Comics versus Manga? Superheroes versus Independents?

Question

I have noticed a great deal of elitism in various sub-genres of the comic medium. Some "American comic" fans seem to hate manga, some manga fans hate superheroes, some superhero fans hate indy and underground comics. Isn't what makes comics so great is the diversity? Why can some fans of the wonderful and broad world of comics not get along? Is there some way that we can make all fans broaden their horizons and see that there are many great comics in all the various genres?
I fear this is ultimately why "comic books" have become a closed off fan based medium despite the fact that millions of people read and love comics in newspapers and magazines every day.
All well thought and meaningful answers are appreciated.

If you read this properly, you will notice I am asking about why and how we can stop people from being elitist in the various fandoms related to comics, some people just do not seem to get it and show themselves to be part of the problem, not the solution.

Answer 1

Dark Horse had an advertising campaign about 10 years ago that said it best:
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY!

Answer 2

I think comic and manga fans are at odds because they each have a preconceived notion of what the opposite fanbase is like. I don't personally know any comic book fans, but I tend to get the feeling they think we (anime/manga fans) are childish. At first glance, mangas seem to be written for and about kids. The drawings are often quite cartoon-ish (SD characters, large eyes, odd hairstyles and colors), and the story lines are very often based on fantastic themes, featuring demons, angels, mobile suits, etc. Manga and anime also deal a lot more in legend and folklore that, to my knowledge, comics do not.

In contrast, I think (American) comics are quite the opposite. The drawings are much more realistic; the characters look more like your average person on the street with normal hair styles and clothing. Not to mention much more realistic stories based on current events and trials and tribulations of the time period. (This comes from my basic knowledge of the origins of Superman, Captain America, etc.)

And because of those differences, most of us just don't get along. Personally, I am not a comic book fan, but I absolutely respect the people that are. I also think that each camp should try to understand that neither is superior, just different because of their respective origins.

Answer 3

I like my comics with superheroes. I do read some of the independents but they sometimes publish erratically and disappear after one or two issues, so I prefer my major comic companies. They have a good variety. Not into Manga due to some of the artwork and format. It takes a bit of getting used to reading from back to front and from right to left. It is not the norm in western literature. DC gives me enough with its different imprints that I don't have to go to some of the other publishers. TokyoPop is a good source of Manga for me, it is collected in a format that makes it easier to read on a regular basis.

Answer 4

I dislike "Comics", but I simply adore "Manga".

Comics are just to real looking, and since the world is pretty much the way the comic book is [with the fighting and killing and such] I really don't want to read about what I already see each day. Some comics are good [Such as Tank Girl] but I prefer Manga.

Manga have child like drawings in it and mostly always end happy. Manga artists can take our world and mix it into a fantasy world or if their like Momochi they're truthful and tell it like it is. I enjoy how they can hide messages behind their big eyed characters and how their personality matches people you know already.

Answer 5

Manga just never seemed too appealing to me. The storylines, the artwork. I am actually kind of annoyed by its sudden urge in popularity amongst my age group (teens). It seems waterdowned somehow. I prefer comics and the old time superheroes. They seem more varied and stylistic. All of the mangas look the same. They all have these cute characters, but comics have the rough guys. Cuteness??? Bleh. I want some more realistic qualities. The ugly guys with beards and blackened eyes....

Answer 6

Now, I like "American Superhero" comics, but it's not that I hate manga, I just never got into it. I think one of the reasons is the difference in format and the style of storytelling. Most of my favourite comics are "graphic novels", so, while I would love to read the adventures of Naruto and Inuyasha, I am not attracted to the idea of collecting the 20-odd volumes which comprise each series.

I do like indie comics though, particularly webcomics like Penny Arcade and Diesel Sweeties.

Answer 7

i dont hate manga but i hate what its done to so many comic book shops
most of my old shops are now dediciting huge parts of theirs store to selling manga and slacking on the actual comics that i grew up with and love. they are getting rid of the cheap comic boxs to make room for a bunch of things that i do not understand and honstly just cant seem to get into and it pisses me off alittle

just my thoughts

Answer 8

i like manga because of the interactions of the characters. the plot and story is dynamic. i also like comics but superhero comics just shows one side of the character. (i like archie.hahaha)

most of the manga i have seen are good and cute. and comics is nice too.

i also like manga because of the very very wide topics it has and it has something to offer to everyone. (and some becomes anime or tv series!)

Answer 9

I like manga the best because it usually has more of a story line and interactions of characters. Also, manga is usually made into anime so we can watch them, which is always fun!!

Answer 10

i like all, but i think some magna artwork is terrible, (well some comic art is terrible too)
the art gets me in the door but the story keeps me there,