War of the Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket: Yen Press vs Tokyopop

So I know I said I wouldn’t double dip on Fruits Basket.

Well, I lied.

Darn you, sales! (Plus a review copy.)

So, what are the differences between the two Fruits Basket manga? Is the Collector’s Edition a much-needed upgrade?

Let’s have a battle: Yen Press’ Fruits Basket vs Tokyopop’s Fruits Basket!

Warning: image-heavy post ahoy!  In comparison pictures, the Yen Press version is on top, the Tokyopop version on bottom.

(Yes, I know I mixed up the second and third volumes in the pictures.)


Appearance and Format

The Collector’s Edition is about 1″ taller than the Tokyopop edition and 3/4″ wider. This is, of course, to help balance out the enormous page count. Six volumes of Tokyopop’s Fruits Basket end up being a bit thicker than the three omnibuses. Tokyopop covers are the usual slightly glossy versus Yen Press’ matte (almost fabric-y).

Fruits Basket Height Comparison

Fruits Basket Width Comparison

The two drawings of Tohru are strikingly different due to Takaya’s change in style. She drew new covers for the Collector’s Edition. The Japanese version also included the title in English, but Yen Press did not use the all-caps font from the Japanese version. The one they made is much better. As for Tokyopop, I actually really like how they enhanced the original Japanese covers by including the zodiac symbols, but their logo is boring.

The back covers of the Collector’s Edition, in keeping with the Japanese version, only feature a character drawing. The original has a book synopsis and small picture. Yen Press’s covers also act as a faux dust jacket with a summary inside. Tokyopop’s version has color images on the inside covers.

Fruits Basket Back Covers

Fruits Basket Inside

I have issues with Yen Press’ version. Do you see those black dots on the cover? Looks like some sort of inking issue. This is actually the replacement copy I received. The first had those dots covering much more of Tohru, and there was a stain right above the logo. This is not the only thing, but that’s for later. Volume two has a few of those same small marks, but volume 3 seems to change the cover material. It’s more smooth. Which is good since it seems to get damaged fairly easily. The copies I bought already have dings and slight peeling.

Fruits Basket Volume 1

I really don’t like omnibuses, as they tend to be harder to hold. These omnibuses certainly are heavy, and I always worry about spines. I also think Fruits Basket is made to be enjoyed slowly, and omnibuses are geared more toward reading marathons. I really wish Yen Press had made this a hardcover release. It would be more fitting of a collector’s edition (although the Japanese release isn’t either).

Tokyopop did start to release the series in large, hardcover format, but that version is incomplete. But here’s a comparison picture between their Ultimate Edition and the Collector’s Edition: (Thanks, Coco!)

Fruits Basket Ultimate Comparison

Because of the format and and covers, I rule…

Winner: Tokyopop


Print Quality

Technology has changed a lot in the decade since Tokyopop published Fruits Basket. The way manga is sent to other countries has changed as well. Most companies get digital files straight from Japan versus having to scan manga and then alter the text and dialogue. As you might expect, the Yen Press looks brighter. This is really noticeable when you compare the screentones and Kyo’s hair.

Fruits Basket Bear Comparison

That’s not to say that Tokyopop’s version is ugly or unreadable. It’s just they used an older process. Trust me, I’ve read many Tokyopop’s manga, and I know a bad job. This is not one of those. It’s like comparing a DVD to a Blu-ray. You will see a picture difference if you have seen the original, but most DVDs already look good.

Again, I had an issue with the first volume from Yen Press: two pages were stuck together! They were never cut apart!

Fruits Basket Error

Finally, Yen Press uses the popular Wild Words font for the dialogue. Tokyopop uses a tall, skinny font that looks rather light. I think a light font fits Tohru’s optimistic attitude, but Wild Words is just easier to read. (Maybe because I’m used to it?)

Winner: Yen Press


Translation

Tokyopop often has a reputation for low-quality work. Part of this is, again, due to the fact that Japanese companies weren’t marketing their products for a world audience.

However, more than anything, the company tended to be inconsistent. With Fruits Basket being requested by so many fans, Tokyopop fortunately rewarded readers with one of the best translation and adaptation jobs in their catalog. Their release was also notable for its use of honorifics and some rather popular (at least in fan world) Japanese terms. I assumed Yen Press would get the rights to the original translation (maybe with edits), just as Dark Horse pretty much uses Tokyopop’s versions for their CLAMP releases. I know some of Tokyopop’s series have been retranslated (Love Hina comes to mind), but the twins (who did not do the adaptation) currently do work for Yen Press. That’s why I was surprised to learn the series was redone. (Thanks to Coco for the comparisons!)

