Manga 101: Basic Concepts And Terminology

Introduction

Manga, a kind of Japanese storytelling that uses comic books and graphic novels, is extremely well-liked around the world. Readers of many ages and backgrounds have been drawn to it by its fascinating tale, distinctive graphic style, and wide range of genres. Understanding the lingo and navigating the large selection of titles available might be a little confusing if you're new to the world of manga. In this post, we'll walk you through the language and fundamentals of manga to prepare you for your fascinating adventure inside this alluring world of narrative.

What is Manga?

Manga, which is pronounced "mahn-gah," is the name for Japanese comic books or graphic novels. Manga is often read in the original Japanese reading order, which is from right to left and top to bottom, unlike regular Western comics. The artwork has a distinctive look that is highlighted by emotive face expressions, expressive characters, and exciting action situations.

Beginnings of Manga

Manga has a long history that dates back to the 12th century, and its inspirations come from traditional Japanese storytelling and art. Through the ages, it changed as a result of different artistic movements and storytelling strategies. Modern manga as we know it now started to emerge in the latter part of the 19th century.

Popular Genres of Manga

Manga spans a variety of genres and appeals to a wide range of consumers with various preferences. Popular genres consist of:

Shonen 

Shonen Manga is recognized for its action-packed narratives, frequently depicting heroic characters on exciting journeys, and is predominantly written for young male readers.

Shojo

Young female readers are the target audience for shojo manga, which often focuses on romance, relationships, and self-discovery. Shojo manga frequently has delicate and aesthetically pleasing imagery.

Seinen

Seinen manga addresses more sophisticated and complicated issues and is geared for adult male readers. It could include aspects of drama, action, and in-depth psychology.

Josei 

For adult women, Josei manga explores realistic depictions of relationships, professional obstacles, and personal development.

Isekai 

In the Isekai manga, people are transported to other realms where they engage in amazing adventures and confront difficult situations.

Manga Terminology

Mangaka 

A mangaka is a manga artist, the person who comes up with the story and the art.

Tankobon

A tankobon is a volume of manga that gathers several chapters or story arcs from a serialized manga series.

Oneshot

A oneshot is a manga tale that is complete in just one chapter or volume.

Kodomo

Kodomo manga is geared for young readers, with straightforward stories and kid-friendly themes.

Bishoujo/Bishounen

In manga, the terms "bishoujo" and "bishounen" refer to handsome young males and pretty young girls, respectively.

Mecha 

Future-set robots and machinery appear in a variety of action-packed scenes in the manga Mecha.

Fan Service

Fan service describes features in manga that are added expressly to appease readers, such as sexually explicit content or humor.

Chibi

Chibi versions of popular characters are little and adorable and frequently utilized for humorous effect.

How to Start Reading Manga

Here are a few recommendations to get you started if manga is new to you:

Select a Genre 

Look at many genres to identify the sort of narrative that best appeals to you.

Research Suggestions

Consult with friends, internet forums, or manga fans for recommendations.

Start with well-known titles

Start with well-known manga series to acquire a sense of the narrative and artistic approach.

Take the Reading Direction to Heart

As per the manga's original format, always read from top to bottom, right to left.

Reading Platforms for Manga

Manga are now more accessible than ever thanks to the internet era. There are presently a variety of fictitious manga reading sites accessible, each of which provides users with access to a sizable collection of manga titles:

1. MangaOwl: Known for its user-friendly interface and diverse collection of manga, MangaOwl is a great choice for beginners and seasoned manga enthusiasts alike. 
2. ReadManga: With a focus on high-quality scans and regular updates, ReadManga ensures readers have access to the latest manga chapters as soon as they are released. 
3. MangaNow: If you prefer a mobile-friendly experience, MangaNow offers an excellent app with offline reading options, allowing you to enjoy manga on the go.

Conclusion

Manga is a colorful and engrossing narrative format that has attracted readers all around the world. You may delve into a world of limitless experiences, feelings, and creativity by learning the fundamentals and language of manga. So take a manga, get lost in the art, and set off on an incredible adventure through the manga universe!