Manga facts for kids

The kanji for "manga" from Seasonal Passersby (Shiki no Yukikai), 1798, by Santō Kyōden and Kitao Shigemasa

A figure drawn in manga style. Often in black and white with patterns to show different textures.

An example of manga from 1933.

A bookstore display in Japan showing manga and anime magazines.

A manga (Japanese: 漫画) is a type of comic book that comes from Japan. It's a special way of drawing stories with pictures.

Manga is drawn by an artist called a mangaka (Japanese: 漫画家). This Japanese word means cartoonist. Unlike most books in English, manga is usually read from right to left.

The word "manga" can mean one comic book or many comic books. It's also an art style used to create Anime, which are animated cartoons based on manga stories. Colors and symbols are very important in manga to show feelings and actions.

What Are the Main Types of Manga?

Manga stories are made for all kinds of people, from very young children to adults. Here are some of the most popular types:

Manga for Young Readers

• Kodomo (児童漫画、子ども漫画) - This manga is made for small children. It often has simple stories and bright drawings.
  • Doraemon is a famous example of kodomo manga.
  • Kureyon Shinchan is another popular one.

Manga for Boys (Shōnen)

• Shōnen (少年漫画) - This type of manga is mostly for boys aged 12 to 18. The main character is usually a boy, and the stories are often about adventure, fighting, sports, or friendship.
  • Weekly Shōnen Jump is a very popular magazine that publishes many shōnen manga. Some famous ones include:
    • Bleach
    • Naruto
    • Black Clover
    • One Piece
    • Dragon Ball
    • The Prince of Tennis
    • Gintama
    • Death Note
  • Weekly Shōnen Sunday is another well-known magazine. It publishes manga like:
    • InuYasha
    • Detective Conan
    • Major
    • Magi
  • Weekly Shōnen Magazine publishes manga such as:
    • Fairy Tail
    • Fighting Spirit (manga)
  • Monthly GFantasy is known for manga like:
    • Black Butler

Manga for Girls (Shōjo)

• Shōjo (少女漫画) - This manga is mainly for girls aged 13 to 17. These stories often focus on human emotions, relationships, romance, and friendships.
  • Ciao is a popular shōjo magazine.
  • Chuchu and Sho-Comi are also well-known magazines for shōjo manga.
  • Ribon and Nakayoshi are other famous magazines.
    • Sailor Moon is a very famous shōjo manga that was published in Nakayoshi.
  • LaLa and Hana to yume are popular magazines too.

Manga for Older Teens and Adults

• Seinen - This manga is made for young men who are in college or older. The stories can be more complex and deal with more mature themes.
  • Young animal magazine publishes manga like:
    • Berserk
  • Young King OURs is another magazine for this age group.
    • Hellsing is a popular manga from this magazine.
      • Young Ace publishes manga such as:
    • Another
• Josei (女性漫画) - This manga is for adult women. The stories often explore realistic relationships and daily life.

Related Topics About Manga

• Anime: Japanese animated shows, often based on manga.
• Cosplay: Dressing up as manga or anime characters.
• Mangaka: The artists who draw manga.
• Otaku: A term for someone who is very interested in anime and manga.
• Kamishibai: A traditional Japanese way of telling stories with pictures.

Images for kids

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  A kami-shibai story teller from Sazae-san by Machiko Hasegawa.

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  Delegates at the 3rd Asian Cartoon Exhibition in Tokyo, an annual manga event.

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  A manga store in Japan, filled with many different titles.

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  Eshinbun Nipponchi is thought to be the first manga magazine ever made.

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  A young boy reading Black Cat manga.

See also

In Spanish: Manga para niños