Written by Daniel
A nerd from day one, who will talk about his love for fiction and printed stories for hours!
What is the difference between Manga and Comics?
To most of us, this question is pretty simple to answer. Both are mostly the same type of printed media but are influenced by their region of origin and thus do some things, like reading direction and the use of colors, a bit differently. Additionally, the types of stories that are told are also a bit different due to cultural differences.
At the end, these differences offer us a variety of amazing stories that we as the fans can enjoy, no matter if it is a Manga or a Comic.
Nonetheless, I recently was involved in a funny conversation with a non-reading friend of mine, who basically told me this: “Comics are the stories with superheroes from the US and Manga the Comics from Japan.”
I mean… he is not entirely wrong, but also not really correct. Of course, Comics are not only superheroes and are far more than that. Additionally, there are Superheroes in Manga as well. But I don’t have to tell you that of course!
However, it did get me thinking about the state of the superhero genre in Manga. Although Manga is less associated with this genre, there are some great stories to be explored. Especially for someone who only reads about superheroes in US-Comics, this could be a fresh new take on a beloved genre.
Well, let me introduce you to the world of superheroes in Manga and see how different they are from what we are used to.
My Hero Academia – The classic superhero Shonen!
Let’s be honest for a second…
No matter if it was web-slinging through New York or flying through the stars, we all dreamt of these superpowers when we were younger – maybe still do! But of course, our world is the unlucky Earth-1218, a reality from the Marvel multiverse, where superpowered beings only exist in fiction… BOOOOO!
But what if, you were born into a world, where almost every single person develops a superpower or special feature during puberty? Of course, these childhood dreams wouldn’t be impossible. Thus, you start researching your favorite superheroes that keep on saving the world and dream of one day being part of this society. I mean, yeah, 20% do not have any powers, but I am a big superhero fan; fate wouldn’t do that to me.
Right? Well…
It certainly cursed Deku, the protagonist of My Hero Academia with this fate. Growing up, Deku was a huge fan of all the superheroes that are saving the people of Japan. He had notes on all of them and dreamt of becoming the biggest hero to ever exist. However, during a checkup at the doctor, it was revealed that Deku did not have the early signs of someone that would develop a quirk, which is the in-universe term for any changes in the body. These quirks can range from powers like flying to turning into a tree.
Yes. This universe does get a bit crazy.
Also… just imagine seeing your childhood friends becoming Iceman or the Human Torch while you turn into a living fridge… gosh… maybe this world isn’t as fun :(
Anyway… Deku is heartbroken – who could blame him? His dreams are shattered, and he is labeled as quirkless – one of the 20% that are just like us.
However, on one fateful day, Deku is strolling the streets of Japan when he suddenly sees that his former childhood best friend and now bully, Bakugo, is fighting off a dangerous supervillain, which he is losing to. Deku is frozen to the ground and scared for the safety of his friend, when suddenly his legs start moving. He is running towards the dangerous situation.
No plan, no quirk – he just wants to save his friend, filled with the passion of being a superhero.
Of course, this doesn’t go well. But fear not! He is here: All-Might – the strongest and most popular superhero in Japan and also Deku’s idol! With a shining smile and big muscles, he saves everyone physically and emotionally. He defeats the villain and saves the two boys, before flying off.
But Deku has questions… Can he become a hero too? Was this his moment to prove that he does not need a quirk? Thus, Deku runs after All-Might and finds him in a pretty unusual state.
Who would think that finding out All-Might’s secret would lead Deku to become a student of his and go the path of becoming a hero!
If this plot hooks you and if you want to see if Deku will succeed with his goals to become the number 1 superhero, you should definitely check out this Manga! It is one of the most fun and unique superhero stories I have ever read.
I just love the world and the different ideas the Mangaka Kōhei Horikoshi explores, which definitely brings in a fresh new wind into the genre!
Additionally, the Manga also offers classic moments that we all love and know from classic superhero stories. I do not care if some moments are cheesy or overdone – I just love these indomitable-human-spirit moments and keep getting goosebumps every time!
What I also really like is how accessible this story is. No matter if you are a die-hard superhero fan that wants to see something new or if you are a parent looking for a story for your teenager, everyone can enjoy this story! This doesn’t mean that the story doesn’t explore deep and rough themes though, because it certainly does. Just in a manner that is suitable for teenagers as well.
If you want to pick up the Manga right away, I would recommend you to either pick up the first volume or go all in and buy the beautiful first box set, which includes the first 20 volumes! Although the story is already concluded in Japan, the English release will still receive a few more volumes, concluding with volume 42!
Additionally, if this series gets you hooked, you could also start exploring the different spin-off Manga. While My Hero Academia: Smash!! is more of a comedic spin-off, My Hero Academia Vigilantes is its own fleshed-out story with 15 volumes! This prequel explores the idea of superpowered beings that do not fit into the classic superhero image and thus are not signed by the government. However, they still want to help and are acting as vigilantes, which brings in its own dangers.
While it is a prequel to the original series and can be enjoyed without it, I would still recommend, to everyone who plans on reading both, to read it after getting familiar with the world in the main storyline. This will make meetings with characters from the main storyline in this prequel even more exciting.
However, if you want to explore this rougher story without going into the main storyline, you can also do that and still have a great time!
One Punch Man – The most unique Superhero story you will ever read!
If we are talking about iconic superheroes in Manga, we definitely have to mention this popular character!
Originally designed as a parody of the superhero genre, One Punch Man developed into a much deeper and fleshed-out story than one could have foreseen a few years ago.
Saitama was once a really boring dude with a boring job in City Z, a city where a lot of monsters wreak havoc. Although each city has superheroes assigned to them, who are supposed to protect it, they cannot save everyone. One day Saitama, who is heading back home from work, is attacked by a monster. He could not do anything and got frustrated with this way of living. From this day on, he trained to become stronger and being able to protect himself.
100 squats, 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and 10km runs every single day.
This training not only made him lose his hair but also gifted him with superhuman abilities. He is more durable, super fast and so strong that he only needs to land one punch to defeat someone. Although this sounds cool, Saitama once again is bored. There are no real challenges, and he is just too overpowered.
One day, he meets the cyborg Genos, who sees Saitama as the perfect teacher. Together they go and register to become official superheroes for the government. Although Saitama is way too strong for the physical exam, his intellectual skills are a bit lacking, which ranks him as a C-Rank superhero, while Genos reaches the S-Rank. Together, they are exploring the ups and downs of the superhero society and even uncover dark truths about some of the heroes.
While this may sound like a stupid comedy without any depth, the story does have its moments thanks to the amazing writer ONE. Of course, the first few volumes are mostly focused on the comedic elements of Saitama’s superpowers and how stupid the superhero genre can be if truly dissected, but the story does take a turn after a while.
Although Saitama is hugely overpowered, there are enough ideas about how he still can be confronted with a real challenge, because one fact remains: Saitama needs to LAND a punch, otherwise he is not winning.
Additionally, the characters over time become more three-dimensional and do receive interesting arcs with influential developments. There are also huge philosophical questions that are within the jokey atmosphere, like “What does it mean to be a hero?” or “What makes us human?”
Especially once you meet Mumen Rider, you will experience one of the most epic human moments in superhero media! Gosh, I get goosebumps just thinking about it!
This makes the reading experience of One Punch Man (or even his other series, Mob Psycho 100, also another good recommendation for superhero Manga) a fun and emotional ride, which starts of with fun but finishes with a bit of a melancholic feel.
Additionally, the style of One Punch Man is something that I will never truly understand! What do I mean by that? Just look at these two panels:
Yes… this is the same manga!!!
How is that the same manga???
The artist Yuusuke Murata, who draws this series, is just out of this world and able to go from funny and weird panels to these amazing masterpieces. And just because he could, ONE also posted this ‘practice image’ a while ago:
Yes. This is drawn. Enough said.
You should definitely check out One Punch Man, if you are up for a funny ride with a few punches at the superhero genre, which eventually does find its footing and becomes a valuable story for your own life. To me, this story is even more unique than My Hero Academia and probably my favorite superhero story in Manga. Definitely a must-read for so many reasons!
Go! Go! Loser Ranger!
Can you hear the theme too? Sounds a bit different, doesn’t it?
If you grew up watching Power Rangers or Super Sentai, this Manga is definitely for you!
Thirteen years ago, a monster army invaded Earth… our last hope? The Divine Dragon Rangers! For the last couple of years, they have fought off these monsters and saved humanity from extinction. Or have they?
The truth is… the Rangers defeated the monsters after a year and are holding them captive so they can release one every once in a while to uphold their status as heroes. However, enough is enough, and one monster swears to bring down these fake Rangers! But how can one single monster do that? From the inside…
This one is another fun and special story that I enjoyed reading!
It is an action-comedy that definitely loves picking jokes at my beloved Power Rangers but most of them do really stick the landing. I also just love stories that explore the idea of heroes not really being who they are and thus play with our emotions. If you are up for a funny story that takes a few punches at your childhood without really becoming as deep as One Punch Man, you should definitely check this one out!
But fear not. If you would love to take a trip to the past and meet your beloved Rangers again without this comedic interpretation, I also have something for you! Super Sentai: Himitsu Sentai Gorenger is the classic Manga that inspired the Super Sentai series later on. It is the most classic Power Rangers or Super Sentai story you can come across and definitely a must-read if you are interested in how this iconic series came to be. It is adapted for the first time in English and in a beautiful hardcover edition. Another must-read if this is your favorite type of superhero story!
Superheroes from manga are definitely worth your time!
As you can see, the superhero genre in Manga is a fun thing. While they do take inspiration from our beloved superheroes from Marvel, DC and others, they still are able to reimagine these classic tropes into something fresh and new.
Especially One Punch Man proves that even a comedic approach with a bit of satire can turn into something meaningful and new without it having to be too provocative or gory like other superhero parodies.
Additionally, the influences from Japanese culture and society offer new perspectives on this occupation and deliver storylines that would not be possible in Western media.
No matter if you are a die-hard superhero fan or want to explore this genre as a new reader, you will find incredible and beautiful stories that will hook you as much as the classic superheroes would.
