Manga and Anime have gone mainstream! Japanese comic books and animation have a similar dynamic to American superhero comics and their respective cinematic universes. In this action-packed publication, we guide you on a journey from ancient Japanese scrolls to “Astro Boy” and into the current scene of manga and anime. We cover everything from the mainstream hits like Cowboy Bebop, to even indie cult favorites (like Neon Genesis Evangelion) to ensure fans of all manga series are satisfied by this issue. Next time you see a manga in a bookstore or an anime featured on the home screen of one of your streaming services, take a minute to check it out. You could be witnessing another little piece of pop culture history. Netflix created original anime series, and there have been live action adaptations of everything from “Dragonball” and “Death Note” to “Alita: Battle Angel” and “Attack on Titan.” Japanese animation has even influenced celebrated American cartoons, including “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Teen Titans.”
MORE THAN JUST ‘JAPANESE CARTOONS’ • Dive into the fascinating world of manga and anime.
ORIGINS AND EARLY HISTORY • Chronicling a rich artistic tradition.
TERMS TO KNOW • Learning these key words and phrases will help you navigate this colorful and exciting world.
AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY • Follow the line that traces key events of the anime and manga mediums.
THE DAWN OF MANGA • An age-old art evolves into an exciting modern genre.
MAKE WAY FOR ANiME • Decades of rich history helped to craft the graphics style that audiences know and love today.
A PIONEER STUDIO
PIONEERS AND STAR CREATORS • These visionaries helped cement a new art form.
‘GODFATHER OF MANGA’OSAMU TEZUKA • This trailblazer kick-started a global phenomenon.
AWESOME ARTISTS YOU NEED TO KNOW • These innovative geniuses are some of the medium’s most beloved icons.
THE LIFE OF A SUCCESSFUL MANGA SERIES • What starts out as drawings on a page can end up on store shelves and on TV and film screens worldwide.
MANGA AND ANIME BOOM • The unique art forms become international sensations.
GOING GLOBAL • TV translations and theatrical releases expand anime’s reach.
TRANSLATION WOES
FOUNDING FATHER • Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki is still revolutionizing the medium.
THE RELUCTANT RETIREE
A DRAW AT THE BOX OFFICE • Breakout releases in the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s score with audiences everywhere.
HOW THE EAST INFLUENCED AMERICAN ANIMATION • An artistic cultural exchange program is still paying off.
15 ESSENTIAL ANIME SERIES • Colorful animation, thrilling action, romance, laughs and more—this carefully curated list has it all!
15 CAN’T-MISS MANGA TITLES • These original series are still captivating die-hards and new fans alike.
WHAT’S NEXT? • A slew of mainstream series and films are on the way.
BEYOND THE PAGE • A look at video games, conventions, merchandise and more.
THE SUCCESS OF ANIME VIDEO GAMES • Players go wild for the medium’s fun franchises.
FAMOUS FANS • Some of the most A-list people on Earth love these styles of animation.
DRAWN TOGETHER • Fans flock to these real-world conventions and events to celebrate and socialize.
BE OUR GUEST! • Top turnstile attendee counts
MERCH FOR THE MASSES • Celebrate your animation obsession with clothes, figurines, accessories, dishware and more.
WHERE TO BUY • These top online retailers are great resources that can hook you up with all things manga and anime.
ANIME CHARACTERS A TO Z • HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THESE ICONIC FAN-FAVORITES? PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST!
BY THE NUMBERS •...
