"Cleopatra Reborn" has the potential to be a compelling anime adaptation. Its blend of historical drama, science fiction, and reincarnation could appeal to a wide range of viewers.
The theological and philosophical concept of reincarnation stipulates “that the non-physical essence of a living being begins a new life in a different physical form or body after biological death.” This is not so frequent in the Western tradition as it is in the East, which is why it makes sense that many great anime series focus on that concept.
Reincarnation in anime adds novelty and excitement to the story, allowing characters to adapt to new environments and eras with technological advancements and cultural differences.
Not all reincarnation stories in anime are isekai; some focus on advancing the plot within the same world, leading to more interesting and focused narratives.
Reincarnation anime like "Joshikousei Nobunaga-chan!!," "Dimension Movement of Nazca," and "Ya Boy Kongming!" explore how characters from different time periods adapt to modern-day life, showcasing struggles, eccentricities, and the formation of new bonds.
What if you could be reborn into a magical world or parallel universe? With a new body entirely and new life ahead of you? You'll find plenty of reincarnated anime and manga characters have done just that!
Japanese animes span across genres, from heartwarming narratives of redemption to adrenaline-pumping adventures in fantastical realms, promising to keep audiences engaged throughout the journey. Keep in mind that resurrection or revival (when someone dies and comes back to life while maintaining their body and mind) are often thought of like reincarnation. They share similar traits, but reincarnation is actually a unique, separate concept involving past lives and rebirth. The reincarnated being gets a new body or form (human or non-human) after death while their previous mind, soul, or consciousness is transported into the new vessel.
The animation world may explore the idea as more supernatural, so summoning divine powers or gods, a magician or magic forces, a superpower, sinister forces like a demon, or anything otherwise fantastical could be used to explain how reincarnation happens. Perhaps the process of reincarnation is presented without much explanation at all, or characters looking for answers acts as a major plot arc. Popular anime where the MC (or main character) is reincarnated include In Another World With My Smartphone, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. You can watch most of these anime series on streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and
Hulu.
ROBOTS
& ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Japan's deep-rooted fascination with robots and artificial intelligence is evident throughout its popular culture, particularly in anime and manga. This fascination can be attributed to several factors, including:
1. Cultural Values - Japanese culture places a high value on technology and innovation. This, combined with a strong belief in the potential for machines to enhance human life, has led to a widespread acceptance and even celebration of robots and AI.
2. Shinto Beliefs - Shinto, the native religion of Japan, often animates objects and sees spirits in nature. This belief may have contributed to the idea that machines could possess a life or soul of their own.
3. Post-War Context - Following World War
II, Japan experienced rapid industrialization and technological advancements. This period may have fostered a sense of optimism about the future and the potential of technology. The devastation of
WWII led to a focus on rebuilding and modernization. Robots and AI could symbolize Japan's desire for technological advancement and a better future. Robots became a symbol of this progress and a source of hope for the future.
Beyond Ghost in the Shell and Alita: Battle Angel, there are numerous other well-known examples of anime and manga that explore themes of robotics and
AI. Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell follows the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi and the members of Public Security Section 9, Japan's top-level cybercrime investigation unit. Kusanagi and the team are especially suited for the work as many of them are cyborgs who can act on both the physical and virtual levels. As one of the most detailed depictions of AI in manga, Ghost in the Shell is full of interesting and thought-provoking takes on living in a world of ubiquitous AI. To be sure, one of the team's hardest criminals to bring down was a malevolent AI known as the Puppet Master which infects and takes control of third-party AI to make it do its bidding. Despite being published over 25 years ago, Ghost in the Shell is extremely relevant to contemporary discussions of AI.
POPULAR ANIME AND MANGA SERIES
- Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom): One of the earliest and most iconic examples of robot-themed
anime, was created by Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy is one of the most influential works in this genre. The story follows a robot boy with human emotions who fights for
justice [1]. It explores themes of humanity, ethics, and the relationship between humans and robots.
Naoki Urasawa's Pluto re-imagines the Astro Boy chapter titled "The Greatest Robot of All". Rather than the standard superhero fare of the original Osama Tezuka work, Urasawa retells the chapter's story as a psychological murder mystery where the killing of the first super robot leads to a high-stakes investigation focused on finding the identity of the killer and his purpose. As such, Pluto presents a thought-provoking look at a controversial aspect of current AI development, namely whether humans can create AI systems that do not internalize the common biases of their human creators. This is already a key problem in such current AI uses as facial recognition. Pluto expands the discussion to include what happens when bias is programmed in robots with the ability to kill.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: A dark and complex series that explores themes of existentialism, religion, and the nature of human existence in a world of giant robots.
