Manga and Comic Book:
Who is it for?
Did you read manga or comic
books growing up? Even if you’re not an avid reader chances are you’ve read and
enjoyed them at some point of your life, whether it is manga style Japanese
comic book, bande dessinée, American superhero comic, newspaper comic strip or
any other form. Lately there are many labels created for people, especially
older people who read and enjoy comic books such as geek, nerd, weeabo, otaku
and so on. These are not the most flattering terms, and before you start defending
the title as badge of honor, let’s see why these labels are created in the
first place.
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When I was growing up (I was
born in the late 70’s) there was no such labels, kids would read comic book and
it is a normal thing. There are a few adults who read them, many more in Japan,
but it never crossed my mind that these people are weird or different than any
other adult. In fact, I thought they are cool because they seem to be young at
heart and is enjoying the good things in life. But can you imagine now in this
day, to have an adult person in impeccable business suit sitting in an office
lounge (not an entertainment media company!) reading comic book instead of a
copy of the economist? I can, in fact I expect that to be the norm, because why
shouldn’t it?
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The problem with comic books
these days is the lack of diversity. Take a look at the history of American
comic books. The golden era, from late 1930s to early 1950s was triggered by
the release of Superman comics. However the glory did not last and soon
publishers are forced to diversify genres to keep public interest going. In
Japan, the manga industry was started with the rise in popularity of author
Osamu Tezuka post World War II who experimented with genres never before
touched in comics. Soon the other creators follow suit and various genre of comics
are created. Though there is such diversity in the past, the trend we see these
days is that major publishers are narrowing down the genre of comic books
released in fear of taking a risk. The obsession in pleasing the loyal
customers in the niche market (I hate to use the term, but I mean geeks, nerds,
otaku, weeabo, and so on) had caused a vicious cycle in which the more
geek-pleasing the comics are released. These are the less relatable and
intimidating works to newbie comic book readers.
Wouldn’t it be great if creators
can take matters into their own hands and start thinking about the regular
people, the majority of people who never picked up a comic book before to start
enjoying comic books?
After all, wouldn’t it be better to have 100 times more
readers than pleasing only a few who can understand the cryptic language of the
otaku?
I wouldn’t go as far as saying kill all the subculture comics
or works that focuses on geek issues, but the comic industry can make use of
more stories that can resonate with average people.
http://www.mangabigbang.co.uk/
