Since the creation of the first manga, millions of readers around the world have been won over. These Japanese comics, often in black and white, are characterized by stylized drawings and varied stories, covering various genres such as action, romance and fantasy. If you haven't discovered them yet, or if you're an incomplete fan, this article is for you! Find the best advice with our practical guide to discovering and reading manga.
The uniqueness of manga: a one-of-a-kind read
Before diving into the fascinating world of manga, it's essential to understand how this type of comic is read.
The important point to remember: the reading direction of manga is distinct from that of comic books and Western comics. Manga is read from right to left and top to bottom. This stems from the Japanese reading tradition, which most French publishers continue to respect. There are exceptions, however, with manga published in the Western sense, but they remain rare.
Key steps to reading manga
Now is the time to start reading your first manga! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the experience:
- Open the book upside down: start with the last cover (which would be the first in a Western comic strip) to enter the world of manga;
- Read the boxes from right to left: It may seem disconcerting at first, but with a little practice, reading will become fluid and pleasant;
- Look closely at the illustrations: mangakas (manga artists) use a variety of staging techniques such as close-ups, long shots, low-angle shots and plunges to convey emotions and action. So take time to savor every image.
How to choose the right manga?
Now that you know what's special about reading manga, it's time to choose the one that will thrill you. Here's our advice:
Explore different genres
There are several genres of manga, ranging from stories for children and teenagers (shōnen and shōjo) to more mature works for adults (seinen and josei). Feel free to browse and compare several titles before finding the one that's right for you.
Be nostalgic
Many of the animated series popular with adults today were originally manga in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s. If you've enjoyed a particular anime series, chances are the original manga is just as exciting!
Ask for advice
Don't hesitate to ask the bookseller or other readers for advice, so that you can be guided towards works that suit your tastes.
A few tips to help you go further
To get the most out of reading manga, here are a few additional tips:
Diversify your reading
Explore and read different types of manga and authors to enrich your experience and discover new facets of Japanese comics.
Create a discussion circle
Share your impressions and discoveries with other manga readers. This will deepen your understanding of the work and enrich your manga culture.
Learn Japanese
If you're passionate about Japanese culture and would like to read manga in their original language, learn Japanese! Reading manga in its original version will give you a whole new dimension to these works.
Don't wait any longer to dive into the captivating world of manga! Thanks to our guide, you now have all the keys you need to choose, read and enjoy these comics from Japan. So do yourself a favor and discover this fascinating world.
