Assignment One

Name: Rahaf Eyad Naji Khatatbeh

1. Topic and Instructional verb:

Topic: Define the concept of 'Manga' and its visual language.

Instructional verb: Define

2. Conduct your research: organise your research in notes-format including your

source.

The definition of ‘Manga’:

1. Manga: Japanese comic books that tell stories in pictures.
(Source:https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/manga).

2. Manga is a Japanese style of comic books and graphic novels. Astro Boy and Dragon
Ball are examples of popular manga. Manga is sold around the world and translated into
dozens of languages, but it's mainly published in Japan, where it's popular with all ages of
readers. In Japanese, manga literally translates to "involuntary pictures," but the word is
used to describe both comics and cartooning. Western fans of manga recognize its
distinctive style, with impressionistic backgrounds and big-eyed characters. Most manga is
read from right to left, like Japanese writing.

(Source: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/manga)

3. What is manga? Manga is the form of comic books and graphic novels that originated in
Japan. The word manga comes from two Japanese words: “man,” which means “whimsical
or impromptu,” and “ga,” which translates to “pictures.”

In Japan, the term manga refers to both comics and cartoons. However, outside Japan, it
widely refers to comics originally published in Japan.

Manga stories are usually written in black and white, making it easier for readers to process
the amount of content without distraction. However, some full-color special releases do
exist.

Manga is typically released in chapters published weekly or monthly and then serialized in
large manga magazines. Collectively, these manga chapters are published together as
tankōbon volumes, often paperback books that can be bought in bookstores or manga
stores.
Manga is closely associated with Japan’s culture and society and covers a wide range of
topics such as romance, sports, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more.

Manga was primarily aimed at a Japanese audience. However, manga has grown
increasingly popular in western countries due to its unique art style and captivating
storylines.

It continues to evolve, incorporating new themes and ideas, allowing manga readers to
explore the various aspects of Japanese culture. (Source: https://www.21-draw.com/what-
is-manga-a-guide-to-japanese-comic-books/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSv6LAjNUBeqYheOL6-
38Q215Z3kOxGtAoEBDtYxwg0vgJbOl7)

4. Manga is a style of comic books and graphic novels that was developed and popularized
in Japan. Like all comics, manga depend on pictures with accompanying text bubbles. In
fact, the word manga means “whimsical pictures” in Japanese. In the early 20th century
authors created manga mainly for children. By the mid-20th century, however, the market
had expanded greatly. Writers and illustrators began creating manga aimed at different
groups of people. Now people of all ages enjoy reading manga.

In Japan manga chapters are usually published weekly or monthly in magazines such
as Weekly Shonen Jump. Publishers then often gather several chapters of popular manga to
publish in volumes. Manga typically are printed on poor-quality paper, and the images are
in black and white, with only a few pages of color. These methods keep production costs
down and make manga inexpensive to buy.

Manga encompass a wide variety of subject matter, including action, adventure, comedy,
romance, science fiction, mystery, and horror. Most often the stories focus on sports or the
adventures of samurai (warriors) and gangsters. Violence typically plays a large part in
many of the stories. Artists often draw the characters with large eyes in order to show
emotion more easily. The stories are longer and the action is depicted at a slower pace than
that of Western comic books. For example, it is not unusual for a single sword fight to
spread over 30 pages.

The popularity of manga rose in Japan in the late 20th century. As a result, many of the
comics were translated into English and other languages. Successful manga
include Dragon Ball (1984–95), Sailor Moon (1991–97), and Naruto (1999–
2014). Dragon Ball follows a boy on a quest to find seven magical dragon balls so that he
can earn a wish. In Sailor Moon a schoolgirl changes into a magical soldier to help keep
Earth from being destroyed. Naruto tells about a young ninja who yearns to become the
leader of his village. These three comics, like many other popular manga series, have been
turned into video games and anime, or Japanese animation for television and movies.
(Source: https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/manga/636569)

