Discover Another World... MangaIf you've ever ventured into the Manga section of your local bookstore, you may feel overwhelmed... I know I did. I was confronted with colorful covers, titles that gave me no clue as to what the book was about ("Fruit Basket"?), and books that had over 27 issues in a series! The artwork is highly stylized (big eyes, small mouths, wild colorful hair), but some of it is absolutely amazing. Between the covers there is love, sex, violence, and a whole range of emotional stories. I have since read quite a bit of Manga, and have enjoyed what I've picked out for the most part. Right now, let me share a little about Manga...
First, the definition of Manga:
Manga are Japanese comic books. Manga is often made into Japanese cartoons, or Anime. The art in Manga has a very definite look to it and is often referred to as “Manga Style.”
Next, how do you Pronounce 'Manga':
(Maw – Nnnnn – Gah) In Japanese, it is actually three syllables, although the middle "N" is spoken very quick. Americans have a habit of pronouncing it "Man-Gah", but that is not actually correct.
How to Read Manga:Traditional Manga is read from the back of the book to the front, right to left; text and images read right to left... see illustration at right... The bold numbers represent the boxes that contain the drawings, and the circled numbers represent the order of the dialogue.
Types of Manga: These are just some of the categories
Shônen – Boy’s Manga – (Pronounced Show-Nen) Usually involves action & adventure.
Shôjo – Girl’s Manga – (Pronounced Show-Joe) Usually has romance & is more lighthearted.
Seinen – Men’s Manga – (Pronounced Say-Nen) usually for a mature audience.
Josei (or redikomi) – Women’s Manga – (Pronounced Joe-Say) usually for a mature audience.
Kodomo – Children’s Manga – (Pronounced Kow-Dow-Mow)
The word Manga can be translated as, “humorous pictures.” Manga became very popular in the 20th century when laws prohibiting the publication of those kinds of items were lifted. It has since become a huge part of Japanese culture. Unlike in America, Manga is read by most people in the country. The artists and writer of Manga are well respected for their work, much like the writers of literature in America. The stories first usually appear in serial form in a Manga magazine. If they become popular, they are reprinted in book form, usually small digests.
So now that we know a little about Manga, how do you figure out what to read? Recommendations from people who read Manga are my first choice. Next I would look through the books at my local bookstore and see what artwork & story-lines capture your attention. On the website Manga Worth Reading there is a section called 'Manga starting points', which highlights some books. And of course the online bookstores all have a comic & graphic novel section, which would include Manga. Another way, is to join a challenge and find reviews and recommendations from other people who are part of the challenge! Joining the 2014 Graphic Reading Challenge this year has lead me to reviews from others about what they've read in both graphic novels and Manga, which has opened up some interesting reading, which I am going to talk about this week during Chick with Books Manga Week! I'll be reviewing a few series and challenging you to give Manga a try. So today was a primer, and this week will be reviews on some great Manga...
4 comments:
My son was into Manga big time....so much so he still lives in Japan !
When I worked with teens a few years ago, I noticed that many of them were drawn to the Manga when we went to bookstores...I have never read any, but I am curious.
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Okay, I've been saying it wrong all this time. Junior high librarians tell me manga (however you say it!) is one of the most popular sections of their libraries.
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I've looked at manga now and then, mostly from the library because it seems a fairly expensive and space-consuming venture to buy them. I didn't know all this about it, though! Thanks for the info!
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