The Art of Manga
Learn the history of Japanese comics and find where you fit in this rich artistic tradition.
A Rich Artistic Heritage
Manga, meaning "whimsical pictures" in Japanese, has roots stretching back to 12th-century scrolls. The modern form we know today emerged in the post-World War II era, pioneered by visionaries like Osamu Tezuka, often called the "God of Manga."
From Tezuka's groundbreaking "Astro Boy" to the global phenomenon of series like "Dragon Ball," "Sailor Moon," and "One Piece," manga has evolved into one of the world's most influential art forms, inspiring countless artists worldwide.
- 12th century: Earliest manga-like picture scrolls
- 1947: Osamu Tezuka revolutionizes manga storytelling
- 1980s-90s: Global manga boom begins
- Today: $25+ billion industry worldwide
The Five Major Manga Styles
Each style has unique characteristics, target audiences, and artistic techniques. Understanding these styles is the first step to finding your creative voice.
Shonen (Shounen)
Aimed at teenage boys, shonen manga features action-packed adventures with themes of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth.
Examples: Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia
Techniques: Dynamic action lines, impact frames, exaggerated expressions
Shojo (Shoujo)
Created for teenage girls, shojo manga emphasizes romance, emotional development, and relationships with beautiful, detailed artwork.
Examples: Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, Ouran High School Host Club
Techniques: Flowery backgrounds, sparkle effects, elaborate eye designs
Seinen
Targeted at adult men, seinen explores mature themes with complex narratives, realistic artwork, and psychological depth.
Examples: Berserk, Ghost in the Shell, Vagabond, Monster
Techniques: Detailed linework, realistic proportions, atmospheric shading
Josei
Created for adult women, josei features realistic romance and slice-of-life stories with mature themes and nuanced characters.
Examples: Nana, Honey and Clover, Paradise Kiss
Techniques: Elegant character designs, fashion emphasis, emotional subtlety
Kodomo
Designed for young children, kodomo manga features simple, cute artwork with educational or adventure themes and clear moral lessons.
Examples: Doraemon, Pokemon, Chi's Sweet Home
Techniques: Simple shapes, bright expressions, clear panel layouts
Our Assessment Approach
Our manga style assessment was developed by analyzing thousands of manga works and identifying the core preferences that draw artists to different styles.
The quiz evaluates five key dimensions of your artistic personality:
- Narrative Preference: Action vs. emotion-driven stories
- Visual Energy: Dynamic vs. subtle art styles
- Theme Complexity: Light-hearted vs. mature themes
- Character Focus: Hero journeys vs. relationship dynamics
- Audience Connection: Who you want to reach with your art
About Manga Master
We're a team of manga enthusiasts and professional artists dedicated to helping aspiring creators master the art of Japanese comics.
Kenji Tanaka
Lead Instructor
Former assistant to a Weekly Shonen Jump mangaka with 15 years of industry experience. Specializes in action sequences and character design.
Yuki Sasaki
Art Director
Award-winning shojo manga artist with published works in Japan and internationally. Expert in emotional expression and romantic storytelling.
Alex Chen
Curriculum Designer
Former art school professor who has taught manga techniques to over 5,000 students. Created our structured learning methodology.
Our Mission
We believe everyone has a manga story inside them waiting to be told. Our mission is to break down the barriers to learning manga creation by providing accessible, authentic instruction that respects the art form's Japanese roots while welcoming artists from all backgrounds.