What are Japanese comics called? They’re known as manga—a world full of art and storytelling. Are you curious to dive in? Let’s explore together!
When you think of Japanese comics, you’re likely thinking of Japanese manga, a diverse form of illustrated storytelling that has captured the imagination of readers across the globe.
Unlike American comics, which have historically been associated with superheroes and serialized issues, Japanese manga is known for its unique art style, expansive range of genres, and deeply rooted connection to Japanese culture and history.
Today, manga has influenced everything from anime series and video games to global popular culture and fashion.
But what exactly is manga, and how did it achieve such widespread appeal among people of all ages?
We’ll explore the term manga, its origins, its evolution through the history of manga, and the differences between manga and Western comics.
We’ll also examine its various genres of manga, from shonen manga (aimed at young boys) to shojo manga (targeted at teenage girls and young girls), and more specialized types like seinen manga and josei manga, and look at the contribution of legendary manga artists such as Osamu Tezuka and Akira Toriyama, the role of manga magazines, the significance of tankōbon volumes and bound volumes, and the way manga influences the cultural tapestry of both Japanese people and English speakers in western countries and beyond.
By the end, you’ll deeply understand what Japanese comics are called—manga—and why these comic books, sometimes called graphic novels, hold a special place in the hearts of manga fans worldwide.
The Word Manga and Its Origins
The term manga (漫画) can be traced back to the edo period (1603–1868) of Japanese history. During the early 19th century, Japanese artists began producing humorous sketches, caricatures, and short comic strips.
The word manga itself is a combination of the Japanese words “man” (involuntary, whimsical) and “ga” (picture), loosely meaning “whimsical pictures.”
However, the modern conception of manga as we know it today—serialized stories in magazines, followed by a collection of manga books (also known as tankōbon volumes)—truly took shape in the 20th century.
The catalyst for modern manga is frequently credited to Osamu Tezuka, also known as Tezuka Osamu, who revolutionized the art of manga with works like Astro Boy.
Tezuka’s cinematic storytelling techniques, expressive character design, and the use of panels influenced generations of Japanese artists. They set the standard for what would evolve into the manga industry we recognize today.
What Are Japanese Comics Called? The Simple Answer: Manga
In simplest terms, japanese comics are called manga. For readers in north america and the united states, manga can be thought of as Japanese equivalent to american comic books, but this comparison only scratches the surface.
While American comics often focus on superheroes and are published in monthly floppies, manga is typically serialized in manga magazines (like Shonen Jump or Weekly Shōnen Jump) and then collected into bound volumes (tankōbon).
Manga’s narrative styles and genres are vastly diverse, catering to a wide target audience, including young boys, young girls, teenage girls, young men, young women, adult women, and even mature themes for older readers.
The Influence of Manga on Japanese Culture and Society
Manga is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese culture and japanese society. You’ll find manga-inspired characters on billboards, public transportation, and everyday life.
For Japanese people, manga is not just entertainment—it’s a national pastime that impacts art, literature, fashion, and even the language.
Japanese manga often includes helpful furigana (phonetic guides) for young children, making it accessible and aiding literacy.
Its stories reflect the nation’s social values, personal growth journeys, romantic relationships, daily life struggles, and the evolving roles of female characters.
Over a long time, the influence of manga expanded beyond Japan’s borders. Today, manga’s impact is felt in Western countries, prompting the rise of translations, local publishers, and dedicated sections in bookstores.
The world of manga now reaches every corner, offering stories for readers of all backgrounds, ages, and interests.
Manga Versus Western Comics and Graphic Novels
Although manga and american comics or western comics share similarities as sequential art forms, several key differences set them apart:
- Reading Direction: Manga is typically read from right to left, preserving the original Japanese reading direction.
- Genres of Manga: Manga encompasses a vast range of genres—shōnen manga for adolescent boys, shojo manga for teenage girls, seinen manga for young men, and josei manga for young and adult women—whereas western comics historically focused on superheroes, though this is changing.
- Publication Format: Manga stories often debut in thick manga magazines with multiple series. If popular, a series is compiled into tankōbon volumes. American comic books usually appear as slim monthly issues before they become graphic novels (trade paperbacks).
- Art Style: Manga is known for its exaggerated facial expressions, large eyes, and distinct panel layouts. Character design emphasizes emotional expression. Meanwhile, western comics often have a variety of art styles influenced by realism, though these boundaries increasingly blur.
