If you’re an art lover, you probably frequent museums and galleries. Likely, you also have a penchant for browsing through biographies about the masters. Mayhaps you’re even a fan of picture books, coffee table books, or any sort of book where art plays a large role. But do you know what art form you may be missing? Manga.
Most of this Japanese genre conforms to a very specific art style developed in the late nineteenth century, so even if you’re not a reader, you can spot manga when you see it. According to Denise Tempone, it consists of expressive eyes, slender silhouettes, and cartoonish characters in realistic settings, among other traits. Combined, these characteristics have made manga an extremely recognizable genre worldwide — and for good reason. Before I even knew what manga was, I, a child in Argentina, could always pinpoint what I then called “Sailor Moon-like art”.
Still, not all manga are created equal. The four titles I gathered here are all distinctive: they take these traits and make them theirs. From astounding brushwork to coziness incarnate, these manga will make you want to hang them on your walls just to stare at them in wonder.
If you do decide to give manga a try (assuming you haven’t already, and I’ve been preaching to the choir this whole time!), then not only will you be treated to some truly stunning art, but you’ll also get a thrilling story to go with it. That’s a win-win if I ever saw one.
Vagabondby Takehiko Inoue
Based on the life of real-life Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, this historical manga stuns thanks to its incredibly realistic depictions of, well, everything, really. If there’s a tree, I promise you’ll feel the leaves against your fingertips.
What’s it about, you ask? It follows Takezō Shinmen and Matahachi Hon’ide, who barely survive the Battle of Sekigahara and take two very different paths…until they unknowingly reunite.
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Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama
Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, Witch Hat Atelier’s style screams cozy. Warm colors and whimsical details form the core of this adorable manga.
Oh wait, maybe you want to hear about the plot too. My bad. Coco is a teenage girl who accidentally turned her mother into stone (as one does), and is seeking to become a witch’s apprentice in order to turn her back. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that shenanigans ensue.
Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara
The composition of this manga is so good it drives me a little mad. The way it alternates between soft muted colors and vibrant saturated hues to evoke different moods sets an ambiance better than any words ever could.
Ginko is capable of seeing Mushi, ubiquitous ethereal creatures with (most likely) supernatural powers whom humans typically can’t see. Under such circumstances, it is only to be expected that he declare himself Mushi Master and devote himself to protecting people from them.
The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All by Sumiko Arai
This is known as the Green Yuri, which I really think ought to render any explanations unnecessary. But if you insist on other reasons to read it, I’ll point you to the gorgeous artwork, complete with incredibly vivid expressions (which, yeah, is a characteristic of manga as a whole, but still) and vibrant colors that capture the kaleidoscope of falling in love for the first time.
Because oh yeah, this is a love story. Aya Osawa develops a crush on the mysterious clerk at her favorite record store…only, the clerk in question is her classmate, Mitsuki Koga. The two girls form a friendship that then blossoms into love.
If you prefer your manga fantastical, make sure to check out these cozy fantasy manga for your TBR. And if you’re in the market for a new activity, start a new hobby with these manga drawing books.
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