Anyways, most of the translation differences are rather minor. Each version chooses different terms to keep the Japanese terms for. For things that are more significant, it mostly comes down to stylistic preferences. Like, do you translate a proverb directly or find an equivalent English substitute? I don’t own either version of Fruits Basket in Japanese, so many of the changes could actually be Takaya altering the dialogue for the Collector’s Edition.

Tokyopop Yen Press
Damn Yuki Yucky Yuki
Onigiri Rice ball
Yankee Delinquent
Mabudachi Trio Three Musketeers
Dai Hin Min Rich Man, Poor Man
Sitting straight Seiza-style

Sample sentences:

Tokyopop: “Hey, Lobster Face. Can we go now or would you like us to help extract your foot from your mouth?”
Yen Press: “Dummy! We already finished.”

Tokyopop: “Did you know… that the Chinese Zodiac is actually a timekeeping system of tens and ones?”
Yen Press: “Honda-san, did you know… the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac are really part of the ten heavenly stars and twelve earthly branches?”

Tokyopop: “My head is spinning just from being around him.”
Yen Press: “He’s so handsome that it felt like he siphoned my soul…”

Tokyopop: “But you hate my cooking.”
Yen Press: “I could, but I’m sure you would bitch about it.”

(First set is thanks to Coco!)

Fruits Basket Opening: Yen Press Fruits Basket Opening: Tokyopop

Fruits Basket Proverb: Yen PressFruits Basket Proverb: Tokyopop

Fruits Basket Meeting: Yen PressFruits Basket Meeting: Tokyopop

Tokyopop tends to use footnotes when needed, but Yen Press includes translation notes. Overall, Yen Press seems to be more accurate but a bit stilted (siphoned your soul?); Tokyopop is more natural despite punching up the dialogue. (Uo-chan’s crack about foot-in-mouth is just plain more fun than the “done” in the Collector’s Edition.)

As for the Japanese text, Yen Press translates or edits everything. For instance, the title of Shigure’s book is left untranslated in Tokyopop’s version, only adding a footnote translating the summary. Yen Press erases the Japanese text and replaces both the title and summary with English.

Fruits Basket Yen PressFruits Basket Tokyopop

Winner: Tie


Extras

Tokyopop really put a lot of effort into Fruits Basket. Volumes contain info on the zodiac, interviews, game instructions, and fanart. These were all added for the English version. Yen Press includes translation notes, but they also have the aforementioned color pages.

Fruits Basket Color Pages

Another thing to consider is that Takaya removed all the author’s notes in the Collector’s Edition. She felt they were out of date. These are pretty interesting, as they document her love of games, makes comments on the story, and just shares her feelings what’s going on in her life. These are replaced with drawings, mostly of chibi characters.

Fruits Basket Extras

The color pages seem like it would give Yen Press the victory, but I really like the author’s notes and Tokyopop-exclusive extras.

Winner: Tie


Price

Let’s start with Yen Press’ version. That’s 12 volumes x $20.00 MSRP = $240. Considering this is a two-in-one release with color pages and a faux dust jacket, this is cheaper than their average releases or series like Until Death Do Us Part. Of course Tokyopop’s version is out-of-print. Individual volumes on Amazon range from $0.01 + shipping to $12+. The complete series was going for around $200 before Yen Press picked it up, but now they have been dipping to as low as $75. Even if you got all of the Collector’s Edition versions for 40% off, that’s $140.

As for the color pages, you could import the art books for $15-20, so even if you add another $40, you’re still coming out ahead. However, this is comparing new to used. If you manage to score the entire Yen Press version for 50% off or more, the price difference narrows. The first two volumes have sold for less than $9 on Amazon. On the other hand (I know, I keep going back and forth), I’m sure the Tokyopop versions will drop a little more as more volumes of the new version come out. Perhaps people will get lucky and score the whole series for around $50? And maybe someone grabbing the art books for the English audience isn’t out of the realm of possibility?

