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Comics vs. Manga, which do you prefer and why?

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Foxix Von

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Alright, so recently I have been thinking about how I used to collect comic books (<3 blue hedgehog) and I still have them in a large plastic tub underneath my bed and a while back I got in to manga a little bit. I understand that either way they're all comics but I decided to split the line down since different things are associated with both sides.

Anyway Gaf, what do you like? Graphic novels, comics or manga and why?

Does Gaf prefer the right to left manga style or the left to right comic style?

Black and white? Or full blazing color?

How do you guys feel they differ in terms of story telling, plot layout and character designs and which do yall prefer?

Personally I'm fond of the right to left way of reading... somehow reading panels that way makes more sense to me when flipping pages, honestly I don't know why, it just clicks withe me :P

Anyway, 3... 2... 1... FIGHT!
 
Manga.

Mainly because comics (I assume you mean US comics like Marvel and DC) have too many titles to follow, and the idea of buying one volume of a mange every few months for $10 versus buying like 13 spider-man titles every month just to keep up on the story, is insane. DC is just as guilty with their multiple crises.

Also because manga tends to stick with one artist/writer, you get used to a style and it doesn't change, and you don't have some writer coming on board to retool a character or whatever.

Though, I really enjoy trade paperbacks of US comic story arcs, and that's pretty much what domestic manga volumes are. I guess if I had to track down weekly Jump, I wouldn't like manga as much either.
 
Generally comics over manga* barring the comic series can be read on its own without a hundred crossover/tie-in issues.



*Unless its Berserk. I'll take that over anything.
 
I don't really have a preference between the two but I love how mangas can touch a vast amount of different subjects. Religion, gardening, ramens, racing, boxing, japanese history etc.

BUT, Western adult comics >>>>> Hentai.
 
I only really read manga. I would probably try out comics, but:

I don't know where to start/what I would like.
It seems like buying comics is a pain. I hate those BO-smelling comics shops.
My only real experience with comics is reading my brother's copies of Spawn, which soured my view of comic books.
 
Manga.

I do enjoy U.S Comics, but I cannot get into the whole superhero marvel/dc type stuff, too difficult to catch up on stuff. Where as in Manga, you can effectively get everything you need on a particular series relatively easy.
 
1. Yotsuba&!/Azumanga Daioh (or, in the future: "anything by Azuma")
2. Western comics
3. Manga
4. Shooting myself in the foot
5. "Cinemanga" (the juxtaposition of word bubbles over screencaps from a TV series or movie)
 
bengraven said:
Manga are not comics.
Click to expand...
Things have come to a pretty pass,
Our romance is growing flat,
For you like this and the other
While I go for this and that.
Goodness knows what the end will be;
Oh, I don't know where I'm at...
It looks as if we two will never be one,
Something must be done.

You say eether and I say eyether,
You say neether and I say nyther;
Eether, eyether, neether, nyther,
Let's call the whole thing off!
You like potato and I like potahto,
You like tomato and I like tomahto;
Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto!
Let's call the whole thing off!
But oh! If we call the whole thing off,
Then we must part.
And oh! If we ever part,
Then that might break my heart!
So, if you like pajamas and I like pajahmas,
I'll wear pajamas and give up pajahmas.
For we know we need each other,
So we better call the calling off off.
Let's call the whole thing off!

You say laughter and I say lawfter,
You say after and I say awfter;
Laughter, lawfter, after, awfter,
Let's call the whole thing off!
You like vanilla and I like vanella,
You, sa's'parilla and I sa's'parella;
Vanilla, vanella, Choc'late, strawb'ry!
Let's call the whole thing off!
But oh! If we call the whole thing off,
Then we must part.
And oh! If we ever part,
Then that might break my heart!
So, if you go for oysters and I go for ersters
I'll order oysters and cancel the ersters.
For we know we need each other,
So we better call the calling off off!
Let's call the whole thing off!
 
Not sure why people don't like US comics for continuity reasons:

Titles like The Sandman, Fables, Preacher, Transmetropolitan, Alan Moore's Swamp Thing and Y: The Last Man require NO previous background reading/comic knowledge and all are bloody fantastic (and a few are quite literary and thought provoking).


As for Manga, I will read Monster, Lone Wolf and Cub, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Akira and get back to you. But as of now the stuff I've read (GTO, DBZ) has been just awful... I'm sure the stated titles will expand by view of the medium quite a bit, though.
 
jon bones said:
Not sure why people don't like US comics for continuity reasons:

Titles like The Sandman, Fables, Preacher, Transmetropolitan, Alan Moore's Swamp Thing and Y: The Last Man require NO previous background reading/comic knowledge and all are bloody fantastic (and a few are quite literary and thought provoking).


As for Manga, I will read Monster, Lone Wolf and Cub, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Akira and get back to you. But as of now the stuff I've read (GTO, DBZ) has been just awful... I'm sure the stated titles will expand by view of the medium quite a bit, though.
Click to expand...

