Earlier in our genre journey, we explored Graphic Novels. Today, we’re going to delve a little deeper and look at an extremely popular graphic novel form: manga.
What is Manga and Why Do We Enjoy It?
Manga is quite simply a type of graphic novel or comic book–but one that is produced in Japan. That’s it! Manga (漫画) means “whimsical pictures”. So, the short and sweet definition is that if a graphic novel is produced in America, we call it a graphic novel (or a comic book). Other countries have their own names for comics, and in Japan, they call it manga.
Now, there are a few points that will be consistent across most series. There are certain artistic styles (often featuring colorful characters with unnatural hair and eye colors) that are seen in many series. But, manga, like any other medium, can be very diverse in its representation. Here are a few examples:
Another interesting point is that manga is traditionally read right to left (so it looks, to our western eyes, that we are reading the book “backwards”). This can seem like a bit of a stumbling block for new readers, but after a few volumes, you won’t even notice anymore!
Every reader is different, and since a medium like manga brings together a wide variety of genres, there can be tons of reasons why readers enjoy it. But, whatever the book, the main reason is often the beautiful blending of excellent artwork with an equally excellent story. The pictures in manga often really bring the characters to life, and since the predominant style tends to be very expressive, and since the characters are often very eccentric, it can be a lot of fun to read.
It is Manga?
Time for a little controversy. There are a lot of “western” writers (American, European, etc.) who produce comic books using styles similar to those shown above, combined with a book that is read from right to left, and call it manga. I mentioned this before in my post on graphic novels, but this librarian does not believe that should count. Manga refers to Japanese comics. Copying an art style doesn’t make an American book Japanese any more than me repainting Starry Night makes me Van Gogh. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying western books written in an eastern style. The important thing is that you’re enjoying the story!
Types of Manga
There are as many genres of manga as there are other types of books. However, when I recommend titles, I generally use these qualifiers to help me find what someone likes:
- Shonen: Generally written for boys, these high-action stories have a heavy focus on adventure and self-improvement
- Shojo: Generally written for girls, these books focus on relationships and romance
- Josei: Generally written for women, these stories are similar to shojo, but more mature
- Seinen: Generally written for men, the stories here are more mature and violent than shonen
As a quick aside, the descriptions of content are not always consistent from series to series. The main focus of these categories is to point out the target audience for each series. For example, series like Death Note, Fist of the North Star, and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure are all considered shonen series, but they are often bloody and violent, more like seinen. And even addressing the “target audience” can be tricky, as readers usually aren’t locked in due to their demographics. I’m a woman in my 30s, but my favorite types of manga are usually shonen (books for boys), because I love the high energy and the sense of adventure. So, don’t let the designations keep you from reading what you love!
Related Genres
Since manga covers a lot of genres, this is a bit hard to pin down, so I chose genres that are generally highlighted in manga!
- Adventure: High stakes, plenty of action, and exciting battles
- Romance: Kiss, kiss, fall in love
- Fantasy: Mythical races, cool creatures, and adventure
- Sports: Characters compete to be the best in their chosen field, whether that’s an actual sport or some form of art
Recommended Reading
Yokai Cats (Pandania) Yokai cats are the perfect pets. They’re sort of like yokai, sort of like cats. For those of you who aren’t familiar, yokai is a Japanese word for monster, and acts as a sort of umbrella term for lots of different creatures. These include the nurikabe, which looks like a giant wall; the kappa, a turtle-like creature that loves cucumbers and wrestling; yuki-onna, a snow maiden that draws men into the icy wastes; and hyakume, which is covered in eyes. Despite how scary these sound, each of these yokai cats is absolutely adorable, fluffy, sweet, and a treasure to their humans. The series contains at least 8 books at the time of this writing, and they can be read in any order, so don’t fee like you have to wait for the first book to dive right in! If you want more adorable monster fun, consider also the series Monster Cats (by the same author) which contains more “western” monsters, such as dragons, vampires, and gargoyles!
Delicious in Dungeon (Ryoko Kui)
A group of adventurers exploring a dungeon are forced to beat an untimely retreat when they encounter a dragon that they are unable to defeat. To make matters worse, the dragon eats one of their party members before they can escape. Now, her brother Laios and the rest of the group are determined to save her–before she can be digested, that is. But, they are now completely broke and have to rely on eating monsters, since they can’t afford to purchase food. When they meet a dwarf who teachers them the art of dungeon meshi, crafting delicious cuisine from the ingredients around the dungeon, including the flesh of giant bats, walking mushrooms, and screaming mandrakes, the rescue attempt suddenly doesn’t look quite so dire. At least they won’t have to do it on an empty stomach!
To Your Eternity (Yoshitoki Oima) A mysterious orb falls to earth. And it learns to take the form of the things around it, starting with rocks and moving on to living creatures, including a wolf and then later humans. As the orb, called Fushi, takes on new forms, it starts to learn what it really means to be human, through a series of heartrending experiences. This series is so hard to describe without giving away plot points, as so much changes from volume to volume. I will say, however, that this is an absolutely heartbreaking, but surprisingly hopeful series that presents characters continuously looking towards the future. I have not read anything quite like To Your Eternity, so, if you’re looking for a melancholy, but beautiful series that will make you think and feel very deeply and that will sit with you long after you finish reading, then this is the series for you.
Takane and Hana (Yuki Shiwasu)
After her older sister refuses to attend an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to play the stand-in in order to help her family save face. But, the meeting hardly goes as expected. Hana finds Takane to be insufferable, pompous, and proud, and so she lashes out, resulting in a meeting that is far more explosive than their parents had intended. But, she learns to her shock afterwards that Takane was not only not offended, but deeply intrigued. In fact, he wants to see her again! Exasperated by his immature attitude and controlling nature, yet amused and intrigued despite herself, Hana wonders if this crazy rivalry might just lead to something more.
This is easily the coziest manga you’re ever going to read! Rin loves nothing more than solo camping in the cold winter months. A beautiful view of Mt. Fuji, no bugs to bother her, and an almost empty campground is her idea of heaven on earth. When she meets Nadeshiko, a sweet, pink-haired girl with the personality of a golden retriever, Rin inadvertently discovers a new friend and a potential camping buddy. But, she enjoys the solitude of camping the most, so will she be able to find time in her routine to accommodate a new friend? Meanwhile, Nadeshiko is making even more new friends, joining up with the Outdoor Activities Club, where she finds other camping enthusiasts to share her love of the great outdoors! This sweet series has almost zero conflict, and is as comfortable as a warm hat and gloves on a chilly camping trip. If you’re looking for something enjoyable and low-stakes, this is the series to read!
