What is gay manga?
What is manga?
The Japanese version of the comic book, with a sometimes, more adult content, than its North American variety.
Definition
Unique style of comic book, that uses exaggerated features, to highlight the characters, instead of attempting to make them fit, into typical identifiable forms. Use of color generally is reserved for the cover.
These 'comic books' contain some very detailed artistic renditions, as well as an ongoing story plot, or theme. Many are not adult orientated, just like their North American counterparts aren't.
History
The word in Japanese, literally means whimsical pictures, a suiting description of this form of comic book. Modern day Manga is believed to have been influenced greatly during the US occupation, following WWII. However, some argue that it is the natural progression of works, from pre WWII.
About
While the covers may appear in color, the content is usually done in black and white. There can be additions of color in other aspects of the publication, such as the introduction to chapters. The features generally made more exaggerated are the hair, eyes, limbs. Oversized speech bubbles is also characteristic of this style. Usually read right to left.
Practice (Associated Acts): Shonen Manga is targeted for younger males (up to 18 years), with Shojo Manga being for younger females. Manga for males, is divided into two main groups or audiences.
Shonen Manga for the younger set, where the hero has special powers, or deals with robots, and such attractions to the younger audience.
Seinen Manga (18 to 30 ) which dealt with adventure, slapstick humor, and sexuality.
Seijin Manga caters mainly to full grown adult males, in subject matter, of a sexual manner.
Shojo Manga is more about romance, for women, and relationships, as well as super heroines, and such, that attracts the younger audience.
Noteworthy: In 2007, Manga publications in Japan, earned approximately 3.7 Billion US dollars. The first Manga publication is believed to have been in 1874, though it didn't fair well. The industry is believed to have taken off, in about 1905. The first Shonen Manga was believed created in 1895
Popular Manga series have been animated, or made into animated shows, films, usually with a compressed story line. Games, popularizing the Manga characters are also an entire field of themselves.
Related Terms
Manga magazines usually have many series run at once, and can be anywhere from 200 to 850 pages long. These are generally printed on low end newsprint.