Manga vs. Comics: What's the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what exactly is the difference between the two mediums?
I’ve been discussing both manga and comics in my previous posts and want to clarify the differences between the two for anyone who is not familiar.
Manga: Japanese term for a comic.
Comic: At the very basic definition it is a visual medium of storytelling that uses strips and panels. Comics are associated with big-name producers like Marvel and DC.
Formatting
Manga formatting resembles more of a graphic novel or even a small book since it is not printed in a magazine-style like comics. Typically, manga are much longer, containing several chapters in each volume. Comics are printed by issue, averaging about 20-30 pages including ads. The great thing about manga is there are no ads in the middle of the story as in comics. There may be a few ads at the end to promote similar manga series or manga by the same author but nothing that actually disrupts one’s reading flow.
The main difference you’ll notice immediately when comparing the two formats is how you read it. Manga are formatted in such a way that you read right to left, which is typical in Japanese literature and how their language works. Comics are read left to right. Don’t worry because a manga character will typically remind you of the correct way to read!
Color
Manga are primarily in black and white whereas comics are in color. Printing in black and white is cheaper, of course, but there is actually a deeper reason than cost alone.
Manga are usually printed on paper that has been recycled numerous times. The paper is thin, nearly transparent, and not intended to last (The Japanese Way). Coloring this paper is difficult and essentially useless because its intent is not to be something that is kept forever.
Comics are very vibrant, with a lot of emphasis put on the coloring of panels.
Collaboration
Most manga series are a one man show conducted by the mangaka, who both writes and draws. This is, of course, not always the case but it is an expectation for manga creators to have both skills.
Mangaka: the manga creator.
Day in the Life of a Japanese Manga Creator - A lot of Mangaka have assistants to help in the process of sketching and finalizing drafts. However, the collaboration aspect is still a lot less than how comics tend to be.
Comics almost have too many chefs in the kitchen. There are one or more writers, letterers, artists, inkers, pencilers, and colorists who collaborate for one comic. Typically, each person is an expert in one skill and that is what they bring to the table when creating comics.
Fun Fact: A lot of manga writers do not reveal their identity and use pen names. Mangaka prioritize their privacy. Fans never really know much about the authors of their favorite series unless they choose to reveal personal aspects of their life. This is quite the contrary when it comes to comic writers and artists who can become major celebrities and are often headlining guests that fans can meet at comic conventions.
Adaptation
Anime based on manga tend to strictly follow the original story. For example, if you read the Demon Slayer manga and watch the anime it is spot-on accurate. There is nothing in the manga that is not in the anime (except for some bonus doodles here and there). Where animators get to have their own original input tends to be in filler episodes.
Film and TV series based on comics are loosely inspired by the stories since there are multiple series on each character. It would be near impossible to create a Spider-Man movie that strictly follows the comics and fits in the strict time frame allotted for films. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse does an amazing job at compiling various comic book series into one movie successfully. However, if you are trying to find one series that replicates this movie or any of the Marvel films…good luck.
Value
Comics are a collectible for many. You can preserve a comic for decades and watch the value skyrocket throughout the years. For example, a 9.6 graded issue of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man’s first appearance) sold for $3.6 million via Heritage Auctions, which is the most expensive comic to be sold so far. This particular comic was kept in pristine condition since 1962 and reaped the benefits.
Manga are not meant for this materialistic collecting lifestyle. Manga are meant to be read and then handed down or recycled to create new manga. As a collector and reader, the destruction of such beautiful art and storylines pains me to think about. However, it is simply the way manga are created. The pages will become brittle and fragile over time similarly to ancient documents in museums.
What’s Similar?
Manga and comics have a huge fan base, and rightfully so. Both are full of unique storylines, relatable characters that can range from superheroes to just an average everyday person, and fantastical new worlds that we can get lost in. Manga and comic creators work insanely hard to rapidly produce the content we often get on a weekly basis and deserve our support!
Happy reading both manga and comics,
Alexa