Understanding Manga and Anime by Robin E. Brenner

Two outstanding chapters tackle fan culture and promotions and programs. The focus is on such manga and anime standbys as ninjas, schoolgirls, samurai, and giant robots. Middle chapters profile major plot types, with historical and cultural contexts and examples. Initial chapters cover the history of the two formats, visual and narrative conventions, and culture clash. Assuming no familiarity with manga and only minimal comics savvy, Brenner begins with the whys of comics and specifically manga in libraries. Much needed, this first guide to manga and anime for librarians succeeds admirably with enthusiasm, detail, and copious resources. A glossary and a list of frequently asked questions complete the volume.ĪwardsVOYA 2008 Five Foot Bookshelf, JanuReviews'Despite mangas popularity and its attraction for teens, concerns about cultural differences, content, visual style, and age ratings may dampen librarian enthusiasm. Classic and benchmark titles are also mentioned as appropriate. It also includes genre breakdowns and annotated lists of recommended titles, with a focus on the best titles in print and readily available, particularly those appropriate to preteen and teen readers. Chock full of checklists and sidebars highlighting key points, this book includes: a brief history of anime and manga in Japan and in the West a guide to visual styles and cues a discussion of common themes and genres unique to manga and anime their intended audiences cultural differences in format and content multicultural trends that manga and anime readers embrace and represent and programming and event ideas. Teens especially love this highly visual, emotionally charged and action-packed media imported from Japan, and its sister media, anime (Japanese animation) and libraries have begun purchasing both. The growth has continued with a 40-50% sales increase in bookstores in recent years. In 2003 the manga (Japanese comics) market was the fastest growing area of pop culture, with 75-100% growth to an estimated market size of $100 million retail. This book gives the novice background information necessary to feel confident in selecting, working with, and advocating for manga and anime collections and it offers more experienced librarians some fresh insights and ideas for programming and collections. Many librarians have been left adrift, struggling to understand this unique medium while trying to meet patron demands as well as protests. In order to build a collection, it is important to understand the media and its cultural nuances.

But the sheer number of titles available can be overwhelming, not to mention the diversity and quirky cultural conventions. Libraries have begun purchasing both manga and anime, particularly for their teen collections. Librarians are confused by it and patrons are demanding it.

Understanding Manga and Anime by Robin E. Brenner