Manga and Light Novel Condition Guide

This comprehensive guide provides detailed descriptions and specific characteristics for each condition of the manga and book products available from Dotted Lines. Each manga undergoes meticulous evaluation by our dedicated manga specialist to ensure that we maintain fair pricing and accurately represent the condition of every item. Please use this guide to help you make informed decisions based on your preferences for quality and collectability.

BRAND NEW:

  • Definition: Brand new manga directly from the publisher or distributor, often sealed in plastic wrap. Note:  For eco-friendly reasons, some publisher and distributor do not wrap books in plastic.
  • Characteristics:
    • Sealed and unopened (if wrapped in plastic)
    • No signs of wear or handling.
    • Pristine condition with no visible defects.

USED - LIKE NEW:

  • Definition: Manga that has not been used, barely or lightly used or used but well maintained.
  • Characteristics:
    • Pages show no visible unnatural yellowing or discoloration.
    • Cover and/or spine may have very minimal or no scratches.
    • No tears, creases, or folds on pages or covers.
    • No writing, markings, or stickers present.

USED - VERY GOOD:

  • Definition: Manga that has been used, showing moderate signs of wear.
  • Characteristics:
    • Unnatural yellowing may be visible on pages due to age.
    • Cover and/or spine have little to no scratches or minor dents.
    • Slight wear on corners and edges.
    • No major tears, folds, or creases.
    • No writing or stickers.

USED - GOOD:

  • Definition: Manga that has been read and shows noticeable wear.
  • Characteristics:
    • Visible yellowing on pages.
    • Cover and/or spine have visible scratches, small dents, or scuffs.
    • Moderate wear on corners and edges.
    • Possible small tears, folds, or creases on pages and cover.
    • May contain minor writing, markings, or stickers.

USED - FAIR:

  • Definition: Manga that has been heavily used and shows significant wear.
  • Characteristics:
    • Pronounced yellowing, folds, tears, or creases on pages and cover.
    • Wear is evident on corners, edges, and spine.
    • Possible writing, markings, or stickers

USED - LIBRARY COPY:

  • Definition: Manga previously owned by a library, often with library markings or stickers.
  • Characteristics:
    • All pages intact and readable.
    • Visible wear, tears, yellowing, and/or creases on pages and cover.
    • May have library stickers or markings on cover or spine.

Notes for Customers:

  • Spine Condition: Check for any creases, breaks, or fading.
  • Cover Condition: Look for scratches, stains, or residue from stickers.
  • Page Condition: Ensure pages are complete, without significant tears or markings that affect readability.
  • Out of Print manga may be priced higher than the original retail price due to high demand and limited availability, regardless of condition.

 

For any additional inquiries about our condition guide, please contact us at dottedlinesshop@gmail.com.

 

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