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Ok I know a lot of people will question why I'm putting this here in the comics book forum, so I want to address that first. This thread is mainly to address misconceptions that American comic book fans have about manga/anime. The first portion will be mainly informational, but later on I hope to post suggestions members who are thinking of getting into manga. For example if someone say likes the punisher, then I would recommend a series such as Berserk.

In Japan 1/3rd of all printed materials are manga, and because of this you can find a huge variety of stories and genres

The Genre's and terms of Manga/Anime:
Manga: In Japan this term refers to any comic book whether it is produced in Japan or the U.S. , however for convenience for the rest of the thread I will us the general english definition of the world which is used to refer to Japanese cartoons.

Manwha: Comics produced in Korea. There are a couple of good ones out there, although not quite the same number as Japan. They can mainly be distinguished by the fact that they usually have far more assertive and strongwilled female characters and their drawing styles tend to be far less cartoony than mainstream Japanese or American comics.

Shoujo: Mainly romance stories aimed at younger teen girls between the ages of 8-14.

Shonen:
You know all those action manga that everyone knows about. DBZ, Naruto, Bleach, etc? That would be this category. Ever wondered why those plotlines seemed so simple and repetitive? That's because the target audience is 8-14 year old males.

Seinen:Manga aimed at male readers between the ages of 18-30, this genre tends to have the best plots of most manga and is the most widely read by adults in Japan.

Josei: Manga aimed at females readers between the ages of 18-30. They tend to be romances, but with more developed plots and characters.

Be Careful of:
Yaoi/Shonen Ai: This genre can basically be summed up as guy on guy.
Hentai: Basically cartoon porn.
Yuri: Lesbian manga

Originally posted by Akuki
Manwha: Comics produced in Korea. There are a couple of good ones out there, although not quite the same number as Japan. They can mainly be distinguished by the fact that they usually have far more assertive and strongwilled female characters and their drawing styles tend to be far less cartoony than mainstream Japanese or American comics. This and Seinen sound the most enjoyable, though I wouldn't call most American comics cartoony.

And i wouldn't tell men to avoid Yuri.

People may get misconceptions about you. haermm

Originally posted by Martian_mind
And i wouldn't tell men to avoid Yuri.

People may get misconceptions about you. haermm
Hey we have some female readers on this forum as well.
As for the cartoony comment, the main thing I was trying to get across is that Manwha wends to have a style with a lot of pencilling and shading in. Maybe later I'll post up a some pics of manwha to show you what I mean.

Originally posted by Martian_mind
And i wouldn't tell men to avoid Yuri.

People may get misconceptions about you. haermm He said be careful, not avoid.

He obviously warns people due to expierience on the matter.

Probably from all the papercuts he's gotten from flipping shounen-ai yuri too fast.

haermm

Originally posted by SnazzySmurph
He said be careful, not avoid.

He obviously warns people due to expierience on the matter.

Probably from all the papercuts he's gotten from flipping shounen-ai yuri too fast.

haermm

Hey,at his usual speed the books stuck together every second page anyway haermm

Originally posted by Martian_mind
Hey,at his usual speed the books stuck together every second page anyway haermm Second rule of Yuri- a book is only good for one use. Especially if it's old.

Originally posted by SnazzySmurph
Second rule of Yuri- a book is only good for one use. Especially if it's old.

They have to be thrown away otherwise they can mold up the rest of the collection.

Originally posted by Martian_mind
Hey,at his usual speed the books stuck together every second page anyway haermm
Just to let you know guys, Yuri doesn't necessarily mean pornographic.

Anyways after this point, I'm planning on giving some examples of good jumping off points for people based on what type of comics they like. Got any suggestions on comics to mention?

Originally posted by Martian_mind
They have to be thrown away otherwise they can mold up the rest of the collection. And, the crust only makes the paper cuts worse.

Akuki told me so.

Originally posted by Akuki
Just to let you know guys, Yuri doesn't necessarily mean pornographic.

Anyways after this point, I'm planning on giving some examples of good jumping off points for people based on what type of comics they like. Got any suggestions on comics to mention?

Batman/Captain America

Originally posted by SnazzySmurph
And, the crust only makes the paper cuts worse.

Akuki told me so.

Plus the increased risk of infection ermm

Originally posted by Martian_mind
Plus the increased risk of infection ermm I think we've infected Akuki's thread. ermmnone

Originally posted by SnazzySmurph
I think we've infected Akuki's thread. ermmnone

Should we stop?

