We are proud to present our new catalogue ‘Origins: Landmark Manga 1968-2019’, which brings together a selection of original manga magazines that document the first appearances of some of the most recognisable works in the canon.

For much of the twentieth century, manga magazines were produced as affordable, high-circulation publications intended for immediate reading rather than long-term preservation. Printed on inexpensive paper stock (akin to telephone directory paper) and distributed through weekly and monthly channels, these magazines were rarely retained once they had been read. As a result, surviving examples containing the debut chapters of major works represent an important record of the development of contemporary Japanese publishing.

The items offered here encompass a wide range of influential titles, from the formative years of Weekly Shōnen Jump through the spread of manga internationally with series like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Akira, One Piece, Naruto, and Berserk. Each issue preserves the earliest published appearance of works that would later become both significant cultural and critical achievements.

The collecting of original manga periodicals is a relatively recent field, reflecting a broader recognition of manga as an important component of modern printed history. Similar to the preservation of first appearances in Western comics, these publications provide a direct connection to the moment when landmark series first entered the public imagination.

A digital copy of the catalogue can be accessed by clicking the image below. Print copies can be requested but are subject to availability.