How to identify a first printing
- 2009-present: English-language volumes are identified primarily by a descending number line on the copyright/indicia page, with the lowest digit indicating the printing (full line ending in 1 = first printing). Many volumes also carry a printing date line near the ISBN.
- Transition-era titles inherited from Del Rey Manga: Kodansha USA took over the Del Rey Manga license catalog around 2010, and that production used Random House number-line conventions, so those volumes remain reliably number-line-datable.
- Hardcover deluxe, box-set, and color-edition lines (e.g. Akira reissues, Attack on Titan Colossal Editions) each carry their own number line and date distinct from the standard single-volume printings.
- Vertical/Vertical Comics backlist retains Vertical's own indicia conventions; new printings after the consolidation carry Kodansha number lines.
Notable points & cautions
- Attack on Titan early-volume first printings are the marquee Kodansha collectible; very large print runs mean many later printings, so the number line must be checked.
- Kodansha USA was established July 1, 2008; it took over publishing all Del Rey Manga titles (Tsubasa, xxxHolic, Negima, Ghost in the Shell reissues) around October 2010, with Random House as distributor.
- Vertical Inc. was consolidated into Kodansha USA in 2020, and in March 2021 Kodansha Comics, Kodansha USA International, and Vertical were unified under the Kodansha name (Kodansha Comics renamed Kodansha Manga).
- Kodansha is the largest Japanese publisher; its US arm scaled rapidly after 2008.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Kodansha Comics (renamed Kodansha Manga, 2021), Vertical / Vertical Comics (consolidated 2020-2021), Kodansha Manga (digital-first), K Manga (digital platform). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Kodansha Comics (Kodansha USA) — English-language manga book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2009-present: English-language volumes are identified primarily by a descending number line on the copyright/indicia page, with the lowest digit indicating the printing (full line ending in 1 = first printing). Many volumes also carry a printing date line near the ISBN. Transition-era titles inherited from Del Rey Manga: Kodansha USA took over the Del Rey Manga license catalog around 2010, and that production used Random House number-line conventions, so those volumes remain reliably number-line-datable.
Does Kodansha Comics (Kodansha USA) — English-language manga use a number line?
Transition-era titles inherited from Del Rey Manga: Kodansha USA took over the Del Rey Manga license catalog around 2010, and that production used Random House number-line conventions, so those volumes remain reliably number-line-datable.
Is a book-club edition a Kodansha Comics (Kodansha USA) — English-language manga first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Attack on Titan early-volume first printings are the marquee Kodansha collectible; very large print runs mean many later printings, so the number line must be checked.
What era does this cover?
This covers Kodansha Comics (Kodansha USA) — English-language manga (2008-present (US imprint)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.