How to Get People to Like Manga

Getting someone to like manga, especially if they’re unfamiliar or hesitant, can be an enjoyable process. Here’s how you can introduce manga in a way that captures their interest:

1. Understand Their Interests

• Why It Works: Tailoring recommendations to someone’s preferences makes manga feel relatable and engaging.
• How to Do It:
  • If they like action movies, recommend Attack on Titan or One Punch Man.
  • For romance fans, try Fruits Basket or Kimi ni Todoke.
  • If they enjoy psychological thrillers, suggest Death Note.

2. Start with Short or Popular Series

• Why It Works: Shorter series or well-known titles are less intimidating and easier to commit to.
• How to Do It:
  • Suggest one-shots like Your Lie in April (single-volume stories).
  • Introduce widely popular manga like Naruto or Demon Slayer, as they often come with anime adaptations to deepen their experience.

3. Show Them the Art

• Why It Works: Manga’s unique and expressive art style often draws people in before the story does.
• How to Do It: Share visually stunning panels or iconic artwork from series like Berserk or Vagabond. Highlight the creativity and detail.

4. Explain Manga Basics

• Why It Works: Some people are put off because they don’t know how to read manga (right to left).
• How to Do It: Walk them through the reading format and explain how the panels flow. Reassure them that it’s easy to pick up with practice.

5. Use Gateway Anime

• Why It Works: Anime adaptations can help people transition into manga by introducing them to the characters and world.
• How to Do It: Recommend watching anime like My Hero Academia or Haikyuu!!, then guide them to the manga for more content.

6. Highlight Manga’s Versatility

• Why It Works: People might think manga is just action or fantasy. Showing them its variety can pique their interest.
• How to Do It: Share examples like:
  • Bakuman for aspiring writers or artists.
  • Dr. Stone for science enthusiasts.
  • Silver Spoon for slice-of-life fans.

7. Share Personal Enthusiasm

• Why It Works: Your excitement and passion can be contagious.
• How to Do It:
  • Talk about how a particular manga impacted you emotionally or inspired you.
  • Share memorable scenes or themes that resonated with you.

8. Introduce Digital Platforms

• Why It Works: Easy access removes barriers like cost or availability.
• How to Do It:
  • Recommend free or affordable platforms like Manga Plus or Viz Media.
  • Point them to library services that offer digital manga collections.

9. Take Them to a Manga Store or Café

• Why It Works: Experiencing manga culture firsthand can make it more exciting.
• How to Do It: Visit a bookstore with a manga section or a manga café, where they can browse titles in a relaxed setting.

10. Emphasize Manga’s Emotional Depth

• Why It Works: Manga stories often tackle profound themes that resonate deeply with readers.
• How to Do It: Share emotionally impactful series like A Silent Voice or 20th Century Boys, which showcase the medium’s depth.

Conclusion

By understanding their preferences, introducing manga thoughtfully, and showing its versatility, you can help someone discover the joy of this unique art form. Once they find a story that resonates with them, they’ll likely become a fan for life.

What type of manga are you thinking of recommending, or is there someone specific you’re hoping to introduce to manga?