5. Major Manga Demographics:

Shonen: For young teenage boys, roughly between 12-18.
Kodomo: For little kids or young children, under about 8.
Seinen: For young adult males or younger men, roughly between 18-40.
Shōjo: For young teenage girls, roughly between 8-18.
Josei: For adult females or younger women, roughly between 18-40
Seijin/Ero Manga: Adult manga for males.
Redisu/Lady’s Manga: Manga for young adult females.
Dōjinshi : Manga publication by amateurs.
Gekiga: Focusing on serious topics geared toward mature audiences.
Silver & Golden: Manga for older readers.
(Source: https://library.osu.edu/site/manga/manga-genres/)

6. Exploring Manga Genres

Manga genres are diverse, catering to different tastes and age groups. Manga targeted at
specific demographics, such as young children, tween and teen boys, adult men, adult
women, and tween and teen girls, often feature themes and tones typical for each group.
From action-packed shonen to the romances of shojo, the world of manga has something
for every reader. Understanding these genres is essential to navigating and fully enjoying
manga.

Shonen Manga: Action-Packed Adventures

Shonen manga, aimed at young male teens and young boys, is recognized for its focus
on action, adventure, and camaraderie. Popular titles like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto,
and My Hero Academia have emerged from Weekly Shōnen Jump, with creators such
as Akira Toriyama and Kohei Horikoshi cementing the genre’s popularity.

Shojo and Josei: Romance and Realism

Shojo manga consists of narratives that vary and include themes like romance, drama, and
coming of age. Directed at young women, it often revolves around romance and
relationships, with iconic series like Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket. On the other
hand, Josei targets adult women, offering more mature and realistic narratives, seen in titles
like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa.

Seinen and Josei: Mature Themes and Complex Narratives

Seinen manga, for adult men, and josei, for adult women, address a diverse audience with
complex narratives and mature themes. Often featuring a young man as the protagonist or a
significant figure, works like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the Shell provide a
deeper storytelling experience for a more mature readership.
Mecha, Fantasy, and Isekai: Beyond Reality
Venturing beyond the ordinary, genres like mecha, fantasy, and isekai challenge the
imagination with science fiction elements and alternate realities. Yuri manga, focusing on
romantic relationships between girls, often set in high school, is another genre that explores
unique narratives. Mobile Suit Gundam exemplifies mecha, while isekai series transport
characters to fantastical worlds where they must navigate new lives.

Slice of Life and Comedy: Everyday Joys

Slice of life and comedy manga portray the simplicity and humor found in daily
experiences. Titles such as Doraemon and Barakamon connect with readers through
relatable moments and endearing characters.

Sports and Horror: Thrills and Chills

Both sports and horror manga deliver intense storytelling, whether through the competitive
spirit of series like Kuroko no Basket or the chilling narratives of Uzumaki. These genres
have garnered a following for their ability to evoke a range of emotions from adrenaline to
fear.

Cultural Insights: Manga’s Role in Japan and Beyond

Manga offers a window into Japanese culture and has significantly influenced pop
culture worldwide. Becoming a mangaka is a respected career, and the nuances of manga
—from art style to thematic depth—reflect aspects of Japanese life and creativity.
(Source: https://www.getpeech.com/blog/genres-of-manga-guide)

Visual language in manga:

1. Abstraction of Symbols : One of the most characteristic aspects of manga's visual

language is its tendency for abstraction. Manga, rather than solely relying on literary
dialogue and descriptions, often utilizes visual symbols that, although abstract, bear
unequivocal meanings to experienced readers. Symbolism, which evolved from literal
representations, has become commonplace in the manga world. For example, the popular
symbol of anger, which originally portrayed a literal vein bulging, has evolved to the point
where it is now represented as an abstract pattern of three or four curved lines. This far
departure from reality is typical of the manga style, and mastering it is key to
understanding and appreciating this medium.
Another emotion, that of frustration, has its unique visual shortcut in manga. Instead of
describing a character's feelings with words, the artist can simply draw a large sweat
droplet on the character's head, thereby suggesting intense frustration or embarrassment.
Similarly, a snot bubble emerging from a character's nose is a universal symbol that the
character is sleeping, though in reality this is something rarely seen outside the world of
manga. Other visual shortcuts include "chibi" (small, cute versions of characters used to
express strong emotions) and exaggerated "surprise dots" around a character's head. These
unique visual shortcuts are an integral part of the manga language, easily recognized and
understood by all readers.
(Source: https://ukiyo-japan.pl/en/the-visual-language-of-manga-from-abstraction-to-
expression)
2. There are several expressive techniques typical to the manga art form:

 Screentone: Transparent adhesive sheets manufactured with a distinctive pattern

(typically, some form of dots or hatching, but also including a variety of flashy effects
like stars or explosions, or commonplace scenes such as cityscapes, schoolyards, and
natural landscapes), these are cut out and overlapped on the panel to introduce shading
and detail that would be time-consuming or unfeasible to draw by hand. Increasingly,
physical tone sheets are being replaced by computer-generated equivalents.
 Expressive dialogue bubbles: The borders of the speech/thought bubbles change in
pattern/style to reflect the tone and mood of the dialogue. For example, an explosion-
shaped bubble for shouting,[D 3]: 122 or an angry exclamation. Manga usually follows the
normal Western comic conventions for speech (solid arc extending from the character's
head)[D 3]: 122 and thought bubble (several small circles used in place of the arc).[D 3]:
122
The latter bubble style is sometimes used for whispered dialogue in manga.
 Speed lines: Often in action sequences, the background will possess an overlay of
neatly ruled lines to portray direction of movements. Speed lines can also be applied to
characters as a way to emphasize the motion of their bodies[D 3]: 14 (limbs in particular).
This style, especially background blurs, extends into most action based anime as well.
Converging speed lines can be used to emphasize focus, as if the camera were quickly
dollying toward the subject.
 Mini flashbacks: Many artists employ copies of segments from earlier chapters
(sometimes only a single panel) and edit them into the story panels to act as a flashback
(also applying an overlay of darker tone to differentiate it from current events). This is
a convenient method to evoke prior events along with visual imagery. In situations
where a character's life events flash across his/her mind, a splash page may be used
with the entire background consisting of segments from earlier chapters.
 Abstract background effects: These involve elaborate hatching patterns in the
background and serve to indicate or strengthen the mood of the plot. It can also
illustrate a character's state of mind. A few examples:
 Instead of conveying quick motion, speed lines can be used to dramatize a
character's determination, high spirit, argumentative or combative mood, etc.
 Dense gauze or cross-hatch patches or contours for a mysterious, ominous mood,
etc.
 Thinly dotted or iconic (with heart shapes, animal shapes, spirals,
etc.) screentone for a fun, jubilant mood.
 Pitch-black background for a serious mood.

( Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga_iconography)
 3. Write Draft One:

Manga can be defined as a form of comic books and graphic novels that originated in
Japan, renowned for its distinctive art, storytelling styles and cultural impact. The word
manga comes from two Japanese words: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning
“pictures.” It tells stories about a variety of topics, including action, adventure, romance,
science fiction, and horror. Manga is also grouped into categories based on demographics,
such as shonen for boys, shojo for girls, seinen for adult men, and josei for adult women.
Most manga is drawn in black and white with only a few pages of color, read from right to
left, and often serialized in magazines before being collected into paperback volumes
called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores. Popular titles like Dragon Ball, Sailor
Moon, and Naruto showcase its ability to appeal to readers worldwide. Furthermore,
through its wide range of themes and genres, manga reflects Japanese culture and provides
readers with insights into its traditions, history, and modern life.

In addition to its diverse themes and genres, manga uses a unique visual language to tell
stories, employing artistic techniques that express emotions, actions, and mood. For
example, sweat droplets on a character’s forehead indicate nervousness or frustration,
while speed lines emphasize movement during action scenes. In action-packed manga like
Naruto, speed lines are often used in battles to highlight the intensity and urgency of the
characters’ movements. Another key technique is the use of screentones, which add
shading and texture to illustrations, helping to create atmosphere or enhance the mood of a
scene. For instance, pitch-black screentones are frequently applied to convey tension or
fear. These visual shortcuts and techniques not only make manga highly expressive but
also allow readers to connect deeply with the characters and stories.

