How To Read Manga: 5 Easy Steps IN 2023

How To Read Manga? The reading direction of traditional Japanese manga is always from right to left, which is the opposite of the way English is written (which reads from left to right). The action, the word bubbles, and the art style are all trademarks of the original manga-type novels. as well as the other sound effects are all written in this manner. Walker Books is pleased to present VERMONIA, a manga that was developed in Tokyo by the Japanese manga collective YoYo and, as a result, adheres to all of the customs and norms that are associated with authentic Japanese comics. The panels and word bubbles on a page should be read in the order shown in the following diagram, which demonstrates the proper reading order.

What is Manga?

The Japanese comics that are popular in western countries are often referred to as manga, which is an English word. The narrative is told in an artistic manner, making it comparable to graphic novels such as “The Walking Dead,” however it is distinct from conventional superhero comics in this respect.

It is essential to take into account the existence of Ameri-Manga. This particular kind of manga is written by American authors but is drawn in a Japanese-style manga. In general, there are not many distinctions to be found between these many kinds of manga; however, the educational and professional experiences of the authors have a considerable impact on the composition.

Step 1) Selecting Manga

Before beginning to read manga, you will first need to select a title from the vast selection of manga that is currently accessible. Because there are thousands of different alternatives available, we suggest that you choose a category that is of interest to you. After you have decided on a genre, you can investigate the manga volumes that are the most widely read within that genre.

For instance, those who have a passion for fantasy will be interested in reading the digital adaptation of Dragon Ball. If you enjoy science fiction, you might enjoy the anime series Ghost in the Shell.

Step 2) Getting Started

When you have located a manga title that interests you, you are free to begin reading it. On the other hand, if you decide to read a book from a series, you should begin with the very first volume so that you can read the plot in order. You will be able to determine which volume appears first in the series thanks to the fact that the cover of the majority of mangas displays the issue number.

Step 3) Right to Left reading

It is immediately obvious to everyone who opens a manga that it cannot be read in the same manner as a book that was published in the United States. In contrast to graphic novels and other types of publications created in western culture, the spine of a manga should be on the left side of the book.

Checking that the book’s title, author, and edition are printed on the front cover is the best way to verify that you begin on the correct page. In contrast to novels written in the American tradition, which read from left to right, manga panels are read from right to left.

Step 4) Reading Panels

Keep in mind that manga are similar to graphic novels, so rather than reading standard text, you will read panels. The majority of the panels contain a conversation, although some of them also contain images and horizontal writing.

When you read the panels, make sure to start in the upper right corner so that you read from right to left and top to bottom. First, read the page on the right, then read the page on the left. If the panels are vertical, you should begin with the panel that is located at the very top of the right page.

Step 5) Reading Characters’ Emotions

To really appreciate manga, one must have a firm grasp on how to interpret the feelings of the characters. You will learn more as you go, but there are a few things that you need to be aware of before you get started.

One should take note that a sigh bubble almost always conveys either relief or displeasure. When there are lines drawn across a character’s face, it can suggest that they are blushing or that they are really excited about the event.