I would like to start off with the most direct and quick answer. Both manga and anime are important to the Japanese culture and entertainment. How you differentiate manga and anime is the same way you would differentiate a comic book and an animated series or a book and a movie. The difference is in how the content is produced, not so much as a genre itself. If you would like to dive deep into detailed description, please read on.
You read manga. You watch anime.
Some of us prefer to read manga just like we would prefer comic books or novels. Some of us enjoy watching it on screen. Some animated series and live-action movies are based on manga or books and it can also be the other way around. It’s how they’re produced really.
The creation of manga and anime can be credited to Osamu Tezuka who’s also known as “the godfather of Manga.” For a more specific difference other than it just being produced and distributed on different platforms, let us dive deep.
What is Manga?
Manga refers to Japanese comic books published in formats meant to be read either in physical form or digital form. It’s usually in black and white artwork. They’re different from than the standard Western comics because they’re more visual driven with lesser text. It doesn’t cost as much to publish a manga as it mostly the work of one person known as the mangaka who assumes the roles as an author and illustrator. Most Western comic books require the writer, penciller, inker and colourist to finish the job.
What is Anime?
Anime refers to Japanese animation or cartoons. The distinct difference between anime and the standard Western animations is the limited style of movement depicted. Western cartoons are made as a story-telling medium to the children and therefore we hardly ever have teenagers or adults watching cartoons. Anime, on the other hand, also include more complex kind of storylines and characters targeted to adults.
In conclusion, manga and anime are not really genre but a medium to refer to how the content is produced. Some people will prefer manga, some will prefer anime, and of course some love both. These Japanese comic books and animation have become incredibly popular globally because its audience include adults, not just children.
