to search for their specific age rating. Their system is based more upon genres, with some genres having sexual themes and others having violence. We recommend doing your research into the specific manga in question.
Should I get a box set if I already have read/own some of the chapters in the series?
Box sets are more than just bundles of books. They often come with additional artwork in the form of collector’s booklets and posters. They also may have handles on the boxes themselves, letting you transport the collection.
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