There’s a distinct difference between Japanese manga and American comics – while both are captivating, manga delivers something truly unique.
I’ve always wondered why Japanese manga and anime have a certain element (or multiple elements) that captivate me in a way that Western cartoons simply do not. Well, there are certainly many factors contributing to the uniqueness of manga and anime, many of which tie in to common Japanese values and traditions, while others are more idealistic in nature.
The Hair…
Okay, it simply must be stated that Japanese manga characters often have really wacky hairdos.
They are the type of hairstyles that look awesome in cartoon form, but totally ridiculous when mimicked in real life – for example, Goku’s iconic “palm tree” head from the Dragon Ball series.
This aspect of manga may be loosely based on Japanese (or Asian) ethnicities with their naturally silky black hair that can be styled to look really spiky.
Manga characters tend to have really unique hairstyles that are typically spiked up in interesting ways and adds to the iconic memorability of the characters.
Intense Emotions
Another unique element of Japanese manga is the facial expressions during intense emotional moments.
The details of the character’s face become really potent with extra strokes of ink and pencil shadings that add to the portrayal of the character’s pain and the atmosphere of the situation.
Perhaps the key element is the exaggerated features of the character’s face such as an unrealistically large mouth and eyes with endless waterfalls of tears flowing down that really captures the feelings that the author is trying to convey.
Cultural Elements
As far as cultural elements go, there’s no denying the influence that Japanese culture has on certain character traits and behaviors in manga comics.
You’ll often find polite characters bowing as a way of greeting, showing respect to an authority, or apologizing for a mistake (sometimes exaggerated to kneeling on all fours).
There are also many manga series that revolve around Japanese martial arts such as kenjutsu, ninjutsu, karate, and so on.
Creative Character Designs
One of the most potent elements of anime and manga is the creative designs of the characters from unique hairstyles to eye shapes, facial structures, and outfits.
Western comics such as Batman and Spider-Man tend to use art styles that mimic real life human faces, while Japanese manga are more willing to go for unrealistic designs, enabling more creative freedom.
As such, I often feel Japanese manga offer more of an escape from reality than American comics, though both certainly have their charm!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!