Yakima Valley Library Hosts ‘Manga Day’ Event!

What is a Manga?

The basic definition is that it's a comic book or graphic novel that originated in Japan.

The full history of these half-sized, thicker comic books is pretty interesting (which you can read more about on Wikipedia).

They've been becoming more and more popular on our side of the globe for many reasons.

Usually, they're an entire story, beginning, middle, and (for the 'ongoings') eventual conclusion.

Where Western comic books get a reboot every so often, a manga will tell the story and grow.

The other main difference is that manga is created by the writer/artist (sometimes two people, sometimes the same, depending on the book). And it will be the same creative force for the entire run (some exceptions, like with the Berserk series and the original creator's death), whereas, with Western comics (Spider-Man, Batman), the creative teams are swapped out often.

A benefit of manga is also a downfall... the jumping on point.

If you really like a series, look for volume one and you're all set! Whereas if you want to read Batman, with 80 years of stories and comics; where do you start?

Where this is bad with manga is that some series have gone on for a long, long time and have 100+ volumes. With each volume costing on average $12, that can add up, and can be difficult to 'jump on' whereas with something like Batman, you know the key points (parents died in an alley, he's rich, he fights crime), you can find a #1 issue and start that adventure.

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The other big difference between mangas and Western comics is the style. Usually black and white, and you read the book backward. It'll feel weird, but you get used to it, and when the art is only in black and white, there's something special about it that really pops.

Related Reading: 15 Yakima Valley Stores To Let Your Nerd Flag Fly!

I love them both, and I have a small collection of manga, but anything to get people reading and appreciating art, that is a win!

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Now that you know a little bit more about manga and what they are, you're ready to find something that can pique your interest (like Western comics, there are a variety of genres) and go for it.

Luckily, Yakima Valley Libraries is holding an event to help newcomers and longtime fans alike enjoy the worlds that manga comics can bring!

Yakima Valley Libraries ‘Manga Day’

For tweens and teens, come to the Yakima Valley Library (main central library) on Monday, April 21st, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm and to the Sunnyside location on Friday, April 25th, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

Enjoy crafts, activities, Boba, and of course, MANGA!

There is a cosplay contest at 5 pm, so come dressed as your favorite Manga/Anime Character!

For more details on 'Manga Day, visit the Yakima Valley Libraries Events Page.

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