Manga

Manga refers to comics or graphic novels originating from Japan.

The term is composed of two kanji. One means "whimsical" or "impromptu." The other means "pictures." In Japan, the word covers all forms of cartooning and comics. Outside of Japan, people use it specifically for comics published in Japan. This medium is a massive part of the global publishing industry. It offers a huge variety of genres for different readers. These include action, adventure, comedy, detective, drama, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction.

The creation of manga involves a specific professional process. An artist, known as a mangaka, typically works in a small studio. They often employ a few assistants to help with the workload. The mangaka also works with a creative editor from a publishing company. Most manga stories are printed in black-and-white. This choice is made for several practical reasons. It helps artists meet tight time constraints. It also keeps printing costs low for the publishers. Some full-color works, like "Colorful," do exist, but they are less common.

Manga is usually released in stages. In Japan, stories are often serialized in large manga magazines. These magazines contain many different stories. Each story is presented as a single episode to be continued later. A single manga story is usually longer than a single Western comic. Once the chapters are finished, they are often republished in collected volumes. These volumes are frequently sold as paperback books. This system allows readers to follow long, complex narratives over many months or years.

Manga has deep roots in Japanese art history. It likely originated from 12th-century scrolls called Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga. During the Edo period, books like Toba Ehon further developed these styles. The word "manga" became common in the late 18th century. One early example is the 1798 book Shiji no yukikai. In the early 19th century, the artist Hokusai created famous sketchbooks called Hokusai Manga.

Later, Rakuten Kitazawa used the word in its modern sense. Modern manga was also shaped by the post-war era. Artists were influenced by U.S. comics and Disney cartoons brought to Japan.

The post-war period saw a massive explosion of creativity. Osamu Tezuka became famous for his "cinematographic" technique. This style uses panels to mimic a motion picture. It uses rapid zooms and slow-motion details to create visual dynamism. Another pioneer, Machiko Hasegawa, focused on daily life and women's experiences.

Between 1950 and 1969, the market solidified into two main genres. These were manga aimed at boys and manga aimed at girls. In 1969, a group of female artists called the Year 24 Group debuted. They helped create a large readership for girls and young women. This led to subgenres like "Ladies Comics" and intense romance stories.

The manga industry has reached incredible economic heights. In Japan, the market reached a record ¥704.3 billion in 2024. This was a rapid expansion from the ¥612.6 billion seen in 2020. The market is now split between digital and print. Digital manga accounts for about ¥500 billion. Print manga makes up about ¥200 billion. Globally, manga is also a powerhouse. In 2021, manga made up 76% of all comic and graphic novel sales in the US. In 2020, the North American market was worth almost $250 million. Four major Japanese publishers lead the world: Shueisha, Kodansha, Kadokawa, and Shogakukan.

Manga connects to many other cultural systems. Many popular anime series are based on successful manga. If a series is popular, it may be animated during or after its run. Manga also influences other types of comics around the world. In China, these are called "manhua." In Korea, they are "manhwa." Other versions include "OEL manga" in English and "manfra" in French.

Readers can find manga in many places. They are available on digital apps and in large retail chains like Barnes & Noble or Amazon. In Japan, people can even visit specialized manga cafés to read.