- Themes and Variety: Manga tackles many themes—science fiction, romantic comedies, slice-of-life stories about everyday life, intense drama, and more. Western comics have broadened their scope in recent decades, but the sheer breadth of different types and manga genres is unmatched.
Western readers now view manga as a graphic novel that can stand on par with world literature. Publishers like Viz Media have played a critical role in bringing manga to English-speaking audiences, bridging cultural gaps and introducing new generations to the richness of Japanese storytelling.
The History of Manga: From Osamu Tezuka to Modern Manga
The history of manga is intertwined with the contributions of luminary figures and the ebb and flow of societal changes.
Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” laid the groundwork for what manga could be. He showcased cinematic pacing, emotional depth, and universal themes through works like Astro Boy.
He also introduced a style that emphasized the expressiveness of characters’ faces and large eyes—now a hallmark of many manga.
Following Tezuka’s innovations, countless japanese artists expanded the medium, exploring new genres and catering to various readers.
The manga industry grew robust, with manga magazines like Weekly Shōnen Jump becoming powerhouses that launched popular manga such as Dragon Ball, by Akira Toriyama, and Sailor Moon, which enchanted young girls and teenage girls worldwide.
Over time, manga also embraced digital publishing and reached fans through online platforms and even forums like comics – tapas forum that cater to global communities.
Modern manga continues to evolve, with creators incorporating video games aesthetics, themes of personal relationships, fan service, mature themes, and cross-cultural influences.
The result is a dynamic art form constantly adapting to new technologies, shifting social norms, and changing reader tastes.
Understanding the Different Types and Genres of Manga
Manga is incredibly diverse, with manga fans able to find stories that resonate with their personal interests. Some key categories and types of manga include:
- Shōnen Manga (Shonen Manga): Targeted at adolescent boys and young man readership, focusing on action, adventure, and personal growth. Stories often feature a main character who strives to become stronger or achieve a dream. Titles like Dragon Ball, Fullmetal Alchemist, Hunter x Hunter, and Slam Dunk are prime examples. Themes of friendship, perseverance, and moral choices are common, making shonen series beloved by people of all ages.
- Shōjo Manga (Shojo Manga): Aimed at young girls, teenage girls, and young women, shojo manga often focuses on romantic relationships, personal growth, and everyday life. Sailor Moon, for instance, blends magical girls with friendship and romance. Another example is Paradise Kiss, which explores high school students, fashion, and self-discovery. Shojo manga typically features female protagonists, intricate character dynamics, and emotional storytelling.
- Seinen Manga: Geared toward adult men, seinen manga deals with more mature themes, complex narratives, violence, science fiction, and political intrigue. It can reflect realism, tackle philosophical questions, and depict gritty scenarios. The readers are older, often seeking depth and thought-provoking content.
- Josei Manga: Created with adult women or a young woman demographic in mind, josei manga portray realistic personal relationships, career challenges, and romantic entanglements. The tone is more grounded, addressing everyday struggles, identity, and the complexities of modern Japanese life.
- Kodomo Manga: Aimed at young children, featuring lighthearted stories that entertain and educate. Characters are often cute, bright, and easy to understand, encouraging reading habits from an early age.
- Sub-genres and Themes: Beyond demographic categories, manga encompasses a vast array of sub-genres and themes—fan service, romantic comedies, epic fantasies, historical dramas set in the edo period, sports sagas, BL (Boys’ Love), GL (Girls’ Love), daily life narratives, and even instructive works teaching cooking, business, or life skills. Manga’s adaptability ensures a story exists for virtually any interest.
Famous Manga Artists and Iconic Manga Titles
The manga world boasts many legendary creators whose names are forever etched in the annals of manga industry history. Two stand out:
- Osamu Tezuka (Tezuka Osamu): As mentioned, Tezuka’s works, especially Astro Boy, are considered a cornerstone. His influence is so profound that modern manga storytelling owes much to his pacing, narrative, and character design innovations.
- Akira Toriyama: Known for Dragon Ball, Toriyama’s work defined the shonen action genre. Dragon Ball’s massive global popularity paved the way for other shonen hits and introduced worldwide readers to the excitement and humor characteristic of Japanese manga.
Other japanese artists like Rumiko Takahashi (InuYasha, Ranma ½), Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon), and Hajime Isayama (Attack on Titan) have also left indelible marks on the medium.
They crafted manga stories that resonated with millions, bringing unique worlds and engaging characters to life. The sheer number of manga titles available means every reader can find a world they love.
