On Manga

There are lots of things that I am behind the times on. Like Manga for instance. I've not gotten into these Japanese comic-style books, but I see now that they have become quite popular even here in the US. The November issue of Wired had an enlightening cover story about Manga, Japan, Ink: Inside the Manga Industrial Complex. And see also their sample Manga in that issue, which describes exactly what its title says it will: How Manga Conquired the US, a Graphic Guide to Japan's Coolest Export (as in Manga style, it is read from back to front and from right to left).

If you are like me, then you have been clueless about the rise of Manga in the US. So... next time you are at your local book megastore like Barnes and Noble or Borders, seek out the Manga section. Yes indeed, it is a top-level shelving category. The size of the Manga section will vary depending on the size of the store, but at the largest B&N branches it can be over ten bookcases of four shelves each! Quite popular it seems!