I recently began reading some Manga series. I work near the Japan Foundation, Toronto offices which also houses a library. I went to visit the library once lunch time to see what there was. As most bookstores now have a Manga / Graphic Novel section, I’ve been curious about the books featured in the section.
I began reading the two or three series over the last month or two with the hopes of continuing finishing them. These series do read like a television show. They are full of drama and interactive of several strips. It has been interesting reading Manga in English as the books are set up in the traditional Japanese way of reading Manga – reading from left to right, back to front. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far.
Although Manga is often referred to comics or graphic novels originating from Japan, with Japanese culture, the word Manga refers to both comics and cartooning. Often Manga series are turned into television shows and the books often dictate the storyline of the show. I’ve also learned that the series are geared to either female or male audiences and are kept on different shelves in Japanese bookstores.
I think this genre of reading is something I’ll definitely continue to read. It is quite quick to read and sometimes nice to flip through a comic than the traditional novel.
