omg i like totally agree with this essay. some asians do take american manga-ka for granted. i would like to be a manga-ka one day but because of the fact that americans who draw anime are under appreciated by some-not all to those who might get upset-asian manga-ka's its hard for me to tell my asian friends (and my part asian family) that i want to pursue this. so yes i really enjoyed the essay. and i didnt get to hear the song because im at school. bleh school sucks but i need it.
I agree. Just because it's not japanese doesn't mean it's not good. I've found that they don't sell most American manga in America(which is extremely odd) because every time I go to a mall somewhere in my area(I've been to three states' malls and into their book store) I've found NO American manga. I don't understand that. How are manga-ka supposed to become succesful if there isn't a heavy supply of it in America!? Should there or should there not be more advertisement of American manga? It'd definetly help the manga-ka.
Digital Neko (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 06/08/08 | Reply
I for one think that anyone can do what they set their mind to. Even among the Asian society, each mangaka is unique. And even so, why shouldn't an American be just as good as a Japanese or Korean or even Chinese? I think anyone should be able to, as I am American and intend to do whatever I can to become a mangaka. It's my dream! I do not judge based on nationality, but on ability. After all, there are plenty of very talented artists right here on theotaku that are not Japanese. I am proud to say that a few of them are friends of mine (Well, I consider them friends, I can't say I know if the feeling's mutual). I can't stand that kind of controversy on any level. Judge based on character, not background. A person is a person, not completely representative of their whole nation. Oops more rambles =^_^= Anyway, that's what I think.
Unfortunately, the series that make it big as "American manga" tend to not be the best ones out there. There's plenty of talented people out there, though.
I think anyone should have the chance to be a manga-ka ,but as far as I am concerned, it's just not as good as it's Japanese counterparts right now. Most OEL manga either lacks in art, story, or both. But I am seeing a change because it's improving gradually. If OEL manga is to be truely accepted by manga fans then it will have to have both superb art and stroytelling.
I totally agree with you!
I want to be an australian manga-ka when I leave school, but I always kinda thought that was just for Japanese/ korean people.
O.O
Anime and Manga is a style of art, right, no matter who drew it!?
But what do you think of...
A westerner doing a manga set in japan, or wrote in japanese?
It's good to know that there are others who think American manga doesn't automatically suck. People want to be judged as individuals, why not manga too? I won't buy manga just because it's Japanese, or, because the art is pretty. It's about what's inside, and if I think it's worth the cash I'll pay. Though, I still think manga in general cost too much for someone who reads multiple series. Even Archie comics cost a bit more than I'd like to pay, 3-5 bucks, sheesh.
I also agree on the wannabe-anime stuff, some american anime is pretty good, but some shoes just ruin the 'theme'.
I agree that westerns can pass as a manga-ka but i agree with xChox that stupid stuff like kappa mikey ruins it. (besides a kappa is a vampire who likes cucumbers). But I like to buy good western manga alot now because I want to become an animator and I feel that if they can do it so can i.
Totally agree. I just talked about this with some of my friends a few days ago when I finished reading Drama Con. American manga is just as good as other "authentic" manga in my opinion. Sure, some of the general themes and stuff may be different but that's just cultural.
Also, I actually watched Interstella 5555 before I was into anime and I loved it. That clip makes me really want to watch it now that I like anime...
Um... American manga is still cheaper than most American graphic novels. The size is different, but still. Also, the price of manga in general is fine the way it is. Remember back in the day when all manga was like $14+ ? Yeah.
Anyway, your essay is alright... but nothing overly interesting. I wrote a paper really similar to this for a class in highschool like 5 years ago ^^; it is really interesting to see that views don't seem to change much though. I always thought it was a bit silly for people to be hating on American manga-ka
great job and i agreed fully with u!! i'm an aspiring american manga-ka myself and this means alot to know that they are people out there who appreciate american anime!! *hugs massivly*
I'm so glad that so many people agree with me! And I guess I should have written non-Japanese manga-ka. I guess I just generalized by saying Americans. I really like work by Svetlana Chmakova, personally. Thanks so much for you comments!
