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Scottish Sunday: Arts: Culture

The incredible rise of Manga

WORD FESTIVAL: Japan's comic books have been a home-grown cultural phenomenon for decades. But now the Manga explosion is heading west

By Teddy Jamieson

A Cultural Phenomenon

Japan's comic book art, known as manga, has experienced an incredible rise in popularity, not only in its home country but also in the west. Once considered an obscure art form, manga has now become a mainstream cultural phenomenon, infiltrating bookstores, classrooms, and even churches. Its influence can be seen in various forms of media, including marketing, movies, television, and even traditional comic books.

Manga's Evolution

The introduction of manga to western audiences can be traced back to key moments in history. In the 1980s, renowned cartoonist Frank Miller incorporated manga elements into his superhero comics, which helped familiarize American audiences with the art style. Additionally, the release of anime films such as "Akira" and Studio Ghibli's works brought Japanese culture to the forefront, paving the way for the acceptance of manga in the western world.

Changing Perceptions

Although initially met with skepticism due to its unique reading format (right to left and back to front), publishers soon realized that this aspect added to the appeal of manga. British publishers, including Gollancz and Simon & Schuster, established manga imprints, while independent publishers like Self Made Hero launched successful manga projects.

Misconceptions and Expansion

Despite manga's popularity, there are misconceptions about the true nature of the art form. In the UK, manga is often associated only with teenage shonen and shuoju manga aimed at boys and girls, respectively. However, manga encompasses a much broader range of genres and topics, including sports stories, cookery books, and even adult content. The diversity of manga is still relatively unknown to many western readers.

Targeting New Audiences

While manga has made significant strides in appealing to teenage readers, there is untapped potential in attracting younger audiences. Currently, the focus remains on manga for teenagers, but there is a need for age-appropriate material for pre-teens. Characters like Doraemon, a popular manga character, have the potential to resonate with a younger audience, similar to the success of Pokemon.

Breaking Barriers

Manga's rise in popularity has resulted in significant changes within the comic book industry. Female readership has substantially increased, with girls and young women comprising a significant portion of manga's audience. Additionally, the creative community within manga is more gender-balanced compared to traditional comics. This shift is reflective of manga's inclusive nature and its ability to meet the comic consumption appetite of diverse readers.

The Global Reach of Manga

Manga's influence extends beyond the borders of Japan, as European and American cartoonists have begun exploring their own interpretations of the art form. Manga's ability to inspire and blend with different cultural backgrounds highlights its versatile nature. Despite its origins as a hybrid of American comic books, manga has evolved into a unique pop art form that resonates with audiences worldwide.

The Word Festival and Manga

As part of the Word Festival in Aberdeen, on May 17, there will be a discussion on the rise of manga featuring Emily Hayley and Paul Gravett. Acclaimed artist Chie Kutsuwada will join them to explore the cultural impact of manga. Additionally, on May 16, Chie Kutsuwada will hold a separate session discussing the process of drawing Manga Shakespeare.

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