by Matthew Russell - Posted 6 months ago
From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances and thought-provoking dramas, manga has something for everyone. In this blog, we will explore some of the most prominent manga genres, giving you a glimpse into the rich tapestry of stories that manga offers.
Shonen manga is primarily targeted at a young male audience, but its appeal extends to readers of all genders and ages. These manga are known for their action-packed narratives, strong male protagonists, and themes of friendship and personal growth.
Iconic titles in this genre include "Naruto," "One Piece," and "Dragon Ball." We’ve all seen the “naruto run” on TikTok. Shonen manga often feature intense battles, supernatural powers, and epic adventures. Coming from the world of superheroes, this one tends to appeal to me personally the most.
Shojo manga is tailored for a young female audience. That doesn’t necessarily mean that its readers are pigeonholed into one demographic though, but it does tend to attract readers of VERY diverse backgrounds.
These stories typically focus on romance, relationships, and personal development. They often feature relatable female protagonists and explore themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Popular shojo manga includes "Fruits Basket," "Ouran High School Host Club," and "Sailor Moon."
Seinen manga targets an older male audience, often featuring more mature and complex themes. These manga explore a wide range of genres, including action, horror, science fiction, and slice-of-life. Unlike shonen, seinen manga may contain graphic content and explore darker, more mature themes. Notable examples include "Berserk," "Ghost in the Shell," and "Monster."
When I think of the “high-end” manga, this is where my mind tends to go. Ghost in the Shell was absolutely remarkable, as was Akira.
Similar to seinen, josei manga is aimed at an older female audience and deals with more mature themes. These stories delve into adult relationships, career struggles, and everyday life. They often provide a more realistic and introspective look into the lives of women. Prominent josei titles include "Nana," "Paradise Kiss," and "Honey and Clover."
It’s interesting to me that the creators would make such a huge push to target specifically one gender only, as Josei literally translates as “Women”. Either way, they are truly successful. Their niche has garnered a fanbase that I personally could never rival, so they must be doing something right.
Isekai manga has gained immense popularity in recent years. These stories transport protagonists from the real world into fantastical realms, where they encounter magic, monsters, and adventures. Common tropes include overpowered protagonists and the exploration of new worlds. Notable examples of isekai manga are "Re:Zero," "Overlord," and "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime."
I will say this, “Spirited Away” is absolutely one of the best Manga out there, and one of the best films of the early 2000’s. Yes, I will die on that hill, it was one of the best movies, not just Anime, movies of all time.
Horror manga aims to send shivers down your spine. These stories employ various techniques to create a sense of fear and suspense, often involving supernatural elements, monsters, or psychological horror. Notable horror manga include "Uzumaki," "Junji Ito's Collection," and "Tokyo Ghoul."
If you don’t believe that Manga Horror can compete with the more American “creepy” feel, check out “Chainsaw Man” or “Death Note”.
Sports manga revolves around the world of athletics and competition. These stories often focus on the journey of athletes as they strive to become champions. They are known for their intense training sequences and matches that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Iconic sports manga include "Haikyuu!!," "Kuroko's Basketball," and "Hajime no Ippo."
I was a little confused about this genre at first. I still remember walking in to my daughter reading “Haikyuu”, it’s a Manga about volleyball. I was scratching my head thinking, how can there be an entire series about volleyball.
My daughter asked me, “Whats the difference between that setting and any other?” Touché, Nice perry. She stumped me, so I had to check it out and was truly, pleasantly surprised.
The world of manga is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of genres to cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures, heartwarming romances, spine-tingling horror, or thought-provoking dramas, there's a manga genre for you.
Exploring these diverse genres can lead you to discover new stories, characters, and themes that resonate with you on a personal level. So, dive into the world of manga, and you're sure to find something that captivates your imagination.
If you want a great starting place for Manga on CryptoComics, then check out the Manga Genre. Yep, it’s got its own category. My personal recommendations would be Top2 By our good friend Cardell Cole, or you can check out another of my personal favorites; DimensionLock by Vailed Light Entertainment.
Also be on the lookout for some changes pertaining directly to the Manga. ‘Nuff Said there. Until next time, Au revoir for now.
