American Manga

There are strong differences of opinion as to what language can be used to describe kinds of art. In some people's view, the word "Manga" means "Japanese Comics" so there cannot be American Manga. Others think American Manga is a Japanese comic translated into English. How wrong is that! WHOA, the American Continent is not altogether English-Speaking! This is not even true of North America, much less the whole continent.

My view is that American Manga is any kind of drawing or animation created on the American Continent that has been inspired by Japanese Comics.

When we consider the profound influence that Japanese Art had on Van Gogh, for example, we have to expect that comics will also stir the imaginations of American artists. Instead of slavishly copying the genres we admire, however, American artists are going to put their own slant on the art.

The drawing which I regard as my first attempt at American Manga was done with a book by Christopher Hart in mind. I love his how-to-draw books. I bought a whole series of how-to-draw-manga books, but Hart's book is different. It helps the reader think outside of the box.