Originally posted by Martian_mind
Should we stop? May-bee?

Yes,lets go spam up the baby boom thread now.

If you're giving advice based on reader preferences, you may want to do so based on each 'level' people enjoy.

Most will enjoy (more often than not) a certain tier of power.

Some prefer realistic, gritty heroes that are as human as they are - the Punisher, for example. Some people prefer the 'perfect human' type - Batman or Captain America. Some prefer people that are plainly a cut above that - Iron Fist or Spiderman. Some like the kind that can pretty much take on an army and come out of it - Iron Man. Some like the kind that could eradicate the world with a mere thought - a Green Lantern or the Silver Surfer.

That may be a good place to start.

Originally posted by SnazzySmurph
I think we've infected Akuki's thread. ermmnone
Ya think

Anyways here's the part of thread where I'd like to start recommending series based on what type of comics you read.

I'll start off with one of the big ones, Batman. If you happen to be a fan of the darker portions of the Batman series then I have several suggestions for you.
1. Berserk: Whenever there's a poll about the best manga series ever created, this one almost always ends up on top. The art is amazing, the main character makes the goddamn batman look like a wimp, and despite all of the action the story is incredibly well plotted. With that said I need to make a few caveats here. First there are many highly disturbing scenes in this manga, and more than one rape of major characters. however they are not gratuitous and always serve to move along the story and better develop the characters.
For more information about the series follow this link:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=88
2. If you happen to prefer the detective aspect with psycho killers involved then I suggest you investigate the series
Monster: Here's a plot summary, When a Doctor makes the highly controversial decision to save a boy's life over the mayor's, it leads to the loss of almost everything he holds dear. His fiance, his career, his social standing. The only thing he keeps is his own feeling of self worth, knowing that he did the right thing in saving the boy, who came in first. Yet even that is threatened when he begins to learn that nothing is as it originally appeared. A trail of bloodshed pointing to the seemingly innocent child who in act turns out to be one of the worst serial killers. Believe me, once you've seen this guy in action, the Joker's going to seem tame.
Link: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=127

Originally posted by Akuki
Just to let you know guys, Yuri doesn't necessarily mean pornographic.
Actually don't get yuri confused with shoujo-ai

Shoujou ai and Suhounen ai are the softer ones, Yuri and yaoi are the harder ones.

In terms of core.

Originally posted by Akuki
Ok I know a lot of people will question why I'm putting this here in the comics book forum, so I want to address that first. This thread is mainly to address misconceptions that American comic book fans have about manga/anime. The first portion will be mainly informational, but later on I hope to post suggestions members who are thinking of getting into manga. For example if someone say likes the punisher, then I would recommend a series such as Berserk. This shouldn't be here. Don't spam the COMIC section with crappy anime.

Reported.

Originally posted by Akuki
Anyways after this point, I'm planning on giving some examples of good jumping off points for people based on what type of comics they like. Got any suggestions on comics to mention?

How about something that's similar to The Sandman.

Originally posted by Grifter07
This shouldn't be here. Don't spam the COMIC section with crappy anime.

Reported. The purpose of this thread is to discuss japanese and korean style COMICS with fans of american style COMICS... You're being borderline racist.

Also your trolling has been reported.

Comic:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fa/UncannyXMen101.jpg/175px-UncannyXMen101.jpg

Cartoon adaptation:
http://drg4.wariocompany.com/nghts21.jpg

Japanese style comics:
http://www.thejapanshop.com/images/T/t-16625-445.jpeg

Cartoon adaptation:
http://www.theroseking.net/animehub/ranma/groupoav.jpg


The only real differences in the style is the fact that the ones you're segrigating are from asia.

Manga=comics in japanese
manwha=comic books in korean

In japan these:
http://www.lootlady.com/images/fantastic%204%20&%20silver%20surfer.JPG

Would be called manga by the japanese speakers. As Manga means comics. Not a literal translation mind you... but that's what manga means, comics.

Originally posted by Creshosk
The purpose of this thread is to discuss japanese and korean style COMICS with fans of american style COMICS... You're being borderline racist.

Also your trolling has been reported.

