Manga is the Japanese word for comics. It is used in the English-speaking world as a generic term for all comic books and graphic novels that were originally published in Japan. Manga is often considered an artistic and storytelling style that can also encompass non-Japanese works, however. The term "AmeriManga" is sometimes used to refer to comics created by American artists in a manga style. Manwha is the Korean equivalent of that idea.

In Japan, manga is either read in serialized form in monthly magazines or comic books, or in graphic novels, which are book-length comics. All formats exist in translation, but graphic novels are much more common and can fill a number of shelves at the local comic shop or bookstore.

When most people think of comics in the United States, they usually think of superheroes and the comic strips that appear in newspapers. Outside of a devoted fan base, comics often don't garner much respect as art or literature. In Japan, comics are highly popular with males and females of all ages and walks of life. The amount of money spent on manga each year numbers in the billions.

Part of manga's popularity is that there is a title for anyone, no matter what his or her interests. From the kid-friendly adventures of Pokémon to the adult underworld drama of Sanctuary, manga includes every conceivable genre. Manga story lines are known for their depth and complexity, and series contain from two volumes to more than 20 books.

While each artist has his or her own style, there are a few things that give manga a distinctive look. Drawings are typically done in pen and ink, with an emphasis on clean lines. Except for highly realistic series, most characters have very large, almond-shaped eyes and other out-of-proportion body parts. In all but the most serious stories, characters also show their emotions quite clearly, and sometimes comically; manga artists manipulate their character's eyes and mouth and include special devices, such as a sweat drop on the forehead to depict worry.

Manga is closely related to anime, or Japanese animation. Some manga series are adaptations of popular anime television shows or movies, and vice versa. Anime is drawn in much the same artistic style.