Manga: An Anthology of Global and Cultural Perspectives [Paperback]

Toni Johnson-Woods (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2010

Once upon a time, one had to read Japanese in order to enjoy manga. Today manga has become a global phenomenon, attracting audiences in North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. The style has become so popular, in fact, that in the US and UK publishers are appropriating the manga style in a variety of print material, resulting in the birth of harlequin mangas which combine popular romance fiction titles with manga aesthetics. Comic publishers such as Dark Horse and DC Comics are translating Japanese "classics", like Akira, into English. And of course it wasn't long before Shakespeare received the manga treatment. So what is manga?

Manga roughly translates as "whimsical pictures" and its long history can be traced all the way back to picture books of eighteenth century Japan. Today, it comes in two basic forms: anthology magazines (such as Shukan Shonen Jampu) that contain several serials and manga ‘books' (tankobon) that collect long-running serials from the anthologies and reprint them in one volume. The anthologies contain several serials, generally appear weekly and are so thick, up to 800 pages, that they are colloquially known as phone books. Sold at newspaper stands and in convenience stores, they often attract crowds of people who gather to read their favorite magazine.

Containing sections addressing the manga industry on an international scale, the different genres, formats and artists, as well the fans themselves, Manga: An Anthology of Global and Cultural Perspectives is an important collection of essays by an international cast of scholars, experts, and fans, and provides a one-stop resource for all those who want to learn more about manga, as well as for anybody teaching a course on the subject.  

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Manga, originating in eighteenth-century Japan, has enjoyed a recent explosion of popularity around the world. This anthological collection of essays edited by Johnson-Woods, President of the Pop Culture Association of Australia, offers a range of perspectives on the subject appealing to fans of Manga and those in the study of media. From the origins of manga to its modern incarnation as a reflection of a multitude of cultures and view points, this survey exposes the versatility and conflicts of the genre and its place among the vast universe of comics and graphic novels." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Toni Johnson-Woods is President of the Pop Culture Association of Australia (PopCANNZ) and Senior Lecturer in the English, Media Studies and Art History School at the University of Queensland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Continuum; 1 edition (April 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826429386
• ISBN-13: 978-0826429384
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,350,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Senior Research Fellow at University of Queensland, inaugural President of Popular Culture Association of Australasia (in other words I started it). Australia Day Ambassador (for services to popular culture), President's Award for Contribution to Popular Culture.

But before I was an academic, I worked in several advertising agencies, cosmetic companies and even had my own personnel agency in Sydney. Oh those were the days! I had the money now I wanted to develop my mind. I went back to University as a mature-age student. I love it but didn't like my first degree (Speech Pathology). Believe me humanities is much easier. I went on to do two Masters and a PhD.

Phd in serial fiction (19th century US, Australian and British) and MA thesis on Dickens; research interests include popular fiction (romance, detective fiction and westerns particularly) and popular culture. Currently working in pulp fiction and fashion areas. I have taught many many subject but most enjoy teaching creative writing.

My writing CV: Judge for romance (RBY), crime (Ned Kelly)and speculative fiction (Aurealis). Management Committee Brisbane Writers Festival, qualified editor (Society of Editors)and freelance writer. Paris Writers Workshop. Various literary festivals in Australia and overseas. Taught creative writing for 15 years. In 2013 I am planning a writing retreat in Venice - so feel free to email me if you are interested.

Now I am working in radio -- I have a regular spot on local radio, host a monthly book panel and am a guest on several programmes.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book February 2, 2011

By Anne-Li

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I mostly bought this one as I heard it mentioned my favourite manga, From Eroica With Love. I was a little amused to see, of all things, it used as an example of onomatopoeia, but it was also listed as suggested reading, so that was nice. Other than that I'm not very knowledgeable about the topics discussed, but I felt I was able to follow them and I think I learned something. The index seems not always quite correct.