You are so right there! The American "How to Draw Manga" books usually suck, but American (or other countries') mangas are just as good as the Japanese ones. In fact, one of my favourite mangas called "The Dreaming" is by an Australian manga-ka. The Dreaming's artwork is gorgeous and the story is great too, rather suspenseful actually! Thanks for standing up for the anime world here! ^.^
Queen of theO � (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
I'm also an aspiring manga-ka so I've always thought what it would be like for me to be one.. I wouldn't know if any people would like my manga ideas.. but I'm trying to make them the best 8D lol and entertaining and I have my particular style with my characters and I like being original.. A LOT so I hope I do get some fans and some recognition someday ^_^ I don't really read American manga though.. haven't been able to find a good one in my interests... ._. lol But even so, I hope I can be able to study over there in Japan ^_^ and if I come back, then I'll try to get my manga published around here lol
I am not a follower, I am a friend. I do not ask for subscribers, only friends.
Kayne West ruined that song for me.. Anyway I do believe Americans can be Manga-ka but don't believe they can make cartoons on TV and have it passed off as Anime. They're great anime's being past up becasue they share the same time slot with Avatar or Kappa Mikey. It kinda sucks when that happens, because if it's made in America I think we should call it our word for cartoon instead of Japans. It just kinda takes away the feel of the word "Anime", if everyone used it to describe a cartoon. Well that's just my view though and the essay was great!
Kitty K.O.
Digital Neko (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 05/01/09 | Reply
@tia hatake:
I believe it's already starting. =^_^=
tia hatake
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/30/09 | Reply
@Kitty K.O.:
yea i agree. we should make and american manga ka revolution!!!!!!!!!!
tia hatake
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/30/09 | Reply
omg i like totally agree with this essay. some asians do take american manga-ka for granted. i would like to be a manga-ka one day but because of the fact that americans who draw anime are under appreciated by some-not all to those who might get upset-asian manga-ka's its hard for me to tell my asian friends (and my part asian family) that i want to pursue this. so yes i really enjoyed the essay. and i didnt get to hear the song because im at school. bleh school sucks but i need it.
nattobeangirl
Otakuite | Posted 02/01/09 | Reply
I REALLY LUV THE SONG~
Wakusei Aoshi
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/19/09 | Reply
I agree. Just because it's not japanese doesn't mean it's not good. I've found that they don't sell most American manga in America(which is extremely odd) because every time I go to a mall somewhere in my area(I've been to three states' malls and into their book store) I've found NO American manga. I don't understand that. How are manga-ka supposed to become succesful if there isn't a heavy supply of it in America!? Should there or should there not be more advertisement of American manga? It'd definetly help the manga-ka.
larka-chan
Otakuite+ | Posted 07/25/08 | Reply
As quoted from a canadian manga-ka's manga dramacon volume two " Does a pizza have to be made in italy by an italian in order to be considered pizza?"
point said.
OtakuGothGirl
Otakuite++ | Posted 06/09/08 | Reply
I love reading manga that was created by us americans. Even if it's not really made from a Japanese manga-ka.
Kitty K.O.
Digital Neko (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 06/08/08 | Reply
I for one think that anyone can do what they set their mind to. Even among the Asian society, each mangaka is unique. And even so, why shouldn't an American be just as good as a Japanese or Korean or even Chinese? I think anyone should be able to, as I am American and intend to do whatever I can to become a mangaka. It's my dream! I do not judge based on nationality, but on ability. After all, there are plenty of very talented artists right here on theotaku that are not Japanese. I am proud to say that a few of them are friends of mine (Well, I consider them friends, I can't say I know if the feeling's mutual). I can't stand that kind of controversy on any level. Judge based on character, not background. A person is a person, not completely representative of their whole nation. Oops more rambles =^_^= Anyway, that's what I think.
pomegranate
Otaku Eternal | Posted 04/17/08 | Reply
Unfortunately, the series that make it big as "American manga" tend to not be the best ones out there. There's plenty of talented people out there, though.
jeweloflife
Afrofantastic (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/27/08 | Reply
I think anyone should have the chance to be a manga-ka ,but as far as I am concerned, it's just not as good as it's Japanese counterparts right now. Most OEL manga either lacks in art, story, or both. But I am seeing a change because it's improving gradually. If OEL manga is to be truely accepted by manga fans then it will have to have both superb art and stroytelling.
tokyokisshu
Otaku Legend | Posted 03/21/08 | Reply
I totally agree with you!
