What is Manga? Beyond the Panels.
What is Manga? Definition and Main Characteristics
Manga is a term that encompasses a wide variety of comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. The word “manga” derives from the Japanese words "man" (whimsical, impromptu) and "ga" (pictures, images), reflecting the artistic and often humorous essence of the medium. Unlike American comics, which are generally published in color, manga is almost always produced in black and white (although special color editions exist) to reduce costs and facilitate mass production. A distinctive feature is its right-to-left reading direction, a practice rooted in Japanese culture. Manga covers an astonishing diversity of themes and genres, from romance and sports to science fiction, fantasy, and horror, demonstrating its ability to tell stories that resonate with audiences of all ages and interests.
A Rich and Evolving History: From the Origins to Global Popularity
The history of manga dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, with the existence of illustrated scrolls by Japanese Buddhist monks, which showed works featuring anthropomorphic animals.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the "Toba Ehon" laid the foundation for the later development of modern manga.
The term itself gained popularity in the 18th century thanks to works such as “Shiji no Yukikai” by Santō Kyōden.
In the 19th century, “Manga Hyakujo” by Aikawa Minwa and the works of Hokusai (1760-1849) marked an important milestone.
In 1876, Rakuten Kitazawa is considered the first professional artist and coined the term "manga."
After World War II, greater American influence along with key figures like Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy) and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball Z) modernized the style and popularized it both in Japan and internationally. Today, manga is a global phenomenon that has transcended cultural barriers and has been integrated into various forms of entertainment, including video games and animated adaptations ("anime").
Genres and Themes: A Narrative Universe for All Tastes
Manga is generally published in weekly or monthly chapters through popular magazines like Weekly Shōnen Jump, which has been in circulation since 1968. If a series is popular enough, the chapters are collected and published in volumes called "tankobon." This established publishing model allows for an incredible range of stories, as manga encompasses an enormous variety of genres and themes, designed to appeal to different audiences. "Shonen" targets a young male audience with action and adventure stories, while "Shojo" is geared towards a younger female audience, exploring topics such as romance and interpersonal relationships. Other important genres include "Seinen" (aimed at young adult men), "Josei" (aimed at young adult women), and "Kodomo" (for children). Within these broad groups are subgenres like isekai (journeys to alternate worlds), slice of life (everyday stories), horror, science fiction with mecha elements, school romance (yaoi/yuri), and many more. This diversity ensures that there's always a manga story waiting to be discovered to satisfy any interest.
From Paper to Screen: The Relationship Between Manga and Anime
Manga and anime are closely related but distinct forms of artistic expression. Manga is the printed form, while anime is its animated adaptation. Many popular animes, such as "Dragon Ball Z" and "Sailor Moon," began as successful manga series. Sometimes, the reverse happens: an original anime can inspire a subsequent manga adaptation. However, it's important to understand that they are not interchangeable; manga allows for greater narrative flexibility and visual details, while anime offers the possibility of animation, music, and voice acting to create a more immersive experience. The interrelationship between the two has significantly contributed to the global popularity of Japanese entertainment.
