Where Should I Start With Manga? A Beginner’s Guide

Comics have always held a special place in people’s hearts. They have become immensely popular, with different variations in various cultures. Over the years, manga comics have seen a significant rise in popularity. Readers are constantly seeking new manga stories. Manga encompasses thrilling plots and captivating twists, drawing readers into fantastical worlds. Readers become so engrossed in the stories that they feel deeply connected to the characters. This underscores the profound impact manga has on its readers. With a unique blend of adventure, action, emotions, romance, and humor, manga sparks the imagination and leaves readers wanting more!

So, if you are interested in starting to read manga, want to understand what makes manga so thrilling and loved by many, or want to start on your own project to write your own manga, this article is certainly for you. We are here to help guide you with all the basics before you jump right into the fantastic, wide world of Japanese graphic novels: manga.

Interested so far? Check out our blog, “55 Book Ideas to Spark Creativity for Your Next Project.” It can also help you with more ideas and storylines for your manga project.

What is a Manga?

Manga is a form of graphic novel or comic originating in Japan. The styles, animations, phrases, and reading methods are different as compared to how you would read a regular comic. Manga developed a unique and certain style in Japan back in the late 19th century. From then onwards, it became a huge hit, and the term manga was used in Japan to refer to both cartooning and comics.

While American comics are usually printed in full color, depending on how the author wants them to be, Japanese manga is generally printed and published in white and black. In contrast, full-coloured releases are usually published for special releases.

Moving on to the reading style for mangas, they are different from how you would read an American comic. While former English comics are read from left to right, Japanese mangas are read from right to left. It is just the traditional style of reading them. If you have been reading English comics from a young age or pretty often, it can be difficult for you to get used to reading Japanese manga. However, it is not impossible. It takes some practice and becomes habitual and straightforward once you develop an interest.

In What Patterns Do Manga Release?

In Japan, manga is normally released on a weekly or monthly basis. This can be chapter-by-chapter. For example, a manga magazine such as the Weekly Shōnen Jump releases on a weekly basis, hence its title name. When a series is popular enough, its chapters are collected and published into volumes called tankōbon volumes. This usually features a few chapters of the overall story.

Most manga series are long-running and can span several volumes. When you start reading a manga series, it is important to keep this in mind, as it is imperative that you read the volumes in the correct order. One tip that we find pretty helpful is that before you jump into reading a manga series, go for a completely smaller series. This means that it should not be ongoing, and then you can learn how you are meant to read it. This will be easier to do when you decide to read a smaller series with very few volumes or parts. For example, Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon has 12 volumes, which is still considered small. In comparison, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z has 42 volumes for a beginner, which would be a pretty long read and may be difficult to read.

However, even as a beginner, if the storyline, characters, events, and plot twists keep you engaged no matter how many volumes are included in the manga, you have already got the hang of it and have clicked well with the plot.

Manga vs. Anime: What is the Difference?

There have been many misconceptions that anime is based on mangas, which is not the case most of the time. It depends on certain manga series, like Jujutsu Kaisen or One Piece. These are famous anime series based on manga.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Here is a comparison between the Jujutsu Kaisen manga (on the left) and the anime (on the right). It shows the same scene from both the anime adaptation and the manga illustration, along with the text.

Anime and manga, both titans of Japanese entertainment, often get mistaken for one another. While both deliver captivating stories, they do so through different mediums. Anime refers to Japanese animation, encompassing action-packed movies to slice-of-life television series. Anime boasts vibrant colors, dynamic movement, and a distinct visual style characterized by expressive characters. The experience is immersive, often accompanied by powerful soundtracks and captivating voice acting.

On the other hand, manga is the Japanese term for comics and graphic novels. Typically presented in black and white (though some newer releases might be in color), manga offers a unique reading experience. Panels and pages unfold from right to left, revealing detailed artwork and character portrayals that can be just as expressive as their animated counterparts. Manga covers many genres, allowing readers to delve into stories at their own pace, appreciate the artwork, and immerse themselves in the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions.

While some anime are original stories, many are adaptations of existing manga series, highlighting the deep connection between these two art forms. Whether you prefer the dynamic action of anime or the immersive storytelling of manga, both offer a gateway to a world of imagination and entertainment.

Read our blog, Your Guide to Writing a Successful Story Structure, to learn how to write a story structure.

Where Should I Start With Manga?

The best thing about manga is that there is always something for everyone, regardless of age or gender. While some manga may be in the 18+ category, it depends on individual preferences for what you should avoid and what not.

Moving on.

Whether you are interested in comedies, high-school fantasy, supernatural romance, or alienated detective cases, there is always a managed genre out there for everyone. Some manga can be more emotional, where the readers can connect deeply with the characters, and if that happens, the manga’s purpose will be successful.

