Readers' Choice: 50 Essential Manga for Libraries

Recently, I asked librarian and author Robin Brenner to write up an essay explaining why borrowing manga from a library isn't the same thing as reading unauthorized scanlated manga online. In her essay "4 Reasons Why Libraries Are Not The Same As Scanlation Websites," Robin made this comment:

"For those of you who exclaim that your library doesn't have manga, or doesn't have the titles you want to read: There's a very simple solution for that. Ask for it. Go to the library, walk up to the Reference Desk, and tell them how very much you want manga in the library. Give them a list of the top ten titles that you think they should order. Get your friends to do the same."

So I threw it out to About.com readers: which 10 manga titles would you most recommend to your friendly neighborhood library to add to their collection? Many of you responded in the comments and via Twitter, which was awesome! I collected and tallied your choices, and narrowed it down to the 50 most frequently mentioned titles. I then passed it on to Robin to get her take, from a librarian's point of view. The result is the list of 50 Essential Manga for Libraries. Check it out and maybe more importantly, pass this list on to your favorite librarian.

Now, there were some titles that were nominated by readers that couldn't be included in this list for a pretty simple reason: these titles, popular and well-regarded though they are, are largely out of print. I decided that rather than send librarians on a wild goose chase to hunt down these hard-to-find books, it would probably make more sense to feature books they could readily find and buy to add to their collections now.

Just to acknowledge the popularity of these books, and maybe put a shout out to the universe to maybe, just maybe get them back in print, here are the requested titles that got pushed to "also-ran" status because they're  out-of-print or hard-to-find.

• Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi (TokyoPop) - very, very out of print. Word has it that TokyoPop's license to publish this series lapsed and Takeuchi is in no rush to grant the license to another publisher at this time.
• Cyborg 009 by Shotaro Ishinomori (TokyoPop) - a cool classic manga that's long been out of print.
• Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa (TokyoPop) - a popular choice but because it's out of print, it's not readily available via booksellers.
• Planetes by Makoto Yukimura (TokyoPop) - again, a critically-acclaimed older title that's not readily available in a complete set.
• Peach Girl (TokyoPop) - You can probably find it used, but new? Not so easy.
• Here is Greenwood by Yukie Nasu (VIZ Media) - An older but much loved VIZ title that isn't easy for libraries to purchase.
• Battle Angel Alita by Yukito Kishiro (VIZ Media) - The current story arc, Battle Angel Alita: Last Order is easier to find, but those earlier volumes aren't as easily found.
• Emma by Kaoru Mori (CMX Manga) - While it's a relatively recent series, DC's closure of their CMX imprint means that this beloved and critically-acclaimed title is officially out-of-print. Like all CMX titles, you can probably still find copies, but don't count on being able to re-order.
• Maison Ikkoku by Rumiko Takahashi (VIZ Media) - Like Battle Angel Alita, Maison Ikkoku is an older VIZ Media title that can be found here and there, but it isn't easy for libraries to purchase complete sets. Too bad, because it's an enjoyable read.

However, I will say that if you've been wanting to read these out-of-print gems, a library is sometimes the best place to seek them out. Even if your local library doesn't have it, check on availability from other libraries -- many times, your local library can request the book and have it sent to your local branch.

Did your favorites make the list, or was one of your "must-haves" omitted? Add your additional picks below, and share your reasons why your choices would make a great addition to a library's collection.

Next, I'll be posting Robin's tips for how to best approach your local library to get them to add more manga to their collection. Stick around for that!

Image credit: Yotsuba&! © Kiyohiko Azuma / YOTUBA SUTAZIO