All Things Anime and Manga Reviews

Anime World: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0516-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0517-1
Cultural Guide to Anime and Manga: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0518-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0519-5
Fantasy, Romance, and More: Genres of Anime and Manga: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0520-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0521-8
Manga World: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0522-5 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0523-2
School Library Journal, Series Made Simple supplement November 1, 2023

Gr 8 Up–The rich history, captivating stories, and art style of manga and anime are thoroughly explored in this nonfiction series. Each title opens with a table of contents and introduction followed by multiple pages of text and a half page of corresponding art. “Fast Facts” pop up throughout chapters, offering quick tidbits like “Japanese animators have created over ten thousand separate anime titles” (Cultural Guide to Anime and Manga), followed by blue boxes indicating a deeper dive into a person or subject mentioned in the chapter. While only 64 pages each, these titles cover many of genres and subgenres, such as “otherworld” or “magical girls.” Manga and anime lovers will recognize the popular characters and titles referred to in this series while learning more about the creators behind their favorite genres. Although the balance of text to art may dissuade more reluctant readers, avid fans will appreciate the amount of information packed into each title. Back matter includes source notes for each chapter, further reading suggestions, and an index. VERDICT A quick but thorough series covering popular anime and manga topics for teens. Recommended where interest is high.

Anime World: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0516-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0517-1
Manga World: ISBN: 978-1-6782-0522-5 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0523-2
Pennsylvania Library Association, January 15, 2025

This reviewer had the opportunity to evaluate Anime World and Manga World. Each title begins with an introduction which is then followed by five chapters. In Anime World, readers will learn about Anime at the Olympics, The Evolution of Anime, The Stories Told through Anime, The Unique Style of Anime Art, and The Future of Anime. Readers of Manga World will learn about why The World Loves Manga, The Evolution of Manga, Manga for Everyone, Reinventing Manga, From Manga to Anime, and Cosplay Culture. Manga World describes how following the COVID-19 Pandemic shut downs, manga sales grew dramatically, so much that in 2022 “publishers continued to use terms like off the charts, explosive growth, and unprecedented when describing sales” (Kallen 4). Anyone who works with young adults will recognize the demand readers have for new volumes and series of manga. Both books end with Source Notes, For Further Research, and an Index, making them a legitimate source for further research or use in an art class exploring various types of artwork.
THOUGHTS: This reviewer initially was skeptical about adding a manga collection to the library but hasn’t looked back. Readers devour the volumes and keep coming back for more! At only 64 pages each, the All Things Anime and Manga series will draw in fans of the popular genre – both in print, web comics, and streaming. Recommended for collections where manga and or graphic novels are popular.

Gr 8 Up—The rich history, captivating stories, and art style of manga and anime are thoroughly explored in this nonfiction series. Each title opens with a table of contents and introduction followed by multiple pages of text and a half page of corresponding art. “Fast Facts” pop up throughout chapters, offering quick tidbits like “Japanese animators have created over ten thousand separate anime titles” (Cultural Guide to Anime and Manga), followed by blue boxes indicating a deeper dive into a person or subject mentioned in the chapter. While only 64 pages each, these titles cover many of genres and subgenres, such as “otherworld” or “magical girls.” Manga and anime lovers will recognize the popular characters and titles referred to in this series while learning more about the creators behind their favorite genres. Although the balance of text to art may dissuade more reluctant readers, avid fans will appreciate the amount of information packed into each title. Back matter includes source notes for each chapter, further reading suggestions, and an index. VERDICT A quick but thorough series covering popular anime and manga topics for teens. Recommended where interest is high.