Manga. Complete Guide to Japanese Comics

The first complete study of the world of manga in Russia by a specialist in Japanese art and curator of the exhibition The Art of Manga, which gathered over 220,000 people. A book that will take you from medieval Japanese scrolls to the phenomenon of "Attack on Titan" and explain why manga is not just comics, but a separate universe with its own laws.

Manga is read by everyone in Japan—from office workers on the subway to retirees. Its print runs are measured in millions, and the industry brings in billions of dollars. But for us, it still remains something mysterious. Why is it read "from the end"? What do these huge eyes and sweat droplets on brows mean? And how is this world structured?

You will learn how the ironic drawings on 12th-century scrolls evolved into a recognizable visual code, how ukiyo-e engravings influenced the works of mangaka, how Osamu Tezuka revolutionized comics by adding cinematic qualities, and why "New Treasure Island" became a starting point for modern manga.

The book thoroughly analyzes the grammar of manga: changes in perspectives, editing, types of shots, and even how artists imitate camera movement. You will see that a mangaka works like a director, and each panel is a carefully constructed shot.

A separate section is dedicated to the behind-the-scenes of the industry. How much does the author of the manga "One Piece" really earn? Why does a mangaka need a team of assistants and what role does an editor play? Why is a weekly schedule a test of endurance?

Additionally, the book features a unique section on the history of the Russian anime fandom—from the first VHS tapes of "Sailor Moon" to victories at the World Cosplay Summit.