Manga: The history and global popularity of Japanese comics

Manga, the term used for comics in Japan, has established a significant presence in the Western world. While the term refers to all comics in Japan, internationally it specifically denotes Japanese-style comics or works originating from Japan. The art form has roots in Japan dating back to the 8th century, with woodblock printing becoming common in the 16th century. The term ‘manga’ was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries by artist Katsushika Hokusai.

Modern manga development was heavily influenced by post-WWII publishing and the work of Osamu Tezuka, who drew inspiration from Disney. Key characteristics include a reading direction from right to left and top to bottom. The medium's popularity is driven by its transmedia nature, often being adapted into anime, games, and light novels.

Unlike traditional Western superhero or Franco-Belgian comics, manga has successfully cultivated a large female readership and offers diverse themes catering to various ages and interests. The market is also expanding to include Manhwa from South Korea and Manhua from China.