January 16, 2008

Newest Craze?

Okay, I know Japanese manga has been around for many years and that it has thousands of fans here in the good ole USA, but I have to admit that I’ve never really paid much attention to the buzz over it, even though I have watched and enjoyed several of the anime series that have arisen from them. With so many authors I know and love recently dabbling their toes in the manga waters, however, I finally decided to give reading a few of them a try. A friend of mine handed over Christine Feehan’s recent manga edition of Dark Hunger along with several volumes of Fruits Basket, since I loved the anime so much, and though I’ve only flipped through a couple of them, I have to say I find it all very disorienting. The whole “back to front” thing really throws me off, though the artwork is definitely cool.

So, is anybody here a manga fan? It really seems like this might be the next big thing. The buzz is getting louder, and publishers are snapping up the rights to Japanese manga series right and left. What do you think? Is this going to become a bigger craze here in America? What do you think about the recent trend of romance authors moving into the manga or comic book arena? A good thing? And if you are a manga fan, do you have any recommendations for a good series?

BTW, in closing today, I have a bit of a sad announcement. As of the end of January, I will be officially turning in my quill and stepping down as a member of the Jaunties. While I’ve had the time of my life here and have enjoyed the experience, I have decided that right now I really need to focus all of my energy and attention on my writing. I know Jaunty will miss my august presence, as I will no longer be around to torment him or drag him (Kicking and screaming, I might add) into more haunted places, but I promise to continue stopping by to visit and hope that I will be able to guest blog a time or two in the future. I promise I won’t be a stranger. Thank you to my JQ sisters for being such a great source of support and friendship, and thank you JQ visitors for making my two years here so fun and memorable!

  11 Responses to “Newest Craze?”

1. On January 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am
   Robyn DeHart Says:
   

   Kim, first and foremost, you already know this, but you will certainly be missed by your fellow sister quills. But your writing is far more important. Best of luck refilling that well.

   As for the manga, nope, I’m not into it. But every time I go to the bookstore there are teenagers in that section so I know it’s a booming market.

2. On January 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
   Margo Maguire Says:
   

   We’re gonna miss you, Kim! Try to pop in now and then, eh?

   One (that I know of) of my books was made into a manga book in Japan. I have to say, I much prefer to read a book than deal with the artist’s rendition of the characters. The ones in my book did not match my imagination at all.

3. On January 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
   Dorothy Says:
   

   Will miss you, Kim. Hate to see you go. Please stay in touch.

4. On January 16th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
   Linda Says:
   

   I don’t care for manga. But I do think that it’s just going to get bigger here in the US.

   You’ll be missed around here, Kim. Goodluck with writing & anything else you do.

5. On January 16th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
   Kimberly Logan Says:
   

   Thanks, ladies. I will certainly miss everyone here, but I will definitely make a point of stopping by often.

6. On January 16th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
   Helen Says:
   

   Kimberly good luck with everything you will be missed.
   As for Manga I haven’t even seen it here in Australia.
   Have Fun
   Helen

7. On January 16th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
   Shana Galen Says:
   

   Kim, we’re going to miss you! of course, you still have the rest of this month. Yay!

   I don’t really like manga, but kids love it. I don’t necessarily think that is a good thing. Reading levels seem pretty low to me. I say more words, fewer pictures. But I guess whatever gets them to read.

8. On January 16th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
   Amy Says:
   

   Oh Kim, You will be missed, and yes, you must continue to stop by as we are eager for your next release!! Shana’s right, you have the rest of the month!!! My 13 year old likes manga. Not for me though. Funny that seems to be the theme today…LOL…
   Amy

9. On January 16th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
   Fedora Says:
   

   Kim, I’ve seen some manga and don’t enjoy it too much myself, but do know others who love it! I agree with Margo, in that I prefer my own “pictures” with what I read, and dislike movie adaptations sometimes for the same reason–the visuals don’t match the picture the author’s created for me, and I can’t stand it!

   I’m glad you’ll be taking the time you need to write and do the rest of the things life needs doing! Hope you’ll be back to visit often

10. On January 17th, 2008 at 2:43 am
    Anne Mallory Says:
    

    We will miss you, Kim!!!

    On your topic, I think the manga increase here is cool!

11. On January 17th, 2008 at 9:58 am
    Isabel Says:
    

    Awww, Kim, I’ll your posts here (though I’m more of a reader than a commenter ).

    Best of luck with your writing!

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