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Manga: The Complete Guide
• Reviews of more than 900 manga series
• Ratings from 0 to 4 stars
• Guidelines for age-appropriateness
• Number of series volumes
• Background info on series and artists
THE ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR CHOOSING BETWEEN THE BEST AND THE REST!
Whether you’re new to the world of manga-style graphic novels or a longtime reader on the lookout for the next hot series, here’s a comprehensive guide to the wide, wonderful world of Japanese comics!
• Incisive, full-length reviews of stories and artwork
• Titles rated from zero to four stars–skip the clunkers, but don’t miss the hidden gems
• Guidelines for age-appropriateness–from strictly mature to kid-friendly
• Profiles of the biggest names in manga, including CLAMP, Osamu Tezuka, Rumiko Takahashi, and many others
• The facts on the many kinds of manga–know your shôjo from your shônen
• An overview of the manga industry and its history
• A detailed bibliography and a glossary of manga terms
LOOK NO FURTHER, YOU’VE FOUND YOUR IDEAL MANGA COMPANION!
• Ratings from 0 to 4 stars
• Guidelines for age-appropriateness
• Number of series volumes
• Background info on series and artists
THE ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR CHOOSING BETWEEN THE BEST AND THE REST!
Whether you’re new to the world of manga-style graphic novels or a longtime reader on the lookout for the next hot series, here’s a comprehensive guide to the wide, wonderful world of Japanese comics!
• Incisive, full-length reviews of stories and artwork
• Titles rated from zero to four stars–skip the clunkers, but don’t miss the hidden gems
• Guidelines for age-appropriateness–from strictly mature to kid-friendly
• Profiles of the biggest names in manga, including CLAMP, Osamu Tezuka, Rumiko Takahashi, and many others
• The facts on the many kinds of manga–know your shôjo from your shônen
• An overview of the manga industry and its history
• A detailed bibliography and a glossary of manga terms
LOOK NO FURTHER, YOU’VE FOUND YOUR IDEAL MANGA COMPANION!
592 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2007
22 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 11, 2014
Manga: The Complete Guide is certainly quite exhaustive, but it could have offered even more. I noticed a few missing titles—like Mangajin’s Mr. Benihana: The Rocky Aoki Story or Tezuka’s adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment published in English by The Japan Times—but that’s understandable, as such a work cannot be perfect. However, I would have liked to see more illustrations and more biographical notices. Also, I know it’s not realistic, but I wish we had a really complete manga reference, listing all manga (or at least all the notable and popular ones), even untranslated titles. Nevertheless Manga: The Complete Guide is certainly the best manga reference in the western world—so far. Whether you just want to know more about manga or are an avid manga reader, this book is an essential reference.
See my complete comment on : http://clodjee.blogspot.ca/2014/07/ma...
See my complete comment on : http://clodjee.blogspot.ca/2014/07/ma...
July 9, 2016
Jason Thompson, a former editor of Shonen Jump magazine, wrote Manga: The Complete Guide.
It's a Fairly comprehensive reference book concerning the world of manga. This books details manga that has been translated from Japanese into English.
This book, being published in 2007, contains every manga title published up through the start of 2007.
The book is setup with publisher information, appropriate age rating, a summary of the plot, a brief review, and a four-star rating system.
Tucked away between mnga reviews are essays detailing the various types of manga genres, from the ever popular fantasy and comedy manga, to the more obscure cooking (yes cooking mangas!) and sports manga.
There's also a nice essay about the history of manga (within Japan, the U.S., and worldwide), as well as a brief history of Japan (in context to manga), as well as a fairly simple Japanese language guide (Katakana, Kanji, Hirigana, etc).
The book also contains a glossary defining manga term and the Japanese manga genres, like Shonen, Shojo, and others.
There's also an appendix that talks about issues concerning certain manga; things like racism, sexism, and violence. It also breaks down what the age ratings in the book mean, so there's no ambiguity as to what the manga you my be looking at is like.
I'd have to say that this book is pretty well written as well as organized. A very nice reference addition to your manga library!
