Message to Adolf
by Osamu Tezuka
PN6790 .J33 T49213 2012
Black Jack by Osamu Tezuka
PN6790 .J33 T49313 2008
Buddha
by Osamu Tezuka
PN6790 .J34 B8313 2003
Lone Wolf and Cub
by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima
PN6790 .J34 K3913 2000
Manga: Sixty years of Japanese comics
by Paul Gravett
PN6790 .J3 G73 2004b
Manga are Japanese graphic novels usually available in the United States in english translation. The word manga has come today to be understood as refering to graphic novels though its literal meaning is "whimsical pictures". In Japan, graphic novels or manga are a much more mainstream phenomenon than in the United States, comparible with the American equivalent of magazines and newspapers rather than comic books. In the last fifteen years in particular, manga has made a tremendous splash into the American market.
In Japan, manga covers a variety of subjects and is aimed at a variety of audiences. Here are some of the audience names and genres. Remember though, most of the manga that is imported into the United States by domestic publishers usually comes from one or two genres.
Shonen: This genre of manga tends to focus on action, sports, or romance from a young male point of view. That is why it is called "Shonen" , a word which means "Boy" in Japanese. Examples of Shonen series are DragonBall Z, Love Hina, and Sgt Frog.
Shoujo: This genre of manga is aimed at girls from about the ages of 12 to 18. Shoujo series focus on romance and relationships from a young female point of view. This is why it is called "Shoujo", a word which means "Girl" in Japanese. Examples of Shoujo series are Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, and Peach Girl.
Josei: This genre of manga is aimed at adult women, usually college age and up. That is why it is called "Josei", which means "Ladies" in Japanese. "Josei" manga are similar to Shoujo manga except they tend to contain more mature content and topics. Examples of Josei series are Happy Mania and Honey and Clover.
Seinen: This genre of manga is aimed at adult men, usually college age and up. That is why it is called "Seinen", which means "Adult" in Japanese. "Seinen" manga are similar to Shonen manga except they tend to contain more mature content and topics. Examples of Seinen series are Ai Yori Aoshi and Battle Royale.
Shoujo-ai or Yuri: These are manga series that focus on stories revolving around lesbian relationships. "Shoujo-Ai" is a Japanese term that literally means "Girl-love". An example of a Shoujo-Ai series is Revolutionary Girl Utena.
Shonen-ai or Yaoi: These are manga series that focus on stories revolving around homosexual relationships. "Shonen-Ai" is a Japanese term that literally means"Boy-love". An example of a Shonen-Ai series is Gravitation.