The Prince of Tennis Manga Editions: All 42 Volumes

Looking for a breakdown of every The Prince of Tennis manga edition available in English? You’re in the right place. The Prince of Tennis (テニスの王子様) by Takeshi Konomi is a tennis-themed manga — a style of Japanese comic book read right-to-left — that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump, a popular Japanese manga magazine, from July 1999 through March 2008. The series spans 379 chapters across 42 volumes. (In manga, a “chapter” is an individual installment originally published in the magazine, while a “volume” is the collected paperback book containing roughly nine of those chapters.) The entire run has been published in English by VIZ Media, one of the largest publishers of translated manga in North America.

But figuring out which editions exist, what’s still available, and how to build a collection without burning through your budget? That part takes a little more homework. This guide breaks it all down — whether you’ve come to the series from the anime adaptation, heard about it from a friend, or just discovered it for the first time.

The Smartest Way to Own All of The Prince of Tennis Manga Editions

Here’s the short version before we get into details:

• The original series is 42 volumes, and it’s complete. No waiting for future releases — the whole story is out there.
• Every English volume was published by VIZ Media in the standard single-volume format. No omnibus editions (collected books that bundle multiple volumes into one), no deluxe hardcovers, and no box sets currently exist for the English release, and none have been announced.
• The sequel series, New Prince of Tennis, is a separate work by the same author. It has its own volume numbering and is not part of the original 42-volume run. English availability of the sequel is limited, so confirm what’s offered before purchasing.
• Digital editions are the most reliable and affordable way to access the full 42-volume run right now, especially since many physical volumes have become harder to find new.
• Not sure you want to commit yet? Check your local library first — many carry popular manga, and you can read before you buy. More on that below.

If you just want to read the story and don’t care about physical books on a shelf, digital is the clear winner. If you want that full physical shelf of 42 spines? Totally doable — but it’ll take patience and some hunting.

For readers coming from the anime: the manga covers the same core story as the animated series but goes into greater depth with certain matches and characters. The manga is the original source material, so reading it gives you the complete, uncut version of the story Konomi intended.

Every Edition of The Prince of Tennis Available in English

Standard Single Volumes (Vols. 1–42)

This is the core product — and really, the only physical English format that exists for the original series. VIZ Media released all 42 volumes as individual paperbacks. They use the smaller, compact book size typical of VIZ’s manga line, so they’re uniform on a shelf.

Each volume covers roughly nine chapters of the original magazine serialization (the practice of publishing a story in installments over time). The translation is full and unabridged — no chapters or content have been cut from the English release. VIZ kept the Japanese sound effects with English translations alongside them in most volumes, a standard approach for their releases from that era. The translation quality is consistent across the run.

Here’s the reality check, though: this series wrapped up in English well over a decade ago. Many volumes — particularly mid-run ones that weren’t first or last printings — are no longer readily available as new copies from major retailers. Early volumes (1–5) and the final volume (42) tend to be easier to track down because they had higher initial print runs and ongoing demand. Volumes in the 15–30 range? Those can be genuinely scarce as new copies.

Volume 42 is the final volume of the original series, and it’s a good benchmark for availability if you’re just starting to explore physical copies.

Digital Editions

If availability and price are your main concerns, digital is where this series shines right now. The complete 42-volume run is available across major digital platforms including Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo.

Digital volumes are typically cheaper per volume than physical copies at retail — and dramatically cheaper than what some out-of-print physical volumes sell for on the resale market from other collectors and sellers. You also get the advantage of instant access: no waiting for shipping, no worrying about condition, and no shelf space required.

One note for device choice: manga reads best on tablets or larger screens where the artwork can display at full size. Dedicated e-ink e-readers like Kindle Paperwhite can display manga, but the smaller screen and grayscale display make the experience less smooth than a tablet. If you’re planning to read all 42 volumes digitally, a tablet or phone with a larger screen will serve you better.

For a 42-volume series, the savings from going digital add up fast. Even small per-volume savings multiply across the full run into meaningful money.

One practical tip: digital manga platforms run periodic sales throughout the year — major storefronts typically have multiple sale events annually, often around holidays and seasonal promotions. If you’re not in a rush, adding the series to your wishlist and waiting for a sale event can save you a significant chunk across all 42 volumes. Patience is genuinely rewarded when collecting a longer series digitally.

