I think one of the biggest reason is how easy and accessible it is to read manga or watch anime. There are countless sites where you can consume each for free.

I tried a few years ago trying to find a way to read comics online for free and found nothing.

Sure not the most legal thing but when you are tight on cash, last thing I want to do is spend it on entertainment.

I did used to read a ton of comics growing up, but I would borrow them from the library.