About Manga Grading, Prices, Shipping and FAQ
- Graded manga from Japan
- Browse BGS graded manga for sale, sourced and shipped from Japan and sealed in Beckett slabs. Listings are Japanese editions, mostly first prints (初版), along with vintage magazine issues. Series include One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Bleach, Demon Slayer and more.
- Buying from Japan means an item comes straight from its home market. The slab then locks in the condition shown in the photos.
New to graded manga? Read how BGS grading works or learn how to recognise a true first print.
- How to read the grade
- A BGS label gives an overall grade on a scale from 1 to 10 for the book and the cover (dust jacket).
- On each product page you will find the book grade, the cover grade and whether the original obi strip is included. Use the Grade, Dust Jacket and Obi filters on this page to compare copies.
- What affects the price
- Series and volume number come first: volume 1 of a major series usually sits well above later volumes. Next come the printing (a true first print versus a later reprint), the grade, and the presence of the obi. Two copies with the same grade can still differ in value because of these details.
- For recent market data, use the BGS Graded Manga Price Tracker and read the Graded Manga Price Guide.
- Shipping and buyer protection
- Items sold by 1stPrint.net are shipped from Japan with tracking. Some listings are sold by third-party sellers, whose name appears on each product card.
- Buyers stay covered if an item does not arrive, arrives damaged or is not as described, and a claim can be opened in each case. If you have a question about a slab, use the contact page before you order.
- Frequently asked questions
- How can I check that a graded manga is genuine?
The grade, title and certification number on the label should match the listing. The number can be checked with the grading company on the Beckett Population Report page (a free account is needed to consult it).
- What does 1st Print mean for manga?
A 1st print is the very first printing of a volume, made before any reprint. Japanese volumes do not always say so on the cover, so collectors check the colophon (奥付, okuzuke) on the last pages, which lists the publication date and the edition. The mention 初版 (shohan) means first edition and 第1刷 (dai-ichi-satsu) means first printing, while later runs read 第2刷 and above. The exact wording varies by publisher and era, so the guide explains how to check it step by step.
- Is a higher grade always worth more?
Usually, but it is not the only factor. Series, volume, printing, scarcity and the obi all count, so compare similar copies before you decide. The BGS Graded Manga Price Tracker helps with that.
- What is an obi?
The obi is the paper band wrapped around the lower part of a Japanese volume. Many collectors want it kept with the book, so we show on each product page whether it is included.
- Can I get my own manga graded?
Yes. Start with the Grading Submission Form and the Publisher's List.
- Do you ship internationally?
Yes, 1stPrint.net items are shipped from Japan with tracking. Available destinations and shipping costs are shown at checkout.
- Can I sell my graded manga on 1stPrint.net?
Yes, for only 8% fees after sales, free eBay listings and synchronization between platforms through the Seller Portal.
Want to go deeper? Read Graded Manga Explained for the full picture of how BGS grading works.