Manga Magazines and the Road to Popular Manga
In Japan, most manga series begin serialising in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly magazines. Shonen Jump (officially stylized as Shōnen Jump), Weekly Shōnen Jump, and other magazines act as testing grounds.
If a story resonates with readers—measured by surveys, sales, and fan interest—it continues and eventually gets collected into tankōbon, compact bound volumes that readers can buy and keep.
The path from magazine serialization to becoming a popular manga can be challenging. A title that fails to garner attention risks cancellation.
On the other hand, a breakout hit like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, or Fullmetal Alchemist can become a cultural phenomenon, spawning anime adaptations, merchandise, video games, and global recognition.
Adapting Manga into Anime Series and More
One key reason manga garners such huge followings is the frequency with which titles become anime series.
Anime adaptations enable readers to see their favorite scenes in motion, with voice acting, music, and color.
Popular manga often crosses into animation, film, merchandise, and even Western countries publishing networks.
Titles like Dragon Ball, Hunter x Hunter, and Sailor Moon became global sensations after their international anime adaptations, introducing English speakers and other foreign audiences to their compelling narratives. This synergy between manga and anime fuels the popularity of both mediums.
Manga’s International Reach and Influence
Though rooted in Japanese culture, manga is now consumed worldwide. In north America and the United States, major publishers like Viz Media have localized Japanese manga for decades.
Translating text, flipping art to left-to-right reading (in earlier times), and marketing it to local audiences opened the door for English speakers to enjoy manga as if it were their own.
Now, translations of manga are available in many languages. Online bookstores, digital reading services, and libraries stock thousands of manga volumes.
This international presence has changed global publishing, influenced American comic books, and even impacted the style and storytelling of some Western comics.
Manga’s Storytelling Elements and Themes
Manga isn’t just about action or cute characters. It delves into a vast array of themes and storytelling elements:
- Character Design and Large Eyes: Large eyes often signify expressiveness, enabling readers to immediately grasp a character’s emotions. Character design is crucial, with authors giving their protagonists distinct appearances that become iconic.
- Personal and Romantic Relationships: Many manga revolve around interpersonal connections—friendships, romances, family ties, and rivalry. Romantic relationships and personal relationships create emotional depth and keep readers invested.
- Daily Life and Everyday Life: Not all manga are about epic quests. Slice-of-life titles depict everyday life, focusing on subtle character growth, personal growth, and the beauty in mundane activities. These “quiet” stories attract readers who appreciate human nuances and realism.
- Mature Themes and Fan Service: Some manga explore complex issues like war, discrimination, sexuality, and existential dread. Others use fan service—elements primarily catering to certain audience tastes—to maintain interest. The wide range of content ensures that older readers and niche audiences find something compelling.
- Influence of Manga on Other Media: Themes in manga often find their way into anime, video games, live-action adaptations, and even the comics – tapas forum, where independent creators take inspiration from manga’s storytelling techniques and art style.
Manga for Everyone: People of All Ages and Backgrounds
Part of manga’s enduring appeal is its accessibility. There are manga for young children just learning to read, titles for adolescent boys seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures, and works for adult women interested in romantic relationships or career-focused stories.
Young women, men, and even older adults can find titles that mirror their experiences or transport them to worlds they never imagined.
This inclusivity makes manga a cultural equalizer. While some forms of popular media cater to narrow demographics, manga’s sheer variety ensures that you can find a story that resonates with you no matter who you are.
Manga’s Cultural and Historical Roots
To fully appreciate manga, consider its historical underpinnings. Influences from the Edo period’s woodblock prints, political cartoons from the Meiji era, and 20th-century magazine culture shaped manga’s form.
Over time, the development of printing techniques, the rise of distinct publishers, and changes in social norms influenced how manga evolved.
In the early 19th century, Japanese artists produced illustrated narratives that later informed modern manga’s style.
The legacy of earlier narrative art forms—like kibyoshi or ukiyo-e prints—contributed to manga’s visual language.
This connection to Japanese history keeps manga tied to its cultural roots, even as it undergoes modernization and global expansion.
Popular Manga That Shaped the Medium
Several manga series can be identified as game-changers, leaving lasting impacts on storytelling, global reach, and sales. Some of the most famous manga include:
- Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama: A defining shonen title blending action, humor, and personal growth. It influenced numerous successor series and introduced the concept of epic, long-running story arcs.
