noun
manga
MAHN-guh/ˈmɑːŋɡə/
Comics or graphic novels in the Japanese tradition.
The open manga depicts its protagonist through expressive close-ups and dynamic action panels.
Etymology
Japanese manga literally means 'involuntary pictures.' The term is said to have been coined to evoke free-flowing composition and quirky style, giving the modern comics name an association with spontaneous drawing.
In context
Many anime are adapted from manga, which are Japanese comic books or graphic novels.
More examples
- The bookstore has a whole shelf of manga.
- I borrowed the first volume of a mystery manga.
- Many manga editions read from right to left.
Forms
manga · mangas
Similar words
- comics
- Covers illustrated storytelling from any tradition, not specifically Japanese.
- graphic novel
- Specifies a book-length comic, without identifying a Japanese tradition.