This iconic series delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of piloting giant robots (Evangelions) to protect humanity from mysterious beings called Angels. It raises questions about identity, consciousness, and the human
condition [2].
Cyberpunk: Peach John:
Rootport reimagines the tale of the ancient Japanese folk hero Momotaro. Reborn in a futuristic society, Momotaro is left on the doorstep of a club run by an elderly couple who launder money and work as hackers. While Cyberpunk: Peach John's story touches on some aspects of AI, there's also the more salient issue of how the manga was created. The art was completely generated by AI software that produced characters and settings to match the inputs of the author. Without going into the more controversial aspects of the tension between AI and artistic creativity – what is interesting and important in regard to Cyberpunk: Peach John being a manga about AI is how the AI software used by Rootport perceived AI artistically.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: A popular series that combines fantasy, science fiction, and alchemy to explore the consequences of human ambition and the limitations of technology.
-
Serial Experiments Lain: A more cerebral and abstract take on AI, this series explores the merging of reality and the digital world. It follows Lain, a teenage girl who becomes deeply involved in a virtual reality network, questioning the nature of existence and
consciousness [2].
- Psycho-Pass: Set in a dystopian future, Psycho-Pass features the Sibyl System, an AI that determines the likelihood of individuals committing crimes. The series examines the implications of relying on AI for law enforcement and the ethical dilemmas it
creates [2].
Psycho-Pass, a highly acclaimed anime series, made its debut in 2012 under Production IG. Set in a not-too-distant future, the anime presents a world where a system to monitor the human mind has been developed and implemented to uphold public order.
The characters in Psycho-Pass, particularly Akane Tsunemori, Shinya Kogami, and Tomomi Masaoka, have captured the hearts of viewers. Audiences appreciate their distinct personal growth and admirable moral compass as they navigate the challenges presented in a complex and modern society.
What sets Psycho-Pass apart is its engrossing and thought-provoking plot, characterized by suspenseful twists, unexpected scenarios, and robust character development. Additionally, the anime receives praise for its captivating visuals and a harmonious musical score that contribute to its distinctive atmosphere.
- Pluto: Inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, Pluto is a darker, more mature take on the story. It revolves around a robot detective investigating a series of robot and human murders, delving into themes of AI ethics and what it means to be
human [2]. Pluto is a serious take on Osamu Tezuka's classic manga, Astro Boy.
The story centers around a murder mystery involving both robots and humans being destroyed. The detective, a human-presenting robot named Gesicht, thinks that the culprit may be a robot. This would make this the first time that a robot has taken a human life in years. The robots are all extremely advanced ones that are capable of being turned into weapons of mass destruction, while the humans all seem to have some sort of connection to the International Robot Law, which grants robots equal rights to humankind.
As one would expect from an anime with original source material by Naoki Urasawa (Monster,
20th Century Boys), the series is a profound meditation on human nature - and the nature of our humanlike creations.
- The Gene of AI: This series presents a world where humanoid robots with AI are virtually indistinguishable from humans. It explores the emotional and ethical complexities of AI integration into
society [2].
- Robotech: A science fiction anime series based on a combination of three different anime series.
- Mobile Suit Gundam: A franchise that features giant robots known as Mobile Suits and explores themes of war, politics, and social issues.
This is similar in concept to the giant human driven, robotic machines
used to fight the Kaiju in Pacific Rim. In 2013, massive alien monsters called Kaiju begin emerging from an interdimensional portal, "the Breach" at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and attacking coastal cities. In response, humanity builds massive mecha called
'Jaegers.'
- Robotics;Notes: A visual novel and anime series that focuses on
time travel and the development of a robot capable of changing the past.
-
Voltron: This popular series features a giant robot formed from five smaller ones, often used to battle alien threats.
POPULAR ANIME SERIES
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: This series features giant humanoid robots piloted by teenage boys, exploring themes of existentialism, religious symbolism, and the nature of human existence.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: While not strictly about robots, this series delves into the concepts of alchemy and transmutation, which can be seen as forms of artificial creation.
- Planetes: Set in the future, this anime focuses on a team of space debris collectors who encounter various robotic and artificial intelligence entities.
- Astro Boy: One of the earliest and most iconic robot characters in anime, Astro Boy is a young android created by a scientist to replace his deceased son.