How could you possibly think GTO is awful?
 
I usually enjoy western comics more but I read some manga too of course.

Transmetropolitan is probably the comic I've enjoyed the most. I highly recommend it.

"To me filthy assistants!" :D


Btw, "The Boys" is a incredible comic as well, if you're sick of the usual super hero stuff you should give this a try.
 
I like manga which I started reading (to a small extent) a few years ago, and growing up I read a lot of Spiderman. I've never been a real fan of the classic hero-genre though since X-men and stuff like that isn't so common here compared to the US, but the best shit I've ever read comic/manga-wise is probably Watchmen whith stuff like GITS and Akira right behind.

Oh yeah, never forget Space Adventure Cobra.
 
I thought this was going to be an argument over whether to call them "Japanese comics" or "manga." Because, you know, "manga" means "comics."

I prefer good stories and I don't give a flying fuck what country they're from.
 
jon bones said:
Main character really irks me and the "humor" didn't really grab me. I have the first 2 trades collecting dust; if you guys want them, let me know.
Click to expand...

I read the whole thing, no need. But the first two were what sold me on it, oddly enough.
 
jman2050 said:
The topic title is redundant.
Click to expand...

Geez, stop being so damn anal. Would him saying "comics originating from japan" instead of "manga" make you happy? You know what he was talking about...
 
jon bones said:
Main character really irks me and the "humor" didn't really grab me. I have the first 2 trades collecting dust; if you guys want them, let me know.
Click to expand...

The anime is one of the most entertaining series I've ever seen. Me and a friend went through it and just laughed our asses silly. And the ending is so fucking great. But that's.. Yeah, the anime, not the manga. Don't know how that one ends.

By the way, at least for six or seven volumes Cromartie Highschool was hillarious.
 
I think the art is generally better from western monthlies, but I prefer the concept of a story having a beginning, middle, and a fucking end. Manga doesn't seem afraid to have a characters grow, progress, live, die (and stay dead), ending a series and starting a *gasp* fresh new idea. Black and white is better sometimes, but color is fine also. The way the big-name Marvel and DC guys are treated is just a big turn-off.

Books like 100 Bullets are ideal because they have a beginning and an end and the art is pretty good.
 
Dali said:
I think the art is generally better from western monthlies, but I prefer the concept of a story having a beginning, middle, and a fucking end. Manga doesn't seem afraid to have a characters grow, progress, live, die (and stay dead), ending a series and starting a *gasp* fresh new idea. Black and white is better sometimes, but color is fine also. The way the big-name Marvel and DC guys are treated is just a big turn-off.

Books like 100 Bullets are ideal because they have a beginning and an end and the art is pretty good.
Click to expand...

I think this is caused by ownership. In western comics, the storyline is ultimately decided by the publisher while in Japan, the author controls the main story
 
Dali said:
I think the art is generally better from western monthlies, but I prefer the concept of a story having a beginning, middle, and a fucking end. Manga doesn't seem afraid to have a characters grow, progress, live, die (and stay dead), ending a series and starting a *gasp* fresh new idea. Black and white is better sometimes, but color is fine also. The way the big-name Marvel and DC guys are treated is just a big turn-off.

Books like 100 Bullets are ideal because they have a beginning and an end and the art is pretty good.
Click to expand...

I agree, you get sick of seeing the majority of characters who die come back to life (Jean Grey is a good example). It shouldn't be that difficult to create something new...
 
Dali said:
I think the art is generally better from western monthlies, but I prefer the concept of a story having a beginning, middle, and a fucking end. Manga doesn't seem afraid to have a characters grow, progress, live, die (and stay dead), ending a series and starting a *gasp* fresh new idea. Black and white is better sometimes, but color is fine also. The way the big-name Marvel and DC guys are treated is just a big turn-off.
Click to expand...
That's kind of a dumb comparison. And BTW stuff like One Piece, Naruto are the same.
 
Jacobi said:
That's kind of a dumb comparison. And BTW stuff like One Piece, Naruto are the same.
Click to expand...

No they aren't. They may take years to finish but it's guaranteed that there will be a conclusion.
 
Jacobi said:
That's kind of a dumb comparison. And BTW stuff like One Piece, Naruto are the same.
Click to expand...

What comparison are you talking about? I just stated facts. Marvel and DC rarely ever do anything that changes their big name characters permanently. Sure you can go ahead and point out exceptions to this rule like Captain America being replace with his old sidekick, but these are just exceptions and nothing is ever permanent in these universes. Hell we may see the old Cap come back as a villain and get all of the new Cap's enemies to act in concert, like the Batman Hush saga.

I don't read One Piece or Naruto, but I if they take forever to end (like Berserk from what people tell me) at least the story is always progressing and characters are growing, changing and dying. Look at Dragon Ball. Goku went from a kid to an adult with three kids. How many kids do Peter and MJ have?
 
Zoramon089 said:
Geez, stop being so damn anal. Would him saying "comics originating from japan" instead of "manga" make you happy? You know what he was talking about...
Click to expand...