The Sequel: New Prince of Tennis

After finishing the original 42-volume series, Takeshi Konomi continued the story with New Prince of Tennis (新テニスの王子様). This sequel has been serialized in Japan, where 47 volumes have been released as of mid-2026. In February 2026, it was announced that the series would be concluding within its final chapters.

A few important things to know:

• New Prince of Tennis is a completely separate series. It has its own volume numbering starting at Vol. 1. It is not volumes 43–whatever of the original.
• English availability is limited. Unlike the original series, which VIZ Media published in full, a confirmed English-language release of the sequel through a major publisher has not been verified. If you’re interested in reading it, check current retailer listings carefully to see what’s actually available before purchasing.
• You do not need to read it to enjoy the original series. The Prince of Tennis tells a complete story across its 42 volumes.
• However, if you love the characters and want to see what happens next, the sequel picks up the story and expands the world.
• The sequel features a different tone and escalation compared to the original — the matches get even more over-the-top, which is part of the fun.

If you’re just getting started, focus on the original 42 volumes first.

Three Budget Plans — From Cheapest to Collector

Not everyone has the same budget or the same goals. Here are three approaches to building your Prince of Tennis collection, from the most affordable to the most ambitious.

Budget Build — Digital Only

Best for: Readers who want the full story at the lowest possible cost.

• Buy all 42 volumes digitally through your preferred platform
• Wait for platform-wide manga sales to pick up volumes at reduced prices — these happen multiple times per year on most major storefronts
• Total cost will vary depending on timing, but digital is consistently the cheapest way to own the complete series
• Zero shelf space needed, and you can read on your phone or tablet
• Every volume is available digitally, so there are no gaps to hunt for

This is the no-stress option. You’ll have the entire series accessible anytime, and the total cost stays very reasonable for a 42-volume manga.

Balanced Build — Mix of Digital and Physical

Best for: Readers who want some physical books on the shelf but don’t want to spend a fortune chasing every volume.

• Buy a handful of key physical volumes: Vol. 1 to own the start of the series, volumes from the later tournament storylines (roughly the mid-twenties onward, where the National Tournament — the series’ climactic competition — takes center stage), and Vol. 42 as the finale
• Fill in the rest of the run digitally
• This approach gives you physical books to display and flip through while keeping costs controlled
• You avoid the headache of hunting for scarce mid-run volumes at inflated prices
• A good middle ground that gives you the best of both formats

Most fans who go this route end up with maybe 5–10 physical volumes and the rest in digital. There’s no rule — buy physically whatever volumes matter most to you personally.

Collector Build — Full Physical Set

Best for: Dedicated collectors who want all 42 spines lined up on a shelf.

• Be prepared for a longer-term project. This is not a “one shopping cart” purchase.
• Early volumes and the final volume are generally the easiest to find. Mid-run volumes (roughly the teens through the twenties) tend to be the trickiest.
• You’ll likely need to rely on used copies for many volumes. That’s completely normal for a series from this era.
• Condition varies widely on used copies — yellowing on page edges (cosmetic, not affecting readability), spine creasing (surface-level wear that doesn’t cause pages to fall out in most cases), and general shelf wear are common on copies that are 15+ years old. None of these typically prevent you from reading and enjoying the book.
• Set a price ceiling for yourself before you start. It’s easy to overpay for a single volume when you’re deep into the hunt and just want to fill a gap.
• Check multiple sources: online used book marketplaces, local used bookstores, manga conventions, and community buy/sell groups.

Building a complete physical set of 42 volumes is absolutely achievable, but it rewards patience more than urgency. Volumes cycle in and out of availability on secondhand markets regularly.

Where to Find Deals on Prince of Tennis Volumes

A 42-volume series means every dollar you save per volume multiplies 42 times. Here’s where to look:

• Library access: Before buying anything, check whether your local library system carries The Prince of Tennis. Many libraries stock popular manga physically, and digital lending apps like Libby and Hoopla — free apps that let you borrow ebooks and digital comics through your library card — sometimes carry VIZ titles. This lets you read the series for free and decide which volumes you want to own permanently before spending a cent.

• Used copies online: Major secondhand book marketplaces are your best friend for physical volumes. Many volumes that are hard to find new will pop up used at reasonable prices. The key is checking regularly — don’t expect every volume to be listed at once.

