Translated from Japanese, manga means random pictures. During the 20th century the term manga began to refer to Japanese comics. The comics are typically 20 to 40 pages and are usually written as a series. Popular comic series are collated into book size volumes and have a paperback format. They are sold both in colour and back and white formats. Manga has been translated into many languages including German, French, Chinese and English. Some retailers will put manga collection under the more general term of grapic novels.

Manga is read from back to front and comes in a number of different genres. Some genres are not appropriate for schools because they contain sex or explicit violence. Educators and parents should be careful when choosing titles. Some retailers specialize in manga and can give advice.

Manga is not for all boys, however the boys who do read it are fanatical about it. Manga contains humour, action, graphics and are in series. All things that research shows reluctant boy readers like.

Manga that is popular with Boys in ASCVI School Library - grades 7-12

	Title	Description	Rating
	Bleach	From the Publisher Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with RukiaKuchiki, a shinigami and member of the mysterious Soul Society. Most popular Manga series at Adam Scott C.V.I
	Shaman King	From the Publisher Yoh and Tao Ren's battle comes to a dramatic conclusion no one ever expected in the end, Yoh takes to the hot springs to recover and Ren returns to home to China a changed shaman. After his experiences in Tokyo,Ren is determined to put and end to the Tao reign of terror. But to do sohe must take down his father, the most feared shaman in China! When Ren'sattack fails, it's up to Yoh to come to his enemy's rescue!
	Kingdom in Hearts	Based on Disney Characters who have Manga adventures. Good humour. Works well with grade 7,8 students.
	Prince of Tennis	About a rising tennis star, making new friendships including one to a very shy girl. Popular with both boys and girls.
	One Piece	About pirates and adventure. Also made into a TV show.
	Naruto	About ningas. Adventure and and fighting.
	SGT FROG	About an alien who pretends to be a frog. Lots of humor.
	Rurouni Kenshin	Adventure, fighting and assassins.

Rating System

	Excellent - Boys really like it - most popular
	Very Good
	Good but not as popular