It was the perfect opportunity to be an ass. I welcome the opportunities.
 
Manga

mostly because of the story themes (friendship, teamwork and perseverance) - but I also like the character archetypes, art style, action sequences, and the fact that the bloke who writes the story also does the art. I also really like the historical/cultural basis behind it.

I can understand why people like American comics though - but it just doesn't turn me on. It's the same with gaming - if there were never Japanese comics/videogames I'd never have gotten into either of them
 
Manga, not just because of the artstyle.

I like manga because they have weekly anthologies with a lot of variety, there is no such thing as a "manga artstyle" because everything is a little different. They are also incredibly competitive, which means that only the best manga lasts for a long time, which is why a majority of the series lasts 2-7 volumes.

They also have manga that appeals to girls, something sorely missing in comics. I like reading a good storyline with pretty boys and intense rivalries. The best part is that like the form of manga with lots of movement in the panels. It feels very cinematic and even the most mundane manga is could be made interesting.

Hell, that is why Manga is far superior to Anime.
 
Dali said:
What comparison are you talking about? I just stated facts. Marvel and DC rarely ever do anything that changes their big name characters permanently. Sure you can go ahead and point out exceptions to this rule like Captain America being replace with his old sidekick, but these are just exceptions and nothing is ever permanent in these universes. Hell we may see the old Cap come back as a villain and get all of the new Cap's enemies to act in concert, like the Batman Hush saga.

I don't read One Piece or Naruto, but I if they take forever to end (like Berserk from what people tell me) at least the story is always progressing and characters are growing, changing and dying. Look at Dragon Ball. Goku went from a kid to an adult with three kids. How many kids do Peter and MJ have?
Click to expand...
Comics=Marvel/DC-->dumb, that's what I meant
 
jon bones said:
Not sure why people don't like US comics for continuity reasons
Click to expand...
The Vertigo line is fine, and really the only line I read. I'm sure Image and is good too. It's the DC/Marvel stuff that makes it impossible.
 
Manga *is* comics.

Again, I think you mean Manga or mainstream American comics, but there's a lot more to comics outside of Japan than that.

Anyway, my preference is indy Western comics, though I also like some magna, mainstream American comics (which I mostly read) and euro-comics.
 
Jacobi said:
Comics=Marvel/DC-->dumb, that's what I meant
Click to expand...

I'm not going to apologize because you couldn't pick up on how I separated the two. Here let me bold it for you:

I don't like big name super hero books, but books like 100 Bullets are ideal.
 
Dali said:
What comparison are you talking about? I just stated facts. Marvel and DC rarely ever do anything that changes their big name characters permanently. Sure you can go ahead and point out exceptions to this rule like Captain America being replace with his old sidekick, but these are just exceptions and nothing is ever permanent in these universes. Hell we may see the old Cap come back as a villain and get all of the new Cap's enemies to act in concert, like the Batman Hush saga.

I don't read One Piece or Naruto, but I if they take forever to end (like Berserk from what people tell me) at least the story is always progressing and characters are growing, changing and dying. Look at Dragon Ball. Goku went from a kid to an adult with three kids. How many kids do Peter and MJ have?
Click to expand...

he did more than that - he has a grandchild. That's what I thought was the best thing about DB - you go from young child Goku to a grandparent - that's just awesome
 
I also forgot about this when comparing mainstream IPs of manga and comics.

In Japan the Manga artist holds all the rights of the property they create. On the other hand for mainstream comics the company holds the rights to the comics.

That gives artists in Japan a lot of incentive to make a series prosper and make it marketable so they can make money off the anime, toys, figures, wall scrolls, board games, card games, and everything else.
 
7Th said:
I thought you were better than this, GAF.
Click to expand...

Com'n now, I don't think anyone is saying that one is better than the other....

genjiZERO said:
Manga

mostly because of the story themes (friendship, teamwork and perseverance) - but I also like the character archetypes, art style, action sequences, and the fact that the bloke who writes the story also does the art. I also really like the historical/cultural basis behind it.

I can understand why people like American comics though - but it just doesn't turn me on. It's the same with gaming - if there were never Japanese comics/videogames I'd never have gotten into either of them
Click to expand...

Wow, do you have a bad case of Japanophilism
 
Hcoregamer00 said:
What's wrong is that you assume that american comics don't have the same themes.
Click to expand...

for one thing I never said - nor can it be assumed through context - that I even implied it. But are these even major themes in Western comics? Western comics have strong bend towards individuality and achieving goals on your own. I simply prefer the other
 
Dali said:
I'm not going to apologize because you couldn't pick up on how I separated the two. Here let me bold it for you:

I don't like big name super hero books, but books like 100 Bullets are ideal.
Click to expand...
DON'T HIDE YOUR SENTENCES LIKE THIS ;)

Anyway yeah the way 7Th said it was the best one:
If you think one is better, you haven't looked hard enough.
Click to expand...
 
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