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The_History_of_Manga_Article

The document outlines the history of manga, tracing its evolution from early picture scrolls to a significant global industry. It highlights key periods, including the Meiji era's modernization, the post-war manga boom led by Osamu Tezuka, and the globalization of manga in the 1990s and 2000s. Additionally, it discusses manga's cultural impact, economic significance, and its role in education and social identity exploration.

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1 views

The_History_of_Manga_Article

The document outlines the history of manga, tracing its evolution from early picture scrolls to a significant global industry. It highlights key periods, including the Meiji era's modernization, the post-war manga boom led by Osamu Tezuka, and the globalization of manga in the 1990s and 2000s. Additionally, it discusses manga's cultural impact, economic significance, and its role in education and social identity exploration.

Uploaded by

hnxfficd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The History of Manga: From Scrolls to Global Pop

Culture

Abstract

Manga, the highly stylized Japanese comic art form, is both a cultural product and a cultural force. Its
influence spans centuries, from the picture scrolls of the Heian period to a multibillion-dollar global
industry. This article traces the history of manga across distinct historical epochs, examining its artistic,
cultural, and political transformations.

1. Introduction

Manga (manga) is not simply a comic book; it is a cultural artifact, a storytelling medium, and a
reflection of societal values and anxieties. In Japan, manga is omnipresent - from serialized magazines
and train advertisements to educational materials and government propaganda. Internationally, manga
has become a significant component of global pop culture, influencing art, cinema, fashion, and
literature.

2. Proto-Manga: The Origins of Japanese Visual Narrative

Manga's roots can be traced to the emaki (picture scrolls) of the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the
most famous examples is the Ch■j■-jinbutsu-giga, Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans. During
the Edo period, woodblock prints and kiby■shi evolved the visual narrative tradition.

3. Meiji to Pre-War Manga (1868-1945): Modernization and


Nationalism

The Meiji era brought Western cartoons and modern printing. Artists like Kitazawa Rakuten pioneered
newspaper comics blending satire and modern themes. In the pre-war period, manga also became
nationalistic, used as propaganda during Japan's militarist expansion.

4. Post-War Manga Boom (1945-1969): The Tezuka Revolution

Osamu Tezuka's innovations in panel layout and storytelling structure led to serialized, novelistic
manga. Astro Boy and Princess Knight are hallmark series. This era saw the birth of shonen and shojo
genres, serialized in mass magazines like Shonen Magazine.

5. The Golden Age (1970s-1980s): Innovation and Diversification


The 1970s saw experimental, psychological, and adult themes expand. Shojo manga gained emotional
and artistic sophistication. Seinen and sports manga like Ashita no Joe and Captain Tsubasa were
popular. Gekiga titles explored mature, darker social commentary.

6. The Globalization of Manga (1990s-2000s)

Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and Pokemon helped globalize manga. American and European publishers
began localizing Japanese works, leading to mainstream international fandoms.

7. The Digital Era (2010-Present)

Digital tools allowed self-publishing and independent discovery. Titles like One Punch Man began
online. Subscription services and mobile apps have expanded reach and reader access.

8. Industrial Structures and Economic Impact

Manga generates billions in revenue and drives the anime and game sectors. Weekly magazines test
stories before collected volumes and anime adaptation.

9. Social Functions and Cultural Impact

Manga supports education, promotes public awareness, and encourages youth identity exploration.
Genres such as yaoi and yuri created spaces for alternative expressions of gender and sexuality.

10. Conclusion

Manga continues to be a living record of cultural evolution, bridging traditional Japanese storytelling
with global innovation and interaction.

References

Aoki, D. (2020). Understanding Japanese Popular Culture. Routledge. Brienza, C. (2016). Manga in
America. Bloomsbury. Gravett, P. (2004). Manga: Sixty Years of Japanese Comics. Laurence King. Ito,
K. (2005). A history of manga. Journal of Popular Culture, 38(3), 456-475. Schodt, F. (1983). Manga!
Manga! Kodansha International. Toku, M. (2007). Shojo manga. Mechademia, 2, 19-32. Welker, J.
(2015). Queer Transfigurations. University of Hawai'i Press.

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