How to identify a first printing
- 2001-2021 independent era: manga and prose volumes are identified by a number line on the copyright page, with a descending line ending in 1 indicating a first printing, and/or by a stated first-edition date. Distribution shifted over the years (Random House early on, then Kodansha-owned channels after the 2011 acquisition), but the volumes still use standard US-trade number-line indicia, so identification rests on the printing line and date rather than the distributor.
- Osamu Tezuka prestige editions (Buddha, Apollo's Song, Ode to Kirihito, MW, Black Jack, 2003 onward) are the marquee Vertical manga collectibles; first printings are identified by the number line or stated date, and several Tezuka titles were reprinted, so the printing line matters.
- 2021-present under Kodansha USA: backlist reissues carry Kodansha number-line indicia; original Vertical-era printings predate the 2021 merger and are distinguished by the older imprint indicia.
Notable points & cautions
- Tezuka's English-language prestige line (the 8-volume Buddha and multi-volume Black Jack) is the defining Vertical collectible; early printings are sought after.
- Also published Japanese literary fiction (Koji Suzuki's Ring, Natsuo Kirino); prose first printings are identified by number line and stated date.
- Founded 2001; majority-acquired by Kodansha and Dai Nippon Printing in 2011; fully merged into Kodansha USA in 2021.
- Known for high design standards, with Chip Kidd designing several early covers.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Vertical Comics (manga), Vertical (literary/prose). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Vertical, Inc. / Vertical Comics — English-language manga & Japanese literature book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2001-2021 independent era: manga and prose volumes are identified by a number line on the copyright page, with a descending line ending in 1 indicating a first printing, and/or by a stated first-edition date. Distribution shifted over the years (Random House early on, then Kodansha-owned channels after the 2011 acquisition), but the volumes still use standard US-trade number-line indicia, so identification rests on the printing line and date rather than the distributor. Osamu Tezuka prestige editions (Buddha, Apollo's Song, Ode to Kirihito, MW, Black Jack, 2003 onward) are the marquee Vertical manga collectibles; first printings are identified by the number line or stated date, and several Tezuka titles were reprinted, so the printing line matters.
Does Vertical, Inc. / Vertical Comics — English-language manga & Japanese literature use a number line?
Osamu Tezuka prestige editions (Buddha, Apollo's Song, Ode to Kirihito, MW, Black Jack, 2003 onward) are the marquee Vertical manga collectibles; first printings are identified by the number line or stated date, and several Tezuka titles were reprinted, so the printing line matters.
Is a book-club edition a Vertical, Inc. / Vertical Comics — English-language manga & Japanese literature first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Tezuka's English-language prestige line (the 8-volume Buddha and multi-volume Black Jack) is the defining Vertical collectible; early printings are sought after.
What era does this cover?
This covers Vertical, Inc. / Vertical Comics — English-language manga & Japanese literature (2001-2021 (independent); backlist continues under Kodansha). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.