What Does Manga Mean?

Manga, a term that means “whimsical pictures” in Japanese, has evolved from centuries-old art to become a global cultural phenomenon. Born out of post-WWII Japan, its unique blend of visual storytelling and deep emotional resonance has propelled it to the forefront of pop culture. Today, manga isn’t just a Japanese niche—it’s an international powerhouse, influencing media, fashion, and entertainment worldwide.

Manga is often synonymous with black and white art. The simple yet powerful aesthetic is not only cost-effective but allows for faster production and a focus on intricate detail. However, the rise of digital innovation and global demand for more vibrant content has led to an increase in color editions. This trend is especially evident on web-based platforms and in remastered classics, showing how manga continues to evolve while maintaining its artistic essence.

Why Is It Called Manga? A Deep Dive Into the Word Behind the Global Phenomenon

If you’ve ever wondered why it’s called manga, you’re not alone. This iconic term isn’t just a label — it’s a cultural emblem with deep roots in Japanese art history and a name that’s now recognized across every corner of the world.

The Origin of the Word “Manga”

The term manga (漫画) is made up of two kanji characters: “man” (whimsical or free-flowing) and “ga” (pictures or drawings). Put together, they loosely translate to “whimsical pictures” — a perfect nod to the spontaneous and expressive nature of the medium.

The first notable use of the word dates back to the late 18th century, but it was legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai who gave it modern traction. His sketchbooks, titled Hokusai Manga, were published in 1814 and featured everything from dynamic figure drawings to bizarre creatures and humorous scenes. Though not “manga” as we know it today, they captured the free-spirited, visually driven storytelling that would define the art form.

From Sketches to Storytelling: The Evolution of Manga

After World War II, the manga industry began to evolve rapidly, transforming from simple humorous sketches into rich, serialized narratives. This shift was led by pioneers like Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” who introduced cinematic techniques, emotional storytelling, and deeply human characters.

“ By the 1950s and 60s, manga had become a staple of Japanese pop culture—and from there, it went global.

Why the Word “Manga” Stuck Around the World

Today, manga isn’t just a Japanese term — it’s a global brand. While the West has its “comics” and “graphic novels,” the word manga has retained its identity due to its unique style, storytelling rhythm, and visual language. Even when translated, manga is marketed as just that — manga.

And there’s serious market power behind the name. According to a 2023 Grand View Research report, the global manga market was valued at $15.5 billion, with steady growth projected through 2030. That kind of cultural and commercial weight means the term isn’t going anywhere.

So, Why Is It Called Manga?

Because no other word captures what manga truly is: a fusion of art and story, tradition and innovation, Japan and the world. It’s more than just a format — it’s a movement.

Is Manga Always Black and White? Let’s Break the Myth

By now, you’ve probably noticed something about most manga — it’s in black and white. But is manga always black and white? The short answer: not always. The full answer? It’s a stylistic, economic, and cultural choice rooted in tradition, but there are exceptions — and they’re growing.

Why Most Manga Is Black and White

The dominance of black-and-white manga stems from Japan’s post-war publishing industry. Printing in color was expensive, time-consuming, and unnecessary for weekly serialized releases. To meet high demand and tight deadlines, artists — or mangaka — focused on expressive line art, screen tones, and shading to convey drama, action, and emotion without relying on color.

And honestly? It became a signature. The stark contrast and visual dynamism of black-and-white manga is part of what gives it such iconic style.

According to a 2023 industry analysis by Global Market Insights, over 72% of digital manga consumption still favors traditional black-and-white formats, especially in Japan, where digital-first platforms like Shonen Jump+ and MangaONE dominate reader preferences.

When Is Manga in Color?

• Special editions and anniversary volumes: These versions are often released to celebrate milestones or popular arcs.


• Digital-first releases: Where color costs are significantly reduced.


• Web manga: Designed for mobile and often created in color from the start.


• Introductory pages: Color is used for impact before reverting to grayscale.

Some notable titles, like One Piece and Dragon Ball, have had colorized versions officially released — either by the publisher or later as digitally remastered editions. And certain genres, such as romance or slice of life, are experimenting more with color to enhance atmosphere and mood.

The Future: Color Is Coming, But Black and White Isn’t Leaving

With the rise of digital publishing and global readership, color manga is slowly expanding its footprint. But traditional black-and-white will likely remain the dominant form — not just for budget reasons, but because it’s deeply tied to the medium’s artistic DNA.

