Naruto Makes History as Manga Auction Unloads First Printing for $20,000

As a seasoned collector with a heart full of nostalgia for the manga that shaped my childhood, I can’t help but feel both astounded and slightly bemused by this recent $20,000 sale of a first printing Naruto volume. Frankly, it’s enough money to make even a ninja-level saver like myself blanch!

Fervent collectors will stop at nothing to obtain their ultimate prize, be it action figures, vinyl records, or trading cards. Collectors’ passion knows no bounds, and this is especially true for manga enthusiasts who will go great lengths to complete their collections. Recently, one such fan made headlines by purchasing a first-edition Naruto comic book for an astounding $20,000 USD.

Indeed, you’ve understood correctly – $20,000 USD is the price for a single manga. Via social media, Beckett Collectibles confirmed that a first edition of Naruto volume one was recently sold privately at this record-breaking figure. Therefore, Naruto now holds the title for the most expensive manga ever sold.

As you can imagine, that kind of money is hard to wrap your head around. This volume of Naruto could have gotten someone a new car or put a down payment on a house. It seems the anonymous buyer was determined to bring home this volume, but of course, the sale itself is facing scrutiny. The practice of grading manga is relatively new though Western comics are used to the process. It was not long ago that Beckett Grading began delving into manga, and in light of this sale, netizens aren’t sure why grading is even needed.

Currently, you can discover auctions for the first printings and first editions of the Naruto manga in Japan and the United States. These books originated from 2000, and based on their sales history, these volumes can reach up to $500. In certain instances, a well-preserved copy might cost around $1,000, but this is not typical. Even popular series like Naruto don’t usually fetch high prices, however, as grading enters the market, the costs of these manga could potentially increase.

It’s no secret that collecting can be a pricey pastime, and in certain fan communities, the grading system has significantly increased costs. However, manga has managed to steer clear of this issue for years. Yet, as the industry expands worldwide, prices are on the rise. The recent sale of the Naruto series is a testament to this trend, as it’s hard to believe that any of its volumes would sell for $20,000. Regrettably, this day has arrived.

If you’re keen on exploring the world of Naruto without digging too deep into your pockets, fear not! The acclaimed manga is available on the Shonen Jump app. For a comprehensive overview of Masashi Kishimoto’s hit series, here’s a brief summary for your perusal:

12 years past, the secluded Village Concealed in Forests faced a terrifying menace. A formidable nine-tailed fox spirit took the life of the village head, the Hokage, and numerous others. Currently, the village enjoys tranquility, but a mischievous young ninja named Naruto is striving to graduate from the Ninja Academy. His ambition might be to become the next Hokage, yet his real fate will prove far more intricate. The journey commences here!

2024-09-01 18:40

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