To my mom,,
This is for my mom who keeps on calling Manga, Comics. (I mean IT IS comics but we call it Manga okay? that’s on culture *insert the fingernails emoji*)
Literature in our current generation is so wide and massive. There are various genres we got now, that we call them a certain group when the differences are VERY MUCH visible and we can VERY MUCH tell which is which (except for my mom).
So, without further a do, let me head onto the discussion.
What’s the difference between Manga and Comics?
Before I answer this question, first, what are these two really?
Manga and Comics are both graphic novels, can be both non-fiction and fiction, have the same theme and genre. (short but straight to the point, I know wkwkwkwk)
Now, let’s head back to the first question for a detailed answer.
First, Manga originated from Japan while Comics originated from the United States and United Kingdom. [Manga has 5 classifications: (1) Shounen, for boys, (2) Shoujo, for girls, (3) Seinen, for “men”, (4) Jousei, for “women”, and (5) Kodomo, for kids.]
Second, Manga is sold mostly in the form of a book or sold by the use of a weekly magazine with a black & white color and Comics is sold in a form of magazine-like with a colored print. Here are some illustrations:
Manga: Kimetsu no Yaiba, source: screenshot from my weeb friend haha
Comics: The Avengers, source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/689473024178819713/
[Moving on, (char)]
Third, most Comics makes their character unbelievable. Every character in a Manga that has a power or a special ability is most likely to be weak in the first half, but as the protagonist suffers, it will eventually show his/her true colors and become a stronger hero. While Comics has a concept of a hero where he/she does not gain power or in a simple way, it still has the same power throughout the whole story. (see the characters from the given illustrations above)
Fourth, Manga’s story line lasts longer than Comics because Manga always makes the character experience more things before the conflict.
Fifth, Comics tend to create a new story line on the same story to make it more unpredictable and leaves the audience cliffhangers and curiosity. (technically just giving all characters their own side or, their “own” own story)
And lastly, (this is the most interesting part Mom) you read Comics normally, starting from the front until you finish it blahblahblah, BUT (do not be shocked this is not a thriller movie, ehem ehem, drum rolls please *dudududududu*) when you want to read a Manga, you need to read it starting on the back of the book and the end of the book will be on the front. Isn't it amazing?!
Clarification! Yes, Manga is considered “comics”, BUT, it is not just any comics and shouldn’t be called just that. We must call it Manga for the sake of origin, culture and respect.
Now mom, do you understand?
[Aight enough clowning myself and my partner, our moms wouldn’t read all of THAT. Manga will be called Comics either way LMAO (same as Anime being called cartoons, gee).]
Frustration aside, personally, I really really love Manga (I’m a human of culture, thanks). Japanese people are weird and I love weird! They are just so creative with their imaginations, it’s so crazy! And with Japanese culture, I am fond of their progression concept; character development. (It also applies to their music industry.) It’s just so mesmerizing to see the characters’ growth. I think it is much more fun to read. [and I’m Japanese so who can doubt hmp]
Back to my precious momma, well, I hope you try and read some of the Manga I recommended, or just watch the Anime adaptation. (okay okay I know you only love watching Kdramas) If not, “with all due respect”, my God just at least classify them right. Love you!
Nikolai Karl L. Obis, Heart Lei Umezawa