For those who don’t know it yet, Manga readers have their communities and fanbases, which makes Manga more popular and entertaining. Manga has garnered the attention of different people and has provided stories that get the attention of all age groups. In this article, we will discuss what Manga is and why it is so popular. We will also discuss the difference between the two commonly misinterpreted terms, Manga and Anime. Lastly, we will discuss the best Manga reading apps for Android and iOS.
What is Manga?
Manga is a colloquial term for a type of cartoon and graphic novel created in Japanese. People of various ages and backgrounds enjoy them since they are accessible in multiple genres. These highly regarded works, renowned for their intricate narratives and characters, have been illustrated for hundreds of years. Generally speaking, the term “manga” refers to a Japanese cartoon or comic, and in more detail, to artwork created by a Japanese mangaka, a cartoonist. As the publisher wants the Manga reader to remain interested and return for the next chapter of the story, the Mangas are often published serially or in installments. Manga is frequently published in magazines, typically no longer than 40 pages. Typically, a comic book has 150 to 200 pages. The length of a graphic novel can range from a few hundred pages to several thousand. Unlike conventional comics and comic books, Manga tells a complete tale to readers with a beginning, middle, and finish. Regardless of length, Manga generally maintains the standard Japanese linguistic flow, which calls for reading from top to bottom and right to left. This appears backward to an English reader since it necessitates beginning from the end of the book.
Why is Manga so popular?
Manga is immensely popular among all age groups. Out of the many Mangas available, there is a Manga named Shonen Jump. Its weekly magazine’s main website receives 2.4 million page views per month and 880,000 unique visitors monthly. There is another Manga named Jump SQ. There are 30.2% of readers in the 25–29 age group, 26.4% in the 20–24 age group, 25.2% in the 15–19 age group, and 18.2% in the 30-34 age group. Men make up 67.5% of the readership, while women make up 32.5 % of the readership. These are the statistics for two Manga magazines. There are thousands of Mangas available, which have millions of viewers. It could be understood by this fact that there are millions and millions of Manga readers out there. Most statistics have shown four main reasons for the popularity of Manga and the increasing number of Manga readers. These four reasons have been explained below.
Fantastic Drawings
Mangas are most notably known for their illustrative and visually appealing drawing. For most Manga readers, beautiful illustrations have been their most attention-seeking factor. You should also note that Manga writers practice a lot to ensure their graphics grab readers’ attention.
Excellent plot
The second most notable factor that garners readers’ attention is the excellent plots of various Mangas. Mangas are known for the different emotions the story expresses to its readers. Some of the Mangas are funny and joyful, whereas some are sad and heartbreaking. These Mangas also have unpredictable plots, which keep the Manga readers on edge.
Cute and appealing characters
The characters in a story are essential as they are the story’s foundation. The main characters, as well as the sub-main characters, including the protagonist and the antagonist, all make up the story. Manga writers emphasize a lot on making appealing and adorable characters. These characters carry good looks and traits, making them Manga readers’ favorites.
Intellectual and educational content
While many might think that Mangas are only for entertainment, you should note that the stories conveyed through Mangas always have good morals. Most of the Mangas have intellectual and educational content, which helps Manga readers learn new things.
What is the difference between Manga and Anime?
A specific type of animation that has its roots in Japan is called Anime. Its defining features are high contrast, vivid colors, and science fiction and fantasy-related themes. Manga is a form of Japanese comic publications and graphic novels. It shares the exaggerated facial characteristics and vivid colors of anime. In Japan, essential inventions and cultural discussions revolve around Manga and Anime. These fields are not equivalent. While anime covers the whole range of Japanese animation, Manga might be considered Japanese comic books. In the views of many journalists, cultural experts, and pundits worldwide, they have come to be seen as being associated with a distinctive Japanese modern aesthetic and visual culture. To put it crudely, anime are TV series or movies, whereas Manga is comic books or graphic novels. Both forms of media have a distinctive visual aesthetic, and many Mangas are the inspiration for anime. Even yet, not all anime series are based on Manga, and most comics are never turned into animated programs. After reading so much about Manga, you might be interested in reading them yourself. If you want to become a Manga reader yourself, here is a list of the best Manga reading apps for Android and iOS users.
