It would be nice if manga was cheaper, but the prices aren't outrageous (at least not in the USA). In fact, manga is offen cheaper than compilations of American comics; the former goes as low as $10.00, while the latter hovers around $13.00. Heck, it's not uncommon to find novels that cost more than manga; my copies of The Zap Gun and Dr. No cost $12.00 and $13.00, respectively, whereas my Fushigi Yugi collection cost $9.95 per book.