What is manga, and why is everyone talking about it?

Manga is not just a Japanese cartoon. What is it, what are its characteristic features, and how did manga become a worldwide hit? We will analyze it in the article. It will be interesting for both z library readers and anyone who wants to learn about another art form.

What is manga?

Translated from Japanese, it is “bizarre pictures”. Still, the reality goes far beyond the translation. The genre has several characteristic features.

1. Black and white images

This happened for several reasons: tradition, production speed and cheap printing. Let’s agree that beautiful coloring and printing will take many times more time and money. Tradition takes us back to the origins of manga.

Most often, the only thing colored in manga is the cover. Thanks to this format, manga has its own, very special charm and atmosphere: the reader focuses not only on the visual images but also on the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Colored pages also occur, but more often in special editions. Fully colored manga is a considerable rarity.

2. Manga is drawn by one person

Not always, but most often, this is the case. A manga artist is called a mangaka. Moreover, this person must be very disciplined since the deadlines are strict: a new chapter of manga of 20-30 pages must be prepared for publication in a week.

There are options, for example, when a mangaka only draws and the script is written by another person, gensakusha. Also, a mangaka can have an assistant or a whole team, but most often, they are assigned very routine tasks. All responsibility and the main work still fall on the mangaka. This point also fundamentally distinguishes manga from Western comics, which are constantly worked on by a team.

One work can become a mangaka’s life’s work. For example, Naruto is a manga that has become a cult classic for many. This series was published from 1999 to 2014. One Piece manga has been published since 1997 to the present.

3. Manga is published in weekly editions

This is partly why the deadlines are so strict. The most popular and best manga are published in separate volumes, so it is possible to collect your favorite manga on the shelf in full.

4. Types of manga are almost limitless

This is as diverse art as you can imagine. Comedy, horror, sports, magic, martial arts, everyday life, romance, detectives — these are just some of the genres.

There are also special names for different types of manga:

• Kodomo- manga for children with simple plots.
• Shojo- manga about girls’ experiences and friendship.
• Shounen- manga with a dynamic plot for boys about friendship and courage.

There are also separate genres for intimate stories, which is why manga is so loved by representatives of any gender and age. Here, you can find literally any story to your taste.

Manga’s unique blend of artistry, storytelling, and cultural depth has captivated readers worldwide, offering something for everyone, from z-library enthusiasts to newcomers exploring this rich medium. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend borders, blending tradition with creativity, making it more than just “bizarre pictures” but a global phenomenon.