Many 80's Japanese graphic novels had a sense of adventure and action. 'City Hunter' is full of exciting chase scenes and battles. The stories were also not afraid to touch on deeper themes like morality and friendship. In 'Lone Wolf and Cub', the relationship between the father and son and the choices they make regarding their assassin lifestyle is a deep exploration of family and ethics.
One characteristic is the simple yet expressive art style. The lines were often clean and uncluttered, making it easy for the readers to follow the story. For example, in 'Astro Boy', the character designs were distinct and recognizable even with a relatively simple drawing style.
One type is Shonen manga, which is mainly targeted at young male readers. It often features action - packed stories with themes like friendship and adventure, such as 'One Piece'. Another type is Shojo manga, aimed at young female readers. It usually contains elements of romance and relationship - building, like 'Fruits Basket'. There is also Seinen manga for adult male readers, which may deal with more complex and mature themes.
Manga. Manga is the Japanese equivalent of graphic novels. It has a unique art style and often features various genres such as action, romance, fantasy, etc. Manga is typically read from right to left, which is different from Western graphic novels. It has a huge influence not only in Japan but also around the world, with many being adapted into anime series, movies, and video games.
One of the best Japanese graphic novels is 'Fullmetal Alchemist' by Hiromu Arakawa. It has a complex and engaging story that combines elements of alchemy, adventure, and moral dilemmas. The characters are well - developed and the art is detailed.
One characteristic is their serialization. Many Japanese graphic novels are first published in magazines in serialized form, with new chapters coming out regularly. This allows for the story to develop over time and build a large following. The art often has a high level of detail, especially when it comes to character designs and backgrounds. For example, in 'Akira', the detailed cityscapes and the complex character designs add to the overall atmosphere of the story. Also, Japanese graphic novels are not afraid to explore deep and complex themes such as morality, identity, and the human condition, like in 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' where the themes of self - worth and the meaning of existence are central to the story.
Manga is the Japanese equivalent of graphic novels. Manga often features unique art styles, with big expressive eyes being a common characteristic. It's also typically read from right to left, which is different from most Western reading habits. And there are various target audiences, including shonen (for boys), shojo (for girls), seinen (for young men), and josei (for young women).