This one really comes down to whether you want new or used. Are you the kind who wants a special edition, or is the lack of color pages irrelevant to you? This one is up to you, so I’ll say…

Winner: Either


Final Score

Tokyopop: 1
Yen Press: 1
Tie: 2
Either: 1

Yeah… As you can see, this is not a clear case. I can think of several Tokyopop series that have a poor translation and are low quality, rushed releases, but Fruits Basket is not one of them. If you’ve happily lived with your Tokyopop copies for 10 years, and they are still in good condition, you are not missing much by skipping the Yen Press version. If you’re new to Fruits Basket and just want the cheapest option, start stalking eBay. In either case, you can import the art books if you want the color images.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s always great to have an out-of-print series become available again. But just like all Blu-ray special editions are not always vastly superior to their original release, Tokyopop’s Fruits Basket can hold its own against Yen Press’ version. Only die-hard fans (or suckers like me) will need to upgrade.

However, the Collector’s Edition is the better option if you either want to collect volumes at your own pace (i.e. pick up a volume here and there without worrying about scalpers) or just prefer your books in unread condition. If you’re missing a few volumes in your Tokyopop set, it might be cheaper and easier to pick up some of the Yen Press volumes instead, even if the omnibus contains a volume you already own. (As long as you don’t mind having two different formats on your shelf, of course.) You’re going to have to do the math to see which way is better for you.

I hope this helped you make an informed decision, but I’m sorry if you were hoping for a clear answer as to which one is better!


 

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28 Comments

  1. Coco

    LOL. You’re welcome! You are more than welcome to use the omnibus comparison photos from our twitter conversation. ^_^_v

    I too was also hesitant at first to get YP’s version, but I flipped through it at my local B&N and had to have it. It helps that B&N has their sales/coupons ALL the time because I think I spent $12 per omnibus (1-3).

    I’m also teeter-tottering between the 2 versions. Just like you I like TP’s extras, but I like YP’s color inserts. Out of the 3 volumes from YP so far, I’m still 50/50 on which version I like.

    I guess I’m also a sucker, since I’ll probably buy all of YP’s version, which means I will own 3 versions of Fruits Basket in my collection: TP’s omnibus, YP’s omnibus, and Carlsen Manga digital manga. -_-

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      Thanks, I’ll be including the pictures!

      I probably will double-dip, but only when I find it really cheap. But I give you credit for triple-dipping! I’d do that for Sailor Moon, but not much else. Hoping Amazon will sell the other volumes for <$10 like volumes 1 & 2.

      Reply
      1. Coco

        I only double-dipped because the German adaptation was better and I was obligated to complete it. xD

        Reply
    2. Toni

      This is stupid question, there are 24 book for toykopop. Does this mean that collection is only 12 book because each manga is two manga combine.

      Reply
  2. Leafさんの夢が。。。

    I agree with all your points but the one thing that bugs me more than anything is the fact that these new omnibus are so easily dirtied/damaged. I woul’dve preferred a hardcover or a glossy cover but I’m still glad we’re getting this series and I don’t have to burn hundreds of $ on ebay just to get the series.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      Yeah, I appreciate them trying to keep the price low, but a “collector’s edition” shouldn’t have a sub-par cover.

      Reply
      1. Leafさんの夢が。。。

        It seems they do this all the time with shojo-not just Yen Press. 🙁

        Reply
  3. The Otaku Judge

    Excellent post, a very comprehensive comparison. I seldom double dip, but when stuff goes on sale and you are a big fan of a property I can understand that the temptation to buy is hard to resist.

    A tie seems fair. The collector’s edition has nicer covers but in terms of translation I have to say lobster face is a funnier insult.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      I agree. Most people would probably get in trouble talking to a teacher that way, but it’s just so hilariously snarky.

      Reply
  4. LitaKino

    A very good comparison posts on these my dear ^^ Now you have torn me as I wanted to get the new copies of fruits basket at some point now I am torn >.< LOL

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      I don’t think it’s the worst/least needed case of double-dipping,, but I also don’t think it’s a high priority. Either version is fine for most people.

      Reply
      1. LitaKino

        I still want to buy the new versions kinda still maybe i’ll get both collections haha lol I like omnibus manga’s I like how big they are hehe 🙂

        Reply
  5. tcondon1

    Wow, it seems you had a lot of problems with volume 1. Mine didn’t have the ink problem but each volume has come with a dent or slight stain from the type of cover on them.

    I’m actually collecting the Yen Press release because I read Fruits Basket from my local library and they recently got rid of their volumes.

