Mangas are Fun
Recently, I needed to read some mangas for a project I was working on. To say I was ignorant was an understatement, I didn’t even know they were paperback books, I thought they were bound like graphic novels. I assumed I would hate them, in fact several people told me I would, but I was pleasantly surprised (one of the benefits of low expectations). I like them far better than graphic novels (which is fine, Claire loves graphic novels so she can advocate them and I don’t have to pretend to be non-biased).
Manga is primarily focused on Japanese stories that have a deep root in Japanese culture and history. There is a strong sense of the honorable reluctant warrior found in Samurai lore. In fact many of the Japanese stories are modern day adaptations of these ancient myths. Generally, the main characters “morph” into a superhuman warrior with battle gear that clearly references samurai armor. Just as in non-manga reading, violence is not for me, but I found there are still lots of manga stories I enjoyed.
Magic Knight of Rayearth
My favorite is Magic Knight of Rayearth, in which Princess Emeraude prays for the three “Magic Knights” to save her planet Cephiro. Three middle school girls disappear from their school field trip and appear on the planet Cephiro. The girls start a quest to rescue Princess Emeraude, imprisoned by her high priest Zagato, and in the process learn to work together. They must activate the three Rune-Gods to help the Princess,. On their journey the girls discover their powers and earn their rightful weapons. Interspersed with action and battles are funny comments about clothes, ice cream and video games, so kids feel like the characters had worries and sassy comments just like them. The girls have a Pikachu-like guide who provides direction and lots of giggles. When the girls find Emeraude, they encounter a surprise that opens the door to a new series.
The Rayearth characters are “magical girls,” a type of story about young girls with superhuman abilities. It is generally upbeat, cheerful and a safe bet for kids to read. Magical girls tend to have their powers concentrated in an object. This series of mangas also belong to the sub-category of “mecha” because the characters use piloted robotic armor in battle.
Every Story as a Manga
Manga also re-tells non-Japanese stories. The Saint Seiya Knights of the Zodiac incorporates Greek myths. Look for manga re-telling of classics also. There are even mangas based on Shakespeare stories. Part of me wonders if these are similar to The Great Illustrated Classics, once I read one of them, I wasn’t interested in reading the original.
Overall, I don’t think I’ll be buying mangas, but if there is one sitting around, I’ll notice it and probably pick it up and read. Plus, my kids hadn’t read any and now have and found them fairly enjoyable also.
Hint: manga is read from the back to the front. If someone hadn’t told me, I would have been lost.
Tags: Japanese reading, manga
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I’m only an amateur with manga but two of my favorites are “Deathnote” and “Read or Die”. Definitely look them up if you’re getting into the genre.
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