Manga are combination visual and written stories similar to, but not exactly the same as, Western comics. Manga are set up similarly to comics with detailed art panels containing bubbles of speech. The art style varies between artists, often times depicting cutesy characters with big eyes (such as Shugo Chara), but also at times verging into an almost realistic approach (such as Death Note). There is no set style for drawing manga, but big eyes, spiky hair, and bright colors stand as stereotypes.
Unlike reading English books or comics, one must read manga panels from right to left. One can find just about any genre of manga, from action-packed shounen, typically romance-centered shoujo, quirky slice-of-life, drama and thrillers, to space cowboy epics. In accordance with the range of manga genres, manga sit on a continuum of age appropriateness. When looking for a manga, one must look not only at the genre, but also the topics discussed in the story itself.
Information about Manga:
- A history of manga in the context of Japanese Culture and Society
- Manga: an anthology of global and cultural perspectives
- The History of Manga and Anime
- Japanese Cultural Editorials
- Western Comic Style versus Manga
Choosing a Manga:
Free Manga Online:
Manga Sites:
Lesson Plans: