Manga: The Complete Guide

Manga: The Complete Guide is a comprehensive encyclopedia covering over 1000 Japanese manga titles released in English translation in North America. Published by Del Rey in 2007, the book provides essential information and concise reviews for each series. The guide emerged from Jason Thompson's experience as a manga editor at Viz Media, where he first conceived the project in 2000. After serving as the founding editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump magazine, Thompson left Viz to complete the encyclopedia when Del Rey expressed interest in 2005. While Thompson is credited as the primary author, twenty-four additional writers contributed entries to the book. The final product organizes manga titles alphabetically rather than by artist, with each entry featuring publication details, plot summaries, and critical assessments. The book stands as a reference work that contextualizes manga's growing influence in North American popular culture, while providing readers a structured framework to explore the medium's diverse genres and styles.

Readers appreciate the comprehensive scope and detailed reviews of over 1000 manga series. Many note the clear writing style and Thompson's deep knowledge of the medium. Multiple reviewers mentioned the book helps them discover new series and make informed purchasing decisions. Readers liked: - Cross-referencing between similar titles - Historical context for each series - Age ratings and content warnings - Clear rating system - Inclusion of both mainstream and obscure titles Common criticisms: - Some reviews seen as overly harsh or subjective - Book's age means newer series aren't included - Focus mainly on series available in English - Some factual errors in publication dates and creator names Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (464 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (69 ratings) One reader noted: "Perfect for manga newcomers who need guidance navigating thousands of series." Another criticized: "Too much personal opinion in what claims to be an objective guide."

Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga by Frederik L. Schodt A comprehensive exploration of manga's cultural significance, industry structure, and historical development from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud The mechanics and grammar of sequential art storytelling are broken down through comic format, with analyses applicable to manga reading and creation.

The Rough Guide to Manga by Jason S. Yadao A reference guide cataloging major manga titles, creators, genres, and industry trends with historical context and cultural insights.

Manga: Introduction, Challenges, and Best Practices by Northrop Davis The fundamentals of manga creation, publishing processes, and industry standards are explained through interviews with professionals and case studies.

The World of Japanese Comics by Frederik L. Schodt The evolution of manga from post-war Japan to its emergence as a global media form is traced through key titles, creators, and publishing houses.

★ The book's creation involved a collaborative effort of 25 writers, though each entry was meticulously edited by Thompson to maintain a uniform writing style and voice. ★ Jason Thompson began his manga career as a translator and rewriter for VIZ Media before becoming their first professional American manga editor. ★ The guide's innovative "T.A.G." (Treat, Avoid, or Get It?) rating system helps readers quickly identify which manga series might be worth their time and money. ★ At the time of publication in 2007, this was the first English-language guide to review and rate over 1,000 manga titles available in North America. ★ The book captures a crucial moment in manga history when the North American manga market was experiencing explosive growth, with sales increasing from $60 million in 2002 to over $200 million by 2007.