- SSSS.Gridman: A more recent series that combines elements of kaiju and mecha genres, featuring a giant robot summoned to protect a city from monstrous creatures.
-
Time of Eve: Time of Eve is an exceptional anime that explores the complex themes surrounding AI in a thought-provoking and emotional manner. It captivates viewers with its amazing character development and grand storytelling. It delves into the ethical and philosophical implications of AI becoming self-aware and examines the borders between humans and machines.
Viewers will appreciate Time of Eve for building the AI-themed characters up as proper living organisms. These characters are portrayed as complex individuals, each with their own set of skills and problems that help them stand out.
On top of placing them in a society where robots have rights and are treated fairly and unfairly, you’ll appreciate the detail that went into creating this tale. Yasuhiro Yoshiura's Time of Eve follows high school student Rikuo Sakisaka and his family's android, Sammy. Rikuo has grown so used to Sammy that he sees her as nothing more than a glorified computer. That is, she's an inanimate tool whose purpose is to make people more productive, efficient, and happy. Rikuo's idea of Sammy – and androids in general – changes when he discovers that she actually has a life of her own.
Time of Eve asks the tough question of what happens when a society becomes so reliant on AI that its use becomes second nature, like how people nowadays rely on their smartphones and smartwatches to do the most mundane things. Time of Eve suggests that reliance can bring enormous benefits to society, but also a host of unknown consequences.
- Ergo Proxy: Ergo Proxy is another psychological sci-fi series with a fascinating stance on artificial intelligence. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where humans and advanced lifeforms called AutoReivs reside. It follows Re-I Mayer, an investigator who unravels the mysteries surrounding the godlike beings.
Through Mayer’s quest for the truth, Ergo Proxy presents viers with questions about the nature of machines and their journey of self-discovery. By challenging notions of identity and selfhood, the series forces viewers to ponder the philosophical and ethical implications of AI.
On top of having phenomenal twists and characters with intricate motivations, you’re in for a swell time with this one.
- Yukikaze: Based on a series of novels by Chohei Kambayashi, Yukikaze is an interesting OVA that examines the complex relationship between humans and AI. It takes place amidst a war between humans and aliens known as the JAM. It explores concepts like trust and the ever-evolving role of AI in warfare. It centers around Rei, a pilot tasked with defending humans against the JAM.
Rei’s companion is an advanced AI Fighter het named Yukikaze, which possesses its consciousness and emotions. Through Yukikaze, the anime raises questions regarding AI’s potential for sentience.
The series delves into Yukikaze’s emotions, loyalty, and decision-making capabilities, blurring the lines between human and machine.
- Chobits: Chobits is a heartwarming sci-fi series based on one of CLAMP’s manga series. It’s set in a futuristic world where personal computers have evolved into humanoid robots. The series is known for exploring themes regarding love and self-discovery. However, many appreciate Chobits for its analysis of the emotional connection between humans and AI.
Through its characters Hideki and Chi, the series invites audiences to contemplate the ethical implications of forming close relations with AI entities. Moreover, this anime’s world has robots taking on various human occupations and duties. By featuring them in this light, viewers will question if it’d be a good or a terrible idea to allow robots to function in society in such a way.
In addition to having a relatable cast, Chobits is a must-watch for anyone interested in AI.
- Stand By Me: Doraemon: Stand By Me: Doraemon is another heartfelt anime with an AI theme. The anime analyzes the bond between Nobita and his robot cat companion Doraemon. Doraemon serves as a fascinating mentor and guide for Nobita throughout the anime. He uses his advanced tech and AI intelligence to help him navigate through major and minuscule problems.
Through their encounters, the anime establishes a deep connection between the two that’s centered around trust and understanding. Although Doraemon is a charming companion for Nobita, he comes with his share of limitations and faults. With this in mind, the anime encourages audiences to consider the balance between using AI for personal gain and securing one’s free will.
POPULAR MANGA SERIES
- Akira: This influential manga explores a dystopian future where powerful psychic abilities and advanced technology have led to societal collapse.
- Battle Angel Alita: While also adapted into a live-action film, the manga series provides a more in-depth exploration of Alita's origins and the world of cyberpunk technology.