I want to be an australian manga-ka when I leave school, but I always kinda thought that was just for Japanese/ korean people.
O.O
Anime and Manga is a style of art, right, no matter who drew it!?
But what do you think of...
A westerner doing a manga set in japan, or wrote in japanese?
Haha, that's a crazy-cool music video! XD
PinkKItty1
Otakuite+ | Posted 03/19/08 | Reply
It's good to know that there are others who think American manga doesn't automatically suck. People want to be judged as individuals, why not manga too? I won't buy manga just because it's Japanese, or, because the art is pretty. It's about what's inside, and if I think it's worth the cash I'll pay. Though, I still think manga in general cost too much for someone who reads multiple series. Even Archie comics cost a bit more than I'd like to pay, 3-5 bucks, sheesh.
I also agree on the wannabe-anime stuff, some american anime is pretty good, but some shoes just ruin the 'theme'.
Nice essay, B.T.W.! ;)
dbzgirl311
Senior Otaku | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
I agree that westerns can pass as a manga-ka but i agree with xChox that stupid stuff like kappa mikey ruins it. (besides a kappa is a vampire who likes cucumbers). But I like to buy good western manga alot now because I want to become an animator and I feel that if they can do it so can i.
ShikamaruRocks
Otaku Legend | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
Totally agree. I just talked about this with some of my friends a few days ago when I finished reading Drama Con. American manga is just as good as other "authentic" manga in my opinion. Sure, some of the general themes and stuff may be different but that's just cultural.
Also, I actually watched Interstella 5555 before I was into anime and I loved it. That clip makes me really want to watch it now that I like anime...
GTK
Otaku Legend | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
Um... American manga is still cheaper than most American graphic novels. The size is different, but still. Also, the price of manga in general is fine the way it is. Remember back in the day when all manga was like $14+ ? Yeah.
Anyway, your essay is alright... but nothing overly interesting. I wrote a paper really similar to this for a class in highschool like 5 years ago ^^; it is really interesting to see that views don't seem to change much though. I always thought it was a bit silly for people to be hating on American manga-ka
haseo luver92
Otaku Legend | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
great job and i agreed fully with u!! i'm an aspiring american manga-ka myself and this means alot to know that they are people out there who appreciate american anime!! *hugs massivly*
thanks! ^^
haseo
piratesinpink
Otakuite | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
I'm so glad that so many people agree with me! And I guess I should have written non-Japanese manga-ka. I guess I just generalized by saying Americans. I really like work by Svetlana Chmakova, personally. Thanks so much for you comments!
sbsp13668
Otaku Eternal | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
You are so right there! The American "How to Draw Manga" books usually suck, but American (or other countries') mangas are just as good as the Japanese ones. In fact, one of my favourite mangas called "The Dreaming" is by an Australian manga-ka. The Dreaming's artwork is gorgeous and the story is great too, rather suspenseful actually! Thanks for standing up for the anime world here! ^.^
Michiyo Shimizu
Queen of theO � (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
I'm also an aspiring manga-ka so I've always thought what it would be like for me to be one.. I wouldn't know if any people would like my manga ideas.. but I'm trying to make them the best 8D lol and entertaining and I have my particular style with my characters and I like being original.. A LOT
so I hope I do get some fans and some recognition someday ^_^ I don't really read American manga though.. haven't been able to find a good one in my interests... ._. lol But even so, I hope I can be able to study over there in Japan ^_^ and if I come back, then I'll try to get my manga published around here lol 
I am not a follower, I am a friend. I do not ask for subscribers, only friends.
xChox
Otakuite+ | Posted 03/14/08 | Reply
Kayne West ruined that song for me.. Anyway I do believe Americans can be Manga-ka but don't believe they can make cartoons on TV and have it passed off as Anime. They're great anime's being past up becasue they share the same time slot with Avatar or Kappa Mikey. It kinda sucks when that happens, because if it's made in America I think we should call it our word for cartoon instead of Japans. It just kinda takes away the feel of the word "Anime", if everyone used it to describe a cartoon. Well that's just my view though and the essay was great!