When the 51st issue ofWeekly Shonen Jumpwas published in Japan in 1984, few could have predicted how historic it would become. Inside its pages was the very first chapter of Akira Toriyama’sDragon Ball, a series that would go on to conquer the world and set a new standard for manga and anime storytelling from Japan. While the issue sold millions of copies—typical forShonen Jumpin the 1980s—very few copies of this historic issue have survived in good condition.
Now,a rare copy ofWeekly Shonen Jumpfeaturing the first installment ofDragon Ballin near-mint condition has been sold at auction in Japan. While the issue originally retailed for a mere 170 yen (approximately $1.15) when first published,the final auction price reached a head-spinning 3.8 million yen ($25,600). Could this sale signal a rise in Japan’s collectible manga market?
Japan’s Collectible Manga Market: A Growing Trend?
Lost Content: Why Original Manga Magazines Are Gaining Value
The collectible manga market in Japan is still relatively new. Prices for original issues of manga magazines tend to be lower than the sky-high amounts of money seen in the U.S. for rare comic books, such as first issues or the debut appearances of famous characters like Superman or Spider-Man. One key reason is that popular manga—likeDragon Balland otherShonen Jumphits—are typically collected into book format, meaning fans don’t need to track down the original magazine issues unless they specifically want to.
In some cases, original manga magazine publications differ from their later collected editions, featuring color pages, artwork that was later retouched, or, in rare cases, stories that never made it into the books—famously the case with Osamu Tezuka’sBlack Jack. To date, these kinds of manga magazines have commanded the highest prices at auction in Japan.The fact that a widely available issue ofWeekly Shonen Jumphas now sold for such a high amount signals a new level of desirability for rare items from theDragon Ballfranchise.
Toriyama’s Legacy: Nostalgia Fuels Collectors’ Demand
Will Other Shonen Jump Milestones See a Price Surge?
WhenDragon Ballcreator Akira Toriyama passed away in early 2024, it sent shockwaves around the world. Fans became nostalgic for his artwork and storytelling. Owning an original issue ofWeekly Shonen Jumpin near-mint condition, from the very momentDragon Ballbegan, is like owning a time machine to the past.
A Year After Akira Toriyama’s Death, the Future of Dragon Ball Is As Bright As It Is Uncertain
One year after Akira Toriyama’s passing, Dragon Ball’s future remains uncertain yet full of potential, blending nostalgia with new possibilities.
Will we see a rise in prices for otherShonen Jumpmilestones, such as the first appearances ofOne PieceorNaruto, or is this craze limited toDragon Ball? Only time will tell.
Source:Yahoo! Japan
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