    I’m sad to see Takaya’s notes gone but she isn’t the first to do it. The same happened in Viz Media’s release of Phantom Thief Jeanne. Since I owned half the series from CMX’s release I was able to see differences right away.

    Great post! You did a good job outlining the differences between the releases.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      I didn’t know that about Jeanne. I wasn’t a big fan of CMX’s release, but I fell in love with the Japanese second edition manga and would probably double-dip on that version instead of Viz Media’s. I’m curious now though if she made any other changes!

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed the post! Sorry to hear you also have issues with the cover quality. Hoping Yen Press fixes that.

      Reply
      1. tcondon1

        Yeah. I’m a huge Arina fan so I own some of the CMX release. I was excited when I found out it was getting a new release by Viz but I’m sad about her author notes. Her discussions about drawing the cover pages were always very interested. I’m not sure if Arina herself removed them or if they just weren’t translated because I feel a lot of author notes aren’t translated anymore.

        Reply
        1. lys

          I haven’t seen the Japanese rerelease of Jeanne but I would guess that if they weren’t in the English edition, it’s because they weren’t in the Japanese either. I can see how most authors would find their years-old rambling to be in need of updates to reflect their current thoughts, even though the fans value them as insight into the author’s mind at the time of writing. Having new/different content is also a way to draw existing fans to pick up the new release, and the Fruits Basket Collector’s editions do have a newly-written author’s note and character drawing at the end of each volume.

          I have not experienced any US publishers that leave out/don’t translate author notes from the original… unless they’re the ones on the dust jacket of the original, in which case it may be a matter of not having any spare pages to fit them into the US edition (the way printing works, books generally need to have pages in increments of 16 (called “signatures”), and the original content of the Japanese book is usually already calculated to that requirement, so it’s not a simple matter to just add in one extra page at the end). But these days I see even those dust jacket notes included in several of the series I follow. (and not all Japanese editions have author’s notes either, so without comparing a book to the original it’s hard to know if you are missing something or if it never existed.)

          Reply
          1. Krystallina

            Yeah, I can understand some of their ramblings are dated, but some are just so much fun! I really enjoyed Takaya, for instance, rambling about her gaming addictions. But I know some releases like Kodansha USA’s Sailor Moon left out the author comics. They were interesting, and it was very disappointing Kodansha skipped them.

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  7. SnowWolf

    Thanks for comparing them. I did a comparison on my blog of Tokyopop’s and the Singapore English version. I may have to get the collector’s edition and update my blog to include it.

    http://mangaanotherstory.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/fruits-basket-volume-1-comparison.html

    Not a fan of honorifics and Japanese words left in a translation, but we’ll see.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina

      Interesting comparisons! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  8. Amy

    Hi! What art books are you referring to – i.e. what are their names so I could look for them to buy?

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      One is usually just called Fruits Basket Art Book (sometimes Fruits Basket Illustrations). The other is the Fruits Basket Character Book. Here are some Amazon links for you to check out:
      https://amzn.to/2Zptxru
      https://amzn.to/38m6Ete
      Enjoy!

      Reply
      1. Amy

        Thank you!! Great comparison job.

        Reply
      2. Amy

        One more question! 🙂 I was assuming from your post that the Collector’s Ed. contains all the art from those art books. Is that the case or is it just some of it, do you know?

        Reply
        1. Krystallina (Post author)

          I’m pretty sure the manga doesn’t contain all of the artbooks’ content. On the other hand, the artbooks don’t contain all the color images either since they were released before the end of the manga. I don’t think there’s a way to collect all of Takaya’s artwork unfortunately, and I am surprised there hasn’t been an anniversary artbook collection that includes more of her drawings. No matter which book(s) you buy, there is going to be some overlap.
          In short, if you want a little bit of her art, then the CE manga is the way to go. If you have/are going to get the original release, then the artbooks (particularly the white covered one with Tohru) will fill the color artwork void without stretching your wallet on a double-dip. A super fan will probably get them all, lol. Hope this helps!

          Reply
          1. Amy

            Yes, thanks!

  9. Toni

    Can someone help me explain this to me. There fruits basket collection edition vs original. Collection has 12 manga but original has 24. Collection 12 manga are two manga combine together.

    Reply
    1. Krystallina (Post author)

      Yes, the new versions are 2-in-1 omnibuses. The final volume of the Collector’s Edition includes a bunch of bonus material to balance out the fact there are only 23 manga volumes.

      Reply

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