MANGA

The term "manga" refers to a broad range of comic books and graphic novels that were first created and published in Japan.

The word "manga" is composed of the two kanji (man) meaning "whimsical or impromptu" and (ga) meaning "pictures".

Manga artist or writer is called a Mangaka.The author or artist of a Manhwa is called a Manhwaga whereas a Manhuajia is someone who creates Manhua through drawing or writing. 

At present, the term "manga" as used in Japan, refers to both comics and cartooning. In other countries, the word is frequently used to describe comics published in Japan.

Japanese manga are generally published in black and white, unlike American comic books, which are typically printed in full colour. This is usually due to time constraints or artistic reasons (as coloring could sometimes lessen the impact of the artwork) and to keep printing costs low. Although some full-color manga exist. Only special editions are usually printed in full-color.

Manga are traditionally published on a monthly or weekly basis, chapter by chapter, through publications like Weekly Shonen Jump (which has been in circulation since 1968).

A series' chapters may be gathered and released into volumes known as Tankōbon if it is sufficiently well-liked. These volumes typically include a selection of the series' overarching story's chapters as Arcs.

A few of the genres represented in this media:

  • Action,
  • Adventure,
  • Business and Commerce,
  • Comedy,
  • Detective,
  • Drama,
  • Erotica (Hentai & Ecchi),
  • Fantasy (High, Low, Dark & Grim),
  • History,
  • Horror,
  • Mystery,
  • Romance,
  • Science Fiction,
  • Slice of Life,
  • Sports and Games,
  • Thriller.

Best Selling Manga According to Wikipedia (with Links)

MANGA SERIES

DEMOGRAPHIC

VOLUMES

SALES

 

One Piece

Shōnen

104

516.6 million

Dragon Ball

Shōnen

42

350 million

Golgo 13

Seinen

205

300 million

Doraemon

Children

45

300 million

Detective Conan

Shōnen

102

250 million

Naruto

Shōnen

72

250 million

Black Jack

Shōnen

25

176 million

Slam Dunk

Shōnen

31

170 million

KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops

Shōnen

201

156.5 million

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Shōnen

23

150 million

Crayon Shin-chan

Seinen

61

148 million

Oishinbo

Seinen

111

135 million

Bleach

Shōnen

74

130 million

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Shōnen/Seinen

131

120 million

Attack on Titan

Shōnen

34

110 million

Hajime no Ippo

Shōnen

134

100 million

The Kindaichi Case Files

Shōnen/Seinen

87

100 million

Fist of the North Star

Shōnen

27

100 million

Touch

Shōnen

26

100 million

Astro Boy

Shōnen

23

100 million

Wikipedia Data Source Link

The majority of manga adhere to an art style that was formed in Japan in the late 19th Century. However, it is an evolving art form and Manga-influenced comics exist in other parts of the world. Most notable among these versions are the Chinese ("manhua"), Korean ("manhwa"), English ("OEL manga"), and French ("manfra"), and Algeria ("DZ-manga").

A manga series may be animated (anime) if it becomes popular enough later or during its publication run. Manga are occasionally based on prior live-action or animated movies and vice-versa.

Manga may range from serious, heart-wrenching drama to ridiculous, mindless enjoyment, just like any other type of narrative. Since over-exaggeration is essentially a trademark of the genre, the majority of manga involve exaggerated scenarios, comedy, or artwork.

There are five demographics of Manga:

1. Shonen
Target Audience: Tween and Teen Boys.
Common Themes: Action, Adventure, Friendship, Coming of Age.

2. Shojo
Target Audience: Tween and Teen Girls.
Common Themes: Romance, Drama, Coming of Age.

3. Seinen
Target Audience: Adult Men (18+).
Common Themes: Action, Violence, Sex.

4. Josei
Target Audience: Adult Women (18+).
Common Themes: Romance, Sex, Drama.

5. Kodomomuke
Target Audience: Young Children.
Common Themes: Educational, Cutesy, Moralistic, Fun.

The above demographics are a generalization for the purpose of classification. In the end, it all comes down to individual preference.