What is Manga? An Easy Explanation for Everyone

Manga has a remarkably wide appeal, captivating audiences of all ages, from young children to seniors. It serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as an educational medium, covering diverse topics such as history, science, and social issues. This versatility contributes to manga\’s enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with a vast demographic.

Manga has a fascinating history that dates back centuries, originating from early illustrated scrolls and woodblock print books in Japan ^[6]. Over time, it evolved into the speech-balloon-based comics we know and love today, heavily influenced by American comic strips in the 1920s.

Today, manga is a massive global phenomenon, with a staggering market value of 675.9 billion yen in Japan alone as of 2022. It has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, even becoming a major force in the US comics industry, representing a whopping 76% of overall sales in 2021. Whether you\’re just starting your manga reading journey or an avid fan of anime, this art form offers a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be explored.

Genres

Manga is typically serialized in anthology magazines before being compiled into book format in Japan. These magazines are divided into roughly a dozen official publishing categories, primarily based on the age and gender of the intended audience. Some of the most common categories include:

1. Kodomomuke/Kodomo: For young children, primarily focused on life lessons.
2. Shonen: For adolescent boys, primarily focused on action, adventure, and coming-of-age stories. 
3. Shoujo: For adolescent girls, primarily focused on romance, slice-of-life, and friendship.
4. Josei: For adult women. Also known as lady comics. Primarily focused on emotionally engaging or serious, adult topics suitable for an older audience.
5. Seinen: For adult men. Primarily focused on psychologically engaging content.

Iconic Manga

The shoujo manga genre has given us some truly iconic and beloved series that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Here are a few standout titles that have left an indelible mark on the manga landscape:

1. Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi
   • One of the most popular and influential shoujo series of all time
   • Follows the adventures of Usagi Tsukino and her team of powerful guardians
   • Celebrated for its strong female characters and themes of friendship, love, and empowerment
2. Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
   • A heartwarming story about a young girl named Sakura who must capture magical cards
   • Known for its beautiful artwork, endearing characters, and positive messages
   • Remains a beloved classic among fans of all ages
3. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya
   • A touching and emotional series that explores themes of family, acceptance, and self-discovery
   • Follows the story of Tohru Honda and the mysterious Sohma family
   • Praised for its well-developed characters and intricate storyline

Must Read Manga

While many shoujo manga series have captured the imagination of readers, some have also pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, paving the way for more diverse and thought-provoking narratives:

1. Revolutionary Girl Utena by Chiho Saito
   • A surreal and visually stunning series that subverts traditional gender roles
   • Explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the deconstruction of societal expectations
   • Celebrated for its avant-garde storytelling and symbolic imagery
2. Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura
   • A heartwarming and empowering story about a group of women who embrace their love for Japanese pop culture
   • Challenges societal beauty standards and celebrates individuality
   • Praised for its nuanced portrayal of female friendships and personal growth

These iconic shoujo manga series have not only entertained and inspired generations of readers but have also left a lasting impact on the manga industry and popular culture.

Anime Highlights

The shonen genre has given us some truly remarkable anime series that have captivated audiences worldwide. Here are some notable shonen anime that have left an indelible mark on the industry:

1. Kaiju No. 8
   • A new anime adaptation of the popular manga about a man who can transform into a kaiju
   • Produced by the acclaimed Production I.G. studio
2. Go! Go! Loser Ranger!
   • A subversive take on the sentai/superhero genre
   • Exclusive to Hulu and Disney+, produced by Yostar Pictures
3. Call of the Night
   • A supernatural romance anime about a high school boy and a vampire girl
   • Highly rated on MyAnimeList with a score of 7.99
4. Chainsaw Man
   • A highly anticipated action supernatural anime adaptation of the popular manga
   • Boasts an impressive MyAnimeList score of 8.55
5. My Hero Academia
   • A superhero action anime that has become one of the most popular shonen series in recent years
   • The first season has a MyAnimeList score of 7.88
6. Bleach
   • A long-running action fantasy anime considered a classic
   • The original series has a MyAnimeList score of 7.93
7. Dragon Ball Z
   • The iconic action adventure series that set the standard for many shonen anime
   • Highly rated on MyAnimeList with a score of 8.17
8. Spy x Family
   • A comedy action anime about a spy who creates a fake family
   • The first season has an impressive MyAnimeList score of 8.58
9. Death Note
   • A psychological thriller anime about a serial killer and the detective trying to catch him
   • Widely acclaimed with a MyAnimeList score of 8.62
10. Naruto & Naruto Shippuden
    • The long-running ninja action adventure series that was hugely popular in the West
    • The original Naruto series has a MyAnimeList score of 7.99