It's a Fairly comprehensive reference book concerning the world of manga. This books details manga that has been translated from Japanese into English.
This book, being published in 2007, contains every manga title published up through the start of 2007.
The book is setup with publisher information, appropriate age rating, a summary of the plot, a brief review, and a four-star rating system.
Tucked away between mnga reviews are essays detailing the various types of manga genres, from the ever popular fantasy and comedy manga, to the more obscure cooking (yes cooking mangas!) and sports manga.
There's also a nice essay about the history of manga (within Japan, the U.S., and worldwide), as well as a brief history of Japan (in context to manga), as well as a fairly simple Japanese language guide (Katakana, Kanji, Hirigana, etc).
The book also contains a glossary defining manga term and the Japanese manga genres, like Shonen, Shojo, and others.
There's also an appendix that talks about issues concerning certain manga; things like racism, sexism, and violence. It also breaks down what the age ratings in the book mean, so there's no ambiguity as to what the manga you my be looking at is like.
I'd have to say that this book is pretty well written as well as organized. A very nice reference addition to your manga library!
March 23, 2015
This was a very helpful book for a newbie to managa. It's a little dated as it's from 2007 or so, but it still has a description and rating for a lot of Japanese manga which is helpful. There are many sections that go into detail about themes, types of manga, manga history, etc. I read through those and then some of the descriptions of the popular manga listed.
Recommended to get started in manga.
Recommended to get started in manga.
March 28, 2008
A comprehensive manga reference guide. Dense and informative, it contains reviews on all manga ever published in the U.S. as of mid/late 2007. It also has numerous articles on specific genres and topics related to manga.
A few small gripes: the review system is on a scale of 0-4 stars, which can be bit confusing. For example, seeing a book rated 2 stars would typically mean it's fair, but on the book's 0-4 scale 2 stars would be good/average. 1-5 makes more sense (a la the Goodreads rating system). Additionally, the reviews/ratings for the adult section seemed much less balanced than the rest of the book. A majority of the reviews tended to be 4 stars, which seems inflated. Some of the adult titles were pretty hilarious though, if totally over the top.
A few small gripes: the review system is on a scale of 0-4 stars, which can be bit confusing. For example, seeing a book rated 2 stars would typically mean it's fair, but on the book's 0-4 scale 2 stars would be good/average. 1-5 makes more sense (a la the Goodreads rating system). Additionally, the reviews/ratings for the adult section seemed much less balanced than the rest of the book. A majority of the reviews tended to be 4 stars, which seems inflated. Some of the adult titles were pretty hilarious though, if totally over the top.
May 25, 2016
This was a fun read. There were several entries that I completely disagreed with; but that was probably due to a clash of taste, rather than anything.
There were a few series described that I had been avoiding reading, but thanks to their high ratings I was curious enough to try them.
For those of you new to manga or those attempting to expand your manga reading repertoire…this is a worthy companion.
There were a few series described that I had been avoiding reading, but thanks to their high ratings I was curious enough to try them.
For those of you new to manga or those attempting to expand your manga reading repertoire…this is a worthy companion.
June 15, 2019
If you are new to reading manga, this is a must have review of manga. It gave me many good choices for what to read.
February 24, 2017
Very good resource, even if a little outdated these days. Great way to discover series from the past and what publisher printed them.
March 10, 2013
Jason Thompson's Manga The Complete Guide is a survey and analysis of all (most?) of the manga titles officially translated to English and published on the American market. The guide ignores scanlations, that is, scans and translations made by amateurs, and shared via file-sharing networks (e.g., BitTorrent) with the goal of sharing the manga culture abroad. This is a well-written, well-researched survey conducted by a person who seems to truly understand the Japanese culture.
The book contains four elements: an introduction and chronology to Japanese manga; a series of summaries on manga genres (description, analysis, prominent examples); detailed presentation of what seems like hundreds of mangas; and an afterthought. The detailed presentations include a description of the author, publisher, and keywords describing the work (e.g., Seinen, Political); there are also reviews of each work and often a rating (from 0 to 4 stars).