4. WEED Analysis:
W - What: write the sentence.
 Clearly states the main point which is
Paragraph 1: Manga can be defined as a form of comic books and graphic novels
that originated in Japan, renowned for its distinctive art, storytelling styles and
cultural impact.
Paragraph 2: In addition to its diverse themes and genres, manga uses a unique
visual language to tell stories, employing artistic techniques that express emotions,
actions, and mood.
 Correction / No correction:
Paragraph 1: No correction
Paragraph 2: No correction

E - Evidence: write the sentence

 Provides support from your research for your main point
Paragraph 1: 1.It tells stories about a variety of topics, including action, adventure,
romance, science fiction, and horror.
2.Manga is also grouped into categories based on demographics, such as shonen for
 boys, shojo for girls, seinen for adult men, and josei for adult women.
3. Most manga is drawn in black and white with only a few pages of color, read
from right to left, and often serialized in magazines before being collected into
paperback volumes called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores.
Paragraph 2: 1.For example, sweat droplets on a character’s forehead indicate
nervousness or frustration, while speed lines emphasize movement during action
scenes.
2.Another key technique is the use of screentones, which add shading and texture to
illustrations, helping to create atmosphere or enhance the mood of a scene.
 Correction/ No correction
Paragraph 1: No correction
Paragraph 2: No correction

E - Example: write the sentence

 Gives a specific example to support the evidence
Paragraph 1: Popular titles like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Naruto showcase
its ability to appeal to readers worldwide.
Paragraph 2: 1. In action-packed manga like Naruto, speed lines are often used in
battles to highlight the intensity and urgency of the characters’ movements.
2. For instance, pitch-black screentones are frequently applied to convey tension or
fear.
 Correction/No correction
Paragraph 1: Popular titles : Shonen manga like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto,
and My Hero Academia , Shojo manga like Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket,
Seinen manga like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the Shell, and Josei manga
like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa showcase its ability to appeal to readers
from different genders and ages.

Paragraph 2: No correction

D - Do: write the sentence

 Explains the author’s intention or the reason behind your choices
Paragraph 1: Furthermore, through its wide range of themes and genres, manga reflects
Japanese culture and provides readers with insights into its traditions, history, and modern
life.

Paragraph 2: These visual shortcuts and techniques not only make manga highly
expressive but also allow readers to connect deeply with the characters and stories.

 Correction/ No correction
Paragraph 1: No correction
Paragraph 2: No correction

5. Write Draft Two:

Manga can be defined as a form of comic books and graphic novels that originated in
Japan, renowned for its distinctive art, storytelling styles and cultural impact. The word
manga comes from two Japanese words: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning
“pictures.” It tells stories about a variety of topics, including action, adventure, romance,
science fiction, and horror. Manga is also grouped into categories based on demographics,
such as shonen for boys, shojo for girls, seinen for adult men, and josei for adult women.
Most manga is drawn in black and white with only a few pages of color, read from right to
left, and often serialized in magazines before being collected into paperback volumes
called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores. Popular titles : Shonen manga like Dragon
Ball, One Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia , Shojo manga like Sailor
Moon and Fruits Basket, Seinen manga like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the Shell,
and Josei manga like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa showcase its ability to appeal
to readers from different genders and ages. Furthermore, through its wide range of themes
and genres, manga reflects Japanese culture and provides readers with insights into its
traditions, history, and modern life.

In addition to its diverse themes and genres, manga uses a unique visual language to tell
stories, employing artistic techniques that express emotions, actions, and mood. For
example, sweat droplets on a character’s forehead indicate nervousness or frustration,
while speed lines emphasize movement during action scenes. In action-packed manga like
Naruto, speed lines are often used in battles to highlight the intensity and urgency of the
characters’ movements. Another key technique is the use of screentones, which add
shading and texture to illustrations, helping to create atmosphere or enhance the mood of a
scene. For instance, pitch-black screentones are frequently applied to convey tension or
fear. These visual shortcuts and techniques not only make manga highly expressive but also
allow readers to connect deeply with the characters and stories.

6. Common Mistakes Analysis:

1. Sentence Fragments (Incomplete Sentences)

o Mistake: Popular titles: Shonen manga like Dragon Ball, One Piece,
Naruto, and My Hero Academia, Shojo manga like Sailor Moon and Fruits
Basket, Seinen manga like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the Shell,
and Josei manga like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa showcase its
ability to appeal to readers from different genders and ages.
o Correction: Popular titles include shonen manga like Dragon Ball, One
Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia; shojo manga like Sailor Moon and
Fruits Basket; seinen manga like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the
Shell; and josei manga like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa. These
works showcase manga's ability to appeal to readers of different genders
and ages.