Yukito Kishiro’s Battle Angel Alita depicts the adventures of Alita, a damaged cyborg who is repaired and revived by Daisuke Ido, a human engineer exiled to the scrap heap where Alita has been dumped. Although revived, Alita remembers nothing about how she ended up in the garbage pile except that she's an expert in the deadly martial art – Panzer Kunst. She then sets out to find out what happened before Ido found her. Alita touches on an important question in the current development of AI systems. That is, if the goal of AI is to be sentient, what things would or should an AI think about on its own? Should it be allowed to think about whatever it wants or should restraints on thinking be programmed into it? For Alita, however, the answer is to focus on the seemingly simple question of "who am I?"
- Appleseed: This series features a future society where
humans and cyborgs coexist, with themes of
artificial
intelligence, genetic engineering, and the nature of humanity.
Masamune Shirow's Appleseed follows the story of law enforcement agents Deunan Knute and Briareos after the events of World War III wiped out much of the world's human population. Now working in Olympus, one of the most powerful societies to rise in the aftermath of the war, Deunan and Briareos are protecting and serving their new home from all who would do them harm. As such, Appleseed touches on the idea of integrating humans and AI systems. Briareos is a cyborg with an extra brain. That brain, in addition to operating his mechanic body autonomously, is also able to translate raw data into a language that his human brain can understand.
These are just a few examples of the many anime and manga series that have delved into the themes of
robotics and
AI. The fascination with these topics continues to be a driving force in Japanese popular culture.
1
https://academic.oup.com/book/46567/chapter/408130483
2 https://www.ranker.com/list/anime-about-artificial-intelligence/anna-lindwasser
3 https://screenrant.com/best-manga-anime-ai-robots/
4 https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2024/03/generative_ai_and_manga.html
5 https://www.anime-planet.com/manga/tags/robots
6 https://www.oneesports.gg/anime/best-sci-fi-anime-artificial-intelligence/
7 https://www.thereviewgeek.com/bestanime-artificialintelligence/
https://gamerant.com/best-reincarnation-anime-that-not-isekai/
https://fictionhorizon.com/best-reincarnation-anime/
https://myanimelist.net/anime/genre/72/Reincarnation
https://www.ranker.com/list/best-reincarnation-anime/ranker-anime
https://gamerant.com/best-reincarnation-anime-that-not-isekai/
https://fictionhorizon.com/best-reincarnation-anime/
https://myanimelist.net/anime/genre/72/Reincarnation
https://www.ranker.com/list/best-reincarnation-anime/ranker-anime
1
https://academic.oup.com/book/46567/chapter/408130483
2 https://www.ranker.com/list/anime-about-artificial-intelligence/anna-lindwasser
3 https://screenrant.com/best-manga-anime-ai-robots/
4 https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2024/03/generative_ai_and_manga.html
5 https://www.anime-planet.com/manga/tags/robots
6 https://www.oneesports.gg/anime/best-sci-fi-anime-artificial-intelligence/
7 https://www.thereviewgeek.com/bestanime-artificialintelligence/
CLEOPATRA REBORN - AS MANGA AND ANIME ADAPTATIONS
The concept of "Cleopatra Reborn" offers a unique blend of history, science fiction, and fantasy. To assess its potential as an anime adaptation, it's essential to consider the elements that might resonate with Japanese audiences and the potential challenges that could arise.
WHY “CLEOPATRA REBORN” COULD APPEAL AS AN ANIME ADAPTATION
1. Fascination with Historical Figures and Reincarnation
Japanese audiences have a strong interest in historical figures and reincarnation themes, as seen in popular anime like “The Ambition of Oda Nobuna” and "Nobunaga
Concerto" [1]. Cleopatra’s dramatic life and enigmatic personality provide a rich tapestry for storytelling, blending historical intrigue with the fantastical elements of
reincarnation.
2. Sci-Fi and Technological Themes
The concept of using advanced DNA technology to clone Cleopatra taps into the sci-fi genre, which is immensely popular in anime. Series like “Ghost in the Shell” and “Steins;Gate” have shown that Japanese audiences appreciate narratives that explore the ethical and philosophical implications of advanced technology2. The idea of resurrecting Cleopatra through modern replication technology could spark similar intrigue and debate.
3. Strong Female Protagonist
Cleopatra is an iconic figure known for her intelligence, political acumen, and charisma. Anime often features strong female protagonists who defy traditional roles, such as in “Attack on Titan” (Mikasa Ackerman) and “Fullmetal Alchemist” (Riza Hawkeye). Cleopatra’s character could resonate well with audiences who admire powerful and complex female leads.
