According to Merriam-Webster, manga is defined as “Japanese comic books and graphic novels considered collectively as a genre.” Over the past several years, manga has been experiencing huge growth. One of the many reasons for its appeal is likely due to anime which is “a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark, colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes.” While book to screen adaptations or screen to book projects aren’t uncommon in other genres, it’s far more common with manga and anime. A Publisher’s Weekly article mentions that “the general consensus is that this increase in anime streaming led to the concomitant increase in manga sales.” Here is a look at four different ways that cross-media availability helps contribute to the success of anime and manga.

Discovery

 There are simply more ways for viewers and readers to actually find a series. Manga can be found in bookstores, both physical and online. Anime is most often found on streaming services. Someone usually needs to see something multiple times before they decide to read or watch it so this creates more opportunities. Also, there are two different groups promoting it, the publisher and the studio. The support and effort to promote is doubled.

Immersion

Availability in different formats can help readers and viewers immerse themselves in the story. It provides multiple ways to experience the series. Manga is typically printed in black and white, but anime is usually in color. Anime has voice actors, music, and other elements that contribute to the viewing experience. In contrast, Manga can be read at any pace. These differences in formats are likely a few of the reasons why someone might read and watch the same series.

Differences

Something that may make someone read and watch a series is that there are sometimes differences between manga and its adaptation. Manga sometimes offers more detail than anime because it doesn’t have the same time restraints as a fifteen- to thirty-minute anime episode. Even an anime that closely follows the manga may have to cut or add lines. Also, a manga and an anime series may have differences in the actual story, character, or plot. A reader may be curious to see how each format addresses these differences. Despite most of the story being similar, they still might be interested in engaging with both formats.

Time

Anime is usually released after the manga. Manga volumes come out before the anime episodes. This might lead people to switch to the manga to find out what happens. Also, an anime might get canceled, but the manga may continue. Again, this could lead people to switch from anime to manga if they want to learn how it ends. Any additional series, such as prequels or sequels, can also encourage viewers to start reading the manga for that series.

Blog written by Claire Curry.