THE RISE OF ANIME AND MANGA

A quick overview of manga and anime history and their impact.

Divided into five chapters, this appealing read is ideal for anyone who identifies as an otaku, or fan of Japanese culture, especially anime and manga, as well as those interested in Japanese art and culture more generally. The book covers manga’s earliest origins in traditional scrolls created by Buddhist monks; the hallmarks of its distinctive style, which is influenced by Noh theater; the postwar rise of anime and manga in Japan; their growth in popularity in the U.S.; and the explosion of fandom communities. Along the way, readers learn about the ways these art forms depict Japanese values, how they are intrinsically connected with history (even being used as anti-Western propaganda during World War II), how anime differs from Western animation, and more. The exploration of the intense, tightknit communities that engage in cosplay and write fan fiction shows how anime and manga are more than fads and are based on “something enduring” and possess “deep roots in Japanese culture, universal characters and themes, and…stories of human love, strength, and survival.” This fun read features concise chapters that contribute to a quick pace as it moves seamlessly from one major topic or event to the next. Stock photos and movie stills break up and enhance the text; sidebars include quotes from film critics, artists, and others.

Informative and entertaining.