Manga is the commonly used term for Japanese comic books that are often turned into anime-style cartoons. Manga, pronounced "Maw-Nnnn-Gaw," reached the height of its popularity in the 20th century when laws banning this art form were finally lifted. In Japan, Manga books are read by most of the population, and the writers are revered much the same way as great American authors are revered in the United States. Manga comic books are read right page first, and then the left. The text and panels are meant to be read right to left as well. Many artists have fought long and hard to maintain this tradition when publishing Manga comic books in other countries, and to date the tradition remains. In America, cartoons featuring Manga characters are usually produced before the comic book comes out. If the cartoon is popular, then Manga comic books are published at the height of mainstream success. The opposite is true in Japan, where Manga is collected in small volumes. The popular titles are featured in collections, and then made into anime cartoons if the demand is still strong. There are several distinct types of Manga comic books. The most popular types include Shonen (boys), Shojo (girls), Seinen (men's), Josei (women's), and Kodomo (children's). Shonen is often filled with action and humor while Shojo is lighthearted and often features romantic plots. Seinen often features adult subject matter, violence, and sexual references. Some of the most popular Manga titles include "Battle Royale," "Full Metal Alchemist," and "Blade of the Immortal." Classic Manga includes titles like "Dragon Ball," "Ghost in the Shell," "Akira," and "Gunsmith Cats."
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