Manga is a type of graphic novel or comic that originated in Japan. It was created to conform to a particular style that began to take shape in the late 19th century. However, the term “manga” is not limited to this genre, as it can also refer to other forms of art.
Shojo
The Shojo genre is a demographic category of manga/anime targeting girls. It can be classified into several genres, but primarily consists of coming-of-age stories with romantic subplots. These include traditional romance stories, mystery, and a number of other narratives.
The genre is also considered a subgenre of Boys Love, but it is usually aimed at women ages 18 or above. It features erotic romance between two heterosexual couples. It is not often translated into English, and tends to fall under the “Restricted” (18+) category.
A lot of shojo series are based on fairy tales. However, they have evolved in the decades since they first appeared. In the early days, shojo was often a lighthearted escape from everyday life. But as time went on, the genre began to explore deeper variations of school life and fantasies.
Shounen
The genre of Shounen manga has a lot of fans. Many popular mainstream anime fall under the category. One Piece, Full Metal Alchemist, Fairy Tail, and Naruto are just a few of the popular titles. These anime series feature high-octane action with science-fiction and fantasy elements.
A shounen title usually involves an action storyline with a male protagonist. There is also often a romance. The characters are typically well-endowed and have strong physical features.
Many shounen titles are aimed at a young audience. The target demographic is mainly teenage boys. The style of the manga is generally formal and the plots are often humorous.
Shonen manga has been around for several years. It’s considered a cultural shift in Japan and the main purpose was to inspire youth.
Seinen
A seinen manga is a type of manga that focuses on realism, mature content, and a dark theme. It is usually written for teenagers and young adults. It is considered to be one of the most popular manga genres.
A seinen series has a protagonist – a young adult or anti-hero – whose main goal is to fight against the evil. It often depicts a darker side of morality and sometimes includes sexual content.
Most seinen works are set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic, or nihilistic setting. They also have mature characters and usually contain excessive gore.
Typically, the main character is a female with a romantic or familial bond. Some seinen anime include young teenage girls.
The genre has been influenced by shoujo manga. In the early days of seinen, it was aimed at a younger audience. However, some of the best titles are for an older demographic.
Josei
Josei manga is a Japanese genre that deals with themes like romance, family, and workplace relationships. The average age of its readers is between 18 and 40. The main demographic is women.
Josei manga is similar to Shoujo anime in that they focus on romance, but there are differences. These include a more realistic depiction of romance, more mature subjects, and more real life issues.
The typical reader of josei manga is a woman between 18 and 40 years old. Generally, the series explores relationships between lovers, families, and friends. Some josei mangas also deal with other topics, such as hobbies, career, and infidelity.
The storyline for a josei manga can range from sexy to soapy. However, the characters in a josei series are usually very realistic and compassionate toward the same sex. This is a more realistic approach than that in Shoujo manga.
Sub-genres
There are numerous sub-genres in manga. These sub-genres may include Shonen, Seinen, Fantasy, and Anti-Utopian. These sub-genres all have their own distinct characteristics.
Shonen manga is a type of anime targeted at tween and teen boys. The manga follows a group of heroes whose journeys are often set in a fictional world. The stories usually involve action, comedy, drama, and friendship.
Typically, shojo manga has pink covers, as well as images of flowers, clouds, and allies. These manga are ideal for anyone looking for a cute manga.
Fantasy manga can be categorized as a mix of adventure and magic. The stories are heartwarming and inspiring. They can turn on the waterworks. The genre also includes characters teleported to make-believe worlds.
The Josei sub-genre focuses on love and relationships. These manga may follow male or female protagonists. The protagonist may choose between two loves, or the relationship may develop over time.