4. Visual and Cultural Appeal
The rich visual aesthetics of ancient Egypt, combined with futuristic technology, offer a unique and visually stunning setting for an anime. The contrast between
Cleopatra’s ancient world and the modern era could be beautifully depicted through anime’s vibrant and dynamic art style.
TECHNOLOGICAL APPEAL: MODERN REPLICATION TECHNOLOGY
1. Ethical Dilemmas and Philosophical Questions
The use of cloning and DNA technology to bring
Cleopatra back to life raises significant ethical questions, such as the morality of cloning, the implications of playing god, and the identity of a clone. These themes are ripe for exploration in an anime format, providing depth and thought-provoking content.
2. Futuristic Sci-Fi Elements
Incorporating advanced technology into the storyline can attract fans of the sci-fi genre. The depiction of cutting-edge labs, futuristic cities, and advanced AI could create an engaging and immersive world. This aligns with the success of anime like “Psycho-Pass” and “Ergo Proxy,” which explore futuristic societies and technologies.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME
1. Balancing Historical Accuracy and Fiction
Maintaining a balance between historical accuracy and creative liberty can be challenging. Ensuring that Cleopatra’s character and the historical context are portrayed respectfully while integrating the sci-fi elements seamlessly will be crucial.
2. Cultural Sensitivity
Given Cleopatra’s cultural significance, it’s important to handle her story with sensitivity and respect. Avoiding cultural appropriation and ensuring accurate representation of Egyptian culture and history will be essential.
3. Complex Narrative Structure
The narrative complexity of blending historical events with modern technology and ethical dilemmas requires careful scripting. Ensuring that the story remains coherent and engaging without overwhelming the audience with too many concepts will be a key challenge.
"Cleopatra Reborn" has the potential to be an intriguing anime adaptation, offering a unique blend of history, science fiction, and drama. The story introduces the feasibility of cloning technology for replication in a modern technological worl. The challenges of portraying Cleopatra accurately may be absorbed in this format, as opposed to live action - though should be carefully considered. The story could appeal to a wide range of anime fans, particularly those who enjoy historical fantasy and themes of reincarnation.
WHAT
IS/ARE MANGA AND ANIME?
Manga is a famous form of Japanese art developed as a comic. For the Japanese, Manga is not just a source of entertainment but a core part of their culture. The word Manga (漫画) consists of two Kanji characters
漫, which means comics, and
画, which means drawing or painting.
In this article, we will discuss the meaning of manga, its origin and evolution, various types of manga, its global impact, the most famous manga to date, and the difference between manga and Western comics.
Japanese narratives of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots have long been characterized as the cultural antithesis to their anglophone counterparts. According to this model, whereas in the West intelligent machines signify a threat to humanity, in Japan machines are partners to humans.
Such shorthand cultural distinctions circulating in anglophone imaginaries can feed back into robotics design practices in Japan. This phenomenon is especially prevalent within emotion-based AI research, where Japanese roboticists cite animacy as a distinctively ‘Japanese’ component of robotics design that fosters human–robot intimacy.
Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Japan, this chapter analyses imaginaries of animacy among Japanese roboticists and animacy’s role in generating intimacy between humans and companion robots. It argues that, while an emphasis on emotionality in Japanese AI narratives challenges distinctions between reason and emotion in anglophone AI research, the complex cultural politics of these distinctions also challenges simplified notions of ‘culture’ in AI research more broadly.
While artificial intelligence (AI) might have only recently caught the world's popular attention, anime and manga about AI have been a staple genre of the medium since the 1970s. Some of the thorniest issues of the current debate, such as AI's place in society, the ethics of its widespread deployment in the community, and when – if ever – should AI be considered sentient, have all been explored in detail in manga.
AI, as it appears in anime and manga, encompasses a broader definition of technology than is popularly known. It not only includes standalone AI software programs such as ChatGPT,
Copilot and Gemin, but also the use of AI as a component in larger, more complex, technological entities such as robots and androids. While some of these systems have yet to become reality, the depiction of AI in anime and manga has been eerily accurate in some places. While the superheroes, aliens, and supernatural entities of manga still remain imaginary, artificial intelligence in anime and manga is the proof of concept necessary to show the feasibility of the future AI society.
THE MEANING OF MANGA
If you are new to the world of manga, you may wonder what manga literally means. What is the meaning of the word manga?
The first kanji of the word Manga 漫, meaning comics or cartoons, also carries the conceptual meaning of “to overflow,” “to be unrestrained or carefree,” “to be aimless,” or “to be indiscriminate.” The second kanji, i.e.