Crunchyroll Manga
Crunchyroll Manga is already well-known as the pioneer in streaming Asian and anime programming. It is poised to become the leader in the digital distribution of Manga because of its Manga app for mobile devices. Users of this Manga app have unlimited access to a selection of the trendiest new Japanese Manga. Crunchyroll Manga readers get the most recent issues of popular series like Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, and Space Brothers as soon as they are available on Japanese newsstands. Premium members will access the most recent Manga as it becomes published in Japan. Additionally, they provide complete mobile compatibility for iOS and Android, as well as ‘Koma-View,’ which permits the most apparent size per panel. Premium users have unlimited reading access and can browse the whole series collection whenever they want. It works on: iOS Android
VIZ Manga
VIZ Manga has the most extensive digital library with all your favorite series, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, Death Note, Dragon Ball, etc. There are many different genres in this app. You can watch your favorite series on VIZ Manga’s advanced Manga reader wherever you want. Additionally, you can enjoy breathtaking 2-page spreads in landscape mode. This app offers to pick up where you left off, light and dark modes, and the ability to download content to read offline. You can start a new series or complete your collection of old favorites. Before purchasing a book on this app, you can read free previews of premium volumes. On the VIZ Manga app, brand-new chapters and series are regularly added. The best thing is that the app is available on Android and iOS devices. It works on: iOS Android
Comixology
A cloud-based digital comic book retailer called Comixology offers more than 75,000 comics from well-known companies, including DC, Marvel, Image, BOOM, IDW, and others. The platform’s collection has tens of thousands of Mangas, including hundreds of free comics, from over 75 publishers like Lion Forge, Dark Horse, Oni Press, Dynamite, Valiant, indie authors, and cartoonists. Many digital novels are released on the same day as their print counterparts. Additionally, you can utilize Comixology’s menus to explore new entries by the creator, genre, publisher, rating, story arc, and more. You can even use the search tool to identify specific titles or artists. It works on: iOS Android
WebComics
For fans of comic books and Manga, WebComics is a very well-known webtoon platform. It offers a selection of the trendiest and most recent Manga and webtoon series for comic book enthusiasts worldwide. WebComics contains all premium webtoons and Manga to supply you with the most incredible Manga series, regardless of whether you are a lover of Manga, comics, manhwa, or anime series. The latest American comics, Japanese Manga, Korean comics, Chinese manhwa, and the whole collection of the most popular online webtoons are all available on this app. They offer an online comics service similar to Webtoons and Mangago. You can enjoy reading webcomics through the iOS and Android apps. It works on: iOS Android
MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA
MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA is the most fantastic destination for you if you want to share the excitement over manga heroes’ outstanding achievements with other Manga readers across the globe. They publish some of the best Manga ever, including Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Bleach, and others. The most recent chapters of the top Manga are free every day, just when they are published in Japan. With this app, you can read a variety of appealing manga series in both English and Spanish for free from anywhere in the world. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It works on: iOS Android
Shonen Jump Manga and Comics
Your access to the whole Manga universe is made possible by Shonen Jump Manga and Comics. This app has the finest collection of all the most famous Manga in a single app, with tons of fresh material. There are many Mangas here, like My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer, and many more. You can find them all on the app on your Android and iOS devices. You can also find delight in a wide range of other Manga series featuring all of your favorite creators. All the new chapters of your favorite Manga are available to read for free. You can also access the digital vault of 15,000+ manga chapters starting at $1.99 per month. You won’t get bored because you can read so many different series. It works on: iOS Android
MangaToon
MangaToon is a free app for browsing Manga, manhua, and comic books. This app’s comics are all vividly colored. There are several daily updated comics in Action, Romance, Boys’ Love, Comedy, Horror, and more. Several HD comics are available, and they are often updated for your Android and iOS devices. On Mangatoon, you can now read several Korean comics. Every week, new comics are also published on Mangatoon. You won’t miss an update if you subscribe to your favorite comics. Most comics are available for free, while MangaToon also offers paid comics. Your preferred comics may also be downloaded so you can read them offline. It works on: iOS Android
Final Words
Compared to Western cartoons, Manga is far more inclusive in its subject matter. They deal with imagination in addition to being utilized in business or education. Manga works are produced not just as a method of escaping reality but also as a means of considering reality. Manga is a must-read if you enjoy reading captivating, fascinating stories with stunning illustrations. Don’t hold yourself back from getting a hold of these literary gems. Next, you can check out some of the best book summary apps.