Guys, I need some advice...

[Pablolein]

Hi there! Well, I want to get the Battle Angel Alita Vol.1, but since in my country is impossible to find a copy in any form, I'm interested in importing one. Now, there is one problem: I can't afford the $160 dollars it costs to get a new copy of the 1995 edition. Here's the thing: should I get a used copy ($30 - $35 in very good condition) from the 1995 edition or a new copy from the 2003 edition ($25 - $30)?

What do you guys think? Help please, I need a word of wisdom!

[kuroro86]

I think you should post where are you buying the book. I suppose USA? or UK? become the quality will change.

[Pablolein]

Thanks for the reply! I'm looking at Amazon.com, the sellers are all in the USA, all with over 95% positive reviews. In the description some say it's "like new", "minor shelf wear", "in good condition", or details like "covers show light overall wear. Corners may have light bumping. Spine is uncreased. Pages are clean, unmarked, and tightly bound". It's my first experience importing comics so I don't know how much can I trust them. I prefer the 1995 edition, but I don't know if buying a used copy may be worth it, considering I can get a new copy from the 2003 edition. I don't know which edition is best in terms of quality, either. I just want to get the best for the money, and I believe you guys are the ones who know better, so I rely on your knowledge, wisdom and good heart

[kuroro86]

In general I think you can trust the amazon.com review. The think you schould wonder is the paper and translator

I madea similar inquiry :

http://forum.rippersanime.info/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=828

[Sergio Nova]

The 1995 edition is mirroed, simply. The 2003 brings the originalk reading.

So, before choosing you must consider those points.

[Pablolein]

Thanks! This info is really useful, I think I'll get the 2003 edition, though I'm still thinking about it. Thanks guys!

[AR-99]

The 2003 version also includes the omake giving more background information on the world that was left out of the Japanese version, don't know why Viz ever thought it was a good idea to leave these out.

[Pablolein]

I finally bought a new copy of the 2003 edition, for $50. Thanks guys, I can't wait to hold it in my hands!

[Sergio Nova]

I finally bought a new copy of the 2003 edition, for $50. Thanks guys, I can't wait to hold it in my hands!

Expensive, anyway. Or perhaps it has become a rarity, even because Viz no longer sells it, and Kodansha is limited to Last Order.

[Pablolein]

Sorry, I meant $40, pressed the wrong number in my smartphone.

[Martin]

Is there any hope of the original series getting the phone book treatment. I am ok rebuying most of last order in the larger formats...I would snap up the original series in a heart beat, I am missing a few...

[AR-99]

It's a question for Viz and Kodansha Comics USA to answer. Although YK switched publishers, that change affected LO from what we can see. I would think all his works through Shueisha would transfer over but you never know. There could even be an odd situation where the original manga is still under Shueisha's hold for whatever reason.

Also, Battle Angel is an older manga so although KC USA may have the rights to it they might not see the value in republishing it.

[Sergio Nova]

Is there any hope of the original series getting the phone book treatment. I am ok rebuying most of last order in the larger formats...I would snap up the original series in a heart beat, I am missing a few...

Phone book treatment? What is that?

[AR-99]

I thought he meant omnibus rerelease.

[Martin]

sorry...a long time ago, when people wanted to look up a phone number...instead of Googling it, we looked in a 'Phone Book'. They were large books.

[Sergio Nova]

sorry...a long time ago, when people wanted to look up a phone number...instead of Googling it, we looked in a 'Phone Book'. They were large books.

So, you were referring to a telephone directory?
Anyway, the comparison seems eccentric to me, although original.