What Is an Example of Manga? Let’s Talk About One That Changed Everything

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering: What’s a classic example of manga? There are countless iconic titles, but one series towers above the rest — both in cultural impact and commercial success. That series? One Piece.

One Piece: The Unmatched Titan of Manga

Created by Eiichiro Oda and first published in 1997 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, One Piece is the ultimate example of a manga that has defined generations. With its unforgettable characters, rich world-building, and emotionally charged story arcs, it exemplifies everything manga can be — wildly imaginative, deeply human, and endlessly addictive.

As of 2024, One Piece holds the crown as the best-selling manga of all time, with over 516 million copies sold worldwide, according to Shueisha. That’s not just a number — it’s a testament to the global reach and enduring appeal of manga as an art form.

Why It’s the Perfect Example

• Adventure with philosophy: One Piece blends epic journeys with deep, meaningful ideas about justice, dreams, and freedom.


• Fantasy with grounded emotional arcs: It connects fantastical powers with real, relatable human emotions.


• Stylized art with high-octane action: The art style is instantly recognizable, and the battles are both strategic and explosive.

It’s also a masterclass in serialized storytelling, having run for over 25 years and still going strong. Its influence stretches beyond print — with anime adaptations, feature films, merchandise, and even a Netflix live-action series that became one of the platform’s most-watched global shows upon release in 2023.

Other Must-Know Manga Examples

• Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin): A dark, intense exploration of survival and power.


• Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): One of the fastest-selling manga of all time, with the anime film grossing over $500 million globally.


• Jujutsu Kaisen: A modern supernatural hit with slick visuals and layered characters.

Is It Manga or Manhua? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

With Asian comics skyrocketing in global popularity, it’s easy to get terms mixed up. But if you’re wondering “Is it manga or manhua?” — you’re asking the right question. While both share visual similarities, they’re not the same thing. While both are forms of comic art rooted in Asia, the distinction between the two is more than just geographic — it’s cultural, visual, and even directional.

The Core Difference: Manga vs. Manhua

The word manga refers to comics that originate from Japan, while manhua describes comics created in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. There’s also manhwa, which comes from South Korea — but that’s a topic for another day.

Even though they all fall under the umbrella of Asian graphic storytelling, each has its own stylistic identity, cultural influence, and storytelling rhythm. The art styles may sometimes overlap, but the creative DNA is different.

Feature Comparison

Reading Style & Platform Differences

One of the biggest giveaways? The reading direction. Traditional manga is read from right to left, top to bottom — just like Japanese writing. Manhua, on the other hand, typically follows a left-to-right reading style, more aligned with Western formats — a small detail that dramatically shifts the flow and pacing of the storytelling.

Also, manhua is more likely to appear in full color, especially when published digitally through platforms like Bilibili Comics or Kuaikan Manhua — two of China’s leading comic apps. Stylistically, manga tends to embrace black-and-white illustrations with expressive, exaggerated emotions, even in 2025.

Market Size and Global Reach

According to a 2023 report by Grand View Research, the Asia Pacific region dominated the comic book market with a share of over 55% in 2021, driven by local publishers and strong demand for international comics.

Additionally, a 2023 report by Allied Market Research projected that the global comic book market would reach $26.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2032.

While these reports do not specify the exact market share of manga, they highlight the significant role of the Asia Pacific region in the global comic book market. Manga, as a prominent genre originating from Japan, contributes substantially to this market dominance.

Regarding manhua, the digital-first ecosystem in Asia, particularly in China and Taiwan, has seen significant growth. Platforms like Kuaikan Manhua and LINE Webtoon have expanded the reach of manhua, catering to a mobile-savvy audience.

Why the Confusion? Cultural Influences and Storytelling

Blame it on the art style. Because manhua often adopts the expressive facial features and sleek aesthetics made popular by Japanese manga, new readers might assume they’re looking at the same thing. But context matters — not just language and origin, but also narrative themes and pacing.

Manga is deeply tied to Japanese cultural nuances — from social norms to traditional values — and explores a vast range of genres, from slice-of-life and fantasy to horror and psychological thrillers. Manhua, while also diverse, often reflects themes rooted in Chinese history, mythology, and modern political undertones.

