Manga (マンガ) is an overarching term for Japanese comics and graphic novels. Manga is typically read in the “wrong” direction for those in the West, meaning from right to left. Manga in its current form originates from the post-World War II era. One of the artists who influenced the development of manga was Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989), who introduced many cinematic styles (such as zooming in and varying camera angles). Tezuka’s works include the original Astro Boy series (1952-1968). Manga was initially primarily intended for children, but gradually also for older audiences.
The themes of manga can be almost anything. Chapters of manga series are usually published in weekly or monthly magazines. If a series becomes popular, it is often also published as a paperback. Unlike Western comics, which are published in color, manga is primarily printed in black and white. This originally stemmed from the fact that manga publications are often produced quickly, and drawing and printing in black and white saves both time and printing costs. Black and white has since become a significant stylistic feature of manga. Manga is also published outside of publishing houses. These self-published doujinshi releases can be both original manga and fan works of existing series.
Manga and anime often go hand in hand. Manga series are animated or turned into animated films, and vice versa. Also popular are manga with images and scenes taken directly from anime, known as cine-manga. Manga and anime depictions are often part of a larger “media product family,” which also includes various accompanying products such as games and collectibles.
Manga can be seen as a central force in Japan’s mass culture. A large part of other entertainment, such as anime and games, is based on manga. Manga is everywhere in Japan. It can be found in fast-food restaurants, on ferries between small islands, in 24-hour manga cafes, and on the shelves of convenience stores. Signs at train stations are made in a manga style, and political parties try to attract young voters by producing their own manga publications. There are also several museums specializing in manga.