Comic:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fa/UncannyXMen101.jpg/175px-UncannyXMen101.jpg

Cartoon adaptation:
http://drg4.wariocompany.com/nghts21.jpg

Japanese style comics:
http://www.thejapanshop.com/images/T/t-16625-445.jpeg

Cartoon adaptation:
http://www.theroseking.net/animehub/ranma/groupoav.jpg


The only real differences in the style is the fact that the ones you're segrigating are from asia.

Manga=comics in japanese
manwha=comic books in korean

In japan these:
http://www.lootlady.com/images/fantastic%204%20&%20silver%20surfer.JPG

Would be called manga by the japanese speakers. As Manga means comics. Not a literal translation mind you... but that's what manga means, comics.

Yes but it has is own section.

If I went there and talked about Superman it would be closed.

So do what you will. Anime sucks, is badly drawn and has the worsts storylines around.

Originally posted by Rorschach
How about something that's similar to The Sandman.
If you're looking for something similar in the sort of intricate convoluted plotting and general air of mystery to the series I would recommend
1. 20th Century Boys: It involves the struggle of one man to remember his child memories in order to fight against a cult leader who is using a plan that he designed when he was a child to take over the world. IT may sound cheesy but it's VERY VERY good.
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=319
2. If you liked the series because of all the supernatural elements to it, I recommend you check out Mushishi:
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=452

Quick question or two.

Is Dragonball Z still going in comics and T.V?

Oh and is Dragonball violent in Japan or wherever.

One last one do ALL animes spend an entire episode or issue talking while in the middle of battle?

Originally posted by Grifter07
Quick question or two.

Is Dragonball Z still going in comics and T.V?

Oh and is Dragonball violent in Japan or wherever.

One last one do ALL animes spend an entire episode or issue talking while in the middle of battle?
1. No it is not still going on either comics or tv.
2. It's not that violent in comparison to many of the other manga/anime out there. It doesn't show the blood much and graphic results of fighting as it is aimed at younger children.
3. No not all animes do that, in fact I can't think of any other ones that do do that. Before you bash the entire genre of anime keep in mind that DBZ is a kids show designed for 8-14 year old kids. It's not supposed to be deep.

Originally posted by Grifter07
Yes but it has is own section.

If I went there and talked about Superman it would be closed.

So do what you will. Anime sucks, is badly drawn and has the worsts storylines around. Think what ever you want... Socks really have no business telling members who haven't been banned what to do.

This again, is not JUST to talk about Anime/manga its to talk with american style comic fans about it. compare and contrast.

Don't like it don't post. but stop trolling the thread.

Originally posted by Akuki
1. No it is not still going on either comics or tv.
2. It's not that violent in comparison to many of the other manga/anime out there. It doesn't show the blood much and graphic results of fighting as it is aimed at younger children.
3. No not all animes do that, in fact I can't think of any other ones that do do that. Before you bash the entire genre of anime keep in mind that DBZ is a kids show designed for 8-14 year old kids. It's not supposed to be deep.

1. Well that kinda sucks. I don't like DBZ but part of my childhood has gone now. Know what I mean? I liked it as a kid but I grew up and realized how and it was.
2. Understood.
3. DBZ isn't the only ones, I read a few and its all crap. The rest is glimps and reviews.

Question, whats so good about naruto or something. I saw a fight between a blond dude and a guy with purple hair and that sit. Fight was hella cool I admit but I don't know nothing else about it

Originally posted by Creshosk
Think what ever you want... Socks really have no business telling members who haven't been banned what to do.

This again, is not JUST to talk about Anime/manga its to talk with american style comic fans about it. compare and contrast.

Don't like it don't post. but stop trolling the thread. This sin't a thread to say how good it is its to say what people think etc, I did mine so not trolling. I have asked a few questions anyway, but Akui guy answered.

I know what socks are, and considering I have never joined before thats untrue. This site has sock checks right. If so I want one to shut you up.

Then once this is over I hope you can calm down and enjoy a spot of tea with me.

Originally posted by Grifter07
1. Well that kinda sucks. I don't like DBZ but part of my childhood has gone now. Know what I mean? I liked it as a kid but I grew up and realized how and it was.
2. Understood.
3. DBZ isn't the only ones, I read a few and its all crap. The rest is glimps and reviews.

Question, whats so good about naruto or something. I saw a fight between a blond dude and a guy with purple hair and that sit. Fight was hella cool I admit but I don't know nothing else about it
Not sure who the purple hair guy is but I have to tell you that i personally am not a fan of Naruto. As for the basic appeal of the show, yet again it is aimed at the audience as DBZ and it has ninja with cool powers. What more do you want when you're that age? If you would like a suggestion for some really good manga then either tell me what type of comics you enjoy or name a couple of movies you happen to like.

Originally posted by Akuki
Not sure who the purple hair guy is but I have to tell you that i personally am not a fan of Naruto. As for the basic appeal of the show, yet again it is aimed at the audience as DBZ and it has ninja with cool powers. What more do you want when you're that age? If you would like a suggestion for some really good manga then either tell me what type of comics you enjoy or name a couple of movies you happen to like.

Seeing as your being so helpful I can give it a try.

I like.....snap.....Um Wildcats I guess.

They don't dress like Ninjas, how are they ninjas?

Disagree with Naruto being for kids. Yea if you look at it like WOWZ NINJAZ KILLINJ TEH PPLZ WITH PORWERZ!! Ok yea its aimed at kids but it has a compeling and intriguing story line that mixes with japanese mythology which is really interesting. Shippuden manga is even more interesting in regards to characters history and development it is by no means a kid show. I don't even like manga / anime but for some reason I love Naruto.

Originally posted by Grifter07
Seeing as your being so helpful I can give it a try.

I like.....snap.....Um Wildcats I guess.

They don't dress like Ninjas, how are they ninjas?
I can't say i'm extremely familiar with Wildcats, but I'll give it a shot based on what I do know.
If you're a gan of A) lots of fighting, and B)team fights then I would recommend:
1. Claymore: half demon babes with swords, and PLOT!!
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=1037

Akuki got permission for this thread before making it. I appreciate the concern and reports, but it's not necessary.

Keep it up Akuki!

Originally posted by Magee
Disagree with Naruto being for kids.

Little Japanese kids is who it's aimed at in japan.

How about something that has a fairly realistic adaptation of martial arts, but also includes character development, plot, and maybe even humor?

I mean, it's fiction, but the more realistic the fighting, the better. So long as there are still interesting, dynamic characters that partake in a story that is involving, dramatic, and exciting. Preferably with at least a small bit of some more sophisticated humor(shit jokes don't really cut it for me).

The latter is, of course, secondary to the Characters, Storyline, and Fighting. But still a nice bonus.

Originally posted by Soljer
How about something that has a fairly realistic adaptation of martial arts, but also includes character development, plot, and maybe even humor?

I mean, it's fiction, but the more realistic the fighting, the better. So long as there are still interesting, dynamic characters that partake in a story that is involving, dramatic, and exciting. Preferably with at least a small bit of some more sophisticated humor(shit jokes don't really cut it for me).

The latter is, of course, secondary to the Characters, Storyline, and Fighting. But still a nice bonus.

If you're looking for something along that line I would recommend Hajime No Ippo. It's an excellent boxing manga that has a lot of excellent humor, realistic fighting and good storyline. It's a real classic and is one of the longest running series out there. I think it's got around 90 volumes or something like that.
Here's a link to more info: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=812

If you want a more martial arts driven manga then I would recommend Vagabond. It's a story about the life of the famed swordsman Miyamoto Mushashi, one of the legendary swordsman in Japan. it traces his beginnings as just a village punk to becoming a great swordsman. It's very realistic, is well illustrated and has a good storyline, but it not's very humorous, though there is some comic relief every once in a while.
Here's a link for more info: http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=387

Now to find where I can (completely legally and without any sort of theft or copyright infringing) obtain a few volumes to try...

.

....

Damn megaupload download limits.

Not that I'm implying that I was attempting to download 'Fighting Spirit' - 'Hajime no Ippo' from megaupload or anything.

It was on a totally unrelated (and completely legal) note.

.

Originally posted by Soljer
Now to find where I can (completely legally and without any sort of theft or copyright infringing) obtain a few volumes to try...

.
Well legally I would recommend stopping by someplace like Barnes and Nobles or Borders and flipping through one of them just to see if you like it. Amazon also carries them. If you want to get ahold of them and have less exacting moral standards then there are a couple of websites I could point you to.

Originally posted by Akuki
Well legally I would recommend stopping by someplace like Barnes and Nobles or Borders and flipping through one of them just to see if you like it. Amazon also carries them. If you want to get ahold of them and have less exacting moral standards then there are a couple of websites I could point you to.

Hypothetically speaking;

If I were to download either of the two recommended manga, I would likely already have found full download links to both series.

Originally posted by Soljer
Hypothetically speaking;

If I were to download either of the two recommended manga, I would likely already have found full download links to both series.
Well good luck with your hypothetical downloading. I'd love to hear some feedback on whether people like my suggestions.

This is never going to work

As unpopular as manga is in this sub-forum, I am personally a big follower of the following:

Grappler Baki: It's basically a MMA-styled comic book. You have different martial arts styles going against each other. Everything from choke moves to breaking bones and beyond, it's basically like the UFC of manga.

Berserk: As mentioned above, it's basically a human who even though he is doomed rejects his destiny to go out and hunt down demons.

Naruto: As the manga goes on, the series gets a lot more serious. The powers are basically similar to x-men combined with Dr. Strange, people have all sorts of weird mutant-type abilities that they manifest later on.

Gantz: This series is just pretty bizarre. I don't know where to start, but if you're looking for a more serious manga with some horror / science fiction thrown in, this is a good way to look.

I've read and watched quite a few manga and anime.


Just name a genre and I'll throw out things I've enjoyed.

Anyone have links to Jojo's bizarre adventure?

Originally posted by TricksterPriest
Anyone have links to Jojo's bizarre adventure?
Yes. http://www.mangatraders.com/

Originally posted by TricksterPriest
Anyone have links to Jojo's bizarre adventure?


http://jojo.highervoltage.net/

I myself am a big anime fan in fact does anyone have any new ones that they think are good that i should check out?

Originally posted by lando005
I myself am a big anime fan in fact does anyone have any new ones that they think are good that i should check out?
What genre do you happen to like? I have a couple suggestions for new ones, and I know a couple of old ones you may not have heard of before.

Originally posted by Akuki
What genre do you happen to like? I have a couple suggestions for new ones, and I know a couple of old ones you may not have heard of before. i generally like all the genres the last one that i saw as it was coming out in japan was gundam seed destiny i'm collecting bleach now and i plan on getting fruits basket and excel saga later on when i have some spending cash aside

Griften/AJ, stop trolling the thread. I need further proof, but you'll be banned soon. Stop coming here.

Originally posted by Grifter07
This sin't a thread to say how good it is its to say what people think etc, I did mine so not trolling. I have asked a few questions anyway, but Akui guy answered.

I know what socks are, and considering I have never joined before thats untrue. This site has sock checks right. If so I want one to shut you up.

Then once this is over I hope you can calm down and enjoy a spot of tea with me. Funny that you know that considering how recently you joined.... durhmm

Found a way around the sockcheck have you?

So, who is zeebedee?

He also seems really familiar.

were you talking to me rex?

Originally posted by lando005
were you talking to me rex?
Oh by the way Lando, in response to your earlier question, if you're looking for good new anime I would recommend you check out Claymore. Also if you're looking for a good comedy series I would recommend GTO(Great Teacher Onizuka).

Originally posted by Soljer
Now to find where I can (completely legally and without any sort of theft or copyright infringing) obtain a few volumes to try...

. I know Ippo isn't a property of an american company yet so fan scanlations are all your gonna get right now.It also has an anime from geneon.Not sure about the other one.

Originally posted by Rorschach
How about something that's similar to The Sandman.
Paranoia Agent maybe?

Originally posted by Akuki
I would recommend GTO(Great Teacher Onizuka).
The live action one is better.

Originally posted by King Kandy
Paranoia Agent maybe?
That's would definitely work, I was just thinking along the lines of manga so I didn't think of it.

Paranoia Agent was one of the weirdest shows I've ever seen.

Originally posted by Akuki
Oh by the way Lando, in response to your earlier question, if you're looking for good new anime I would recommend you check out Claymore. Also if you're looking for a good comedy series I would recommend GTO(Great Teacher Onizuka). seen GTO already well atleast some of it what's claymore about?

Originally posted by lando005
seen GTO already well atleast some of it what's claymore about?
Claymore: half demon babes with swords, and PLOT!!
http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=1037
The art style is very similar to berserk and it has a very good storyline. The first volume is a bit slow, but it gets really good after that.

Originally posted by Captain REX
Griften/AJ, stop trolling the thread. I need further proof, but you'll be banned soon. Stop coming here. Seeing as I am not him I think not.

When its proved you can eat your words.

Seems like a good time to revive it.

I was wondering what happened to this thread.