According to a recent report from ICv2, Viz Media is set to implement a price increase for its manga volumes. Beginning in January 2024, the cost per volume will rise from the current rate of US$9.99 to US$11.99. This adjustment will be applicable to both new installments of ongoing series and any future releases by the company. It’s worth noting that not all of Viz Media’s manga are currently priced at US$9.99 per volume; certain titles like Golden Kamuy are already priced at US$12.99 per volume.
According to recent reports, prominent online retailers Amazon and Barnes & Noble have started showcasing upcoming manga volumes scheduled for English release after January 1, 2024, along with their revised prices.
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Notably, Viz Media’s latest pricing strategy falls within the similar range as other English manga publishers. For instance, standard individual manga volumes from Kodansha USA Publishing will be priced at $12.99, while those from Yen Press will cost $13.00. Similarly, manga from Seven Seas Entertainment will be available at prices ranging from $12.99 to $14.99, ensuring competitive market rates.
Viz Media increased the prices of Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat manga volumes in 2009, raising them from $7.99 and $8.99 to $9.99. Despite inquiries from ICv2 and ANN, Viz Media remained unresponsive to comments at the time of press.
On May 9, Viz Media launched Viz Manga, a new digital manga service. This app introduces “the first-time” availability of simultaneous English releases of ongoing manga from Shogakukan, along with a collection of classic manga titles. With over 10,000 chapters from both Shogakukan and Shueisha titles, Viz Manga is currently exclusive to the United States and Canada. The subscription fee for this service is $1.99 per month. Viz Media also continues to provide its separate Shonen Jump service.
Source | ICv2 (Brigid Alverson)
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