The book also has negative aspects. Not the fault of the author, but rather annoyingly, the survey also reflects the focus of the publishers on mainstream youth material and potential for revenue. The book is not particularly well made, with the reviews spanning a wide range of length and, more importantly, quality. Perhaps the most important problem, the (e-)book has no good support for searching: no timeline, no linked artist and writer index, no way to find the summaries (and the list of best titles in each genre), little cross-linking of names to detailed entries (and none from the summaries), etc.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn about manga.
The book contains four elements: an introduction and chronology to Japanese manga; a series of summaries on manga genres (description, analysis, prominent examples); detailed presentation of what seems like hundreds of mangas; and an afterthought. The detailed presentations include a description of the author, publisher, and keywords describing the work (e.g., Seinen, Political); there are also reviews of each work and often a rating (from 0 to 4 stars).
The book also has negative aspects. Not the fault of the author, but rather annoyingly, the survey also reflects the focus of the publishers on mainstream youth material and potential for revenue. The book is not particularly well made, with the reviews spanning a wide range of length and, more importantly, quality. Perhaps the most important problem, the (e-)book has no good support for searching: no timeline, no linked artist and writer index, no way to find the summaries (and the list of best titles in each genre), little cross-linking of names to detailed entries (and none from the summaries), etc.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to learn about manga.
February 11, 2017
An excellent reference to acquaint you with Manga titles published in English up to the year 2007. Invaluable for helping you find manga you would like as well as sift out the "meh" ones.
As is manga's all-genre-encompassing nature, separate sections exist for yaoi and adult manga titles (idealistic, often pornographic gay relationships and likewise pornographic adult works respectively).
This reference book does an excellent job of educating readers in the different demographic and genre types in manga. From young boys to older women, and articles about Japanese language and maturity-rating standards.
One of the greatest features of the book is the its own age rating suggestions. Manga come without age ratings more than not. Those age ratings are also not as detailed as those attached to cinema works. This reference book gives the helpful and needed detailed age ratings.
As is manga's all-genre-encompassing nature, separate sections exist for yaoi and adult manga titles (idealistic, often pornographic gay relationships and likewise pornographic adult works respectively).
This reference book does an excellent job of educating readers in the different demographic and genre types in manga. From young boys to older women, and articles about Japanese language and maturity-rating standards.
One of the greatest features of the book is the its own age rating suggestions. Manga come without age ratings more than not. Those age ratings are also not as detailed as those attached to cinema works. This reference book gives the helpful and needed detailed age ratings.
January 21, 2025
Similar to Jerry Beck's "The Animated Movie Guide" in that it's a big list of respective media ranked and scored by however they are ranked and scored. If you don't agree with Jerry Beck or Jason Thompson on their scores owning the book may seem pointless, however, can work as a recommendations list once you understand their tastes. Provided you don't use the internet for that purpose. Then again if your tastes disagree with mine, then likewise you can disregard this review since obviously, we don't see eye to eye. I do enjoy the fact that somebody wrote a big ol' book archiving 900+ manga, like a small win for the anime fandom (even though the anime fandom deserves no such win.)
I'm a little curious how this book was published, I kind of understand Jerry Beck as Western Animation is more safe than Eastern, and Jen A. Blue's book "Anime Discussion" was self-published so it could get away with doing something like this, though more analytically. But this was like... PRODUCED somehow. Like, by people who thought it would sell. I honestly wonder why and how. Maybe Jason Thompson, Like Jen A. Blue, ran a blog doing something similar and was popular so he got a book deal by a small publisher. I hope it sold well in that case.
I did feel a bit of joy in seeing "One Piece(the only manga that matters)" get 4 Stars (the highest ranking).
I'm a little curious how this book was published, I kind of understand Jerry Beck as Western Animation is more safe than Eastern, and Jen A. Blue's book "Anime Discussion" was self-published so it could get away with doing something like this, though more analytically. But this was like... PRODUCED somehow. Like, by people who thought it would sell. I honestly wonder why and how. Maybe Jason Thompson, Like Jen A. Blue, ran a blog doing something similar and was popular so he got a book deal by a small publisher. I hope it sold well in that case.
