Today’s piece is from special guest blogger, and Manga Expert, Otaku Mer.
Manga : My Passion
You may be wondering if you’re on the right page. If you clicked on the Fiction Blog…then yes…you are on the right page.
For those of you who already read Manga and love it, starting today, August 1st to September 11th, there is a 20% off promotion on all Viz Media Manga, in all Chapters, Coles and Indigo stores!
For those who don’t usually read Manga or don’t know what it is, let me give you some background. Manga is the term used for Japanese comics, which is loosely translated as “whimsical drawings.” Many stories have been adapted into film, television series, anime (cartoons), and video games such Boys over Flowers, Dragon Ball, Prince of Tennis, Pokemon & Rurouni Kenshin. They are read from back to front, right to left. If you grew up reading English books, like me, this could present quite a challenge. However, it has not stopped millions of people of all ages all over the world from getting hooked. Just like fiction novels, there are many genres within manga: historical fiction, comedy, mystery, drama, romance, teen, sci-fi, etc. Themes can vary from the everyday like sports, school life, vampires, ninjas and princesses to the fantastical world of robot wars and alternate dimensions. Whatever hobbies or interests you have, chances are there is manga for you.
For me, there are two main reasons why I love manga. One: I cannot draw for beans. But these manga artists can, and like many artists, they spark my imagination and bring me into their world that they develop. Include a great story and loveable characters…and my life and commute ride just got more interesting. And Two: One can learn a lot about Asian culture & language. Whether you are read manga (Japan), manhwa (Korea) or manhua (China), you gain knowledge in the fine details. For example, a fun way to open a watermelon at the beach in Japan is with a baseball bat! Pretty interesting, eh! And after reading so much manga and watching anime, you start to learn a little bit of Japanese. Watashi wa manga ga daisukidesu!
Currently, my favourite manga and anime is Naruto, which is also extremely popular worldwide. Go to any anime/comic convention and there will be someone dressed up as a character from Naruto.
Naruto
Naruto is a young boy who wants to become the “Hokage,” the top ninja in his village. When he was a baby, the spirit of the 9-tailed Fox demon was imprisoned in his body. Though the village was saved, the people could never forget how much destruction and deaths the demon fox was responsible for. Even Naruto’s parents could not escape the wrath of the demon fox and were killed, leaving him to grow up experiencing loneliness and prejudice from his village. His odds do not look good, but he is blessed with a “never give-up attitude” and magnetic personality that eventually helps him on his path towards his dream. Of course, there are many who want him dead, and he must battle them all using his skills that he learns from each person he meets and battle he fights. Naruto #52 will be released in early September, and #53 in December.
Vampire Knight
If Vampires are your thing…check out Vampire Knight. Yuki Cross is a student at Cross Academy. The school consists of 2 classes, day and night. The day class students only cross paths with the night class students once a day. Yuki, along with her friend Zero Kiryu, are Gaurdians of the school, making sure that the Day class does not discover the secret of the Night class students: the night class students are all vampires! Vampire Knight Volume 12 released just this past June.
Dengeki Daisy
For the romantic at heart…Dengeki Daisy is based on a girl named Teru Kurebayashi. She is a high school student who cherishes her cell phone, not because it’s a cool toy, but because it was a gift from her older brother that died. Before his death her brother told her that “Daisy,” a contact on the cell phone, would always be there for her and look out for her. After her brother’s death, she found solace in the daily text communications with Daisy. Who could this “Daisy” be and could that person be someone she sees every day? You’ll have to read it to find out. The most recent installment is Volume 5.
And if you like what you read, you can also watch them in color as anime! You can check out all three titles as anime at Viz media.
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Special thanks to Otaku Mer – and don’t miss out on the sale!
For more insight into Manga, check out this post on the Indigo Teen Blog.