- Sailor Moon: A shojo series that combined magical girls, romance, and team dynamics, inspiring a generation of young girls and introducing strong female characters and female protagonists.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: A complex shonen series dealing with science fiction, moral philosophy, brotherhood, and national identity. Its blend of action and intellectual depth attracted a broad readership.
- Hunter x Hunter: Another shonen classic, praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and darker, more strategic battles that challenge the notion of a straightforward hero’s journey.
- Slam Dunk: A basketball manga that brought sports narratives to the forefront of manga culture, inspiring interest in athletics among high school students and beyond.
- Paradise Kiss: A josei/shojo crossover that explores fashion, romantic relationships, and career ambitions, reflecting the aspirations of young women and challenging traditional gender roles.
These works reflect how manga can tackle personal growth, heroism, romance, manga stories set in everyday life, or far-flung science fiction scenarios.
Manga and the Transition to Other Mediums
The success of manga doesn’t stop at the printed page. Anime series adapt manga, becoming massive hits that lead to merchandise, theme park attractions, and video games.
Many manga series have main characters that become cultural icons—household names for Japanese people and recognized by fans in Western countries.
As manga grows internationally, the synergy between different mediums—games, anime, films, collectibles—reinforces manga’s place in pop culture.
The continuous feedback loop, where manga influences anime and both inspire game adaptations, ensures ongoing innovation and creativity.
The Manga Industry: Publishers, Magazines, and Global Markets
The manga industry is a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem involving publishers, editors, manga artist, anime studios, merchandise manufacturers, and digital platforms.
Major publishers like Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan have shaped the direction of manga, each with their signature magazines and editorial stances.
Shonen Jump and Weekly Shōnen Jump are prime examples—massive anthologies that introduced beloved series to a receptive audience.
Titles that thrive in these magazines become cultural phenomena, demonstrating the power and reach of serialized storytelling.
With digital distribution and online reading platforms now prevalent, manga is more accessible than ever, reaching global readers instantly.
Manga in English and Other Languages
Before the 1990s, only a handful of manga were available in English, often poorly localized. Today, professional publishers like Viz Media produce high-quality translations and faithful adaptations that retain Japanese words where necessary and respect the author’s vision.
This care allows English speakers and readers worldwide to enjoy manga as its creators intended, experiencing cultural nuances and stylistic flourishes.
The embrace of authentic reading experiences—like not flipping the pages for left-to-right reading—helps preserve the manga’s original flow.
As a result, readers outside Japan now appreciate manga not just as a foreign curiosity but as a mainstream form of entertainment equal to any graphic novel.
Characterization and Storytelling Techniques in Manga
Manga’s narrative strength often lies in its characterization and pacing. A manga’s central character can be a young man pushing beyond his limits, a young woman navigating career and love, or a group of high school students forging friendships.
Personal relationships form the core of many stories, and readers become emotionally invested in characters’ fates.
Manga also explores themes like identity, morality, and spirituality. Mature themes appear frequently in Seinen or Josei titles, tackling complex social issues and intellectual concepts.
Meanwhile, shonen titles emphasize perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the importance of camaraderie.
Visual storytelling—using panel layouts, dynamic action sequences, and expressive faces—lets manga convey feelings and actions that transcend language barriers. Each page turn can reveal an unexpected twist, a poignant moment, or a heart-pounding showdown.
The Role of Manga in Promoting Literacy and Imagination
In Japan, manga has encouraged reading among young children who might otherwise find large blocks of text intimidating.
Combining images and dialogue balloons can gradually increase a child’s confidence in reading. Similarly, manga’s integration into international classrooms and libraries has shown the potential to nurture literacy and cross-cultural understanding.
By appealing to a wide range of tastes and skill levels, manga invites hesitant readers to discover the joy of storytelling.
The sheer variety ensures a manga for every interest—historical epics set in the edo period, futuristic science fiction, heartfelt romantic comedies, or introspective dramas set in everyday life.
Personal Growth and Moral Lessons in Manga
Many manga center on personal growth, ethical choices, and the pursuit of meaning. Heroes confront challenges that require sacrifice, understanding, and compassion.
Villains are not always one-dimensional; they might have sympathetic backstories or morally ambiguous motives.
For example, in Fullmetal Alchemist, characters wrestle with moral dilemmas, consequences of human transmutation, and the pursuit of power.
These narratives teach readers about responsibility, empathy, and the complexities of human nature—Manga’s ability to tackle profound topics while remaining accessible sets it apart.
