| |
Manga, the Japanese term for “whimsical pictures,”
popularly refers to printed comics originating in Japan.
This differs from anime, which refers specifically to
Japanese animation. A simplified comparison between manga
and anime would equate to the difference between comics and
cartoons in Western society. However, there is more to manga
than this definition alone:
- Japanese comic-like drawings from as early as the
12th century contain manga-like features.
- Manga more closely related to today’s style appeared
in the late 18th century.
- Modern manga developed in the years before and after
World War II.
- Manga characters may either be realistically drawn
or contain exaggerated, cartoonish features.
- Manga today isn’t just kids’ stuff; manga titles and
subject matter are produced for female (shoujo) and male
(shonen) audiences of all ages and interests.
- Japan even has manga cafes; essentially hybridized
manga havens and coffee shops.
- American and European readers are beginning to
embrace manga for its styles and themes.
Although manga has yet to fully break through in
Western society, readership and popularity are gaining
momentum. To learn more about manga and order online
from a variety of titles, visit Westfield Comics. In
recent decades, Japanese manga—printed comics, not to be
confused with the anime cartoons—has grown to include
series and subject matter for readers of all ages and
interests. In its home market, manga enjoys greater
readership and higher regard than comic books and
graphic novels in Western society, though that is
changing. Visit Westfield Comics online and discover the
manga genre.
|
