For fans of American comics and graphic novels, the
market has seen the emergence of two major factions: Western comics,
especially those published by giants DC Comics and Marvel Comics, and the vast
world of Japanese manga .
While manga can be considered the Japanese version of comics, it is also a
unique art form that has been valued on equal terms for decades. However,
in recent years, manga has clearly surpassed comics, both in sales and cultural
relevance.
Even in the West, where comics have been a staple of
pop culture for decades, manga has consistently outperformed American comics in
sales. Despite the rise of action figures and the Marvel Cinematic
Universe (MCU), comics have been unable to compete in several key aspects, from
common perception to price. Every consumer has their preferences, and
there is no single answer as to how manga won the battle against comics, but it
is undeniable that manga has done certain things better.
Shonen action series are the mainstay of
manga success , although there is room for other
genres such as drama in “Oshi no Ko” and traditional fantasy in “Frieren:
Beyond Journey's End.” Manga has seen notable success in the West in
recent years, with titles such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” “Jujutsu
Kaisen,” and “My Hero Academia” regularly appearing on bestseller lists. According
to Publishers Weekly, manga sales accounted for nearly 45% of all comics sold
in 2022, surpassing even children's comics.
The popularity of anime has been a key factor in the
rise of manga. In 2021, comic book sales hit a record $2.075 billion,
with manga accounting for $1.47 billion of that figure. Comparatively,
sales numbers for individual comics were significantly lower. This shows that
manga has become a more popular and accessible option.
In practical terms, manga has largely won out due to
its value for money and availability. Manga volumes typically run
between 160 and 180 pages and cost around $10, an excellent value for any
consumer, especially when compared to individual comics that have fewer pages
and similar prices. Additionally, manga are available in mainstream
bookstores, giving them much greater visibility and a less “geeky” image.
Another important factor is the barrier to
entry. Manga features more linear and less complex stories compared to
the intricate universes of comics, which can be overwhelming for new readers. Manga
plots are easy to follow, making it easier for new readers to dive into this
world without having to worry about decades of continuity and reboots.
Manga's more diverse content also plays a crucial
role. While comics have attempted to diversify their genres and
audiences, manga offers a much wider variety of stories that appeal to a more
diverse audience. From action and adventure to romance and comedy,
manga has something for everyone, broadening its appeal and reader base.
In conclusion, manga has managed to
surpass Western comics not only because of its accessibility and price, but
also because of its diversity of content and availability in more accessible
places. This phenomenon has allowed manga to become
the industry giant it is today, gaining ground in a market that was
traditionally dominated by comics.
Source: ComicBookResources