So, Is It Manga or Manhua?

• If it’s from Japan, black-and-white, read right-to-left, and marked by emotional dynamism: It’s manga.


• If it’s from China, colorful, read left-to-right, and tied to Chinese cultural elements: It’s manhua.

But here’s the twist: both are thriving, both are valid, and both are influencing each other in ways that blur borders. As international fandom grows, so too does the appreciation for each unique style of storytelling.

What Is Manga vs Comics? Here’s the Real Difference

At a glance, manga and Western comics might seem like siblings — both are illustrated storytelling mediums that blend art and dialogue. But beneath the surface, the two diverge in key ways that shape how they’re created, consumed, and loved. So, what exactly sets manga apart from comics?

1. Origin and Cultural DNA

Let’s start with geography. Manga is the term for comics or graphic novels created in Japan. Comics, on the other hand, are typically associated with the United States and Europe. While both forms span genres and themes, manga is deeply woven into Japan’s publishing culture and often reflects uniquely Japanese values, social dynamics, and aesthetics.

In 2023 alone, the global manga market hit $14.5 billion, far surpassing the Western comic industry’s $2.1 billion valuation, according to Statista. That’s not just a gap — it’s a cultural tidal wave.

2. Art Style and Storytelling

Manga often features a distinct art style: clean lines, exaggerated expressions, and emotionally charged paneling. It’s read right to left, which might throw off new readers at first, but quickly becomes second nature. Comics, in contrast, follow a left-to-right format and frequently use color throughout — while manga is typically black and white (as we covered in the last section).

Narratively, manga tends to be long-form, with arcs that develop over years — think Naruto or One Piece. Western comics often operate in shorter issue-based formats, with frequent reboots and alternate timelines (hello, multiverse).

3. Genre Breadth and Audience

One of manga’s superpowers? Its range. While Western comics have historically focused on superheroes (Marvel, DC), manga caters to every imaginable demographic — from action-packed shōnen for teens to introspective josei for adult women.

In fact, a 2024 survey by Kadokawa Research revealed that over 60% of manga readers worldwide are aged 18–34, showing how manga appeals to a young, global, and diverse audience.

4. Format and Accessibility

Manga is usually published in serialized form — chapters released weekly or monthly in magazines like Weekly Shōnen Jump — then compiled into volumes called tankōbon. Comics typically come in single-issue formats, often requiring readers to follow multiple titles to piece together a full storyline (especially in superhero universes).

What Is the Difference Between Manga and Anime?

Manga and anime — two powerhouse terms that often travel in the same sentence, especially among fans of Japanese pop culture. But while they’re deeply connected, they’re not the same beast. Think of them as two sides of the same storytelling coin: one inked on paper, the other brought to life in motion.

1. Format: Static vs. Animated

The clearest difference? Manga is graphic storytelling in print — black-and-white pages filled with hand-drawn panels, speech bubbles, and rich visual cues. Anime, on the other hand, is animated storytelling, usually adapted from popular manga series, and brought to life through voice acting, music, and motion.

If manga is the script and storyboard, anime is the cinematic adaptation. One you read, the other you watch.

2. Origin and Adaptation Flow

While not all anime is based on manga, the majority of top-ranking anime today started as manga titles. Think Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and the eternal giant, One Piece. According to Anime News Network, over 70% of anime released between 2020 and 2024 were adaptations of existing manga — a testament to how integral manga is to Japan’s entertainment pipeline.

However, the reverse is rarer. Anime-original series (like Cowboy Bebop) sometimes get manga adaptations, but they typically follow after success on screen.

3. Storytelling Pace and Depth

Manga often dives deeper. Because it’s released chapter by chapter, sometimes weekly, it allows for more nuanced world-building and character exploration. Anime, restricted by time slots and budgets, can streamline or skip arcs — or worse, insert “filler episodes” not present in the manga to buy time for the source material to catch up.

Fans regularly cite manga as the more complete version of a story — with anime adaptations sometimes altering plot points or censoring content.

4. Creative Control

Manga is usually written and illustrated by a single creator or duo, giving it a consistent voice and vision. Anime involves teams of animators, directors, studios, and voice actors — making it a collaborative (and sometimes commercially influenced) art form. That’s not a bad thing — just a different creative rhythm.

FAQ – Manga