The acclaimed 1990s manga series “Oldboy,” which inspired the groundbreaking 2003 Korean film and a 2013 Hollywood adaptation, is receiving a luxurious two-volume hardcover Deluxe Edition from Dark Horse Books.
Authored by Garon Tsuchiya and illustrated by Nobuaki Minegishi, these premium editions are set to launch in 2026. Each volume will be priced at $70. “Oldboy Deluxe Edition: Book One” is scheduled for release on January 26, 2026, with “Book Two” following on March 24, 2026. Both are currently available for preorder.
The Deluxe Editions promise an elevated reading experience, featuring hardcovers with metallic silver foil paper, a sleek ribbon bookmark, and an oversized 7″ x 10″ page format, making them larger than standard manga releases. Additionally, these volumes will include brand-new English translations by Kumar Sivasubramanian and updated lettering by Michael David Thomas and Kathryn Renta. “Book One” will collect volumes 1-4 of the original manga across 848 pages, while “Book Two” will complete the series, gathering volumes 5-8 in another 848-page omnibus.
For those unfamiliar with the story, “Oldboy” plunges into the harrowing tale of Shinichi Goto, a man who is inexplicably kidnapped and held captive in a mysterious private prison for a decade. Upon his sudden release, he embarks on a relentless investigation to uncover the architects of his torment, transforming his quest into a fierce pursuit of revenge.
If you’re also keen on experiencing the live-action adaptations, the highly praised 2003 film by director Park Chan-wook is available in both 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray formats. While the film takes some creative liberties—such as changing the protagonist’s name to Oh Dae-su and extending his imprisonment from 10 to 15 years, along with minor character alterations—it faithfully captures the manga’s core narrative. Be forewarned, the movie intensifies the violence and disturbing elements, delivering some truly gut-wrenching twists.
The 4K Blu-ray boasts a director-supervised 4K restoration and comes packed with bonus features. These include archival audio commentary from the director, cinematographer, and lead actors (Choi Min-sik, Yu Ji-tae, and Kang Hye-jung), a new commentary track with critics, a “Out of the Past” retrospective, deleted scenes with optional director’s commentary, 11 behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast and crew interviews, theatrical trailers, and an image gallery. A standard Blu-ray edition offers the same rich content and audio-visual restoration.
The 2013 American remake, directed by Spike Lee and starring Josh Brolin, is generally considered the weaker adaptation. While Brolin delivers a commendable performance, the film struggles to match the narrative depth and impact of its Korean predecessor and the original manga. Nevertheless, if you wish to see it, a Blu-ray edition is currently available at a reduced price.
Beyond “Oldboy,” Dark Horse Books has been a treasure trove for deluxe manga editions, reprinting several beloved series in a similar high-quality format. These special releases typically feature oversized pages, premium materials, and exquisite covers that truly make them feel like collector’s items.
Explore More Deluxe Manga:
- Berserk Deluxe Edition Manga: Dive into the dark fantasy world with volumes 1-14 currently available.
- Hellsing: Experience this cult-classic vampire tale that doesn’t shy away from bloodshed, with volumes 1-3 now released.
- H.P. Lovecraft Manga Adaptations: Immerse yourself in six translated books bringing Lovecraft’s cosmic horror to manga form.
- Planetes: From the creator of Vinland Saga, this sci-fi tale about space travel challenges is available in Volume 1, with Volume 2 up for preorder.
- Trigun Maximum: Follow the iconic gunslinger Vash the Stampede in volumes 1-5, available now.
- Vagabond Definitive Edition Manga: Witness the beautifully illustrated, fictionalized saga of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Volumes 1-3 are available, with 4-6 up for preorder.
- Vinland Saga: A thought-provoking saga of revenge and redemption, volumes 1-8 are currently available.