Week Ten: Manga and the Japanese Comics Tradition

This week we are looking at Manga and the comics tradition in Japan. The activity page lists a number of works you can choose to read but please try to make sure you read at least one of the major works by Osamu Tezuka. One of the volumes of Phoenix or the Buddha series is especially recommended.

You can use some links below to go to scanlation sites where there are works by Tezuka.  You will also find some works to read on the Course Resource Page.

I have linked a presentation on Manga to the Activity Page for this week.  Please watch this before coming to class.

Tezuka: I have linked recommended works by Tezuka for this week to the Activity Page.  Here are some other works available on scanlation sites.  Please read one of the Buddha series or Phoenix series as a first choice for this week.

Lost World (1948) one of Tezuka's first successes in long form story manga.

Next World (1951) early science fiction story manga by Tezuka, part of the foundation of science fiction manga.

Tonkaradani Monogatari (1955) Tales in a natural setting.  You might call this emblematic of the roots of shoujo. 

Angels Hill (1960) Early shoujo, merpeople on Angel's Island.

Dororo (1967) very popular shonen classic by Tezuka sets the formula for much of the shonen genre. Three volumes here.

Clockwork Apple (1970) Short stories with Tezuka flexing his new, more mature storytelling style.

Ode to Kirihito (1970) Gekiga influenced medical drama, very hard edged and interesting, an adventure manga focusing on the corruption at the heart of the medical establishment. Not a kid's manga.

Black Jack (1973) based loosely on some of Tezuka's experiences in medicine. A medical themed adventure series in seven volumes.

Hidamari no Ki (1981) historical slice of life samurai medical drama.  There are anime series and live action tv series based on this manga.

Manga Seibutsugaku educational manga from Tezuka combining his manga skill with his interests in biology, especially insects. Two volumes.

Astro Cat (1986) In case you didn't get enough of Astro Boy, here are the adventures of his cat.


I can also recommend Bakuman which is an interesting "backstage at the manga" story which explains the context of contemporary shonen comics in Japan and can provide insight on the publication dynamics of popular Japanese manga and anime as the industry was constructed until recently.

Here is a link to a very in-depth discussion by manga professionals as to the future of manga in Japan.

Here is a link to the Activity Page for this week which will link to this week's presentation , to possible readings and other resources.