Junior Manga Challenge 2008!: What is Manga

Monday, June 23, 2008

Well, if you want to join this competition, you need to know what manga is all about first.

But don’t worry, newbies! We got your backs covered with this quick brief about what manga is all about!

What is Manga and Mangaka?
Drawing in Manga Style
Samples of Manga

What is Manga and Mangaka?

Manga (pronounced MAHN-gah or MANG-ah) is the Japanese equivalent to Western comics. Mangaka refers to the author or creator of the manga.

Many popular Japanese animation series seen on television today, originated from mangas.

Manga has gained much popularity in and outside Japan. They are also known as graphic novels, manga has been translated into many different languages and enjoyed by both male and female readers of all ages with its many subgenres.

Drawing in manga art style and creating manga stories has also become a popular hobby among the young and amateur crowd. Many amateurs do aspire to become a professional mangaka in the future too!

Drawing in Manga Style

Since this is the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, it is essential that you have a good understanding on what drawing in “manga style” or manga art is all about.

The manga art style of drawing has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from Western Comics. Below are the common traits found in manga:

1. Large Eyes

Large, saucer-sized eyes are the most recogniseable feature in manga characters. One of the reasons for the large eyes came from Osamu Tezuka who is also known as Japan’s Father of Manga. Osamu Tezuka’s style was influenced by Western comics which exaggerated the eyes slightly.

2. Cinematic Techniques

Manga uses dynamic camera angles and other elements of film language or cinematic techniques to enrich the story telling experience to its readers.

3. Exaggerated Expression

The other typical traits of manga are the exaggerated expressions often depicted in characters.

4. Black and White

Manga is done completely in black and white. One of the reasons is for efficiency and the second is because the drawings in manga are already quite detailed. Hence, adding colors are not a necessity but this is really up to the mangaka’s preference.

5. Super deformed

Also a unique trait found in manga is a specific style of Japanese caricature known as Super Deformed or SD. Super deformed characters are typically drawn to look small, chubby, with stubby limbs and overblown heads that are bigger in proportions to their bodies. This style is also known as chibi by fans.

6. Visual gags

Similar to the western style of drawing cartoons and comics, manga has its own distinct visual gags and devices to depict specific emotions and actions exhibited by the character. Below are some other visual gags that can only be found in manga and anime.