The internet is still buzzing after our previous report about famous YouTuber Logan Paul dropping a cool $550,000 on high-grade copies of the first chapters of "One Piece" and "Dragon Ball" from Weekly Shonen Jump. Anime fans have shifted their focus from the collectibles themselves to questioning Paul's motives and the potential market impact, sparking a heated debate.
Most netizens aren't buying into Logan Paul's move, suspecting he sees manga purely as an investment rather than a passion for the works. Some comments bluntly stated, "He probably hasn't even read a single chapter," while others criticized influencers entering the anime collecting scene, fearing it could fuel speculation and distort a community originally centered on culture and sentiment. Another well-known creator, IShowSpeed, publicly voiced his skepticism, further fanning the flames of discussion.
Adding to the concern, some collectors worry this trend could exacerbate market imbalances, especially with scalping and reselling. Opinions suggest that high-profile transactions and celebrity influence might artificially inflate the prices of rare manga, making it harder for average collectors to acquire valuable items, and potentially even leading to a market bubble.
In fact, graded manga collecting has rapidly gained traction in the ACG community in recent years. "High-grade manga" refers to versions in pristine condition, professionally graded by specialized agencies, typically encapsulated and labeled with a score. Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) in the US is one of the leading international grading organizations, with standards covering paper condition, print quality, and completeness. The higher the score, the more astonishing the market value.
As the collecting market continues to heat up, while celebrity involvement can boost attention, it also challenges the balance between price and cultural value. This incident isn't just about a single controversial transaction; it highlights the potential impact as manga collecting transitions from a hobby to a capital-driven pursuit.
via： Dexerto