Top Shonen Manga Series

While the anime adaptations have captured the hearts of viewers, the source material – the shonen manga series – have also garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim. Here are some of the most popular and influential shonen manga series:

Manga Series	Genre	Description
Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)	Action, Drama, Fantasy	A series about a world overrun by Titans
One Piece	Action, Adventure, Fantasy	An ongoing series about a protagonist aiming to become the King of the Pirates
Chainsaw Man	Action, Supernatural	A young man gains the powers of a Chainsaw Devil
Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)	Action, Fantasy	A boy seeks to turn his demon sister back into a human
Boku no Hero Academia (My Hero Academia)	Action	A boy born without powers in a world of superheroes
Jujutsu Kaisen	Action, Supernatural	A high school student becomes a Jujutsu sorcerer
Naruto	Action, Adventure, Fantasy	A completed series about a young ninja
Death Note	Supernatural, Suspense	A student finds a notebook that can kill people

These shonen anime and manga series have captivated audiences with their action-packed storylines, memorable characters, and exploration of various themes, solidifying their place in the annals of popular culture.

Best-Selling Manga Series

Some of the best-selling Japanese manga series based on the number of collected tankōbon (book) volumes sold include:

• One Piece: The best-selling manga series with over 523 million copies sold worldwide.
• Golgo 13, Detective Conan, Dragon Ball, and Doraemon: Other top-selling manga series.
• Many popular shōnen manga series like Naruto, Bleach, and My Hero Academia are also included in the list.

Who reads manga?

The French. #2 in the world. Look it up.

Yeah, that was my reaction, too. I was certain America would be #2 behind Japan; we were unseated by the French, though. In fact, manga accounted for more than a quarter of comic book sales in France. As a woman with French relatives, I can\’t imagine them picking up a manga. Is it the young people?

In America, adults held the market for most manga purchases, which makes absolute sense. All the 90s children that grew up on Power Rangers, Pokemon, and Sailor Moon have adult money. Now, we\’re larger versions of our child selves indulging in our most beloved fandoms. Guiltless.

Some of us are making it a career. 😉

And guess what! Children are expected to make up at least 20% in the next 10 years. That\’s about the time my children will be learning to read, and nobody can tell me that isn\’t the children of millenials.

Japan still holds the top spot, though. In a survey conducted in 2020, 92% of high school males read manga with a lower percentage of high school girls. Not to mention the giantic sculptures dedicated to manga characters. Like these on the left.

Have some fun.

The world of manga offers a rich tapestry of stories, captivating characters, and artistic styles that transcend age, gender, and cultural boundaries. From the timeless classics to the groundbreaking narratives, manga has proven its enduring appeal and ability to tackle diverse themes, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. Whether you\’re a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, this art form holds the power to transport you to uncharted realms, ignite your imagination, and forge lasting connections.

As you embark on your manga journey, remember that the possibilities are endless. Immerse yourself in the shonen genre\’s action-packed adventures, or delve into the heartwarming and thought-provoking realms of shoujo manga.

Register for a free account to get 10% off your purchases and unlock a world of captivating narratives. Let the magic of manga enchant you, page by page, and embrace the timeless art of storytelling that has captivated generations.

FAQs

What exactly is manga?
Manga refers to the genre of comic books and graphic novels that hail from Japan. The term itself is derived from two Japanese words, \”man,\” meaning \”whimsical or impromptu,\” and \”ga,\” meaning \”pictures.\”

How would you describe manga to a child?
Manga is a kind of comic book or graphic novel that comes from Japan. They use lots of pictures with text bubbles to tell stories.

What is the core purpose of manga?
The primary aim of manga is to tell stories predominantly through illustrations, with the artwork taking center stage. The term manga in Japanese can be understood as \”pictures run riot\” or \”pictures unbounded,\” emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling with less focus on text.

What is the cultural significance of manga?
Manga has its roots in the Chinese term \”manhua,\” which means \”impromptu drawings.\” It gained popularity in Japan around the mid-20th century. Similarly, \”manhwa\” (the Korean equivalent of manga) developed during the Japanese Occupation of Korea, highlighting the cultural and historical influences on these art forms.