Manga is primarily classified by its target audience and then by genre. For example, CLAMP’s Cardcaptor Sakura is a shojo (young girls) “magical girl” sub-genre manga. However, this doesn’t mean that a boy cannot enjoy the series. It’s simply how they are marketed. If you’re searching for manga for a young boy who enjoys fantasy or mystery, you would look for “shonen (boy) fantasy” or “shonen mystery” manga.

In summary, Shojo manga is typically directed and marketed for young girls, while Shonen is marketed for young boys.

To cover the gargantuan number of manga genres and subgenres, we would need an entirely different blog post. Here, we will simply cover the types of readers to whom manga is marketed.

The Five Demographics for Manga

1. Shojo (Manga targeted at tween and teen girls)

Shojo manga often includes themes such as drama, coming of age, and romance. The focus here is less action-oriented and more drama, emotion, and usually a happy or dramatic ending. Like Shonen manga, Shojo manga typically features coming-of-age themes for a young protagonist. It is easy to identify shojo covers by the bright colors, flowers, and overly used pink colors and cutesy images.

However, as the expression goes, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ the same phrase applies to manga series. Shojo manga covers may look adorable, colorful, and bright, but that does not mean that the theme is the same. Their narratives vary as much as any other genre. For example, Ai Yazawa’s Nana is technically classified as a shojo manga. However, the story follows two young women as they navigate their way through personal, intimate relationships that include drug dealings in the process of fulfilling their dreams. Another example is CLAMP’s Cardcaptor Sakura, which follows a ten-year-old girl with magical powers who has to save her city from monsters.

Naoko Takeuchi’s Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, also known as Sailor Moon, is perhaps the most famous example of a shojo series. It follows Usagi Tsukino, a normal 14-year-old girl who discovers that she is the reincarnated form of the legendary Sailor Moon, a defender of love and justice from the now-destroyed Moon Kingdom. Along with her fellow Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), she must protect the Earth from the forces of evil in the name of the Moon.

Learn more about us: What is Book Creating and How Does it Work?

2. Shonen (Manga targeted at tween and teen boys)

Shonen manga often includes a lot of action and comedy, as well as slight coming-of-age themes and camaraderie between characters. Sometimes, there is little to no romance. The manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump and its American partner, Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, have consistently delivered some of the most beloved Shonen manga series over the past 30 years. These series include Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z and Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto, as well as the recent mega-hit manga Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia.

Their English-language prints will usually include the Shonen Jump logo. Covers for the Shonen series usually feature male protagonists in some sort of action pose.

3. Josei (Manga targeted at adult women 18+)

Josei manga often include features of more mature content for adults. This narrative explores romantic and personal relationships with dramatic scenes that could also include murder and detailed information with graphics and gore. However, this does not always have to be the stereotypical theme for Josei manga. Some of these manga can include explicit scenes and induce extreme violence.

Unlike shojo manga, which sometimes features a female protagonist, Josei manga often includes both male and female protagonists. The female protagonists in Josei manga are usually depicted as pursuing relationships while facing various complications that hinder their goals. These manga often delve into themes of excessive drug consumption, drinking, and actions taken under the influence. In contrast to shonen, shojo, or seinen manga, Josei manga isn’t invariably true and is easily identified solely by its cover.

One well-known Josei manga series is Yun Kouga’s Loveless. It revolves around 12-year-old Ritsuka, who seeks answers about his older brother’s mysterious and brutal murder and must rely on a mysterious older man named Soubi.

4. Seinen (Manga targeted at adult men 18+)

Almost similar to Shonen manga, Seinen manga includes violence, action, and gore on a more explicit level. This version of the adult male manga series has a darker tone, graphic content, and foul language. Scenes of intimacy can also occur, but they are less common or featured than in the Josei manga.

If drugs and alcohol are included in Josei manga, you can expect to see double that in Seinen manga, as they are on a whole new level. While the Shonen series often includes characters with an idealized, innocent, or naive view of the world, the Seinen series typically follows protagonists who know their way around and have dealt with life. They are aware that they have to face the reality of the world. It is not necessary for the hero to always save the day. Seinen’s covers are often dark and gritty and feature a male protagonist.

Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Akira” is one of the most well-known series targeted toward adult men (seinen), largely due to its influential anime adaptation that helped popularize Japanese animation in the Western world. On the other hand, Kentarō Miura’s “Berserk” has been in publication since its fame in 1989. While “Akira” is set in a post-apocalyptic future, “Berserk” takes place in a high-fantasy world loosely based on European mythology, showcasing the diverse genres found in manga.

5. Kodomomuke (Manga targeted at young children)

These series are often cute, moralistic, and fun. The Pokemon manga and anime are probably the most well-known examples of a Kodomomuke series.

Kodomomuke, which means “intended for children,” is a manga genre specifically created for young readers, usually aged 10 and below. These stories prioritize lighthearted themes and simple plots that resonate with young minds. Common threads woven into relatable narratives include friendship, school life, overcoming challenges, and the importance of family. Many Kodomomuke series subtly integrate educational elements, teaching basic life skills, good manners, and historical and scientific ideas in a fun and engaging way. Moral lessons are another hallmark of Kodomomuke, encouraging positive behavior like honesty, kindness, and perseverance through easy-to-understand storylines. Humor also plays a vital role, with slapstick comedy, silly situations, and exaggerated expressions keeping young readers entertained.

Visually, Kodomomuke features a clear and uncluttered art style. Bold lines, clear character designs, and expressive faces make it easy for young children to follow the story and understand the characters’ emotions. Vivid colors further enhance the visual appeal, creating an engaging reading experience. Popular examples of the Kodomomuke series include Doraemon, in which a robotic cat helps a young boy, and Pokemon and Digimon, which take children on adventures with fantastical creatures. Often presented in episodic formats with self-contained stories, Kodomomuke manga provides a safe and age-appropriate entry point for young readers to develop their reading skills and explore the captivating world of manga.

What Else is There to Know about Manga?

While authors and writers create stories based on genres and what they think will attract the typical audience, girls don’t need to read only Shojo manga and boys only to read Shonen manga. Either can be read by the two. It all depends on the reader’s personal preferences.

While many manga series cross gender and age divides, the pure intention is for the manga series to be enjoyed by everyone. Some manga are neutral, such as Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist. Many defy the conventions of their genre, such as Kaiu Shirai’s Promised Neverland. This is where, technically, a Shonen manga features a female protagonist.

This is mentioned so that readers and those interested in reading or wishing to write manga can better understand the difference between certain manga series. Most often, people assume all mana is geared towards teens and children; however, that is not the case.

Like other forms of narrative, manga can encompass a wide range of genres, from extreme drama to lighthearted, comedic fun. Manga is known for its dramatic effects and exaggerated details, often seen in the artwork and illustrations. This exaggeration is a signature element of manga, contributing to its unique style and appeal.

Interesting read: Difference Between Biography vs Autobiography vs Memoir.

How to Write Your Own Manga

Here are a couple of things you must consider before you start to write a manga for your next project.

1. Write a Synopsis

Without a synopsis, you may not be able to get your manga right. Along with this, you should brainstorm and organize your characters and their traits. Your synopsis should include your objective. It can be a paragraph, but it should almost sum everything up, and the gist of the story should make sense from that alone.

2. Create your profile characters

In order to create the right profile characters without confusing them, you should try to label them out number-wise and create 5-6 points that sum up their characters. Will any character undergo character development? Is there going to be any love interest? Are there enemies? Develop their weaknesses and strengths as these will help come in handy, and then when you start to develop your storyline, you will not lose your side track. One thing that is pretty common in manga characters is that there is always one certain thing that makes them click and tick. That should be funny and serious at the same time. If you are able to master that trait in your manga character, then your readers will certainly enjoy it.

3. Begin to Write your Manga and Illustrations

After creating your characters and defining their personalities, it’s time to include their illustrations. This step may take some time, as your manga characters will require various facial expressions. Additionally, it depends on when you want to incorporate a more cartoonish version of them throughout your manga.

Here’s a tip: Ask yourself questions about your characters and include them in actual scenarios where they can assess the situation. Sometimes, you will have to try to empathize with what the characters are going through, and the answer may come to you naturally.

4. There has to be an issue

In every manga, whether happy or sad, there has to be a pivotal issue that connects all events together. Make sure that the issue has a strong background, and you will want enough current action to keep the reader intrigued for your next manga project.

Let’s take the famous Jujutsu Kaisen as an example. Here, the major issue that recurs throughout the manga is a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna, to whom Yuji becomes the host. While there are several enemies and different entities, it all comes down to that one evil host.

5. Layout the Manga

Storyboard refers to the layout of your manga. In this layout, each panel portrays a certain amount of information and contains your artwork. If you’re unable to complete the illustrations on your own, it’s common for manga writers to hire professional comic illustrators for assistance. Since manga series often contain various expressions and pictorials, professionals can be incredibly useful in maintaining the quality of the series.

6. Wrap it up

This is the part where you are ready to publish your manga, wrap it all up, and finalize it. Either you find yourself a single artist to do the job, or you can hire a professional book-creating agency that has a team of professional comic and story illustrators who work together hand in hand and complete your manga sooner rather than later.

Over to You

Manga contains various genres and does not have to fit into one specific category. The types of manga mentioned in this article serve as a basic representation of the most common manga. Not all manga are series and may not align with the general guidelines discussed here. Some are more intricate, delving into unique topics and narratives that may be entirely new to readers.

If you’re interested in starting to read manga, now you have an idea of where to begin. Alternatively, if you’re looking to create your own manga series with compelling characters, exciting adventures, and plots with surprising twists, you can enlist the help of Book Creating. We work closely with our clients to deliver the exact genre and storyline they desire for their manga series.

FAQ’S

How long should the first chapter of a manga be?

Weekly Shonen Jump chapters typically range from 18 to 20 pages, with the first chapter often exceeding 45 pages to grab readers’ attention. This is the case for popular series like Naruto, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece.