I don't *get* manga. I've seen it, I know people who love it, I've looked and nothing. What draws you to it?

Question

This also applies to anime.

Answer 1

May be it's just the cultural difference that you're not used to. It's just a guess please don't take it offensively.

I like anime and manga because I feel I can relate to the characters and story in some way and it makes them meaningful.

Answer 2

Well, manga and anime is no different then any other entertainment genre. There will be people who like it and people who don't. Ones who get very into it, and some who don't get into it at all. Just all depends on each persons interests.

As for me, I enjoy anime and manga because of the striking different it has compared to other animation styles (such as American cartoons.) The difference in drawing, mood, emotions, musical score and songs, character types and character development as well as the well draw out stories. Not to mention the fact that it was created in Japan for Japanese people, so there is an innate difference culturally and gives you a chance to better understand a different culture and language.

I enjoy the fandom as well, I think anime fans tend to be pretty unique and it's kind of a nice feeling being a part of that type of society, where people enjoy series so much that they dress up like their favorite characters, memories the opening and ending theme songs, collect a nime and manga memorobilia and go to anime and manga conventions. I think it's the combination of the different type of story telling style that is found in Japan and the innate ability that manga and anime has to draw people into it and be so lively about it.

^^;

Answer 3

You are making the mistake many people make about anime and manga. You are talking like it's a single genre and that manga fans tend to like manga for the same reasons. I can put ten anime and manga fans in a room and they will not agree on a single title or show.

Asking people why they like anime is asking people why they like TV. It's a format with many, many different types of content.

The titles I like the most have gender-bent or homosexual content, but noe every manga fan is drawn to that :)

Answer 4

Try reading them from right to left on your first try, that put me off manga for a while. So, I started reading those who read from left to right, which I hear they are usually Korean manga. So mostly, it's the story, the other part is the art. Funny thing I do is that to read manga I judge the cover, see if I like the art or not. I might be tempted to read one whose art doesn't appeal to me if they have a compeling summary of it shown in the back, otherwise all bets are off.
Eventually, I learned to read manga in its Japanese format (right to left), and that left me with a lot more stories to read, which I was happy with since I have an eclectic taste for most things. Besides, most of the manga is set up in the Japanese format, so, it also made me feel smarter, how fast I learned to read in that style. Although it would make me feel a lot smarter if I read Japanese.
In some cases (some, mind you), manga is a lot more appealing and easier to read than reading a book with text and dialogue only. Forget the fact that Harry Potter made millions of kids pick this book up and start to read, for those who don't like to read so much, adding art to a story makes it more appealing and easier to imagine how the story plays out.

As for Anime, I watch the ones I have read, mostly. The difference between them is often so vast, since most of the time, the plot from the manga is changed to fit the animated version. You will see, when you read a manga series and you watch the anime, some things are either cut off or added to. You will also meet people who will prefer the manga over the anime and viceversa. And, hey, people don't have to pick up the books and read if they don't want to, the have a summarized motion picture to catch them up on the story.

Answer 5

It's a beautiful and dangerous thing. I myself have about 900$s worth of manga. It's an addictive hobby. Like someone mentioned, it IS a culture thing. You probably just don't have friends or don't live in a town that enjoys manga/anime. I am drawn to the simplicity of the art and the story lines, just like any book or movie.

Answer 6

Ive been having the same problem. I often feel like its some big poarty and Im out on the stairs boring someone drunk with my guitar. I sell Manga as well which makes it hard as I know whats popular but not really why! when I ask customers they say its the dramam soap element. but stuff gets thrown in so randomly in most of it I cant keep up. I'd say start with a good one like maybe akira or lone wolf, with a definate arc and ending.

Answer 7

The story lines and animation. I have loved anime and manga for quite a long time probably since i was about 4. I think if you find a good title and stick with it then you could like it.

Sorry Aizakku "Avatar the last airbender" isn't anime its an american cartoon.

Answer 8

I can't say I love manga, but mangas/comics have always been part of my life.

I guess the ones you've read just aren't in your interest. I must say that the ones that are popular here in N. America is very different from the ones in Asia. (What's with all the little girls in pink hair with magic abilities?) I really don't get Fruits Baskets... I think it's because only the teens are reading them here.

People who don't like it says because it's childish or boring, but I think that they haven't found the genre that they like. In Japan, manga are as respectable as novels. Popular ones are childish because they are read mostly by teens. American comics are mostly action hero oriented. The Japanese ones actually come in as many genres as movies.

Manga is just one kind of presentation. Like paintings, TV shows, movies, music, novels... I would find it very hard to believe if someone tells me he/she don't *get* music at all.

Complex information is better represented with graphics. Manga take advantage of both the written words and graphics. My favorite is Fullmetal Alchemist. It's about war, genocide, chemistry, brotherhood, human selfishness and lots of life philosophy. It's very easy to read, yet very deep subject. I can't imagine the story being told so vividly unless in manga format.

I can understand what you mean. I like it, but don't get how some people can be THAT crazy about it. I just view it as another source of media. I still read my books, can't imagine a non-fiction in manga form.

I do believe the Da Vinci Code would have been better expressed in Manga format because it's a very visual story.

Answer 9

Shows like Naruto & Avatar: the Last Airbender you see there are two types of anime' or manga the American Manga and Japanese Anime' i spose i like things that have powers with mystical creatures and stuff liek that and ninja fighting scenes that is why my frends like it as well and i love to draw it because i like the eyes the way they draw them

Answer 10

The plot and the animations that attracts you of course!

Maybe for you, it looks weird the first time, but when you read them (manga) or watch them (anime) a lot, you'll get used to it someday!