I did feel a bit of joy in seeing "One Piece(the only manga that matters)" get 4 Stars (the highest ranking).
August 8, 2008
Well, I was expecting really the "Complete guide to manga" when I ordered this book and not "Complete guide to manga in USA" but never mind. As for the reviews and manga ratings, some are good and some are ridiculous and very subjective. I believe that in this type of book, the author should aim for more objectivity in his ratings. For example, Eden is one of the best manga series ever and it was given 2,5 stars. One of the most popular series, Ai Yori Aoshi, was given 1/2 a star. Negima and Chrono Crusade 2,5 stars. But there's lots of good information in this book anyway, so it's quite useful.
June 29, 2009
Love this incredible book... it features only original Japanese manga which has been translated into English, and gives much detail on original names, kanji, literal translations, publication runs, etc. Very few pictures, so it isn't graphically intense - it was intended as a reference manual, and it suits the bill quite well.
But the online database listed in the book does not feature reviews of manga unavailable at press time, as promised. The book was published in recent weeks, but is already out-of-date thanks to the prodigious manga publication schedules.
But the online database listed in the book does not feature reviews of manga unavailable at press time, as promised. The book was published in recent weeks, but is already out-of-date thanks to the prodigious manga publication schedules.
May 5, 2013
This is an incredibly helpful book! It contains short reviews of hundreds of series.
When it comes to a great series, it doesn't offer much insight into why it is great. It only states that it is. But the reviews of terrible series where the writers trash them can be pretty funny, and more importantly, do a good job of communicating WHY a series sucks.
It has helped me find many of my favorite series, most of which I didn't even know existed before I read this! It has been a wonderful tool for finding great comic books, which is why I'm giving it FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE.
When it comes to a great series, it doesn't offer much insight into why it is great. It only states that it is. But the reviews of terrible series where the writers trash them can be pretty funny, and more importantly, do a good job of communicating WHY a series sucks.
It has helped me find many of my favorite series, most of which I didn't even know existed before I read this! It has been a wonderful tool for finding great comic books, which is why I'm giving it FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE.
November 28, 2007
Comprehensive guide to just about every bit of manga that's ever been translated and published in the U.S., with summaries and ratings and everything, sort of like a VideoHound book for Japanese comics. Probably a little too comprehensive for casual reading, though, at least if you borrowed it from the library like I did. If you own it, and can go through it a little at a time, I'm sure it'd be cool. But when you only have a few weeks, it's pretty daunting.
December 21, 2012
What a cool book. Thompson is the manga reviewer for "Otaku USA" so he knows his stuff. Like any book of this type it's date limited so if you're looking for the latest information about "Naruto", "Bleach" or etc. this is not for you. But if you're wanting to know how many volumes there are to "Monster" or "Card Captor Sakura" this will interest you.
Read
May 18, 2008The introductory history of manga, and the appendix about age levels and what's "okay" in Japan vs. US, are interesting and would be very useful to a librarian, parent, or anyone just trying to figure out manga (that's me).
January 10, 2011
This is a great guide for anyone who is into manga and anime whether they be beginners or pros. I especially liked the fact that it lets you know which series have been discontinued. It saved me a lot of money. This is a MUST HAVE for any and all otaku.
^_^,
^_^,
October 22, 2013
A solid reference guide for otaku and manga beginners alike. Did not agree with a lot of the manga ratings, but that's a matter of preference. Only you can decide on if you'll like the book or not, but it does give fairly decent descriptions of the manga without leaving spoilers.
January 10, 2008
My full thoughts can be found here:
http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/bo...
http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/bo...
March 14, 2008
One big book of manga reviews. More for if you want to know what is out there.
April 14, 2010
You may not agree with the opinions in this book, but, if you love manga, this the book to read. It's not definitive;no book on manga is. But it's close.
March 30, 2012
so informative and detailed about so much manga. reccomended to look up your faves or find something new!
September 21, 2012
A good reference to look up mangas to suit the reader's taste although it's a little outdated.
August 10, 2015
Very comprehensive resource. Worth buying for anyone interested in Manga collecting.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews