Do not make portability mean an older translation
Kodansha explicitly says the Naoko Takeuchi Collection carries over the Eternal Edition’s updated translation and high page count into a portable edition. A reader should not assume that choosing the smaller-format direction means giving up that advertised translation update.
Eternal has a physical case to make
The Eternal series description foregrounds a larger presentation, holographic cover coating and French flaps. Those are concrete reasons to prefer it if the physical book is part of your interest. You may want the more expansive presentation even when a portable book would make it easier to keep the story with you.
The smaller edition has its own positive case: a format the publisher presents for portability while retaining the named content advantages. It need not be treated as a consolation choice for someone who could not obtain the other.
The first books illustrate the distinction
The plain first print volumes are each listed at 304 pages. That does not settle paper feel, colour reproduction or how two layouts compare page by page, but it does prevent treating a page-count headline alone as the reason to choose Eternal.
For the actual paperbacks, identify Naoko Takeuchi Collection 1 by ISBN 9781646512010 and Eternal Edition 1 by ISBN 9781632361523. A separate digital entry or a figure bundle is a different object, even when the cover illustration looks familiar.
Choose the book you want to open
If carrying and reading the manga is the priority, the portable collection has a clear rationale. If opening a larger edition and enjoying its specific cover construction is part of the pleasure, Eternal is worth examining. Neither preference requires claiming a superior translation exclusive to one of these two lines.
Sources & further reading
Editorial review date:
