Manga is used by many as a broad term to describe comics that come from East Asia, this encompeses Japan, China and Korea. Each of these countries have their own term for the comics that their respective artists produce. The biggest difference between each one is the general art style, but they also differ in the portrayal of things and way of writing.
MangaThis is what most people are familiar with. Comes from Japan.
ManhwaComes from Korea.
ManhuaComes from China.
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A genre is a class or category of similar methodologies and themes in artistic works. There are often elements of several genres blending and overlapping one another in manga and other media.
Below is a list of explanations for some of the most common genres found in the manga on this site.
ActionGenre that has scenes with either fighting, violence, chaos, and fast paced motion.
AdultContains content that is more suited to adults only. Titles in this category may include prolonged graphic scenes of intense violence and/or sexual contant and/or nudity. Adult themed manga are not meant to be viewed by minors or the faint of heart.
AdventureThe character/s travel around the world that the serie is set in to complete a quest of some kind.
ComedyHas a humorous and/or satirical tone.
DramaFocuses on situation or series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results.
EcchiHas vague sexual content (skimpy clothing, partial/full nudity), but does not show sexual intercourse.
FantasyTakes place in a world that is outside of scientific explanation, not limited to magic, dream worlds, fairy tales.
Gender BenderHas character/s that become or act the opposite gender by cross-dressing, surgery, magical means, etc....
HaremA series that involes one male character with several female characters that are usually attracted to said male character.
HistoricalTakes place in a setting that is not the present time.
HorrorHas scenes that inspires shock, fear, dread, terror, devastation, etc...
JoseiTypically involves romance that is more realistic and less idealized. Primarily written for women (18-30).
Martial ArtsAnything related to martial arts (karate, judo, fencing, etc...)
MatureContains material that is not suitable for people under the age of 17. Manga in this genre may contain seens of intense violence, gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
MechaInvolves large robotic machines.
MysteryUnexplained events/situations that are usually solved by the character/s.
PsychologicalUsually deals with the philosophy of a state of mind, in most cases abnormal states of mind.
RomanceAny love related story.
Reverse HaremA Reverse Harem is similiar to Harem but it involves one female character with several male characters that are usually attracted to said female character.
School LifeThe majority of the storyline takes place in a school.
Sci-FiScience fiction. Set in a world where technology is either contrary or a stretch of the modern scientific world
SeinenTypically deals with issues of adulthood. Primarily written for men (18-30).
ShoujoTypically involves romance and character development. Primarily written for females (10-18).
Shoujo AiRomantic relationship between females not having "adult" themes.
ShounenTypically involves fighting and/or violence. Primarily written for males (10-18).
Shounen AiRomantic relationship between males not having "adult" themes.
Slice of LifePresent day-to-day happenings that take place in a world that mirrors our own.
SmutContains sexual situations, not necessarily explicit.
SportsAnything sport related.
SupernaturalInvolves unexplained powers/events that defy the laws of modern science/physics.
SuspenseContains frequent plot twists or shocks meant to keep the reader guessing as to where the plot will go next.
TragedyContains events of great loss and misfortune.
YaoiIntimate relationships between men.
YuriIntimate relationships between women.
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Other genre common in the manga world, but not found on this site.
Doujin or DoujinshiOften commonly considered to be produced art that is based on an anime or manga not owned by the creator of the doujin. It is also used to refer to
original work created by amateur or professional artists.
HentaiMain focus is on graphic sexual acts. For adults only.
KodomoChildren's manga aimed at 6-11 year olds. They tend to be moral and teach certain traits and behaviors.
LoliconA character in the manga has a relationship with young or under-age girls.
ShotaconA character has a relationship with young or under-age boys.
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If there is anything missing or a genre needs a better description please say so.
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