By Lawrence Hsiao Japanese culture has always played an enormous part in today’s pop culture. Things like comics, anime, and video games have taken the world by storm in the past few decades. Even French people, who are so proud of their own culture, have embraced Japanese things. In my opinion, Japanese comics, also known as manga, are the foundation of this global success. Children, teenagers, and even adults worldwide are interested in reading Japanese comic books. The U.S. and Canadian manga markets generate about $175 million every year. European publishers also translate manga into German, Italian, Dutch, and other languages. In 2007, about 70% of all comics sold in Germany were manga. From these statistics, it is not difficult to see the huge influence of Japanese comics. But what makes manga so successful? As far as I am concerned, there are at least two important reasons. First, Japanese comics utilize more intricate drawing skills. With subtle brushstrokes and exquisite delineations, manga easily outshine other comics. However, it is commonly agreed that characters in Japanese comics look too perfect. Girls have unbelievably long legs and huge breasts, while boys are too handsome and sometimes even look like girls. All the eyes are big and noses are small. As a result, mangashows a strong tendency of aestheticism. Critics usually say that these characters are too good to be true. However, it is quite difficult for them to criticize the wonderful drawing. Second, Japanese comics focus a lot on the construction of character. For example, many comics in the U.S. are hero-oriented that clearly separate the good from the bad. Comics such like Superman, Spiderman, or Batman contain lots of fighting scenes between heroes and bad guys, and justice always prevails in the end. This kind of style sometimes deviates from reality. On the contrary, Japanese comics focus more on real humanity. In addition to the good and the bad, it is apparent that most people in our society are between these two extremes. In Japanese comics, characters are diverse in their personal traits and thus resemble the people around us. Perhaps this explains why the characters have so attracted people around the world. One Piece is my favorite. It is the most popular manga series of all time in Japan and one of the most popular manga series worldwide. Begun in 1997, One Piece has sold an estimated 300 million books around the globe. In 2010, One Piece maintained its top spot with 32,343,809 copies sold in Japan, even more than the second to the sixth combined. When you take a deeper look at this comic, you will discover that even the names are designed carefully and deliberately. The author uses many kinds of similes and metaphors, allowing readers to use their imaginations while reading. For example, the Pirate King’s name, Gold Roger, means precious, which accordingly represents his status and power. The vice-captain on Roger’s ship is Silver Rayleigh. Silver is also a precious metal, although it can’t be compared to gold. And it can be inferred that the person ranking third on board will be called Bronze. In addition, lots of names are pronounced in English. Some names reflect the characteristics of that person. For example, one of the Seven Warlords’ original name was Crocodile. Not only does Mr. Crocodile have great fighting strength, but he is also skilled at using cunning and deceitful strategies. Furthermore, Gold Roger isn’t Roger’s original name. His real name is Gol D. Roger, but others always mispronounced it. Finally, Roger and Luffy happen to have the same middle initial D. In my opinion, the author seemed to imply that Luffy will finally achieve his goal as well. Most important of all, much of the text is inspiring. My favorite quote is a message of positive and inspirational ideas: “Unstoppable dreams are held deep in the heart of man. As long as there are people who seek the answer to freedom, these things shall not vanish!” Perhaps readers can find inspiration as well to keep up their determination. One Piece can never be viewed merely as a comic. On the contrary, it is more like a captivating novel that has influenced people everywhere.
Pop culture should never be limited to popular songs, movie stars, or fashion trends. It should also be extended to aspects corresponding to people’s lives and perspectives. Manga not only serves as a form of entertainment, but it can also encourage people to be brave enough to pursue their own unstoppable dreams.
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May 2024
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