画, means “drawing” or “painting.” So, the meaning of the word manga is “a story with pictures or comics in English.”
You may ask why a word associated with overflow, unrestrained, or carefree also means comics. Well, all these words suggest creativity or narrative being “unbounded” by strict
rules - hence the idea of manga as a medium for free-form, imaginative expression.
THE SIMPLICITY OF MANGA ART AND ITS SPREAD
Japanese Manga is usually in black-and-white colors. Sounds boring, huh? Something out of the 90s? It’s quite the contrary!
Manga’s beauty lies in its simplicity, and people embrace that. Although it is available in colored versions, most people prefer the monochromatic tone.
As of now, the world recognizes Japan in two ways. First, the very hard-working and
discipline inclined culture, and second, ‘Manga.’ And it is
everywhere.
The presence of manga literally everywhere would be baffling to a foreigner, especially those who are not Manga fans. However, those who follow Otaku culture may still desire more.
Whether billboards, buildings, shops, trains, schools, cars, stationery items, food items, or everyday stuff, manga is engraved on everything.
NOT SO NEW MANGA ORIGINS
Considering its art style and storytelling, one would think that manga must have originated relatively recently, but that isn’t the case.
Manga’s foundations lead back to the 12th century when an anonymous artist produced hand-painted handscrolls depicting rabbits, monkeys, and other animals behaving like humans, meant for humor. Later versions and adaptations of the same were made in the 1500s.
The word ‘Manga’ was first used during the Edo period in 1814 by Katsushika Hokusai, the designer of the famous print ‘The Great Wave.’
He used the word Manga for his series of picture books called the ‘Hokusai Manga,’in which he sketched scenes from daily life. This is where the word ‘Manga’ was properly established.
THE EVOLUTION OF MANGA
The first artist to describe their pictures as ‘manga’ in the modern sense was Ippyo Imaizumi. However, Kitazawa Yasuji, known as Kitazawa Rakuten established the first manga with four boxes and typed texts. Kitazawa’s manga became an inspiration to so many young artists that he became known as the father of modern manga.
It then underwent different phases that added depth and meaning to the stories.
Over time, this art became increasingly elaborate and complex. It was no longer just for humor but also for spreading ideas and creativity. Therefore, manga is now categorized into different types and genres, catering to its diverse audience.
The golden era of Manga came after the 1980s when its genres and adaptations peaked in creativity. In this era, static manga stories started getting life by turning into animations through anime series, movies, and video games.
THE MOST FAMOUS JAPANESE MANGA
The “One Piece” Manga is the most famous and highest-selling manga ever, selling over 500 million copies. It was followed by ‘Gogol13’, which sold 300 million copies.
Third, fourth, and fifth place in the ranking of the best-selling manga to date, i.e., 2024, are held by the following Manga:
- Detective Conan, which sold 270 million
- Dragon Ball Z, which sold 260 million
- Naruto, which sold 250 million
A major chunk of this success can be attributed to the fact that manga became mainstream in Japan in the 1980s.
MANGA TYPES FOR EVERY TASTE AND MOOD
The widespread popularity of manga can also be attributed to manga creators’ thoughtful approach to creating manga for people of different tastes. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible if the love of manga had not attracted the creators of different tastes.
There are five types of manga: Shōnen, Shōjo, Seinen, Josie, and Kodomomuke. In addition to these five types, there are manga to satisfy specific tastes, such as horror and sports.
SHŌNEN MANGA – COURAGE, ACTION & ADVENTURE
Shōnen manga is for the ones who are into the Hero stuff. Naturally, it attracts teenage boys more. This category of manga is
action - and adventure-packed stories. These stories are not just about cool Ninjas, pirates, or gangsters but also about their way of life, the bonds they make, the paths they take, the struggles they face, and their personal growth.
Shōnen manga is about watching characters like Naruto Uzumaki go from an outcast and hated child to a ‘Hero’ who fights criminals and saves the entire village!
This manga never fails to captivate manga lovers who are interested in heroics, ambition, and courage to overcome their struggles.
You root for the guy hero of Shōnen manga not just because you feel bad for him but because you have seen his struggle and want him to have everything he desires in a world filled with magical beings and spells.
The kanji for Shōnen is “少年”. The character
少 (shou) means “little” or “few,” and
年 (nen) is the kanji for “year.” Together,
少年 refers to young boys or adolescents.
SHŌJO MANGA - LOVE AND DRAMA
Not so adventurous and action-oriented, but a bit romantic, are you?
Well, who says that romance is not an adventure in itself?
Well, philosophy and jokes apart, Shojo will be just the right pick if you are a passionate romanticist.
They tend to focus more on love and relationships, not just romantic relationships but friendships.
The targeted demographic for Shōjo manga is teenage girls. But, well, let’s not bring in racism and gender-based preferences here.
A romance involves both genders, and unlike action, it’s a more common and easily relatable experience that speaks to people from all walks of life. After all, love and relationships are universal themes that everyone can connect with
Shojo will take you through all kinds of emotions, whether love, betrayal, a crush at first sight, bittersweet romance, or life-changing encounters.
A Shōjo manga is about romantic emotions and the struggles to keep your spirit alive and kicking.
Take it: Tohru Honda from Fruit Baskets wasn’t just able to find her place in this world but also helped many others do the same.
You will experience her emotions change with every new person she meets and how she knows what they are to her and empathizes with them. You will feel how a person set on spreading all her love into this world will have to face all its hate first.
The kanji for Shōjo is “少女”. The character
少 (shou) means “little” or “few,” and
女 is the kanji for woman or “age.” Together,
少女 refers to young girls.
SEINEN AND JOSIE - STORIES FOR GROWN UPS
Vagabond and Paradise Kiss Seinen and Josie types of manga.
Stories where deeply rooted ideologies, idiosyncrasies of the society, philosophies, psychological tendencies, personal goals, elaborated historical events, and their significance all come into play are very complex, right?
They may be tough to read, and you feel like you will miss something if you misinterpret even one sentence.
But you get so attached to the story that you go, “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!” after every page. You just can’t leave without knowing.
This is Seinen for you and Josie for you. These are manga for adults. They are kind of like elder siblings to Shōnen and Shōjo.
SEINEN MANGA
Seinen is targeted towards adult men, and Josie is more centered towards adult women.
They include stories of self-improvement, career challenges, and complicated relationships. Nana, for example, isn’t just about music or romance; it’s about life’s messy, beautiful complexity.
The most famous ones among Seinen are Berserk, Vinland, Saga, and Vagabond.
The kanji for seinen is 青年.
青 (sei) means “blue,” which, in this context, symbolizes youth or someone in the prime of life, while
年 (nen) means “year,” indicating a focus on a specific life stage.
Seinen manga often tackles more mature and complex themes, reflecting the interests and challenges of young male adults. These include work, relationships, and society. The focus here is on the transition from youth into adulthood rather than gender.
JOSEI MANGA
On the other hand the kanji for josei for josei manga is 女性. Here
女 (jo) means “woman” or “female,” while
性 (sei) means “nature” or “gender,” together forming “female” or “woman.”
Unlike Shōjo, Josei manga typically explores more mature themes like romance, careers, relationships, and personal challenges, catering to the interests of adult women.
Some of the famous josei manga are Chihayafuru by Yuki Suetsugu, Nana by Ai Yazawa, Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa, and Nodame Cantabile by Tomoko Ninomiya.
KODOMOMUKE MANGA
The word “kodomo” (子供) means “children,” and Muke (向け) means “for.” So Kodomuke manga or
子供向け 漫画 means “manga for children.”
As the name suggests, Kodomomuke manga is primarily for young children, typically from preschool to early elementary school age.
These stories often focus on simple themes like friendship, teamwork, and moral lessons, with easy-to-understand language designed to entertain and educate young readers.
The following are the most popular Kodomomuke manga series:
Doraemon: A manga series about a robotic cat from the future who helps a young boy, Nobita, navigate life using futuristic gadgets.
Anpanman: The word “Anpan” means a sweet roll filled with red bean paste. The Anpanman manga series is about the adventures of a superhero with a head in the shape of Anpan, who protects his friends from villains like Baikinman.
Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon Special): The word Pokémon is a short form of Pocket Monsters. Pokémon Adventures manga series features the adventures of young Pokémon trainers.
Shin-chan (Crayon Shin-chan): A manga series about a mischievous 5-year-old boy named Shin-chan and his everyday antics.
Yo-Kai Watch: The Yo-Kai Watch manga series is about a young boy who gains the ability to see and interact with supernatural creatures known as
Yo-Kai.
The adaptation of all these famous manga series into anime was natural, and those turned out to be more famous as kids love animations.
MANGA MONOCHROMATIC ART STYLE
For Mangakas, as the Manga Artists are called, the monochromatic art style is a deliberate choice and not just a matter of tradition and cost.
Though some manga, especially the covers and special editions, are available in colored versions, most are still published in black and white. This presents a real challenge for the artist, though.
It is a big deal to convey so much emotion using only black and white, with just contrast, line work, and shading. Moreover, artists must also maintain a distinctive style so their work is instantly recognizable.
All of this, combined with the skillful use of negative space—areas left intentionally blank—creates a stark, dramatic aesthetic that can be compelling, powerful, or subtle, depending on its use.
And the backgrounds and pictures aren’t always perfectly detailed. The level of detail in the backgrounds and images varies based on what the mangaka wants to emphasize in each panel.
MANGA DESIGN OR LACK OF THUMB RULES
The level of detail depends on the flow of the narrative. When emotions are meant to be heightened, the details in the characters are more pronounced. On the other hand, the backgrounds become less prominent, highlighting the characters.
When we talk about facial expressions, mangakas follow a simple mantra, “The eyes say it all!”. The big, flamboyant, and explicitly detailed eyes are a result of this. Apart from this, they also use other iconography techniques to put more life into the character, like the following:
- A sweat drop on the character’s forehead signifies tension, stress, confusion, or embarrassment.
- A pooping vein might represent anger and frustration
- Spiraling or squiggly lines near a character’s face might show dizziness, illness, or distress
- Subtle and thin lines under the eyes on the cheeks represent blush or shyness
The reading pattern that manga follows is also particularly unique because it is deeply connected to the Japanese roots. We start on the right and move towards the left. The right-to-left direction is not just for the dialogues but also for the panels.
Manga is known for its innovative use of panel layouts, which are often more fluid and dynamic than Western comics.
Japanese manga doesn’t follow strict rules for the flow and design of the panels; rather, it shifts according to what is being portrayed. This allows the mangaka to better control the pace and tone of the narrative.
For example, large, full-page panels (or “splash pages”) might highlight a dramatic moment or stunning artwork.
Diagonal or overlapping panels can create a sense of movement, urgency, or chaos, making action scenes more immersive.
Small, close-up panels can focus on a character’s facial expression or a crucial detail, heightening the scene’s emotional impact.
Adaptations – we can’t stop at just books, can we? With so much emotion and such a great connection, manga fans won’t be satisfied with just the printed pages, right? They want it to spill everywhere with TV shows, movie adaptations, soundtracks, and whatnot.
ANIME BRINGS MANGA TO LIFE
Manga’s adaptations in anime (animations) are the most successful category, with 100s of millions of viewers worldwide, and the industry is valued at JPY 2.9 trillion (roughly $23 billion) as of 2022, which is expected to grow to $62.7 billion by 2032.
Anime TV series had around 24 episodes per season until a few years ago, but this norm has changed recently, with the number reducing to half. The seasons are divided depending on the number and length of each story arc and its significance to the plot. Obviously, we can’t forget the cost of production.
The quality of these series has also changed significantly over the years. Especially if we compare the anime from the early 2000s to today. The average production cost for one episode today starts from around $80k and goes as high as $150k for one episode of an anime.
If we look at the experience side of it, anime brings out the manga’s statistic images,
adding movements, soundtracks, and voice, taking the overall experience to a whole new level.
FAMOUS ANIME
Anime adds a whole new dimension to manga’s entertainment by adding animations to the still black-and-white drawings.
Long-running anime like One Piece (1000+ episodes and still going), Naruto (over 700 episodes), and Bleach (392 and still going), together commonly referred to as the big three, have had tremendous success and generated billions and billions of dollars in revenues.
Some other successful anime include, “My Hero Academia,” “Death Note,” “Attack on Titan,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Demon Slayer,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Kuroko’s Basketball,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and “Tokyo Revengers.”
And it is not just a TV series. Anime can also be movies or films with a more focused narrative and a denser story.
Films can be produced independently, like the highly successful “Your Name” and “Weathering with You,” which earned over $400 million and $181 million worldwide, respectively. Alternatively, they can be made as part of an anime series like “One Piece Film: Red” and “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,” or simply, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.”
LIVE ACTION
These live-action adaptations aim to capture the essence of their respective manga, translating the visual style and story into real-world settings with actors and practical effects. Some well-known adaptations include One Piece, Death Note, and Tokyo Ghoul. Even
Hollywood has attempted this, with somewhat mixed results.
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