Here are 5 surprising things you might not know about manga, even if you’re familiar with the genre:

1. Manga Was Inspired by Ancient Japanese Art

• Fact: The roots of manga date back to the 12th century, with early forms of storytelling found in emaki (scrolls) and choju-giga (animal caricatures).
• Why It’s Surprising: This shows that manga’s visual storytelling tradition is centuries old, evolving into the modern form we know today.

2. Manga Is Not Just Black and White

• Fact: While most manga is traditionally in black and white for practical reasons (speed of production and cost), many series have special full-color chapters or volumes.
• Why It’s Surprising: Color editions, digital enhancements, and “colorized” versions of classics like Dragon Ball exist to reach broader audiences or commemorate anniversaries.

3. Some Manga Artists Draw Entirely by Hand

• Fact: Despite technological advances, many mangaka (manga creators) still draw manually with ink and pen, maintaining a traditional, hand-crafted quality.
• Why It’s Surprising: Even in the digital era, the dedication to hand-drawing persists, showcasing incredible skill and artistry.

4. Manga Has World Records

• Fact: One Piece holds the Guinness World Record for “the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” with over 500 million copies sold worldwide (as of 2024).
• Why It’s Surprising: This immense popularity has made it a cultural phenomenon, influencing readers across generations.

5. Manga Stories Can Be Based on Real Events or Biographies

• Examples: Titles like In This Corner of the World depict historical events from World War II, and Barefoot Gen is a semi-autobiographical account of the Hiroshima bombing.
• Why It’s Surprising: Manga isn’t just about fantasy or superheroes; it’s also a platform for historical, educational, and autobiographical storytelling.

Which of these facts surprised you the most, or would you like to explore any of them further?