Comments on: Burning Questions http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:19:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ardith http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/comment-page-1/#comment-3164 Ardith Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:07:09 +0000 http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/#comment-3164 One big reason for the price difference the amount of manga sold in the US is no where in the numbers sold in Japan or for popular fiction releases in the US. Please remember that US paper backs generally cost around $8 for a 300+ page novel printed currently. We also have the extra cost of translation and localization. From my experience at Broccoli Books, a native Japanese speaker translates and then a native English speaker with a writing background does an adaptation to make it a smooth read. After that graphics person adds the text and sound effect translation into the digital files, ect. Then proofs and prints, rechecks, ect. One big reason for the price difference the amount of manga sold in the US is no where in the numbers sold in Japan or for popular fiction releases in the US.

Please remember that US paper backs generally cost around $8 for a 300+ page novel printed currently.

We also have the extra cost of translation and localization. From my experience at Broccoli Books, a native Japanese speaker translates and then a native English speaker with a writing background does an adaptation to make it a smooth read. After that graphics person adds the text and sound effect translation into the digital files, ect. Then proofs and prints, rechecks, ect.

]]> By: Katherine Dacey-Tsuei http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/comment-page-1/#comment-3067 Katherine Dacey-Tsuei Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:43:40 +0000 http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/#comment-3067 Your point about number of units sold is well taken--those of us who adore manga tend to forget that even the best-selling titles still aren't doing John Grisham kinda business. Your point about number of units sold is well taken–those of us who adore manga tend to forget that even the best-selling titles still aren’t doing John Grisham kinda business.

]]> By: ws http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/comment-page-1/#comment-3041 ws Tue, 31 Oct 2006 06:42:39 +0000 http://www.popcultureshock.com/burning-questions/40564/#comment-3041 Why is manga cheaper? Well if Manga were a multibillion dollar industry in the US we might see prices that are around $6. Because of paper tarrifs from Canada I doubt the costs could go any lower. Prices for printing in China/HK/Taiwan does not make things any cheaper if the shipping is going to take those books across the Pacific does not make things cheaper either. But yeah there are tons of reasons why manga is expensive here. From number of units sold to the licesning fees associated with getting titles brought over. If anything I think the industry itself is kinda keeping things at that price right now. Its going to take another big move (like Shonen Jump to push prices down but I don't see that happening until shelf space issues are resolved.) Why is manga cheaper?

Well if Manga were a multibillion dollar industry in the US we might see prices that are around $6. Because of paper tarrifs from Canada I doubt the costs could go any lower. Prices for printing in China/HK/Taiwan does not make things any cheaper if the shipping is going to take those books across the Pacific does not make things cheaper either.

But yeah there are tons of reasons why manga is expensive here. From number of units sold to the licesning fees associated with getting titles brought over. If anything I think the industry itself is kinda keeping things at that price right now. Its going to take another big move (like Shonen Jump to push prices down but I don’t see that happening until shelf space issues are resolved.)

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