Hi! I’m Giraffe, native Japanese.
The movie, THE FIRST SLAM DUNK was really, really good!
If you haven’t gone to see it yet, please do. It’s worth seeing on the big screen.
ジラフI’m going to see it for the 4th time now!
There is English ver.’s Slam Dunk Paperback.
But if you are interested in Japanese version’s manga or would like to study Japanese by using manga, I highly recommend to read them in Japanese.
However, actually, there are three different Slam Dunk manga in Japan.
- The original version in 31 volumes
- The complete edition, 24 volumes
- The new reorganized edition, 20 volumes
I actually had trouble understanding the difference between the three types of products I wanted to buy, so I have summarized the differences between the three types. I would be happy if it would be helpful to those who are now wondering!
So let’s get started and look at the differences in order.
The original version in 31 volumes
Size
New book edition 112mm (W) x 174mm (H): Common boys’ and girls’ comic size
Cover
You can enjoy the picture as it was published at the time of serialization in Shonen Jump.
Number of volumes
31 volumes
Features
- Those who bought the manga in real time when it was serialized can recall those days and feel nostalgic.
- Color pages from the Shonen Jump serialization are in black and white.
- Comments by author Inoue from the time of serialization can be seen on the back of the cover.
- The existing edition has 31 volumes, the most among the three. Need to reserve space on the bookshelf.
- There is a small door picture.
Those who read Slam Dunk in real time will be shaken by the fact that they can still get a copy of the book with the exact same cover and contents as back then. You will definitely feel the strange sensation of going back in time!
The complete edition, 24 volumes
Size
A5 size, 148mm (W) x 210mm (H)
Cover illustration
The cover illustrations for all volumes are newly drawn by the author, Mr. Takehiko Inoue, allowing readers to enjoy Mr. Inoue’s drawings with great power.
Number of volumes
Total 24 volumes
Features
- Color pages from the Weekly Shonen Jump serialization are fully reproduced.
- Larger in size than the other two, so you can see the techniques, movements, and even facial expressions of the players, especially during matches, on the big screen
- No small door picture
The price is the highest. However, for that price, you can enjoy the large screen, large power, and color pages.
The new reorganized edition, 20 volumes
Size
New book edition 112mm (W) x 174mm (H): Same size as the existing Jump Comics edition (31 volumes)
- Cover illustration
New cover illustrations for all volumes were drawn by the author Masahiko Inoue.
Some people says that all cover illustrations’ place exists in Kamakura, Japan. So,you can enjoy real-life anime location visiting to Kamakura, the place where the story takes place , which is now a hot topic on social networking sites. - Number of volumes
20 volumes in total
Features
- Comics reorganized from the 31 volumes of previously published Jump Comics into 20 volumes, organized by story.
(e.g. Shohoku vs. Shoyo, Kainan vs. Ryonan, etc.) - Because they are grouped by story, the thickness of each volume is different.
(Some people might be bothered when they put them on the bookshelf) - The door picture, which was lost in the complete edition, is back.
- Color pages in Shonen Jump are now in black and white.
It is nice to see the daily lives and expressions of the characters, which are not shown in the story through the cover illustrations.
It has a small door picture, is in black and white, and is the same size as the existing Jump Comics.
conclusion
The original version is highly recommended for..
- People who read the manga in real time when it was serialized
- People who want to feel the atmosphere and time of the serialization
The complete edition is highly recommended for..
- People who want to see the color pages of Shonen Jump in color.
- People who want to see the matches and techniques, and Inoue-sensei’s drawings on a large screen with great power.
The new reorganized edition is highly recommended for..
- People who want to enjoy the cover art newly written by Inoue-sensei
- People who want to visit Kamakura, where the story takes place, and think about the characters while making a pilgrimage to the holy places.
- People who do not have much space on their bookshelves (because the size is the same as regular JUMP Comics and the number of volumes is the smallest among all types at 20 volumes)
- People who want to enjoy the small door pictures that are not included in the complete edition.
ジラフWhichever you choose, Slam Dunk is a truly great work. Get your own favorite and read it ASAP!
I hope the above will be helpful to someone!
Well, thank you for reading today!