The History of Manga

What is Manga?
● Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels, typically serialized in magazines
before being compiled into volumes.
● Unlike Western comics, manga is read right to left, often featuring black-and-white artwork with
expressive character designs and dynamic paneling.

Key Characteristics of Manga

● Diverse Genres – Shōnen (boys), Shōjo (girls), Seinen (adults), Josei (women), and niche
subgenres.
● Serial Storytelling – Often long-running narratives with character development over multiple
volumes.
● Cinematic Paneling – Uses close-ups, exaggerated expressions, and dramatic angles for
storytelling.
The Debate Over Manga’s Origins
● Traditional View: Manga evolved from Japanese picture scrolls
(Chōjū-giga, Ukiyo-e prints, Kibyōshi).
● Eike Exner’s Revisionist View: The modern manga format (speech
bubbles, panel sequences) was borrowed from Western comic strips
in the late 19th century.
Early Forms of Manga (Pre-20th Century)
Traditional View: Manga’s Roots in Japanese Art
● Chōjū-giga (12th Century) – “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals” by Buddhist monks, often called Japan’s first manga
due to its sequential storytelling.
● Ukiyo-e Prints (17th-19th Century) – Woodblock prints depicting everyday life, influencing manga’s expressive
character designs.
● Kibyōshi (Late 18th Century) – Illustrated books with satirical stories and dialogue, considered early
predecessors of manga.
● Hokusai Manga (1814) – Sketchbooks by Katsushika Hokusai, who coined the term “manga” and influenced later
artists.

Eike Exner’s Revisionist Argument

● These traditional Japanese artworks were not manga in the modern sense:
○ Lack of speech bubbles and structured paneling.
○ Stories were more illustrated prose than sequential comics.
● The term “manga” originally referred to sketches and caricatures, not a distinct storytelling medium.
● Modern manga techniques emerged after Western comics arrived in Japan in the 19th century.
The Influence of Western Comics (Late 19th - Early 20th Century)

Arrival of Western Comic Strips in Japan

Meiji Era (1868-1912) – Japan opened to Western influences, leading to imported American and
European comic strips appearing in newspapers

Examples of Influential Comics:

● The Katzenjammer Kids (1897) – One of the first comics with speech bubbles and panel
sequencing.
● Yellow Kid (1895) – Introduced the comic strip format with dialogue in text balloons.
Western Influence on Early Japanese Cartoonists
● Rakuten Kitazawa (1876-1955) – The first Japanese artist to use the term “manga” for Western-
style comics.
● Ippei Okamoto (1886-1948) – Integrated speech bubbles and sequential paneling, departing
from traditional Japanese illustrations.

Eike Exner’s Revisionist View

● Before the Meiji period, Japan lacked a structured comic format with speech bubbles and
sequential art.
● Japanese artists adopted Western comic conventions, meaning modern manga’s visual
language originated from Western sources.
● Challenging the traditional view: Rather than manga naturally evolving from Japanese scrolls,
Exner argues that it was a hybrid medium shaped by global influences.
Impact of Western Comics on Early Manga
● Shift from Illustrations to Comic Strips – Introduction of structured panels, speech bubbles, and
narrative pacing.
● Rise of Political Cartoons & Satirical Manga – Manga became a medium for social commentary, similar
to Western editorial cartoons.

Key Question:
● Did Japan adapt and innovate Western comic techniques, or did it independently develop manga’s
visual style?
Manga in Wartime Japan (1930s-1945)
Government Control & Censorship
● During the 1930s, the Japanese government restricted media to align with nationalistic and militaristic
propaganda.
● Manga was used as a tool for promoting wartime ideology, often portraying heroic soldiers and glorifying
Japan’s military.

Notable Wartime Manga & Their Role

● Norakuro (1931-1941) – Created by Suihō Tagawa, featured a black-and-white dog in a militaristic
setting, reflecting Japan’s imperial ambitions.
● Manga as Propaganda – War-era publications depicted Western nations as enemies, reinforcing public
support for Japan’s war efforts.

Suppression of Non-Military Manga

● Publishers were forced to abandon lighthearted and satirical stories in favor of state-approved war
narratives.
● Many manga artists were drafted, pausing or stopping their creative work.
Post-War Impact on Manga
Defeat in WWII (1945) led to:

● Dismantling of wartime propaganda and government control over media.

