My journey into the captivating world of manga began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple childhood fondness for dogs. I was a young girl in Thailand visiting relatives. They owned a small roadside bookstall and one day, a book with three dogs on the cover caught my eye. Without hesitation, I asked my parents to buy it for me.
This book was unique; it relied primarily on drawings to convey the story, characters’ actions, and emotions, rather than descriptive text. I was so engrossed that I finished it before lunch was even over!
Shortly after, I discovered another book featuring a white-haired boy with dog-like ears. This was my introduction to Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi, and my love for manga only grew from there.
My collection of these books expanded rapidly, and I soon learned they were called “manga.” To this day, I remain a dedicated manga fan. So, let’s explore the world of manga together.
What Exactly is Manga?
Simply put, manga (漫画) refers to graphic novels or comic books originating from Japan. While often created by Japanese authors and artists, this isn’t always the case.
A Brief History of Manga
The term “manga” emerged in the 18th century, coined by Hokusai, a renowned painter and printmaker from the Edo period famous for The Great Wave off Kanagawa. However, the roots of manga can be traced back to Buddhist picture scrolls from the 6th or 7th centuries.
Manga truly gained momentum in the mid-20th century thanks to the groundbreaking works of Osamu Tezuka. His innovative style revolutionized the medium, earning him the titles “Father of Manga” and “God of Manga.” In Japan, his birth and death dates, November 3rd and February 9th, are celebrated as Manga Day.
Manga vs. Comic Books/Graphic Novels
What distinguishes manga from other graphic novels and comic books?
Visually, the differences are apparent: art style, color palettes, and page layouts. American comics and graphic novels are read from left to right, while manga is read from right to left, starting from the back of the book and progressing from the top right to the bottom left of each page. Also, manga is typically printed in black and white, unlike the often colorful American comics.
Structurally, manga series generally have a single author throughout their entire run, a contrast to the rotating teams often found in long-running American superhero comics. This allows for a more consistent vision and storytelling style.
Understanding Manga Demographics
When exploring manga, you’ll encounter five primary demographic terms: kodomomuke, shounen, shoujo, seinen, and josei. These terms, while originating as target audience categories, are also used to describe manga genres outside of Japan. Knowing the demographics helps you find manga tailored to your interests.
Kodomomuke (子供向け)
This translates to “for children.” Kodomomuke, or kodomo, manga is designed for children under 10 years old.
Shounen (少年)
Shounen, meaning “young boy,” is perhaps the most popular demographic. Shounen manga targets male readers aged 12 to 18 and commonly features a young male protagonist navigating action-packed stories. Popular examples include Dragon Ball and Naruto.
Shoujo (少女)
Shoujo means “young girl.” Similar to shounen, shoujo manga is aimed at teen girls and usually centers on a young female protagonist dealing with romance and relationships.
Seinen (青年)
Seinen, while literally meaning “youth,” is aimed at older teen boys and adult men. It typically explores more mature and darker themes than shounen manga and can include graphic violence and intimacy.
Josei (女性)
Josei, meaning “female” or “woman,” is designed for older teen girls and adult women. Josei manga portrays more mature and realistic stories of love, family, and life, often told from the perspective of an adult female protagonist. The exploration of the daily lives is also shown in some Josei Manga.
Beyond Demographics: Breaking the Mold
These demographics serve as guidelines, not restrictions. A young boy can enjoy shoujo manga, just as an adult woman can love a shounen series.
Many manga defy demographic boundaries. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama, while officially classified as shounen, features a dark tone and graphic violence that may not be suitable for younger readers. Otomen by Aya Kanno, a shoujo manga, features a male protagonist, while The Ancient Magus’ Bride by Kore Yamazaki, classified as shounen, tells the story of a young girl apprenticed to an immortal magician.
Exploring Manga Genres
Beyond demographics, genres offer another way to find manga that suits your tastes. There are countless manga genres, and most titles fall into multiple categories.
Isekai (異世界)
Isekai translates to “different world.” This genre involves a protagonist transported to or reincarnated into another world. It shares similarities with portal fantasy.
Action/Adventure
These manga feature thrilling fights and high-stakes situations.
Fantasy
These manga immerse you in magical worlds.
Historical
These manga explore events and characters inspired by the past.
Mystery/Thrillers
These manga captivate with twists, turns, and characters solving intriguing cases.
Romance
These manga follow the blossoming of love and the support between two individuals.
Slice of Life
These manga focus on simple day-to-day events, both good and bad, and are usually episodic and character-driven.
Sports
These manga depict the drama, teamwork, and friendships found in the world of sports, ranging from realistic portrayals to fantastical exaggerations.
These recommendations are just a starting point. Your local library likely has countless series for you to discover and love. This overview showcases just how deep your love of that guide is love manga is.
