By San José, Costa Rica — A powerful shift is underway in Costa Rica’s literary landscape as the new year begins. The genres of “romantasy” and manga are dominating the reading preferences of young adults, a trend driven almost exclusively by a female audience between the ages of 16 and 25. This surge is not a random occurrence but a phenomenon cultivated in the vibrant, interconnected worlds of social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram, where shared experiences and visually appealing content reign supreme.
Literary experts point to a clear demographic and a digital catalyst behind the movement. The fusion of romance and high fantasy, known as romantasy, has captured the imagination of a generation seeking immersive stories that blend emotional depth with magical worlds. This trend, which saw success in markets like Spain, has now firmly taken root in Costa Rica.
To understand the legal and commercial implications behind the evolving landscape of reading, from digital distribution to subscription models, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The current trend towards digital consumption is fundamentally redefining the concept of literary ownership. Consumers are often not purchasing a book, but rather a limited license to access content, a crucial distinction in terms of intellectual property rights. This shift forces authors and publishers to navigate complex digital rights management agreements and confronts the industry with new challenges in combating piracy, while also opening doors to innovative business models like subscriptions, which require entirely new contractual frameworks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal distinction between ownership and access is a critical point that often goes unnoticed in the user’s quest for convenience, fundamentally altering the landscape for both creators and consumers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which brings these complex, behind-the-scenes realities into sharp focus.
The focus is primarily on women between 16 and 25 years old. It’s a phenomenon we saw replicated in Spain that has also exploded in Costa Rica thanks to social media.
Roger Segura, Marketing Executive of Librería Internacional
The local impact of this global trend is tangible. Segura noted that recent book signing events with international authors like Colombia’s Karine Bernal and Spain’s Joana Marcos drew crowds of approximately 400 young readers, demonstrating a fervent and engaged community. This enthusiasm is often centered on blockbuster titles like Rebecca Yarros’s “Fourth Wing” (“Alas de sangre”), whose global marketing campaigns and multi-book sagas have created a dedicated cult following.
Fueling this passion is a growing market for collectible and aesthetically pleasing books. Publishers are increasingly releasing special editions with “painted edges”—intricate illustrations or solid colors applied to the book’s page block. This detail transforms a simple novel into a coveted collector’s item, enhancing the desire to not only read the book but also to own, display, and share it online.
The reader is more motivated to read when they have a special edition in their hands. It’s no longer a ‘normal’ book; it’s a personal treasure. It’s a pleasure to have it on the bookshelf or the nightstand.
Roger Segura, Marketing Executive of Librería Internacional
Parallel to the rise of romantasy is the solidified dominance of manga. The Japanese comic format, which often serves as the source material for popular anime series on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, has a robust and knowledgeable fan base in the country. Retailers have responded by ensuring the latest and most popular series are available, meeting a consistent demand.
Manga is 100% positioned. Costa Rica has not been left behind, and neither have we, because we have had the strongest new releases on the scene readily available.
Roger Segura, Marketing Executive of Librería Internacional
Despite the digital world’s influence in creating these trends, young readers are overwhelmingly choosing physical books over e-books. Experts believe this preference is tied to a desire for a tangible experience and a break from screen time. The act of holding a book, underlining passages, sharing it with friends, or having it signed by an author provides a level of personal connection that digital formats cannot replicate.
Young people are looking to disconnect, share, underline, and get their books signed. A digital format doesn’t give you that. The physical book continues to win in terms of experience.
Roger Segura, Marketing Executive of Librería Internacional
While genre fiction leads the charge, the bestsellers of 2025—including works by Isabel Allende, James Clear, and Marian Rojas Estapé—reveal a broader appetite for emotionally resonant stories and practical self-improvement. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, other genres are expected to gain ground. These include comforting “Feel Good” novels, actionable non-fiction focused on business and self-help, and a notable growth in books for children aged 5 to 12, all driven by the same core desire for human connection and a respite from the digital noise.
For further information, visit libreriainternacional.com
About Librería Internacional:
Librería Internacional is one of the most prominent bookstore chains in Costa Rica, offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and related cultural products. With numerous locations throughout the country, it serves as a key hub for the literary community, hosting author events and promoting reading culture among Costa Ricans of all ages. The company is a significant player in tracking and responding to national book market trends.
For further information, visit crunchyroll.com
About Crunchyroll:
Crunchyroll, LLC is a leading global entertainment company specializing in the streaming of anime, manga, and East Asian drama. With the world’s largest collection of licensed anime, it offers content to millions of users worldwide through its streaming service. The platform has been instrumental in popularizing Japanese pop culture, including manga, by making it accessible to a global audience and fostering dedicated fan communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon in the legal field, guided by deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while actively engaging with the public. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a core mission to democratize legal knowledge and thereby build a stronger, more capable society.