● A demand for new, fresh storytelling, setting the stage for post-war manga’s creative boom.
● Influence from American occupation forces, who introduced Western comics like Superman and Disney animations to
Japan.
● The Americanization of Japanese pop culture post-1945 led to new themes, genres, and storytelling methods in manga.

Key Question:
● Did post-war manga emerge as a distinct Japanese art form, or was it further shaped by American comics and Western
pop culture?
Post-War Boom & Osamu Tezuka’s Influence (1945-1960s)

The Birth of Modern Manga

● After WWII, Japan’s defeat led to a cultural reset, allowing new artistic influences to shape manga.
● American comics (Superman, Disney, Looney Tunes) flooded Japan, influencing Japanese artists.
● Cheap, mass-produced manga magazines (Kashihon rental books) fueled the industry’s expansion.

Osamu Tezuka: The ‘God of Manga’

● New Treasure Island (1947) – Tezuka introduced cinematic paneling, motion lines, and dynamic storytelling.
● Astro Boy (1952) – Defined shōnen manga with action-driven narratives and emotional depth.
● Inspired by Walt Disney & Western Animation – Tezuka adapted Western cartoon aesthetics (large expressive eyes,
dynamic movement).
Manga Becomes a National Phenomenon
● Shōnen (boys) and Shōjo (girls) manga categories emerged, expanding manga’s audience.
● Rise of Weekly Manga Magazines – Publishers like Shōnen Magazine (1959) made manga more accessible to young
readers.
Expansion of Manga Genres (1960s-1980s)
Diversification of Manga Audiences
● By the 1960s, manga expanded beyond children's entertainment, developing distinct genres for
different age groups and demographics.
● Seinen and Josei manga emerged, catering to mature themes and complex storytelling.

Major Genre Developments

● Shōnen (boys' manga) – Action-driven, featuring young male protagonists (Dragon Ball, Fist of the
North Star).
● Shōjo (girls' manga) – Focused on romance, drama, and character relationships (The Rose of
Versailles, Sailor Moon).
● Mecha & Science Fiction – Influenced by global technological advancements (Mobile Suit
Gundam, Akira).
● Gekiga ("dramatic pictures") – Aimed at adults, introduced darker, more realistic themes (Lone Wolf
and Cub, Golgo 13).
The Role of Weekly Magazines
● Publications like Weekly Shōnen Jump (1968) revolutionized manga distribution, launching
serialized stories with cliffhangers to keep readers engaged.
● Manga became a dominant entertainment medium, selling millions of copies weekly.
Manga’s Global Influence & Modern Era (1990s–Present)

Manga’s International Rise

● By the 1990s, manga became a global phenomenon, gaining popularity in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
● Influence of Anime Adaptations – Hit series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece boosted manga’s global
reach.
● Translation & Localization Boom – Companies like VIZ Media, Tokyopop, and Kodansha USA brought manga
to Western audiences.

Digital Revolution & Web Manga

● Rise of digital platforms like Webtoon and ComiXology changed how manga is consumed.
● Fan translations & scanlations played a key role in global accessibility, though they raised piracy concerns.
● AI & Digital Art Tools (Clip Studio Paint) transformed manga creation, speeding up production.
Manga’s Influence on Western Comics & Pop Culture
● Western comics and animations adopted manga-inspired elements:
○ “Manga-style” storytelling in graphic novels (Scott Pilgrim, Avatar: The Last Airbender).
○ Fusion of styles in Marvel & DC comics (Batman: Child of Dreams, Marvel Mangaverse).
Conclusion
The Evolution of Manga: A Complex Journey
● Manga’s history is deeply intertwined with both Japanese and Western influences.
● While traditional Japanese art forms like ukiyo-e and emakimono shaped early storytelling, the structural foundation of
modern manga (speech bubbles, panel layout) was influenced by Western comics.
● Osamu Tezuka’s cinematic storytelling and genre diversification laid the groundwork for modern manga’s success.

Manga’s Lasting Global Impact

● Today, manga is a dominant force in global entertainment, influencing Western comics, animation, and storytelling.
● Digital platforms and international publishing have expanded manga’s audience, solidifying its position as a universal art
form.