How Many Uzumaki Manga Volumes Are There?
Short answer: Uzumaki is a 3-volume manga by Junji Ito, but only one edition is currently in print — the hardcover Deluxe Edition. If you’re looking to read Uzumaki today, that’s the one to buy.
Junji Ito originally published Uzumaki chapter-by-chapter in Big Comic Spirits, a Japanese manga magazine, from January 1998 to August 1999. The story was collected into 3 individual volumes in Japan, containing 19 chapters plus one bonus “lost” chapter (Chapter 20: Galaxies) for a total of 20 chapters.
In English, VIZ Media has published Uzumaki manga volumes in two different editions over the years. The individual 3-volume paperback set came out in 2007–2008, and a hardcover 3-in-1 Deluxe Edition followed in 2013. Here’s the thing — the paperbacks are now out of print and sell for collector prices, while the Deluxe Edition is widely available and includes bonus content the paperbacks don’t have.
So while Uzumaki technically has 3 volumes, the practical answer for anyone looking to read it today is: you’re buying one book.
Uzumaki Edition Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?
There are two English editions of Uzumaki. One is easy to find and reasonably priced. The other requires hunting through used book markets and paying a premium. Here’s the breakdown.
Deluxe Hardcover Edition (The One to Get)
Published in October 2013, the Uzumaki 3-in-1 Deluxe Edition collects all three original volumes into a single 648-page hardcover. It retails for $27.99 and is currently in print, meaning you can walk into most bookstores or order it online without any trouble.
What makes this edition special isn’t just the convenience of having everything in one book. VIZ added 12 pages of full-color artwork that appear as a gallery at the front of the volume — a rare treat since Ito’s manga is almost entirely black-and-white. The Deluxe Edition also includes the “lost” chapter (Galaxies), which wasn’t part of the original Japanese volume release.
The hardcover binding holds up well. At 8.45 × 6.12 inches — slightly larger than a typical paperback novel — it’s a satisfying size for reading Ito’s detailed art, and the pages are thick enough that the heavier ink work doesn’t bleed through. It’s a chunky book at 2.28 pounds, which actually feels right for something this dense.
For anyone picking up Uzumaki for the first time — or replacing a worn-out copy — this is the edition to grab. Unless you’re a collector, the Deluxe Edition is the only version worth buying in 2026.
Uzumaki (3-in-1 Deluxe Edition)
2nd Edition Paperbacks (Collector’s Only)
VIZ released a 3-volume paperback set between October 2007 and February 2008. Each volume runs 208 pages and originally cost $9.99 — a reasonable price that would’ve put the complete series at about $30.
That price is long gone. These paperbacks are out of print and listed as “RARE” on collector markets. Used copies regularly sell for $30 to $60+ per volume, meaning a complete set could run you $90–$180 or more depending on condition.
The paperbacks also lack the color pages and the lost chapter that the Deluxe Edition includes. They’re smaller and lighter, which some readers prefer for portability, but that’s really the only advantage.
Unless you’re a Junji Ito collector who specifically wants the individual volumes for your shelf, there’s no practical reason to track these down. The Deluxe Edition gives you more content for a fraction of the price.
Uzumaki, Volume 3 (2nd Edition)
Are the Color Pages Worth the Hardcover Premium?
This is a fair question. You’re paying $28 for one big book versus what used to be $30 for three smaller ones. Is the Deluxe Edition actually better, or just more convenient?
The 12 color pages at the front of the Deluxe Edition are genuinely beautiful. Ito’s linework is already incredibly detailed in black-and-white — seeing select pages rendered in full color gives you a different appreciation for the craft. The spiral motifs that define Uzumaki take on an almost hypnotic quality when color is involved. If you’ve only ever seen Ito’s art in monochrome, the color gallery is a small but memorable addition.
Then there’s the lost chapter, Galaxies. It wasn’t included in the original Japanese volumes and only appeared in the Deluxe Edition for English readers. Whether you consider it essential to the story is debatable, but it’s bonus Uzumaki content that you literally cannot get in the paperback edition.
Here’s the math that really settles it: the Deluxe Edition costs around $28 new. The three out-of-print paperbacks, if you can even find them, would run $90+ total. The Deluxe Edition is cheaper and has more content. That’s not a close call.
For first-time readers, the Deluxe Edition is the obvious choice. For collectors who already own the paperbacks, the color pages and lost chapter make it worth double-dipping.
Where to Buy Uzumaki
The Deluxe Edition is in print and easy to find. Here’s where to look depending on what you’re after.
New Copies (Deluxe Edition)
- Amazon — Usually has the best price and fast shipping. Stock is consistent since the book is in print.
- Barnes & Noble — Available in-store and online. Good option if you want to see it before buying.
- Local bookstores — Many independent shops stock VIZ titles. Worth checking if you prefer shopping local.
- Digital — Available on Kindle and other digital platforms if you prefer reading on a tablet. The digital version includes all the same content, though the color pages won’t have the same impact on a small screen. Check current price on Amazon for the latest digital pricing.
Used Paperback Copies
- eBay — The most active marketplace for out-of-print manga. Set price alerts for reasonable deals.
- ThriftBooks / AbeBooks — Sometimes have copies at lower prices than eBay, but stock is unpredictable.
- Local used bookstores — If you happen to spot them in the wild, grab them. Finding all three volumes in one place is uncommon.
A quick note on condition: out-of-print manga tends to show its age. Yellowed pages, shelf wear, and ex-library stickers (markings showing the book was previously owned by a library) are common at the lower price points. If condition matters to you, expect to pay toward the higher end of that $30–$60 per volume range.
More Junji Ito to Read After Uzumaki
If Uzumaki is your first Junji Ito manga — you’re in for a treat, because he has a massive catalog. A great next pick:
Tomie was one of Ito’s earliest series and the work that launched his career. Where Uzumaki is about a town consumed by spirals, Tomie is about a girl who cannot be killed — and the obsession she creates in everyone around her. The Complete Deluxe Edition collects the entire series in one hardcover, matching the format of the Uzumaki Deluxe.
Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition
Quick Reference: Uzumaki Manga Volume Details
Here’s everything at a glance. Pin this for your next bookstore trip.
| Edition | ISBN | Pages | MSRP | Status | Bonus Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Edition (3-in-1) | 978-1421561325 | 648 | $27.99 | In Print | 12 color pages + lost chapter |
| Vol. 1 (2nd Ed) | 978-1421513898 | 208 | $9.99 | Out of Print | None |
| Vol. 2 (2nd Ed) | 978-1421513904 | 208 | $9.99 | Out of Print | None |
| Vol. 3 (2nd Ed) | 978-1421513911 | 208 | $9.99 | Out of Print | None |
The Deluxe Edition contains all the content from the three paperback volumes, plus extras. At roughly the same price as a single used paperback, it’s the clear winner for both new readers and collectors looking to upgrade.