• Local used bookstores: If you have used bookstores in your area, especially ones with a manga section, it’s worth browsing. Series from the 2000s manga boom era show up frequently in used shops since they were widely purchased during that period.

• Manga conventions and swap meets: Vendor booths and attendee sales at anime/manga conventions often have older VIZ titles at fair prices. If you’re already attending, bring a list of your missing volumes.

• Digital sales: As mentioned above, digital storefronts run manga sales periodically. Some platforms let you set up wishlist notifications. For a 42-volume series, even small per-volume discounts add up to real savings.

• Watch specific volumes: If you’re waiting for a particular physical volume to drop in price, checking its listing every week or two will usually catch it near your target price — low effort, real savings.

Buying Mistakes That Cost Money With This Series

Manga collecting is fun, but a few common mistakes with this particular series can waste real money. Here’s what to watch for:

Mistake 1: Assuming an omnibus or box set exists. This is probably the most common one. Many popular VIZ series eventually get omnibus editions or box sets, so it’s natural to assume The Prince of Tennis has them too. As of now, no omnibus or box set exists for the English release of the original series, and none has been announced. If you wait around for one, you’re waiting for something that may never come. Plan around the singles and digital editions that actually exist.

Mistake 2: Buying New Prince of Tennis volumes thinking they’re part of the original series. The sequel has its own separate volume numbering, but if you’re shopping quickly and just searching “Prince of Tennis Vol. 1,” you might grab the wrong Vol. 1. Always double-check whether you’re looking at the original series or the sequel. The covers and overall visual design are different, but the titles are similar enough to cause confusion — especially in online listings.

Mistake 3: Overpaying for common volumes. Not all 42 volumes are equally hard to find. Volumes 1–5 and Volume 42 had larger print runs and continue to circulate more frequently. If someone is charging a premium for Vol. 1 or Vol. 42, shop around — you can almost certainly find it cheaper. Save your patience (and your budget) for the genuinely scarce mid-run volumes.

Mistake 4: Ignoring digital when physical is scarce. If a physical volume is listed at several times its original cover price, ask yourself: am I buying this to read, or to collect? If the answer is “to read,” just grab the digital version. Paying collector prices for a reading copy is the kind of decision that feels silly a month later. You can always upgrade to physical later if a reasonably priced copy turns up.

Mistake 5: Not checking condition on used purchases. Manga volumes from the 2000s era commonly show yellowing on page edges, creased spines, and general shelf wear. None of that affects readability, but if you’re building a display-quality collection, you need to pay attention. Ask for photos of the actual copy before buying, especially from individual sellers. “Good condition” means very different things to different people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many volumes of The Prince of Tennis are there?

The original series is 42 volumes, and it’s complete. All 42 volumes have been published in English by VIZ Media. The story covers 379 chapters total, starting from Ryoma’s arrival at Seishun Academy — the middle school where the series is set — through the conclusion of the National Tournament, the final championship competition that serves as the story’s climax.

Is The Prince of Tennis fully translated in English?

Yes. VIZ Media published all 42 volumes in English as a full, unabridged translation. There are no missing volumes, skipped chapters, or cut content. You can read the entire original series in English from start to finish exactly as it was published in Japan.

Is there a box set or omnibus edition?

No box set or omnibus edition currently exists for the English release of the original series, and none has been announced. The standard single volumes (1–42) and digital editions are the available formats. If this changes in the future, it would be announced through VIZ Media’s official channels.

Do I need to read New Prince of Tennis after the original?

You don’t need to, no. The original 42-volume series tells a complete story with a proper ending. New Prince of Tennis is a sequel that continues the story with returning and new characters. It’s a great read if you love the world and want more, but the original stands on its own perfectly well.

Are the physical volumes still in print?

Availability varies significantly by volume. Some volumes — particularly early ones and Vol. 42 — can still be found new from retailers. Many mid-run volumes appear to be out of print or very limited in new stock. Used copies and digital editions are the practical alternatives for volumes that are hard to find new.

What’s the difference between The Prince of Tennis and New Prince of Tennis?

They’re two separate series by the same author, Takeshi Konomi. The Prince of Tennis is the original 42-volume series, published in English by VIZ Media. New Prince of Tennis is the sequel with its own volume numbering. They share characters and continuity, but they’re distinct series with separate volume counts. English availability of the sequel is limited compared to the original, so verify what’s currently offered before purchasing.