2. Lack of Coherence

Mistake: "Furthermore, through its wide range of themes and genres, manga reflects
Japanese culture and provides readers with insights into its traditions, history, and modern
life."

"In addition to its diverse themes and genres, manga uses a unique visual language to tell
stories, employing artistic techniques that express emotions, actions, and mood."

o Correction: Furthermore, through its wide range of themes and genres,

manga reflects Japanese culture and provides readers with insights into its
traditions, history, and modern life. Beyond these themes, manga's
storytelling is also enhanced by its unique visual language, which plays a
critical role in conveying emotions, actions, and mood.

3. Overuse of Conjunctions Without Logical Flow

o Mistake: Most manga is drawn in black and white with only a few pages of
color, read from right to left, and often serialized in magazines before being
collected into paperback volumes called tankōbon, which are sold in
bookstores.
o Correction: Most manga is drawn in black and white, with only a few
pages of color, and is read from right to left. It is often serialized in
magazines before being collected into paperback volumes called tankōbon,
which are sold in bookstores.

4. Repetition Without Purpose

o Mistake: Manga reflects Japanese culture and provides readers with
insights into its traditions, history, and modern life
o Correction: Through its rich themes and storytelling, manga offers readers
a window into Japan's traditions, history, and contemporary society.
5. Informal and Vague Language
o Mistake: Showcase its ability to appeal to readers from different genders
and ages.
o Correction: These works demonstrate manga's broad appeal, captivating
readers across various demographics and age groups

6. Weak Conclusion
o Mistake: These visual shortcuts and techniques not only make manga
highly expressive but also allow readers to connect deeply with the
characters and stories.
o Correction: Together, manga's unique storytelling and visual techniques
make it a powerful medium that transcends cultural boundaries and
captivates readers worldwide.

7. Inconsistent Verb Tense (other grammatical mistakes)

o Mistake: 1.The word manga comes from two Japanese words: man,
meaning 'whimsical,' and ga, meaning 'pictures.'
2. It is often serialized in magazines before being collected into paperback
volumes called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores.
o Correction: 1.The word manga comes from two Japanese words: man,
meaning 'whimsical,' and ga, meaning 'pictures.'
2. It is often serialized in magazines and later collected into paperback
volumes called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores.
 7. Draft Three:

Manga can be defined as a form of comic books and graphic novels that originated in
Japan, renowned for its distinctive art, storytelling styles and cultural impact. The word
manga comes from two Japanese words: man, meaning 'whimsical,' and ga, meaning
'pictures.' It tells stories about a variety of topics, including action, adventure, romance,
science fiction, and horror. Manga is also grouped into categories based on demographics,
such as shonen for boys, shojo for girls, seinen for adult men, and josei for adult women.
Most manga is drawn in black and white, with only a few pages of color, and is read from
right to left. It is often serialized in magazines and later collected into paperback volumes
called tankōbon, which are sold in bookstores. Popular titles include shonen manga like
Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, and My Hero Academia; shojo manga like Sailor Moon
and Fruits Basket; seinen manga like Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, and Ghost in the Shell; and
josei manga like Nana and Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa. These works demonstrate manga's
broad appeal, captivating readers across various demographics and age groups.
Furthermore, through its rich themes and storytelling, manga offers readers a window into
Japan's traditions, history, and contemporary society.

Beyond these themes, manga's storytelling is also enhanced by its unique visual language,
which plays a critical role in conveying emotions, actions, and mood. For example, sweat
droplets on a character’s forehead indicate nervousness or frustration, while speed lines
emphasize movement during action scenes. In action-packed manga like Naruto, speed
lines are often used in battles to highlight the intensity and urgency of the characters’
movements. Another key technique is the use of screentones, which add shading and
texture to illustrations, helping to create atmosphere or enhance the mood of a scene. For
instance, pitch-black screentones are frequently applied to convey tension or fear. Together,
manga's unique storytelling and visual techniques make it a powerful medium that
transcends cultural boundaries and captivates readers worldwide.