I’ve been told that in the age of AI, writing blog posts that answer basic questions is a complete waste of time. In other words, why spend hours crafting a response to something that AI can answer in seconds? As such, I’ve enlisted some help from ChatGPT (GPT-3.5) to respond to the what is manga question, making a few tweaks here and there as needed.
Prompt: What is manga?
Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan and around the world. It is known for its distinctive artistic style, which often features exaggerated facial expressions, large and expressive eyes (as above), and intricate panel layouts (as below). Manga is typically black and white and is usually read from back to front and right to left, which is the traditional Japanese reading direction. The writer and artist can be the same person or two different people.
An iconic manga series you might have heard of is One Piece.
Prompt: Why is manga so popular?
Manga’s popularity can be attributed to several factors:
Diverse Genres. Manga covers a wide range of genres (action, romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, slice of life, etc.), allowing it to appeal to a broad audience.
Engaging Storytelling. The style often features elaborate and engaging storylines with well-developed characters.
Artistic Excellence. The unique and visually-appealing art of manga sets it apart.
Cultural Appeal. Japanese culture has a significant influence on manga, making it an intriguing window into the Japanese way of life.
Accessibility. Manga is relatively affordable, especially in its serialized form in magazines or on digital platforms.
Serialization. This tactic builds anticipation and community among fans.
Adaptations. Successful series often get adapted into anime (animated TV shows and films), with the cross-media approach helping to attract new audiences.
Global Reach. International success has been facilitated by translations into various languages.
Niche Appeal. Manga can cater to niche interests and subcultures, allowing fans to find stories that resonate with their specific tastes and preferences.
Influence on Pop Culture. Manga has had a significant impact on pop culture, influencing arenas such as the aforementioned anime, video games, and even fashion.
Prompt: When did manga become popular in the US?
While some manga titles were sporadically introduced in the US in the 1960s and 1970s, popularity in the States began to rise in the 1980s and 1990s. The 2000s saw even more growth, and it’s now common for major bookstores to dedicate entire sections to manga. Throw in the multimedia element alluded to above, and what you have is a legitimate cultural phenomenon.
Prompt: So manga is basically for geeks?
Manga is not exclusively for geeks. While it’s true that it does have a devoted fanbase that might sometimes be associated with the term geek, its appeal is far broader and more inclusive. It has become a significant and respected part of the global entertainment landscape.
Prompt: Do you think I’m a geek?
The term geek is subjective and can mean different things to different people. It’s often used to describe individuals who have a strong passion, interest, or expertise in a particular area, such as technology, science fiction, gaming, comics, or other niche subjects.
Whether or not you consider yourself a geek is entirely up to you and how you perceive your own interests and identity. It’s important to embrace and enjoy the things that bring you joy and make you who you are, regardless of labels. If you have hobbies or interests that you’re enthusiastic about, that’s a wonderful thing!
Heck, even if you have a questionable website called ComposeMD where you ramble on about topics that have absolutely nothing to do with medicine or each other, that’s completely okay if you’re already married and aren’t looking to make any money.
