What exactly is manga?

McDuffies · Post by **McDuffies** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 5:50 pm

I have a dillema about manga comics (which I don't like very much - not that I don't like any of them, but it takes more to like them): actually what are they? How do you define them?
Many comics are manga-influenced and have big eyes, but I guess they are not really manga until they have normal size noses, right? (like "Makenzie's locker" - it does look like manga, but they really have big noses)
They, when we put a charicatural comics where sometimes face consists only eyes, mess gets worse. (like anything but)
Next: many cartoonist use those big drops at the forhead, or faces without eyes for shame, or oversimplyfied ^.^ faces for happy... although they are obviously not manga (like "A better life then this")...
I guess you get the picture. So, I'm confused... anybody... help?

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Srdjan

Nick Sacco · Post by **Nick Sacco** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 7:44 pm

http://www.howtodrawmanga.com

PDI · Post by **PDI** » Wed Mar 06, 2002 8:41 pm

On 2002-03-06 17:50, mcDuffies wrote:
...manga comics (which I don't like very much - not that I don't like any of them, but it takes more to like them): actually what are they?

If you don't know what they are, how do you know you don't like them?

Manga is technically not a drawing style. Manga are, basically, Japanese comic books. They come in all types, age ranges and styles. They are stylistically similar in the same way that all western cartoons are stylistically like Disney (may they reign forever).

That is, not really.

McDuffies · Post by **McDuffies** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 6:55 am

The point is i don't like small noses, big eyes, and a tiny spots instead of lower lips. Not for a particular reason, it's just my personal opinion.
It's easy to differ manga in cartoon series or printed comic books, but here on internet it all gets so mixed up.
And, yes, I know what the original meaning of manga is, but you'll agree that definition is exceeded. Afther all, manga is drawn everywhere in the world.
(btw, is "Lang Lang" manga?)
Srdjan

LAGtheNoggin · Post by **LAGtheNoggin** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 4:03 pm

I... I always thought Manga was a company that translated Japanese comics and stuff into English. Or that's what those die hard fans keep telling me... I think the correct term is Anime, pronounced An-Im-May supposedly, but I prefer my recieved English An-im-meee, I feel so much more like a ponce

Mnyeh, I too have always wondered about art styles, how can you define it 'Anime'? It covers such a huge area, from Akira to Pokemon to all sorts which escape my mind right now... I suppose it's just an art style like any other, and just like any other it can usually mix with all sorts. I like Anime myself, the whole art style thing I mean, everything else attached to it, like the whole Japanese culture is nice but I'll stick with just appreciating the style... Anime fans are scarey in large numbers o.@

Zuri · Post by **Zuri** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 4:31 pm

Manga, as it should be used generally means " japanese comic" and is characterised by the use of stylised/symbolic characters with larger eyes, small or non existant noses and small lips or no lips. It can also refer to a particular style of japanese comic art. ( not all japanese comic art is the same.) As per most words that become common use in english it has been mangled somewhat to encompass a larger variety of artistic styles and expressions than it was originally ment. Most north americans refer to anything that looks like Japanese comic art as manga or anime. This isn't entirely true. Real manga actually uses a lot of japanese cultural symbology in both the story and art, it's also usually black and white, and shaded in tones. The conventions of manga make it a language, not just a particular drawing style. It's like learning a different language like german or russian, in this case, it's japanese. It's not just big eyes, small mouth, it's a meathod of visual story telling. North Americans also have a comic language. We are more familiar with it because we've had more exposure to it in our youth and growing up. Manga is just another comic language.

Back to the point tho. There are a lot of comics that are Manga INFLUENCED. But I would NOT classify them as Manga themselves. They are a kind of hybrid of north american story telling and symbols with a japanese influenced style of drawing. Of all the people I've seen anime work from, i'd say only a handful have every impressed me. There are a lot of crappy artists out there who think that drawing in the anime/manga style will make them popular or something. Or they like it or they want to appeal to the crowd or whatever. it takes a really exceptional artist to bring a true Manga to life. otherwise, they are all just manga influenced, they are not truly manga.

I draw in the format of japanese comic art. my comic style is derived from japanese manga and anime.( japanese animation art which is different from manga in many ways.) I have taken a lot of time to understand and appreciate the style I work in. Personally I also believe that it takes more than art to have a good comic, be it online or in print. Good art help get the reader, but the story keeps them coming back.. ( that usually means regular updates too.)

I personally think it's a bit of a shame that someone might pass up a great comic based on the artists style, or at least not give them the benefit of a doubt and a peek. But I have my preferences too.

* shrugs * I guess, as an artist, i feel I should have an appreciation for all kinds of styles. Even if I don't actually LIKE them, i can still appreciate someone who's good in a given style. Of course.. poor art does tend to do me in unless there is some kind of REALLY kick ass story. There are a few like that I've found, good thing I gave them the benifit of the read.

___________________________
Zuri
Vampires, Werewolves, and puppet shows.
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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Zuri on 2002-03-07 16:34 ]</font>

Sss · Post by **Sss** » Sun Mar 24, 2002 6:30 am

Maybe the plot of the comic also determines its mangsishness or something?

ZOMBIE USER 7833 · Post by **ZOMBIE USER 7833** » Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:34 am

I just wonder why everyone puts it in such a different category. Once on IRC I called an anime series a "cartoon", and I was treated as if I'd gone into #redneck and said "gee, Osama bin Laden's pretty cool, I wish he'd blow more stuff up." I've always thought a cartoon was simply any animated drawings, and I includ clayamation and all-cgi (i.e. Reboot, Toy Story) in this category as well. Basically any non-live action photo stuff I consider to be a cartoon. Why do they feel that anime is so special that it deserves to be placed on a pedestal above any other style of cartooning, to where it's no longer even a subdivision of the greater meaning? I have nothing against them, it's just that they all seem to have a huge superiority complex. Where's the equality? Can't we all just get along?

I have a dream!! That one day little anime boys, and little stick-figure boys, and little computer-generated boys will be able to run together, and uh... ok, sorry. I'm done.

McDuffies · Post by **McDuffies** » Sun Mar 24, 2002 8:48 am

It seems to me those people are just nerds. You know - having an opinion, and thinking that everyone in the world has the same.

Srdjan
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