Evolution of Manga Over a Long Time
Over time, manga evolved from simple comic strips to a global phenomenon, influencing everything from video games to high fashion.
Modern manga experiments with digital distribution, color pages, and multimedia tie-ins. Some creators incorporate new storytelling techniques and mixed-media art or full-colour chapters to stand out.
The influence of manga on global culture is evident in the works of non-Japanese creators who adopt manga’s visual language and pacing.
From fan fiction to original webcomics inspired by manga’s style, the medium’s legacy grows. On the comics-tapas forum, creators discuss techniques, character design, and storytelling borrowed from manga’s rich tradition.
Manga’s Enduring Legacy
Manga’s resilience and adaptability ensure it remains a cornerstone of global entertainment. While trends shift, the core appeal remains constant: engaging stories, relatable characters, and striking visuals.
The manga industry responds to new demands, exploring digital platforms, tackling contemporary social issues, and expanding its reach in Western countries.
As readers become more diverse, so do the stories. Female protagonists, once less common, now thrive.
Mature themes challenge the status quo and give the manga a respected seat at the literary table. The medium’s capacity to evolve with each new generation of manga artists ensures it will continue to shape storytelling worldwide.
Not Just for “Young Boys” or “Teenage Girls”: The Universal Appeal
One misconception outsiders sometimes hold is that manga is only for certain demographics—like shonen manga for adolescent boys or shojo manga strictly for teenage girls.
The reality is that manga welcomes everyone. The industry’s subdivision into shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei is more about guiding new readers to titles that match their interests rather than restricting who can enjoy them.
In practice, a young woman might love a shonen adventure, while a young man might appreciate a josei romance. Manga transcends these labels because the stories resonate on a human level.
Themes like love, ambition, fear, courage, and friendship cut across age and gender lines. Its readers—people of all ages—connect with characters personally.
Visual Language and Unique Art Style
A defining aspect of manga is its unique art style. Large eyes, dynamic line work, and stylized expressions convey emotion swiftly.
Backgrounds shift from detailed realism to minimalist suggestion, focusing the reader’s attention on the characters’ feelings. Action sequences employ speed lines and dramatic angles, making battles feel immersive and fluid.
This visual language differs from the realism common in many american comic books. Manga fosters an immediate emotional connection.
Readers empathize with characters, keenly feeling their sadness, excitement, or relief. The heightened expressiveness keeps readers turning pages and fosters a sense of intimacy missing from more stoic art forms.
The Future of Manga
What does the future hold for manga? The medium is well-positioned to continue thriving. As publishers experiment with digital release schedules, global simultaneous publication, and augmented reality experiences, the manga industry stays at the cutting edge of storytelling innovation.
Creators like Hajime Isayama, known for Attack on Titan, introduced darker narratives that challenged traditional shonen formulas.
Other authors incorporate elements from foreign literature, international myths, and global art movements.
In this era of cultural exchange, manga remains open to influences from everywhere, ensuring continual growth and renewal.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Japanese Manga
So, what are Japanese comics called? The answer: Manga. They are not merely Japanese comic books; they represent a vibrant, evolving art form that has influenced worldwide literature, film, video games, and popular culture.
Manga began centuries ago and developed into a powerful storytelling vehicle reflecting Japanese society, bridging cultural divides, and resonating with readers from Tokyo to North America and Western countries everywhere.
Manga offers a panorama of human experience—be it the adventures in shonen manga, the emotional depth of shojo manga, the mature themes of seinen manga, or the realistic portrayals of adulthood in josei manga.
Each demographic, genre, and style ensures a series for everyone, celebrating personal growth, exploring romantic relationships, and taking readers into realms of science fiction or back to the edo period of history.
As we look forward, manga continues to evolve, influencing American comics, inspiring new generations of manga artists, and shaping global storytelling trends.
Publishers like Viz Media ensure that the stories once confined to Japan now reach international audiences, allowing readers to experience cultural nuances, relatable characters, and the artistic marvels that make manga incomparable.
Japanese comics—manga—are dynamic, inclusive, and timeless. They connect with high school students seeking identity, adult women exploring complex relationships, and young children discovering reading.
They break language barriers, entertain English speakers, and preserve a piece of Japanese history. Manga is the gateway into the world of manga, a world that, once entered, offers endless adventures, heartwarming friendships, and unforgettable journeys.
Reference: The Functions of Panels (koma) in Manga: An essay by Natsume Fusanosuke
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