Anime vs. Manga — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Anime" refers to Japanese animated TV shows or films, while "Manga" is a Japanese style of comic books or graphic novels.
Difference Between Anime and Manga
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Anime" and "Manga" are both popular forms of entertainment originating from Japan. Anime is the term used for Japanese animated series or films. These animations can range from action-packed fantasies to romantic tales. They're visually striking, often with detailed characters and dynamic backgrounds.
On the other hand, Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels. These are black-and-white printed or digitally published material, typically serialized, where readers follow from right to left. Manga can serve as the source material for anime adaptations.
While Anime brings stories to life through animation, often with voice acting, soundtracks, and special effects, Manga offers a silent, visual reading experience, relying heavily on art, dialogues, and panel sequences to tell its tale.
Interestingly, not all Anime have a Manga counterpart, and not all Manga get adapted into Anime. Some Anime are original creations, while certain Manga remains exclusively in print form.
Lastly, consumption of both Anime and Manga has grown globally, transcending cultural boundaries. Both forms have dedicated fandoms, conventions, and a significant impact on popular culture worldwide.
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Comparison Chart
Medium
Animated series or films
Comic books or graphic novels
Consumption
Watching
Reading
Artistic Expression
Animation, voice acting, soundtracks
Black-and-white drawings, dialogues, panels
Origin
Can be based on Manga or original content
Often serialized in magazines
Direction of Flow
Standard video playback
Read from right to left (traditional Japanese)
Compare with Definitions
Anime
A Japanese style of animated film or television.
My Neighbor Totoro is a classic Anime by Studio Ghibli.
Manga
Often serialized in magazines before being compiled.
The Manga My Hero Academia first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Anime
May have unique art and animation styles.
The Anime One Piece has a distinctive art style.
Manga
Provides depth through detailed illustrations and dialogues.
The Manga One Punch Man is known for its detailed artwork.
Anime
Can be original content not derived from Manga.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an original Anime series.
Manga
Japanese comic books or graphic novels.
Bleach is a Manga series that was later adapted into an Anime.
Anime
Can be categorized by genres like action, romance, fantasy.
Attack on Titan is a popular action Anime.
Manga
Can cover various genres, from romance to horror.
The Manga Tokyo Ghoul delves into the horror genre.
Anime
Anime (Japanese: アニメ, IPA: [aɲime] (listen)) is hand-drawn and computer animation originating from Japan. In Japan and in Japanese, anime (a term derived from the English word animation) describes all animated works, regardless of style or origin.
Manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 [maŋga]) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art.
Anime
A style of Japanese film and television animation, typically aimed at adults as well as children.
Manga
A style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at adults as well as children
Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga
Anime
A style of animation developed in Japan, characterized by stylized colorful art and often adult themes.
Manga
A style of comic strip or comic book originally developed in Japan, characterized by stylized colorful art and often adult themes.
Anime
(uncountable) An artistic style originating in, and associated with, Japanese animation, and that has also been adopted by a comparatively low number of animated works from other countries.
I can draw an anime version of you, if you want.
Manga
A comic originating in Japan.
Anime
(countable) An animated work that originated in Japan, regardless of the artistic style.
Manga
(uncountable) An artistic style heavily used in, and associated with, Japanese comics, and that has also been adopted by a comparatively low number of comics from other countries.
Anime
An animated work, regardless of the country of origin.
Manga
A comic in manga style, regardless of the country of origin.
Lately I've been reading a Brazilian manga.
Anime
Alternative spelling of animé, the resin of the courbaril.
Manga
(Christianity) A covering for a crucifix.
Anime
Of a different tincture from the animal itself; - said of the eyes of a rapacious animal.
Manga
A visual storytelling medium read from right to left.
When reading Manga like Death Note, start from the top right.
Anime
A resin exuding from a tropical American tree (Hymenæa courbaril), and much used by varnish makers.
Anime
A hard copal derived from an African tree
Anime
Any of various resins or oleoresins
Anime
Animated content often adapted from Manga.
The Anime Naruto was adapted from a popular Manga series.
Common Curiosities
Do you always read Manga from right to left?
Traditionally, yes, but some English-translated versions are formatted left to right.
Are Anime and Manga meant only for children?
No, Anime and Manga cater to various age groups, from kids to adults.
Are all Anime adapted from Manga?
No, while many Anime are adaptations, there are original Anime not based on Manga.
Can a Manga continue even after the Anime adaptation concludes?
Yes, often a Manga outlasts its Anime adaptation and can continue the story further.
Is Manga always in black and white?
Primarily yes, but there are colored versions or special editions available.
How can one tell if a Manga is the inspiration for an Anime?
Research or checking credits can indicate if an Anime is adapted from a Manga.
Are Anime and Manga popular outside of Japan?
Absolutely, both Anime and Manga have a massive global following and influence.
Can Anime have its own storyline different from its source Manga?
Yes, some Anime diverge from the Manga, leading to a different storyline.
Why is Anime often more colorful than Manga?
Anime is animated and can utilize vibrant colors, while Manga is primarily black and white to reduce printing costs.
Are there conventions dedicated to Anime and Manga?
Yes, numerous conventions worldwide celebrate Anime and Manga, like Anime Expo.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
